I have a 2009 2.0. I've kicked myself a thousand times for not buying the bigger engine. For financial reasons I want to keep this car for a long time. I like it a lot, but I'm disappointed with the engine power.

I can put up to about $2k into some modifications. In learning from this forum and other sources, I'd like to do the following:

1. CAI
2. Exhaust header
3. Cat Back exhaust kit

If the engine can take it safely, I'd also like to do this:

4. Free-flow catalytic converter
5. Intake manifold

Here are my questions: Will mods 1-3 over stress the stock engine? Would all of the mods, 1-5, overstress the stock engine? This is my daily driver. I don't plan to hotrod it all over town but I do want to enjoy the gains.

Thanks!

 

The above changes will not overstress the stock engine at all; however, they will be a complete waste of time and money if you're looking for any kind of a significant gain in power. In fact, any increase in the output of your engine will be no more than a few horse power, and believe it or not, may reduce the output.

As for having bought your car with the 2.3 liter engine, the difference between the two engines is minimal. FWIW, my neighbor has a 2009 Mazda3 s Automatic with the 2.3 liter mill and I have a 2009 Mazda3 i 5-Speed Manual with the 2.0 liter engine. A few times now we've come out of a toll booth side-by-side on the interstate near our house, and my car easily beats his up to speed, even when he rolls out of the gate a little ahead of me.

The fact is, the only way to really increase the output of the engine in your car would be add a turbocharger (assuming your car has a manual transmission, an automatic transmission will be reduced to junk in short order). As for the cost, I understand kits can be purchased for the Mazda3 starting at $2,000 (I don't know whether that's just for the parts, or if that price includes the labor for the installation) and going up from there (others can comment on the availability, cost and net output gain).

Long story short, if you want to keep your car for a long time, leave it stock. If you want a faster car, sell your Mazda3 and buy a faster car.

 

Great info, shipo, and thank you very much. It's hard to tell what kind of gains these mods will really give - everyone seems to have a different story. There's no questioning your last sentence, though: "If you want a faster car, buy a faster car." Thanks.

 

Like he said there are numerous modifications that can be done which may alter the power output of the car one way or the other, but unless you're going with forced induction (either a turbo or super charger) then you're not going to see those big increases.

Outside of power mods you can easily improve upon the braking and handling by swapping out brake or suspension components. I personally am pretty happy with the stock suspension on mine but there are definitely those who like the rigid feel. As far as brakes go I've seen several members upgrade their 2.0 brakes with the front calipers/rotors from the MS3. Likewise you can swap in the rear rotors/caliper brackets from a Mz5.