50K 5.5 Years, vvt noise.
 

I have an 07 Speed3 bought new here in Florida by me. I have kept this car perfectly maintained, I realize this isnt really a maintainence related but I hate taking my car to Mazda for anything, its only been in for service once and that was for the Motor Mount Bolt recall. I've been keeping eye on tension of vvt chain and its slightlty looser over past 10,000 miles and the noise is starting on cold mornings when I warm it up. It does not bother me at all, neither does the white smoke thats been there since I got the car, more on cold days, just as any car just a little more and I get quite a bit of black residue on my Tailpipe. I have 1 payment left and as car has been very reliable for me I was hoping to keep till say 100,000 miles as I do love my speed3.

I have been putting off the vvt and turbo recall for awhile but now with the noise and mileage(and years) adding up I'm wondering if I should take it in for at least the VVT. My car is kinda a freak, from day I got it, its been faster then the Aerage MS3 by quite a bit and I'm scared that Mazda is going to screw this fact up somehow! I really could care less about the smoking turbo, i make perfect boost and yes when I floor it from time to time it puffs smoke in rearview when sun is behind me, but never hesitates or hiccups ever.

My question to you guys is, Im planning about a 6,000 mile road trip in March out to LA and back and have been doing brakes, tires, tranny and motor oil getting it ready. Its perfect, well for a $24,000 Mazda it is. Should I do the trip and get everything fixed when I get home?

Does it really matter that the turbo smokes? Is it hurting anything other then our egos?

I get 23 MPG around town and 30 on highway and it runs great. I have a Cobb intake and if they do the vent kit, I think I need a new Intake correct?

Should I even consider having them do the vent kit or total turbo replacement if everything is fine except for a little white smoke from time to time?

Now to some this may seem crazy but I dont know of one good service center in Florida, maybe stop at a high rated service center between here and LA and have it done there?

I'm just wondering is the loose chain causing any damage before it get crazy loud like some of the youtube clips, mines nothing like that. And the youtube vids of black smoke pouring out exhaust is not me either, once I'm warmed up, its not even noticable except sometimes when I get on it, usually after babying it for awhile, i guess it builds up oil when not boosting allot and its always white, never been black, except for tailpipe?

Any suggestions or comments from those who have or have not had this done would be greatly appreciated. Know of any great Mazda Service Centers in Southeast or anywhere for that matter? I'm definetly gonna throw the guy who does my car 100-200 bucks to take his time and not break my baby(Before he does the Job of course). I just never see my mazda dealers around here with a torque wrench or caring about our warranty work. They are good at breaking clips on battery boxes and tons of other stuff(My mom has a 5 and goes to a dealer I wouldnt) but they broke the exact same tab on my battery box as hers when they did something to her car, not a big deal but shows the respect they have for our cars.

Thanks in advance guys for any info, gonna post this on the other forum also, lets hear what you guys think?

You say "florida"

florida is a big goddamn state, be a little more specific. No one is going to find out exactly who you are or rob you if you post up what city you're in.

Well thats not even a thought I had but I just loaded the shotgun, jk.:) I'm in Brooksville, just north of Spring Hill. Morse is my closest dealer in New Port Richey. I'm willing to drive pretty far for the right dealer if I do the recall, but your right, obviously the closer the easier.

We're almost local. I too tend to stay away from dealers best I can. Got 1 year free oil services when I bought mine and never used it. Good luck with the Vvt. I thought they may repair that pit of warranty in oil be wrong. For not cost.

you're not far from Wesley Chapel Mazda, probably one of the better ones in the area.

I'll ask an acquaintance who works there how many VVT/chains him and the dealership have done. i'll let you know soonish.

thanks for updating.

Yep, head out to the Wesley Chapel mazda dealership. they should be able to fix this up for you fine and without worries. Just be clear with some of the guys that you dont want ECU updates or anything extra messed with. some of those guys are gearheads like the rest of us and if you're just upfront and clear about what you want, I'm sure they will oblige.

good luck!

@p057;
you know guys at Wesley Chapel Mazda ?/ any them guys do a speed6 clutch ?? lol

Thats 2 times someone has mentioned Wesley Chapel to me. I think I may do the chain at minimum. I really dont feel I need the vent kit or the Turbo done as it really doesn't smoke much at all. Would it be nice to have this all done and have new yes, but its such a risk that car will never be same, though it could be better? Its all about who I get to do it and if a nice big tip makes a difference to whoever does it. There pretty big jobs, i cant believe some of you guys did your own?

Don't take it to any shop. Dealer. Cams are not marked for timing and most non-dealers end up fucking timing up.

I've heard that Wesley Chapel is a good dealer as well. If you think that your timing chain is giving you problems, you really should get it fixed. I am from Tampa by the way. I always took mine to Ferman Mazda. They used to be a pretty good dealer, but have been going downhill so much that I am going to check out Wesley Chapel next time I need something done to my Speed.

Raider so you'd suggest just leaving it all alone? If I can make 100k miles that's what my plan was?

No! Take it to Wesley Chapel-today. Make sure a dealer fixes, not Bubba Jim's Automotive out in fucking Brooksville and shit....lol.

It's under warranty. Easy replacement.

1: I come to this forum to see your nasty updated videos in your signature
2: There has been a number of threads from non-dealer repairs and shit was done wrong.
3: I like the COX mazda dealer in bradenton. couple of speed owners IIRC and they have done vvt work before for sure. Wesley Chapel -- I have heard good things too!

Should cost about 1100-1400$

Eat the bullet, don't fuck up and bring it to a non-dealer. Most repair shops wont touch it anyways.

Just stay away from Ferman Mazda, they are no bueno.

And if under 70K miles, it will be free.

VIP, getting the $500 in parts for $275 shipped, then just pay labor= SAVINGS-more money for mods, beer, etc.

I misunderstood you raider. Sounds like Wesley chapel or Bradenton. Anyone know anyone's name there I should talk to(I will make it worth there while). I'm under recall so it will be free. Otherwise I'd prob wait till 70 and get a Brz' though I'm having trouble with a 7.7 o-60 time when I've seen mags get 5.3 and I'm modded slightly. But my first new car was a 94 sentra se-r 15 second car 1/4 and I'd trade my speed for a new one in a second. 13,700 dollars. 140hp 185/60/14 tires and prob most fun car I've ever owned. I'm wondering if the brz and Toyota are the next itineration of that car only rwd. A lightweight version with roll up windows and just cruise be nice. Sry off subject. Thanks for all the help guys.

1) Go VIP here, and read a lot more.
2) Get the VVT before you buy a motor.
3) BRZ is a 2 door. Cannot haul squat. MS3 can haul a SHITLOAD and go fast.

I've just done every oil, filter and damn fluid change: really everyone, (Except for a suck and fill on Power steering with new ATF) Car is running great and ready for trip. Aligned, Brand new Star Specs, new hawk pads, EVERYTHING. I havent even been driving it much at all (using truck) as its so nice and clean and ready to go, Plus I want Tires in good shape.) But I can tell that the chain is getting looser and looser just by feel. Was gonna do trip first (prob 5,000 miles) but I think I'm gonna take it in to Wesely one day and see whats what and who has done the most VVT jobs. If anyone knows anyone imparticular who work at a Mazda Dealership from South Tampa over to Orlando up to say Ocala/Gainesville area that wants to make a couple Benjamins let me know. Just promise to use a torque wrench and I think you need to change oil twice. Which reminds me, my brand new mobil 1 was a waste.

I know allot of you are probably like just go have em do it for free, you dont need to tip a couple hundred bucks or find best mechanic, but I plan on keeping this car 5 more years and its really in perfect shape, driving and looking (minus all badges, dark tint, sunlight silver 07 GT) with a perfectly setup Iphone connection to Alpine and Sub in back, loud as shit for highway! I just dont want to get it back and have some rattle or problem I cant even forsee and I've imagined most. Its a big job and I want a pro who cares 1 about my car and 2 about doing everything by the book, especially for some extra money, which we all like. I dont wanna get to Texas and be screwed somehow by a car I know would make trip fine now.

Tom

Well it's done, got about 500 miles on and so much smoother! Feels quicker also...But now that engine is so smooth and quiet I seem to have a bad idler pulley or belt tensioner. I know these are ez to change on our cars but what brand you guys use as I'm out of power train warranty.

I looked on rock auto and was thinking of going
Goodyear belt tensioner and idler with gator back belt but the part numbers are odd and I'm reading more people seem to use the gates belt tensioner. Other then brake fluid bleed this is last step before 6,000 mile road trip so I kinda gotta do it. By the way, sounds like you left a tool in engine bay, inconsistent but always at cold startup! I used stethoscope and its def coming from tensioner area. There's a vid on here some where's with it. Amazing how much smoother engine is when timing belt is tight, feels like a BMW six compared to before and I have corksport mounts!

Any recommendations?

Thanks to all who pointed be towards Wesley chapel Mazda, and thanks to Phil and Tim at dealership, they treated me well. Though they couldn't resist trying to get me to to for fuel treatment! LoL

Anyone use or know which Goodyear gator back serpentine belt and know part number.
This is the belt tensioner I think?

http://m.napaonline.com/Tablet/parts...408_0187599013

Or if I want the Goodyear tensioner:
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...934&cc=1434570

This may be this Goodyear belt but I'm not 100% sure?

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...166&cc=1434570



And if I do idler pulley also, I believe this is one, haven't decided to do or not?


http://m.napaonline.com/Tablet/parts...263_0258191532

Thanks for the help guys.

Where did you get the VVT done at ?

http://www.mazdaspeedforums.org/foru...sioner-103552/

Goodyear, acdelco should be fine. Glad you got the vvt fixed. Keep in mind that. Slack in chain depends on where it engine stops in terms of where the cylinders are. It can go from loose to tight, depending on tdc.


Links don't work. (At least for me)