My wife and I just got ourselves a Tribute and I was wondering what kind of upgrades people are doing/have done or suggest for their SUV.

We are looking at getting the Thule 450 Crossroad roof rack adapter and some decent load bars to go on the less-than-adequate factory racks. We are also going to get the cargo tray for the interior and a step plate for the rear bumper.

I was also curious as to what kind of performance enhancements would be a good idea. I will be tossing the factory air filter when it's spent and pick up a nice K&N drop-in so that the truck breathes better. What other things would you do to the engine? Better spark plug wires? Different header? Cams?

What about suspension? Should we ugrade the shocks and/or springs?

Don't get me wrong, the vehicle runs like a champ, has lots of power, good pickup. I'm just curious.

We got ours with a nice Class III hitch, not that we plan on pulling anything heavier than a tent trailer but it's nice to know we could if we needed to.

Thanks in advance.

I am actually really surprised that this part of the Mazda Forum is so quiet. Aren't there more Tribute owners out there?

Jayrox

 

I just bought my Tribute about 4 months ago. I have been looking to upgrade, modify and improve my Tribute from the day I bought it.
Here is a list of sites that I have found:

http://andysautosport.com
http://www.discounttiredirect.com
http://www.kennebell.net/supercharge...pe-tribute.htm
http://www.autoanything.com/car_truck_accessories.apx
http://www.suvxccessory.com
http://www.eautoworks.com
http://www.prolightstar.com/wr_secre...t_302_118.html

ebay has been a big help as well.

 

I bought a 2005 Tribute about 48 hours ago.

The factory sound is HORRIBLE. That's got to go. Add a JL Audio 8" sub, MB Quart component speakers, and a DVD head unit with screens either in the head rests or one from the ceiling. I don't want a BASS monster that booms from a mile away. I did that when I was younger. I'm 30 now, married and have a little girl. I want a CLEAN and CLEAR sound system that puts out a frequency response that extends low, has outstanding midrange and crisp treble.

The 16" rims are OK, but I'd like to go with 18" and a high performance all season tire.

I've got the 2.3L 4 banger and the power is weak, but the fuel economy is decent. What I want to do is go with the turbo/intercooler package that Mazda did on the Mazdaspeed 6. That'll boost me to about 275 ponies. Add a K&N air filter and high flow exhaust and I'm good for another 2-3 horses.


That's all I want to do. The stock interior is actually really nice. It looks clean and neat. We'll see how much cash I can save to accomplish my wish list. First thing is the SOUND. I just can't drive arond with that muffled crapola seaping out of the speakers. YUCK!

 

Know how you feel. Took me 2 minutes to blow the front passanger side side speaker. Panasonic has a nice system that I'm looking at. New speakers and she'll be good to go.

 

i got the k&n filter, it increase accel. and add a few more ponies. Does anybody know how to remove the stock cd 2.3L I4

 

I don't have a problem with the sound system. Then again I have never understood the need to spend thousands of dollars on a sound system that I listen to for an average of 15 minutes per day. Guess my 5 minute commute to work is shorter than usual - ah, the advantages of living in Kansas

The one upgrade I have thought about has been to get the side step bars. With the height of the vehicle there is a lot of friction when I slide out of the seat. I can immagine the fabric wearing out quickly. With the step bars I think I would be more likely to step out of the car straighter and then down to the ground.

 

go to weathertech.com or macneil.com for heavy duty custom matched interior rubber mats and rear cargo mat.hold a ton of sand or slush and look good and are thick rubber,easy to scrub when needed.thule croosroads are a good match.i couldnt utilize the new thulebox without them,the box was hanging off the back.with the thule crossbars ,you get a better fit

 

I'm adding Sirius tomorrow. The 7 speaker system on the '09 sounds good to me.