I have a 2008 Mazda3 5-door 2.3, stock as it sits now. It has about 7000 miles on it now. I'm kinda sceptic about how far I can push it without totally trashing the motor. How much can these 2.3 really handle?

If anybody has any input, please let me know.

 

2500 miles I had my 07 and had it near 115 mph, on a track mind you. The 2.3 is a pretty good little motor. It has been around in some shape or form since the early to mid 70's

 

i autocross my 2.3 wagon and have just passed 70,000 miles...it still works great and i have no complaints or worries.

 

Rule of thumb I have heard is never run an engine above 2/3 redline for any sustained period of time.

Another point, your warranty covers only normal operation, and the on board computer tracks abusive behavior. In other words, if you push it, you could void your warranty.

Happy speeding.

 

Do you mean how far can you push the HP/torque threshold w/mods?

I have read that some people, memebers of other forums I'm on (w/disposable income to spare that is) have turboed these engine w/stock internals, kept the boost down to 8-10psi and the engine lived. The questions are, for how long and under what stress conditions?
There are those that have done this and had 3rd gear syncro go out regularly too, but I can't speak for their ability to shift properly.

Is that what you're asking?

 

If it is what he's asking, he should've opted for a MS3...

 

I just wanted to know if excessive acceleration, sharp corners at high speeds (nothing to do with the motor but still in mind), or anything of the sort would cause problems such as valve noise or any sort of knocking that can lead to future problems. I didn't go for the MS3 for the facts of the price and premium gas prices. The 3 caught my eye, but could go overboard due to income issues. Ive made some engines knock and scream by simple abuse, but often abuse. I just wanted to know if I can treat the engine like that or baby it to make it last.

 

As long as you give the water and oil time to circulate AND warm up to temperature (1), usually around 4-5 miles, and do regular maintenaince,such as oil changes, I don't think you'll have any problems.

I drive mine pretty hard most of the time... ONLY up to 5-10mph over the speed limit. I do not race it.I just enjoy driving the car spiritedly, and getting good mileage as I do, why the h*ll not?

1- This is most important to engine/transmission longevity assuming you also do regular oil/fluid changes.

 

basically you can push the car but just be on top of maintainance. IMO if you want to push the car hard change the fluids earlier than recomended, it will give you a piece of mind.