[Jrippestudios]

So,
Some of us picked up our iA's due to it being a Mazda 2 Sedan with a Toyota badge. Maybe the ratings, maybe the hints of MX-5 meets Sub-Compact Sedan. Either way, it is low-weight and has enough to inspire some play.
But, the true fun starts when you start to customize it... and enhance what elements you want out of it.
That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it >

Since performance parts and tuning has been so scattered throughout the forum... I wanted to start a thread for those of us that mod & customize. That like to play.

What is your build?
What are your recommendations?
What good / bad feedback do you have on mods?

And please, be nice 0
We all have our own concepts & inspirations.
This is not about competition, it's appreciation, and ideas.

 

[evangelios]

my plan for my IA is to get 16 inch whistler wheels, lower it with megan coil overs, and see if I can install mazda 2 front end and led lights to make it a real mazda 2 clone. then get a body kit from mps-japan.com for the mazda 2. Then get a tune from orange virus tuning. That's my plan for now.

 

[Jrippestudios]

If you can get through the front bumper transition to the Mazda 2, check out the amazing body kits from Kenstyle, Autoexe, and Knight Sports in Japan. I believe we have the Mazda Demio DJ, in sedan form... The finished product would be badass!

 

[idksomuch]

my plan for my IA is to get 16 inch whistler wheels, lower it with megan coil overs, and see if I can install mazda 2 front end and led lights to make it a real mazda 2 clone. then get a body kit from mps-japan.com for the mazda 2. Then get a tune from orange virus tuning. That's my plan for now.

I'd love to hear your plans for how you're gonna do it. I want to do it too but I don't have that kind of mechanical knowledge, money, or time at the moment. Be sure to post photos when you get it done!

 

[idksomuch]

Does anyone have a guide on how to change out the stock headlights for LED bulbs? I got my leds but have been waiting for my friend to come up to my city to help me with them but he's been busy lately.

 

[Jrippestudios]

I replaced with the venom HIDs that required a ballast. They were pretty much plug and play. The hardest part I had was on the driver side headlight... it's a tight space and you can only get one hand in there without removing other components. I believe the led installation is about the same outside of any variances by how the wiring exits the enclosure. Do you have pics or a model number I can reference?

 

[Jrippestudios]

My initial post never showed up so I'm going to list what I've done on my build:
AEM intake (thanks to the members here for mentioning it!)
Magnaflow 15555 cat back exhaust aka muffler(for Mazda 2) *required mild welding to adjust fit
OrangeVirus Tuning (their reputation backs their work)
LED running light enclosed strips (fit perfect into grill w/o any adhesive or drilling)
Iceberg blue 8k Xenon headlights
Custom adjustable headlight LED Backlights (bored out and installed within fixtures)
Blue led grill lights
Universal bare roof luggage rack (for the kayaks)
Curt hitch receiver (for the bikes)
Vinyl body styling and custom iA logo
That's about it, lol.

 

[idksomuch]

I replaced with the venom HIDs that required a ballast. They were pretty much plug and play. The hardest part I had was on the driver side headlight... it's a tight space and you can only get one hand in there without removing other components. I believe the led installation is about the same outside of any variances by how the wiring exits the enclosure. Do you have pics or a model number I can reference?

My friend helped me install them last night. I love the white color but when I'm on the freeway, the LEDs light up the exit signs that sit like 20 feet in the air, lol.

 

[Jrippestudios]

Did you try tweaking the adjustment screws? They should help you to aim the lights down as needed. My wife's xb was very easy to adjust... the ia however seemed like it may take a little more turning to see the angle shift. I hope this helps...

 

[Jrippestudios]

So I have a nice bit of info for anyone seeking a rear sway bar. DDMWorks has a nicely built Mazda 2 sway bar for around $100. I researched it and it took very mild adapting to install. Since we have a beam without any holes, rather then simply boring out the hole per instructions... all I did was predrilled the holes first using the sway bar as a guide for location. Start with your muffler side first for easiest installation. Next, the bolts they currently supply you with will be slightly short. Our beam is thicker (or this is due to me locating the holes on the thickest point in mid arch). So I upgraded the bolts with an additional 2" to play it safe. That's it. It is solid and I feel the improvement on understeer and body roll immediately! I'm posting pics to my profile after this post. Hopefully soon we may see the sway bar directly sold for the iA by DDMWorks! It's the best $100 bolt on mod you can do to give your car a better feel in the curves.

 

[TheFatOne]

I have put on 195/50/16 tires and lowered my gear ratio with the smaller diameter tires. This has helped my of the line speed and my handling. This thing goes like a miata with these summer tires on. My speedo is off 3 mph and my gas mileage is a little bit lower but it is worth while mode. These tires fit the OEM rims. I like my Dunlap Direzza's and they seem to be holding up well. I feel the iA is geared to high for gas mileage and you get a good dose of sportyness with the low profile tires. Ride is firmer. Carves corners like a sports car.

 

[SanIA]

I can see clear into the night, bytches!!!

 

[Fongorious]

Hi, I have a 2018 Mazda 2 with the AEM intake, I would like to know if the OV tuning improves performance and what is the process of this tune
is it like the Accessport for the Mazdaspeed can you install it your self or do you have to take the car to them for tuning ?
Has anyone done a dyno before and after??

 

[TheFatOne]

Regarding night lights. Nice touch. I like the idea to set behind grill instead of cutting it. You just solved one of my issues. Wally world here I come for off road only LED lights!!!

 

[Suaz24]

For the OV tuning after you purchase the kit you receive software and the connection port. You take multiple data pulls underspecified sets and send off for calibration and you go back and forth four to five times until you receive a final product. It definitely has made a difference even more so after I had the AEM intake all set up and had my calibration retuned.

 

[patchleishman]

For the OV tuning after you purchase the kit you receive software and the connection port. You take multiple data pulls underspecified sets and send off for calibration and you go back and forth four to five times until you receive a final product. It definitely has made a difference even more so after I had the AEM intake all set up and had my calibration retuned.

What are the engine characteristics now that you have the aem intake and tune?

 

[Suaz24]

I have noticed a little less low end torque, but come 3800-4000 RPM it hits a powerband and wakes up all the way to redline. I have smaller than stock tires and lowering springs as well and it really has made this little car so much fun! Where are you located, if we aren't too far away from each other you are more than welcome to come drive it!

 

[idksomuch]

Anyone that's installed the AEM Cold Air Intake have any problems so far? I've heard about hydrolocking and it sounds scary. Also, would a tune with the intake make the car more fun/peppier than without one? Or would it even make a difference?

 

[iAoperator]

I have cold air. Makes no difference without exhaust modification. Now I have both done! It is FUN

 

[iAoperator]

Be avere- https://www.ovtuned.com/- sharlatans/scam