2008 Mazdaspeed 3 - Power Pages

By Luke Munnell

Photography by Evan Sanders

*Dyno And Facility: Hybridynamics, Latrobe, PA
*Testing & Installation: Denis Howell

2008 Mazdaspeed 3
Pros:
Stock-for-stock, the Mazdaspeed3 packs possibly the most powerful punch for '08 sport compacts. It baselined at over 10 whp and 2 lb-ft of torque more than the '08 EVO X we tested for Power Pages (Jul. '08) and retails for around $11,000 less. Priced equally to the '08 Civic Si we baselined for the May issue, the '3 comes out on top by more than 78 whp and 158 lb-ft of torque! And as you'll see on the following pages, its 2.3L DISI MZR engine is equally impressive when modified.

Cons:
The Mazdaspeed3 is a bit of a confused vehicle. With such a potent engine and high factory power output, it's surprising that the chassis remains an FF wagon-not the best design for performance. And despite all its power, the DISI's long 94mm stroke limits its rev-potential. Mid-range power is huge-a good thing for the daily commute-but short-stroke engines that continue to build power high into their rev-ranges are what we really love.

Notes:
Unlike many newer vehicles we've recently tested that are very finicky to modification-sometimes losing power with the addition of bolt-ons-the '3's factory EMS responds well to modification. Typical with Mazda vehicles other than the Miata and RX-7, aftermarket performance parts have been slow to catch on with this one. But look for that to change, now that the model is in its third year, and showing no signs of slowing up.

Fujita Intake
Pros:
Installing an intake on many MAFS-equipped OBD-II cars will commonly result in power loss, as OE ECUs struggle to understand and adjust to the new intake air change and temperature drop. The Mazdaspeed3 didn't seem to have this problem. Low- and mid-range power and torque fell slightly, but installing the intake brought healthy power increases after about 3,800 rpm-right where it counts. Like all Fujita pieces, construction and fitment were spot-on.

Cons:
Low- and mid-range power did fall slightly, but likely a product of the '3's OE tune not liking increased airflow down low.

Parts:
Intake tubing, filter, silicone connector, clamps, MAFS hardware

Tools:10mm, 12mm sockets and wrenches, extension, flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers, included Allen key

Installation Time:35 minutes

Notes:Designing an aftermarket intake that makes power over stock means increasing airflow in ways that won't upset the factory MAFS and ECU-and there is always a trade-off between gains and losses. Fujita engineers their systems to bring the best possible compromise between loss and gain, to make the most possible power where you need it most. Short story: This is as good as it gets without additional tuning.