So what are everyones thoughts on getting more power out of their Mazda 5? What modifications would you recommend, and at what price?

Also, do mods like a K&N Airfilter really deliver? Do they improve power &/or gas milage? Do they shorten the life of the engine? Are they really worth the $$?

If I were to do one modification to my '08 5 GT, what would you recommend I do?

 

I am starting with the K&N. I would assume an intake/exhaust setup should yield better results than some other mods, but have not seen many aftermarket options available yet. I've seen a few intakes on Ebay for the 2.3, but some are intended for the Mazda 3, so I worry about fitment, or other issues. Would like to see some others in action before buying one.

Don't know how much more you can actually put out, without affecting the other "good things," such as gas mileage.

 

You can do whatever the the Mazda3 guys are doing. Parts may not all be interchangeable, but the 3 and 5 are about the same. You could trade it in for a MazdaSpeed3

 

4 Words... 5 words: Monzsta Advanced Timing Mod... FREE!!!

Is yours a 5-spMTX or the dog-o-matic?

As far as the panel filter is concerned, I wouldn't waste my money. Whoops!! I already did. No discernable difference, that's why I'm running the MS/AEM CAI these days.

 

i am renting a 5 automatic right now and yes, i would see why people would want a little more pep. it seems to do fine on straight paths but going up hill, even a small one, seems like it causes it to work harder and you feel it. that is only with one person inside! i can't imagine how it would feel with six.....

i got to test drive the 5 spd manual and i noticed a nice boost difference. however, you lose the niceness of not having to worry about shifting in stop and go traffic.

and for only 1 mpg difference, it seems that you would best opt for the 5 auto.

i didn't really try that much the auto manual option......but i wouldn't think it would make much difference in the vehicle.

 

After "borrowing" a 2.3L ATX Mazda6(i VE)from my dealer for several days while my 3HB was being repaired, I'd have to say that it's the ATX that's doing it.
Sure, I would love about 20-30... 50(!!!)more HP in my 3, but the difference in transmissions was QUITE the eye opener for me.
I can now honestly say that as long as I have a left foot and leg, and a right arm that I will never own a Mazda w/ATX, or any other car that I can think of.

And you're right, the manual mode is a joke imo. I've driven manuals for 35 yrs now, but I tried the manual mode. What's the point? It's still slow to react and "thinks" like your basic slush-box.You have to think @least three seconds sooner than you do in an MTX and it makes lkittle differencewhen you do!!!
I did like the car (6i VE) but would not have one w/the ATX.

 

Installed the K&N and no performance gain that I can feel.

I did mainly do it for environmental/maintenance reasons tho. I wouldn't really expect any performance difference from such a small intake.