Austin’s Mazda Speed 3
Austin's journey with his 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 is a story of discovery and transformation. Let's dive into how a remarkable trade led to an incredible build, turning a stock car into a powerhouse.
At 17, Austin made a trade that would shape his automotive journey. He traded his clapped-out 2001 Honda CRV for a bone stock 2010 Mazda Speed 3 and received $200 on top. Initially unaware of the platform's potential, he quickly immersed himself in research and realized the Mazda Speed 3's capabilities. Without a full license until he was 19, Austin spent two years modifying and stancing the car, including a 2.5 block swap with simple bolt-ons. However, four months after getting it on the road, cylinder 3 lost all compression.
Austin planned to replace the engine with another stock motor, but luck was on his side. He found a freshly built block with Manley H-Tuff rods, platinum series pistons, and ARP hardware for just $400 CAD. This unexpected find from a scrapyard gave him the perfect foundation to build for power. Now, the car features a Precision 5862 turbo and methanol injection, producing around 450-470 horsepower on 25 PSI, with potential for 550 horsepower at 30+ PSI once tuning is complete.
Austin's Mazda Speed 3 boasts an impressive array of modifications. He installed a custom tucked coil and injector harness, a freshly rebuilt head with new valve seals and guides, and powder-coated several engine components in wrinkle red and black. The engine was upgraded with Manley platinum series pistons and H-Tuff H-beam rods, and a CorkSport balance shaft delete kit. He added a new OEM crank, oil pump, and Luk clutch kit. The car also has a relocated battery and alternator, an AutoTech high-pressure fuel pump, and a Cobb Accessport V3 tuned by FreakTune.
For bolt-ons, Austin included a Cobb 3-port boost controller, 3” cat-back exhaust, rear motor mount, custom 3” downpipe, HTP 4” intake, and CP-E injector seals. He upgraded the motor mounts, exhaust hangers, and installed Damond Motorsports PCV plate, EGR delete kit, and stage 3 dual VTA catch cans. The car has a CX Racing double core front mount intercooler, Precision 5862 turbo, custom turbo drain and feed lines, and a Tial 44mm MVR external wastegate. The methanol injection system is from AEM with a 1000cc nozzle.
The wheels are Wedssport TC105X with Falken FK510 tires, and the suspension includes Godspeed Mono SS coilovers and Dominant Engineering rear camber arms. He refreshed the rear end, added StopTech stainless steel braided brake lines, Power Stop Z23 carbon ceramic brake pads and rotors, and painted the calipers red. Exterior modifications feature a Bayson R front lip and spoiler extension, painted fog light bezels, and Gorilla lug nuts. The interior includes a Cobb shift knob, Bride shift boot, carbon-wrapped trim, and a gutted interior.
Austin's dedication to his Mazdaspeed 3 is clear, and he has no plans to stop here. With a passion for performance and a knack for finding incredible deals, there's no doubt that this build will continue to evolve and impress
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