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well again, since im a newbie i dont know what mods should come first. i wasnt sure which mod would give me the best bang for the buck. i was thinking maybe tires/wheel, exaust, body kit, paint job...

so what would you guys recomend that i do first? should i just do some DIY stuff like painting my dash, etc?

Change your OE filter to something a long the lines of a K&N or get a CAI. New tires never hurt I think there are quite a few guys on here using Falken Ziex 512’s but there are dozens of other good tires to go with as well.

painting your dash is probably the biggest bang for the buck, because it really stands out(depending on the colour of course) and wont cost more than $20.

Buy some rims and swap the K8 for a KLZE
In my opinion, our cars really dont need a bodykit
They look pretty nice lowerd with some 17s or 18s

first make sure its dependable as daily driver, change oil, spark plugs, filters, etc. improve your suspension, get better brake pads, s/s lines. Exhaust. projectors, every mx3 needs projectors

hey i think a zx2 suspension conversion is a real good choice for starters... the price is within reason, and this mod gives both an appearance and performance upgrade... hopefully i will be doin mine in the spring

My first mod was the deck and carpc (which is still an ongoing mod)
my second mod was KLZE
3rd mod was rims
4th mod planned is bodykit and paint job in spring (i have all the parts, i just need to get them and the whole car painted)
5th mod planned (which may happen before painjob) is suspension and brakes

mitmaks wrote:first make sure its dependable as daily driver, change oil, spark plugs, filters, etc.

You got it. Even if you put enough all the mods in the world on your car, they don't add any horsepower to a car that won't run.

sounds good guys. one question, what is this KLZE thing you guys are talking about?

hurd69 wrote:sounds good guys. one question, what is this KLZE thing you guys are talking about?

Its a engine that puts out 200hp and 160ft Torque all at about 6k RPMs
It costs about $1200 (US).
What do you own? A V6 MX3 or a 4cyl?
If you own a V6 than the KLZE is a great engine to put in your MX3 because it just bolts on with the tranny and everything else.
There are some other K series engines you can put on your V6 like the KLDE.

I'm not sure if everyone is going to agree with me on this one, but, one of your first mods should be working on the suspension

drop it in my opinoin that was my first mod and its worth it

"first make sure its dependable as daily driver, change oil, spark plugs, filters, etc. improve your suspension, get better brake pads, s/s lines. Exhaust. projectors, every mx3 needs projectors"
Mitmaks has the right idea.

First thing I did 10 years ago was to get a K&N air filter, next was to improve on poor factory lighting (aux lighting, etc)

Since tires are the ONLY thing that connect you to the road, they are by-far the best bang for the buck. Don't get shitty tires..get some awesome ones.

Wheel/tire combo which is equal to or lesser thant he weight of the stock wheel/tire combo is ideal. Get wider wheels for better cornering grip & traction.

Good tires = better acceleration, better handling, better braking.


Follow that with a strut/lowering spring setup. Lower the center of gravity looks good & handles good.

Depending on if you have a 1.6 or a 1.8 V6....performance upgrades vary. Best bang for buck is a BPT or BP swap for 1.6 guys and the KLZE swap for 1.8 V6 guys.

personally i'm workin on gettin the body interior, wheels tires, suspension done first. I would normally say power first but since my bp swap won't be till summer i'm doin this other junk first