Shadowden's Mazda3 Build thread

Postby **RX-7 Chris** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 9:14

I looked at this place back when i was thinking of doing it:
http://www.eastbaycomposites.com/

AuroraAxela · Postby **AuroraAxela** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 9:14

Wonder if I can make body panels with kits like that.... hmmm:723b3bdf:

Website · Postby **Shadowden** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 9:14

RX-7 Chris wrote:I looked at this place back when i was thinking of doing it:
http://www.eastbaycomposites.com/

Thanks Chris. What I have planned is pretty big and will require the ability to carry some load. I was planning to cover the custom box/hatch cover I build with the cloth, and also make a solid floor for the hatch area and cover it in the cloth. I am also considering doing the side panels in the hatch. That is a ton of Carbon Fiber though. The hatch floor will be covered with a rubber mat 99% of the time. That would only come out for shows. So in short, I wouldn't really be making CF parts, just covering some parts with carbon fiber. I like the CF switch covers though, and it seems like I am going to have to do a wet build up similar to how those switch covers were done.

My plan was to build the box and floor, then cover them both in a layer of fiberglass or two, then sand smooth, cover in bondo, sand smooth, then lay up a layer of carbon fiber. The problem I see here is that my final step is brushing on the epoxy from the top and getting a nice even and smooth finish. It will probably take a couple of coats of the epoxy on top and then, I figured I would need to use a polishing compund and finish with several coats of clear coat.

Any weaknesses in my thought process?

Mortose · Postby **Mortose** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 9:14

do you still want/need a MS3 exhaust? there is a chance that i'm going to be picking up my new exhaust here in the next few weeks.

Website · Postby **Shadowden** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 9:14

Right now I am committed to buy some sway bars from another member at the end of the month. Don't have a lot of modding cash at the moment, but yes I am interested as long as the system is intact and rust free.

Sway bar information for future reference
http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=156031.0

Mortose · Postby **Mortose** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 9:14

You would probably want to blow out some of the carbon, and you will have to put a v-clamp on it because I'm going to have to cut it in the middle to get it out. As for rust, shouldn't really have much at all, it's only got 33k on it, and I washed it religiously. I'll let you know once I get under it again.

AuroraAxela · Postby **AuroraAxela** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 9:14

V-clamp hell. Carbon, my ###. Please see my thread.

AuroraAxela · Postby **AuroraAxela** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 9:14

By the way, you still thinking about getting rid of your Simota?

Website · Postby **Shadowden** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 9:14

AuroraAxela wrote:By the way, you still thinking about getting rid of your Simota?

Sometimes yes and sometimes no. I'm not sure what I would get otherwise.

Did you install your exhaust at your shop after having the other company weld it? PM me pricing if you get a chance.

AuroraAxela · Postby **AuroraAxela** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 9:14

No, exhaust pros did the whole thing for around 225 if I recall correctly. Can't weld it first because you would have to pull the rear cross member out to install the complete unit, which would mess up the alignment (bad design).
Plus there's some custom fabrication to be done. See my thread, and I can tell you more at the meet

Website · Postby **Shadowden** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 9:14

AuroraAxela wrote:No, exhaust pros did the whole thing for around 225 if I recall correctly. Can't weld it first because you would have to pull the rear cross member out to install the complete unit, which would mess up the alignment (bad design).
Plus there's some custom fabrication to be done. See my thread, and I can tell you more at the meet

hmmm....having the exhaust in hand with no install money would be no bueno. That is a fair chunk. I'll have to look into it more.

42boxer · Postby **42boxer** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 9:14

AuroraAxela wrote:No, exhaust pros did the whole thing for around 225 if I recall correctly. Can't weld it first because you would have to pull the rear cross member out to install the complete unit, which would mess up the alignment (bad design).
Plus there's some custom fabrication to be done. See my thread, and I can tell you more at the meet

225 for your exhaust? that include buying it? i got mine installed for 70 and the exhaust was 80. They welded it and put it on, nothing special needed besides extending the tip cuz i have a sedan

And shadowden if you can find the exhaust now id say get it now until you can install it. i had mine sitting in my backyard for 6 months till i decided to get it done

AuroraAxela · Postby **AuroraAxela** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 9:14

I'm not sure how much it was, that was like 2 months ago.
I'll call him soon and find out. I did get a custom tip, I know that was part of the price...

SecondGenPAt · Postby **SecondGenPAt** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 9:14

Shadowden wrote:Sway bar information for future reference
http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=156031.0

oh my goodness that was a funny read. Granted I couldn't read more than the first page due to sheer disbelief in those FFF's. I like how they kept using "snap oversteer" to describe FWD's, that was hilarious. I did not see one person say anything about altering spring rates or damper settings to balance the thicker bars to counter over vs. understeer characteristics Oh well, need my entertainment from somewhere.

Website · Postby **Shadowden** » Thu Mar 01, 2012 9:14

I'm betting that most of them were on stock springs, or stock dampers at a minimum. I'm on eibach pro kits, and Koni yellows in the rear...still stock struts at the moment as they are riding well. NOt many folks on performance coil overs in these cars except to "stance", even then, I think most are on "cheap" coilovers just to slam them down.

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