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2012 Mazda2: Some Technical Impressions

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    #16
    Originally posted by MazdaNoob View Post
    Awesome info Goldstar! i always enjoy reading your posts.

    for the sake of my own education tho:
    1.If the flaw in the TB design is that there isnt enough independant travel in each wheel's movement wouldnt stiffening the beam be counter productive?

    2. pending response
    Thank you very much for your kind words.

    Good question but I'm not sure I know enough about the fine points of suspension systems to give you an answer. My guess would be that, in this case, change in tow setting is a function of wheel travel so that the greater the travel the more the change. Consequently, by limiting wheel travel with an aftermarket stiffening bar, there should be less tow change leading to less instability during high speed cornering. As I said, this is only my surmise and if I am wrong, and anyone has more accurate information, please post it. I certainly don't want to mislead the Forum and would be happy to stand corrected if wrong.

    Happy Motoring!
    Last edited by goldstar; 12-15-2011, 07:19 PM.
    02 DX Millenium Red - The Penultimate Driving Machine
    MP3 Strut Tower Bar kit; Cusco Front Lower Arm Tie Bar
    MSP Springs, Struts, Stabilizer Bars, Trailing Links, #3 Engine Mount
    Kartboy Stabilizer Bar Bushings; Nyloil Shifter Bushings; Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil
    MP3 Shifter, Knob and Aluminum Pedal Set
    Suvlights HD Wiring Harness; Osram Night Breaker H4 Bulbs; Exide Edge AGM Battery
    Summer: 5Zigen FN01R-C 16 x 7" Wheels; Yoko S.drive 205/45-16s
    Winter: Enkei OR52 16 x 7" Wheels; Falken Ziex ZE-912 205/45-16s
    Modified OEM Air Intake; Racing Beat Exhaust System; Techna-Fit SS Clutch Line
    Denso SKJ16CR-L11 Extended Tip Spark Plugs; Magnecor Wires
    Power Slot Front Brake Rotors; Techna-Fit SS Brake Lines; Hawk HPS Pads
    Red Line Synthetic Engine Oil; C/S Aluminum Oil Cap
    Cyberdyne Digital Gauges: Tach; Ambient Air Temp; Voltmeter

    Comment


      #17
      Just wanted to bump this to say I got to finally see a 2011 mazda 2, drive it and put it up on the lift. Compared to its sibling the Ford Fiesta, the drivability is far better, even though it retains the typical E-throttle quirks. While everything else is pretty much the same between the two except the engine looks to be a little different, especially the accessory layout. IF they drove the same I would pick the Ford because I feel its better looking, but based on driving feel the Mazda is the winner hands down.

      One observation I noticed: The spindle/knuckle looks very close to a BG one. It uses the pinch bolt style balljoint, tie rod is approx in the same place, and overall looks like the same size, but it has much shorter caliper mounts, so at least brake upgrades will be easy.
      92 Mazda MX3 GS> For sale, $1750 OBO
      94 Escort wagon--BP swap coming, VF10 Turbo, COP, EVO ECU, 03 ZX2 front end conversion
      "Hold yourself accountable before you are held accountable"
      EV14 330cc@3Bar injector kits available.
      EV14 GT500 injector kits available for the BP. 610cc@3Bar.
      EV14 925cc@3Bar injector kits available
      BP Forged H beam rods available now
      KL Forged H beam rods available now
      K8/KF Forged H beam rods awaiting test fit
      FS Forged H beam rods
      awaiting test fit
      F2 Forged H beam rods awaiting test fit
      FE3 Forged H beam rods coming soon
      Mitsubishi 3.8 MIVEC rods coming soon
      Aluminum CAS/Distributor caps
      BP oil jet eliminators
      EV14 fuel rail spacers
      More stuff coming soon.......

      Comment


        #18
        Converting Your Mazda2 into a Genuine Boy Racer

        Sort of like the cafe racer of the motorcycle world.

        In connection with the SCCA's new B-Spec racing class, Mazda Motorsports has released a B-Spec kit for the 2. It consists of the following components:
        Bilstein front and rear shocks with special valving
        Strut bearing plate
        Helper springs and spacers
        Front stabilizer bar end link
        Rear stabilizer bar, adjustable
        Front crash/camber bolts
        Cat-Back exhaust system
        Oil cooler kit, sandwich style
        Air filter (Green filter)
        A/C Delete kit (idler pulley)
        Cost: US $2575

        Brake pads are available and sold separately through Mazdaspeed:
        Hawk DTC-60 front pad set


        It also wouldn't hurt to replace the stock wheel/tire combo with 16 x 7" wheels and 205/45 tires (assuming they'll fit). Also consider aftermarket spark plugs.

        Of course, if you intend to race the car a number of safety components must be installed, including a racing seat. Additionally, an intake restrictor will be used to equalize the power output of the various cars permitted in the class. A good deal as the 2 is a bit light on power compared with the other vehicles in the class. For a description of what's needed and a test of the various B-spec machines at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, go to:


        The above article is also available in the May 2012 issue of Car and Driver magazine.

        Note that for racing, 15 x 7" wheels, weighing at least 13 lbs each, and 205/50 tires must be used. A working A/C system (for those who like to race in comfort) and aftermarket plugs are also allowed.

        Happy Roadracing!
        02 DX Millenium Red - The Penultimate Driving Machine
        MP3 Strut Tower Bar kit; Cusco Front Lower Arm Tie Bar
        MSP Springs, Struts, Stabilizer Bars, Trailing Links, #3 Engine Mount
        Kartboy Stabilizer Bar Bushings; Nyloil Shifter Bushings; Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil
        MP3 Shifter, Knob and Aluminum Pedal Set
        Suvlights HD Wiring Harness; Osram Night Breaker H4 Bulbs; Exide Edge AGM Battery
        Summer: 5Zigen FN01R-C 16 x 7" Wheels; Yoko S.drive 205/45-16s
        Winter: Enkei OR52 16 x 7" Wheels; Falken Ziex ZE-912 205/45-16s
        Modified OEM Air Intake; Racing Beat Exhaust System; Techna-Fit SS Clutch Line
        Denso SKJ16CR-L11 Extended Tip Spark Plugs; Magnecor Wires
        Power Slot Front Brake Rotors; Techna-Fit SS Brake Lines; Hawk HPS Pads
        Red Line Synthetic Engine Oil; C/S Aluminum Oil Cap
        Cyberdyne Digital Gauges: Tach; Ambient Air Temp; Voltmeter

        Comment


          #19
          I am seriously considering getting a Mazda 2 later this year. I am glad that the aftermarket parts are starting to come around for the car. I also was glad to hear the review between the Fiesta and the Mazda 2, with the 2 being a better driving experience. It is funny that they stuck with a rear torsion beam setup, much like the old 121 AKA the ford festiva, which I am working on and am very familiar with. I wonder what the driving feel and handling will feel like in comparison to my 89 Festiva.
          2011 BMW 128i 6 Speed Manual -- dd
          1990 Protege 4WD 5 Speed

          Comment


            #20
            Yes, it seems like the 2 would be a fun car to drive and modify.

            Happy Motoring!
            02 DX Millenium Red - The Penultimate Driving Machine
            MP3 Strut Tower Bar kit; Cusco Front Lower Arm Tie Bar
            MSP Springs, Struts, Stabilizer Bars, Trailing Links, #3 Engine Mount
            Kartboy Stabilizer Bar Bushings; Nyloil Shifter Bushings; Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil
            MP3 Shifter, Knob and Aluminum Pedal Set
            Suvlights HD Wiring Harness; Osram Night Breaker H4 Bulbs; Exide Edge AGM Battery
            Summer: 5Zigen FN01R-C 16 x 7" Wheels; Yoko S.drive 205/45-16s
            Winter: Enkei OR52 16 x 7" Wheels; Falken Ziex ZE-912 205/45-16s
            Modified OEM Air Intake; Racing Beat Exhaust System; Techna-Fit SS Clutch Line
            Denso SKJ16CR-L11 Extended Tip Spark Plugs; Magnecor Wires
            Power Slot Front Brake Rotors; Techna-Fit SS Brake Lines; Hawk HPS Pads
            Red Line Synthetic Engine Oil; C/S Aluminum Oil Cap
            Cyberdyne Digital Gauges: Tach; Ambient Air Temp; Voltmeter

            Comment


              #21
              came up on this find while browsing around:
              Save up to $2,771 on one of 172 used 2011 Mazda 2s near you. Find your perfect car with Edmunds expert reviews, car comparisons, and pricing tools.



              other suspension walkarounds available. these walkarounds are nothing revolutionary but great read for the curious.
              -megrimlock

              Comment


                #22
                that makes me curious to see about hybriding the spindle assemblies used in the front of the 2
                ---Has ClubProtege helped you in someway? show your support by Contributing--- Click Here---

                1992- project FE3..... 313 WHP @ 9.3psi




                I pet my dash when I get into the car..."good car"
                he actually has a mazda tree, parts grow on it

                Comment


                  #23
                  I've had my 2 touring for about a week now, averaging 36 mpg. I drove a loaner 2012 Mazda 3 Hatch with the 2.5L and the automatic. I HATED it compared to the handling, comfort, and economy of my 2.

                  2011 BMW 128i 6 Speed Manual -- dd
                  1990 Protege 4WD 5 Speed

                  Comment


                    #24
                    Originally posted by nerd racing View Post
                    I've had my 2 touring for about a week now, averaging 36 mpg. I drove a loaner 2012 Mazda 3 Hatch with the 2.5L and the automatic. I HATED it compared to the handling, comfort, and economy of my 2.
                    Congratulations on your new 2. It looks really nice.

                    It's good to know the 2 handles so well since the 3 is no slouch itself in that department. I suppose the lighter weight is the primary factor in the comparatively better handling that you noted and it would seem to indicate that the 2's rear suspension is pretty decent, after all. Interesting that you found it more comfortable than the larger car, though. Not something I would have expected.

                    I would very much like to see a new sub-forum set up for the 2, just like the one that exists for the 3, as I expect the car to become more popular with at least some of our members. Perhaps with your help, and that of some of those other enthusiastic members, our Forum could become the go-to place for information on the Mazda2. (Club Protege/2, 3)

                    I, and I'm sure some others, look forward to any other impressions you develop about the car as time goes on.

                    Happy Motoring!

                    Edit: Ha ha, I already added the 2's wheel and tire specs to our data bank. Go to:


                    Happier Motoring!
                    Last edited by goldstar; 04-19-2012, 03:38 PM.
                    02 DX Millenium Red - The Penultimate Driving Machine
                    MP3 Strut Tower Bar kit; Cusco Front Lower Arm Tie Bar
                    MSP Springs, Struts, Stabilizer Bars, Trailing Links, #3 Engine Mount
                    Kartboy Stabilizer Bar Bushings; Nyloil Shifter Bushings; Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil
                    MP3 Shifter, Knob and Aluminum Pedal Set
                    Suvlights HD Wiring Harness; Osram Night Breaker H4 Bulbs; Exide Edge AGM Battery
                    Summer: 5Zigen FN01R-C 16 x 7" Wheels; Yoko S.drive 205/45-16s
                    Winter: Enkei OR52 16 x 7" Wheels; Falken Ziex ZE-912 205/45-16s
                    Modified OEM Air Intake; Racing Beat Exhaust System; Techna-Fit SS Clutch Line
                    Denso SKJ16CR-L11 Extended Tip Spark Plugs; Magnecor Wires
                    Power Slot Front Brake Rotors; Techna-Fit SS Brake Lines; Hawk HPS Pads
                    Red Line Synthetic Engine Oil; C/S Aluminum Oil Cap
                    Cyberdyne Digital Gauges: Tach; Ambient Air Temp; Voltmeter

                    Comment


                      #25
                      One more thing I can tell you is that it gets better mileage between 45-55 miles per hour than it does on the thruway. I also noticed it has an intermediate shaft on the transmission and has the 5th gear set separate under a stamped steel cover just an F or G series transmission. I'm running about 3,000 RPM at 65 on the thruway. If it is a G-series variant I want to do a 5th gear swap down the road after the powertrain warranty runs out.

                      Another knock on the 3 was the road noise, it was much worse than my 2. I might have been the tires, but they looked pretty similar between the two.
                      Last edited by nerd racing; 04-19-2012, 03:56 PM.
                      2011 BMW 128i 6 Speed Manual -- dd
                      1990 Protege 4WD 5 Speed

                      Comment


                        #26
                        I've thought about getting a '2, but that was before the CX-5 came out. I want to get a diesel CX-5.

                        I also think that we should add a subforum for the '2.

                        Comment


                          #27
                          Originally posted by nerd racing View Post
                          Another knock on the 3 was the road noise, it was much worse than my 2. I might have been the tires, but they looked pretty similar between the two.
                          Yes, Consumer Reports magazine which has consistently rated the 3 as one of the best cars in its class, has noted its prominent road noise as one of its characteristics.

                          Happy Motoring!
                          02 DX Millenium Red - The Penultimate Driving Machine
                          MP3 Strut Tower Bar kit; Cusco Front Lower Arm Tie Bar
                          MSP Springs, Struts, Stabilizer Bars, Trailing Links, #3 Engine Mount
                          Kartboy Stabilizer Bar Bushings; Nyloil Shifter Bushings; Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil
                          MP3 Shifter, Knob and Aluminum Pedal Set
                          Suvlights HD Wiring Harness; Osram Night Breaker H4 Bulbs; Exide Edge AGM Battery
                          Summer: 5Zigen FN01R-C 16 x 7" Wheels; Yoko S.drive 205/45-16s
                          Winter: Enkei OR52 16 x 7" Wheels; Falken Ziex ZE-912 205/45-16s
                          Modified OEM Air Intake; Racing Beat Exhaust System; Techna-Fit SS Clutch Line
                          Denso SKJ16CR-L11 Extended Tip Spark Plugs; Magnecor Wires
                          Power Slot Front Brake Rotors; Techna-Fit SS Brake Lines; Hawk HPS Pads
                          Red Line Synthetic Engine Oil; C/S Aluminum Oil Cap
                          Cyberdyne Digital Gauges: Tach; Ambient Air Temp; Voltmeter

                          Comment


                            #28
                            Oh good, I'm not going crazy! On another note... the dealer botched my undercoating. There is over spray all over the bottom of the hood, the back of the rims, and they completely missed half of the rear wheel wells. Any ideas on how to approach them to make it right? I already sent the sales guy pictures of the wheel wells and he said to bring the car in and the service manager would see that things are made right. The bad thing is that they want me to come in on Saturday and take care of it Monday morning... So that's multiple days with another loaner car.

                            I am usually not one to make a fuss, but the car is a good chunk of money and my first brand new vehicle, I'd like it to last and not look like I coated it myself. Hell I could do a better job...
                            2011 BMW 128i 6 Speed Manual -- dd
                            1990 Protege 4WD 5 Speed

                            Comment


                              #29
                              You paid to have it done, right? Tell them you want it done Saturday or Monday. Makes no sense to drop it off on Saturday just to wait til Monday for them to do something.

                              I've heard tons of stories about poor service at Mazda dealerships. Not Mazda's fault, though, since they don't own their dealerships, they're privately owned.

                              You could call Mazda and see if they could do something, but I don't know how quickly they'd be able to take care of the problem.

                              Comment


                                #30
                                Long-term Road Test

                                For current and prospective 2 owners, here's a long-term road test by Car and Driver magazine that provides much useful information. Go to:


                                Happy Motoring!
                                02 DX Millenium Red - The Penultimate Driving Machine
                                MP3 Strut Tower Bar kit; Cusco Front Lower Arm Tie Bar
                                MSP Springs, Struts, Stabilizer Bars, Trailing Links, #3 Engine Mount
                                Kartboy Stabilizer Bar Bushings; Nyloil Shifter Bushings; Red Line MT-90 Gear Oil
                                MP3 Shifter, Knob and Aluminum Pedal Set
                                Suvlights HD Wiring Harness; Osram Night Breaker H4 Bulbs; Exide Edge AGM Battery
                                Summer: 5Zigen FN01R-C 16 x 7" Wheels; Yoko S.drive 205/45-16s
                                Winter: Enkei OR52 16 x 7" Wheels; Falken Ziex ZE-912 205/45-16s
                                Modified OEM Air Intake; Racing Beat Exhaust System; Techna-Fit SS Clutch Line
                                Denso SKJ16CR-L11 Extended Tip Spark Plugs; Magnecor Wires
                                Power Slot Front Brake Rotors; Techna-Fit SS Brake Lines; Hawk HPS Pads
                                Red Line Synthetic Engine Oil; C/S Aluminum Oil Cap
                                Cyberdyne Digital Gauges: Tach; Ambient Air Temp; Voltmeter

                                Comment

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