Mazda2 Thread

mazdeuce wrote: Did you every figure out the electrical stuff with the seat? If I remember, it has the seatbelt sensor, the weight sensor, and the seat track sensor. Seatbelt sensor is easy. The other two I'm not so sure about. Also eagerly awaiting your AST solution. Once they build one set......

Have not yet done the disco light detective work for the seat. Need to track down the LFB issue first. That's a deal-breaker for me and Ann.

FYI, the AST rears are easy and there's likely to be a very cost-effective solution for that end. Fronts are trickier.

The ridiculous idea of fitting 1st Gen Speed 3 seats into the 2 entered my head the other night.

Andy Hollis wrote: Have not yet done the disco light detective work for the seat. Need to track down the LFB issue first. That's a deal-breaker for me and Ann. FYI, the AST rears are easy and there's likely to be a very cost-effective solution for that end. Fronts are trickier.

The LFB issue is a problem. I think there should be a solution in the software. Right now there is a noticeable delay between when you push the brake and when it kills the throttle. Somewhere in the 2's little brain is a number for that delay. We just need to find that number and make it bigger. A lot bigger. When the rear AST solution becomes public let us know. Even without the front, it think there is a lot to be gained by stiffening up the rear a LOT and it would be nice to have a shock that could handle it as well as a selection of springs and adjustable perches to try.

Try pulling the ABS fuse. Worked like a champ on my Sonic. No nannies or LFB issues at autocrosses anymore.

Can you mess with the software in STF? I haven't looked at any of the ST rules in a while and I'm currently running in HS.

Dat Stance. Ok, I'm not really into the "stanced" or "hellaflush" thing, but these are indeed "hella" flush upfront. The rear could actually take a spacer if one was into such things, I don't really care enough.

TRMotorsport C1M 15x7 by maximstensel, on Flickr

TRMotorsport C1M 15x7 by maximstensel, on Flickr

TRMotorsport C1M Fitment R by maximstensel, on Flickr

TRMotorsport C1M Fitment F by maximstensel, on Flickr

As you can see the front fitment is pushing it a bit. It's really not something you'd notice unless you were scrutinizing the fitment but it's still something I'll have to get used to, and something that might affect somebody else's decision. I've decided that I'm OK with being the guinea pig for some stuff on this car anyway.

I'm helping a family member shop for a new car. She wants sub 20k price, funky styling, fun to drive and good fuel economy with a modicum of practicality. The Mazda2 was going to get my recommendation until I drove this.

Am I the only one to cross shop these two?

The only problem with the Veloster is the Veloster Turbo. There is no way I could drive a regular one knowing that there is a 200 hp one sitting out there. I've seen a few and I think they look awesome. They're a bit porky but not out of the weight range for the group they're in. I can't decide if the three door thing would be a plus or a minus for most people. I do think they're cooler than the 2 to be honest.

I thought about the Veloster as well. I don't remember that colour being available here though. The Mazda was cheaper and has a cheerful, honest quality about it. Rather like an updated version of my old Nissan Micra.

Sooo...

The brain in the deuce does not allow simultaneous braking+throttle? What is the behavior as shipped?

What is "AST"?

Thanks,

Rog

Mazda is ahead of the game with the soon to be federally regulated throttle cut under braking thing. It looks like its separate from the ABS brain and there is no known way to disable it. It lets you brake under throttle for about a second, maybe 1.5, then it kills the throttle. This is something that everyone is going to have to deal with on new cars soon. AST makes shocks and such. I think they might be Dutch? They have outlets in Texas as well as other places but their Texas guys are the ones working with Andy Hollis because he's worked with them in the past on other cars. AST makes really good stuff. Having it available for the 2 is sort of a big deal.

Buy a throttle cable, drill a hole in the firewall, throw electric motor into the ocean.

Seems like a relatively easy solution to me.

DaewooOfDeath wrote: Buy a throttle cable, drill a hole in the firewall, throw electric motor into the ocean. Seems like a relatively easy solution to me.

I would be surprised if you could do that without throwing a code.

Probably more than one.

The Fiesta B spec has a different ABS unit from stock.

Mazda may have one also.

Cure the problem. Have no idea.

But then, what is the purpose of the different ABS.?

iceracer wrote: Probably more than one. The Fiesta B spec has a different ABS unit from stock. Mazda may have one also. Cure the problem. Have no idea. But then, what is the purpose of the different ABS.?

Mazda does not have one...yet.

For more info on AST go here

I'm now running 4100's with the double-digressive piston upgrade in the rear. It's a slightly altered version of a BWM application. Works great. Running 550/500 springs now.

Full setup is now in a note on HollisRacing.com. Keep checking back as things are moving fast there now.

Andy, the TriPoint rear bar that comes with the B-spec kit can be replicated with circle track parts quite cheaply. I did the measurements and put together a list but got distracted. I think it has promise.

Well I had my first long distance ride in the 2 this weekend. Boston to NYC & back, roughly 500 miles total. The car was much more comfortable than I expected & did pretty well averaging 70-75 mph. With A/C on I achieved about 36.5 mpg out there. The monitor is showing 39 on this current tank but I never trust the accuracy of those. City driving was great, felt like I was speeding everywhere even at 25mph & was very fun zipping around corners.Turbulence from 18-wheelers was interesting, haven't felt that since my Miata.

When shopping the 2, don't forget the Fiesta. Much nicer.

In reply to iceracer: That really is a matter of opinion. I like the simplicity of the 2. Also, the multiple hundreds of pounds weight difference is nothing to laugh at.

DaewooOfDeath wrote: I'm helping a family member shop for a new car. She wants sub 20k price, funky styling, fun to drive and good fuel economy with a modicum of practicality. The Mazda2 was going to get my recommendation until I drove this. *veloster image here* Am I the only one to cross shop these two?

I always liked them but every time I see them on the road I like them even more. I even saw a white one with red leather interior. omgwtfsexycar!!!!!!

iceracer wrote: When shopping the 2, don't forget the Fiesta. Much nicer.

Should never forget the Fiesta. It's a bit heavier, but it has more power. You can get Sync and leather trimmed heated seats and a moonroof and you can really load up the car. It's a bit more expensive as well, but in a lot of ways, you're getting more stuff for your money. Most normal drivers would probably prefer the Fiesta to be honest. We're clearly not normal here, which is why we're 11 pages into talking about the 2.

iceracer wrote: When shopping the 2, don't forget the Fiesta. Much nicer.

I drove one while cross shopping. It's less torquey, doesn't handle as well and is fussy inside. I really preferred the 2.

failboat wrote:

DaewooOfDeath wrote: I'm helping a family member shop for a new car. She wants sub 20k price, funky styling, fun to drive and good fuel economy with a modicum of practicality. The Mazda2 was going to get my recommendation until I drove this. *veloster image here* Am I the only one to cross shop these two?

I always liked them but every time I see them on the road I like them even more. I even saw a white one with red leather interior. !!!!!! omgwtfsexycar

Drives really well too. The steering isn't great but it turns in really well, has a lot of grip, nice brakes - it just feels good. The interior is excellent and it's even practical. The only thing I didn't like was the complete lack of torque below 2k rpm.

singleslammer wrote: In reply to iceracer: That really is a matter of opinion. I like the simplicity of the 2. Also, the multiple hundreds of pounds weight difference is nothing to laugh at.

Bigger engine and 20 HP make up for the differnce in weight.

Lbs per HP are almost the same.

What does the 2 weight.? My sedan with the Powershift weighs 2537 on the title. GRM just weighed their Fiesta hach and it was just a little over 2400.

Published weight for the 2 is 2305. Andy Hollis weighed his with the spare and a full tank of gas as delivered at 2280. The GRM fiesta without the spare or mats and what not scaled at 2442. They appear to be somewhere between 150 and 200 lbs different for the lightest low option example of both. Power to weight is actually better in the Fiesta.

mazdeuce wrote: Andy, the TriPoint rear bar that comes with the B-spec kit can be replicated with circle track parts quite cheaply. I did the measurements and put together a list but got distracted. I think it has promise.

That's what I was thinking. Do you know how it mounts? I've seen some pics, but nothing close up on the mount to the trailing arms.