My 2011 Mazda 2 "build thread"

[slugg]

Why is "build thread" in quotes? Well, because I'm not really building it, per se. I got this thing as a commuter car with soul, not a project car or racecar. That being said, I will definitely be autocrossing it once or twice, just for kicks. I won't be doing anything extravagant to this car, but I'll keep this thread updated with the things I do to or with the car, as well as answer any questions anyone may have about the '2.

The car is a 2011 Mazda 2, Touring trim.

For now, here are some pics:

 

[satyajitmenon]

Nice!!

Besides the 15"s, what else you got planned? Sway bars?

When you get the 15s, look for 195/50 instead of the stock 185/55. Much more tire choice.

Also, check if the 6ULs from the MX5 fit. I think the bolt pattern is the same. So you might be able to get away with running those with the RS3s when you autox.

 

[slugg]

Nice!!

Besides the 15"s, what else you got planned? Sway bars?

When you get the 15s, look for 195/50 instead of the stock 185/55. Much more tire choice.

Also, check if the 6ULs from the MX5 fit. I think the bolt pattern is the same. So you might be able to get away with running those with the RS3s when you autox.

I will be going for 205/50/15, methinks, on 15x7 wheels. Unfortunately, my RS3s are too wide: 225/45/15. I'm going to start there and get a baseline for the car, then we'll see!

 

[sontakke]

Those wheels look nice, hopefully you would have no problem unloading them on CL.

 

[foghorn67]

Wow, that looks better than I pictured while reading the thread title.

 

[nerp]

Like the form factor. Miss my Yaris 3-door sometimes. The cars are just fun to throw around with a stick.

 

[pauldun170]

I fully approve...
Nice

 

[cbrsurfr]

Looks good. I never see any of these around here.

 

[slugg]

Well it looks like my facts were not straight about the 225/45/15 fitment on the '2. It seems as though with a fender roll, my 15x8 6ULs with the 225-wide Hankook RS3's will fit just fine! So I've contacted my buddy who has a buddy who has a fender roller. We'll try to get the ball.. er... fender rolling this weekend...

As for a permanent set of shoes, I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet. I'll be listing these 17" XXR wheels on Craigslist some time today. $20 says that someone is going to offer to trade me a broken Civic...

 

[tonyfreak215]

Nice car! I have a 2013 GT in the Spirited Green. Got it for the same reasons. I'm very happy with my 35mpg, while being able to out handle much "faster" cars.

I can confirm that Miata rims will fit on our 2's. Mine sure looked nice sitting on my SM's Pro Race 2 rims.

Have you noticed yours having pedal lag? If so, try grounding the throttle body. (Sound stupid I know, but it works.)

*edit*Noticed you live in Tampa, you should come out to the Orlando Roadster meets. I take my 2 there all the time. (It's fun messing up the Miata parking pattern.)

 

[slugg]

Nice car! I have a 2013 GT in the Spirited Green. Got it for the same reasons. I'm very happy with my 35mpg, while being able to out handle much "faster" cars.

I can confirm that Miata rims will fit on our 2's. Mine sure looked nice sitting on my SM's Pro Race 2 rims.

Have you noticed yours having pedal lag? If so, try grounding the throttle body. (Sound stupid I know, but it works.)

*edit*Noticed you live in Tampa, you should come out to the Orlando Roadster meets. I take my 2 there all the time. (It's fun messing up the Miata parking pattern.)

PM me details and I'll make it! We have Tampa Bay Miatas here, also meets.