Hello Guys,


NOTE: EXTREMELY long introduction…those caring enough would read the whole thing



Just wanted to formally introduce myself to the community and would like to start off by saying I am a new and proud owner of a 2004 Blue Mazda3s Hatch.

This is my very first car bought at the dealership. Previous to this I was driving a DB1, aka 4DR 1990 White Acura Integra and was a frequent member of G2IC in which I have greatly fell in love with. The car was tuned for as a daily with spirited intent (having swapped over a CRV engine into the car ) I can, however, no longer drive this tin can around so I opted for something practical and fun and have decided the mazda.

I hope to eventually do something similar with the M3H except keep the existing motor and work/tune from there.

Couple of my pet peeves about the car. I am heavily dependent on Heel-Toeing (yes I do it very often on the streets/freeway and have gotten real good at it). However, the design of the center console with the gas pedal sitting near flush against it is just a horrendous design. As any good driver they would eventually adjust but I am too dependent on swinging my right heel wide. And as a result I hit the center console L . Is there any way to remediate this problem? I’ve done a lot of research on what pedal set are available on the market and have found this pretty interesting. Depressing the brake pedal with just a couple toes away from it is not doing it for me haha. Any suggestions? Mazda 3
Secondly, this is a widely talked subject but…I am DYING in the car without my ipod haha. Despite my car saying it has the “tape” function…I see no tape anywhere in the car or auxiliary option. Having looked up various kits out there, how do you guys feels about the GROM? Or what would you guys suggest?
I’ll stop here as I have many more questions to ask but will respectively do so in another thread. I hope to have a build thread to show you the progress of the car!
Cheers,
Tan

 

Hello Tan,
I am not at home and had anextremely difficult day traveling so I won;t get to all your questions this evening, but allow me to welcome you and also to say that the link you installed in that post.... THOSE ARE MY PEDALS, AND I LOVE THEM.
They were the first real mod I did to my 2004 and they do enhance the heel/toe experience. Because you are removing the rubber pads in place of these they also enhance overall feel. AND as a bonus, they are EXTREMELY grippy even when wet!!
I got their Machine Finish ones and do not recommend spending extra on their "upgrades." The rubber inserts will just make them slippery when wet. And the diamond pattern will do the same. After 5 yrs/50,000 miles they still look great and are as grippy as the first day.
HIGHLY recommended.

<Mine V V V>

 

As for the "tape" function, in '04-05 and maybe after you could opt for a cassette player that fit in between the audio function controls with a new faceplate, and connected to the factory radio/CD player, but it was rarely seen
as cassette are too old school. As I recall, the whole upgrade cost around $250. You'd have to really want the cassette player in order to pay that much for it, and it was pretty basic at that.

As for the rest, I am not the best person to speak to about most audio upgrades. I am a bit old school myself and rarely even use the stereo in my car while driving. And I don't even own an iPod.

 

virgin1,

Thank you so much for the prompt reply. The information serves extremely useful, particularly the pedals. Those are probably the first thing I will invest in assuming they are still in business.

As far as the audio upgrades go I'll probably have to dig a little deeper on this one...Again thanks for the warm welcome!

 

Another moderator here, icspots, knows his stuff about the audio. He's much more into it than I am ever likely to be. I'm quite sure, for him, this is covered ground already.
I like to hear the sound of the engine, exhaust and intake and not worry about who's got their eye on my aftermarket head unit.....

You're welcome and nice to have you aboard, Shocker!!