2010 Mazdaspeed3: Functional as well as fast
Special to the Star
Three years ago when I drove a Mazdaspeed3, I thought it felt as skittish as a water bug. I was comparing it to the kind of nailed down, straitjacket handling of various German speedsters on the market.
The latest Mazdaspeed3, with 263 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque, is still a pavement peeler, but I'm starting to understand it better.
For 2010, the direct injection turbo is the same engine offered in the previous model. But after fiddling in the lab, Mazda says torque steer has been reduced by using stiffer driveshafts. It also says putting a lid on torque peak makes the front-wheel drive rocket easier to handle.
Employing juvenile behaviour, it's still possible to spin the front wheels in first, second, even third gear. And, yes, to my mind, torque steer still tugs at the wheel, but it's refreshing and even instructive to be reminded that there are consequences for the way we drive. Use restraint, accelerate normally, and the Mazdaspeed3 performs with decorum.
Installing downpipe, exhaust shop required
Removing the manifold: I have alot of specialised tools (short, intermediate and long sockets and spanners and also swivel headed ratchets) It can be done without these tools, just bend some older spanners if you can, otherwise it all takes time to remove them. The remove the manifold you have to drop the turbo down by removing the oil drain/return line from the block and removing the support bracket.
Source: Installing downpipe, exhaust shop required
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