[Rainmens]

This is the first stage of modifications for owners who want to start modding, or just give their 6i a peppier response, smoother acceleration, better electrical efficiency, and a small increase in gas mileage. Anyone interested in these primary modifications can easily access the instructions as I’ve linked to them. No need for searching and coming up empty. These modifications are very basic, very easily reversible and will not void your warranty.

1. Throttle Body Ground
2. Intake resonator removal
3. Replace Stock Air Filter
4. Short shifter


1. Throttle Body Ground
Install: 5-10min (http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2400612)
Info: TB torque spec: 6-8ft/lb
Cost: $3-5
Pros: Smoother acceleration, Smoother shifting
Cons: N/A
This is one of the simplest do-it-yourself modifications you can do. It primarily consists of one heavy gauge wire (8-10ga) connecting from one of the bolts from the throttle body to the negative terminal or the main chassis ground. Users report a more linear acceleration and slightly better throttle response with grounding directly to the negative terminal. This in itself is a drivability mod. It will not show in a dyno as the throttle is at WOT (wide open throttle) the whole time. Dynos don’t test for throttle response.

2. Intake Resonator Removal
Install: 30-1hr (http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=60565)
Cost: $0
Pro: Less intake restriction, CAI preparation
Cons: N/A
You can remove your stock intake\'s resonator to produce a stronger growl. This does not exactly make any power, but it prepares you for the stage 2 modifications. If you plan to just replace your stock air panel filter, then I advise you to do this step as well. You don’t need the intake resonator for a dealer to do engine work/diagnosis.

3. Replace Stock Air Filter
Install: 5-10min (remove 4 clips on the air box, lift up, remove stock filter, replace with new)
Cost: $40-60
Pros: Better mileage and engine efficiency
Cons: N/A
Replacing the stock paper air filter with a K&N panel filter will let the engine ingest more air than the stock filter due to the less restriction provided by the K&N (http://knfilters.com) . If you would like to go with an aftermarket later on, it would be advisable to skip this step of your modification process.

4.Short Throw Shifter
Install: 30-60min (http://www.twmperformance.com/manual...3%20Manual.pdf)
Cost: $150
Pros: Shorter throw, Positive shift feel, Quicker 0-60, 1/4 times
Cons: Notchy shift feel with TWM
A short shifter shortens the throw by 20-40% depending on the brand. A suggestion is to purchase the kits that have a bend towards the driver, for aesthetics. Notchiness will be felt shifting with the stock knob. This will be alleviated with a weighted knob. The best and more expensive knobs come from TWM. This modification will not reduce the life of your transmission.

Having owned both of these (Rainmens) I would suggest the MS STS as it is stock height compared to TWM\'s very low shifter and quite a bit LESS notchy.

Shifters Kits
TWM : http://twmperformance.com
Mazdaspeed: http://www.buymazdaparts.com/parts.c...de=MZ6&catid=7

[ricekiller]

Thanks so much for putting this together. I look forward to reading all three of your write ups and adding a few to my car

[Frost881]

Should we add plugs to this list too, or are we gonna leave that one alone?
Also, how does the TB grounding Mod actually work (what th\' hell does grounding the TB change?)

[Rainmens]

Originally Posted by Frost881

Should we add plugs to this list too, or are we gonna leave that one alone?
Also, how does the TB grounding Mod actually work (what th\' hell does grounding the TB change?)

Most people dont recommend changing plugs unless your going boost, which you would then get 1-2 step colder plugs. As far as the TB ground, you just get some 8-10 gauge speaker wire, attatch one end to the negative terminal, and the other end to the upper right bold on the TB. It really just smoothes out acceleration somewhat.

[Frost881]

Ya, I got that much, since when I posted I had already done the mod. What I was tryin to get at was how it actually worked. I got my answer from another source, I think how this works is since grounds can have a tendency to wear out over time, grounding the TB directly to the neg. terminal on the battery ensures a better grounding point that make sure the TB will always be gounded to something, ensuring a smooth power delivery.

[AddictiveStew]

I had my doubts about the TB Ground... but I did it this past weekend and it made a hell of a difference. Best example I can give is with the same amount of pressure on the gas pedal I'm doing 10-15 mph more. Doesn't make the car faster but definitely makes the throttle more responsive and the ATX shifting curve is better.

[GeneralPatton]

Update for the Short Throw Shifter Link to Instructions from TWM

http://www.twmperformance.com/manual...6%20manual.pdf

[Mazda6i07]

How much does this throttle body ground really help that much, just wondering? Thanks

[NYRSlinger]

Well for something thats free (unless you don't have any 12 gauge-ish wire) it makes shifts more precise, and a bit smoother. I noticed a difference from 2-3 shifting, but not much else.

But hey its free!

[Mazda6i07]

Originally Posted by NYRSlinger

Well for something thats free (unless you don't have any 12 gauge-ish wire) it makes shifts more precise, and a bit smoother. I noticed a difference from 2-3 shifting, but not much else.

But hey its free!

Well thank you, i might as well give it a try free mods are the best.

[NYRSlinger]

You should look into the airbox mod. Start with #2 on this thread, and then I think on stage 2 he listed the air box mod. It sounds awesome and definitely doesn't hurt

[6i_guy]

just did the throttle body ground and I am liking the results... thanks Rainmens!!

[dladeezmn]

Hey guys I did the throttle body ground mod and I tell you what....It feels damn good to pull up to a red light and take off like ur in a V6 when ur actually in a 4 cyl. Way to go guys...

[ObsoleteE]

Is the TB ground worth it for a MTX?

[Rainmens]

Lol, im shaking my head at last 2 comments.