Mazda 323 Astina

I'm also a member of AstinaGT, an online forum for Mazda Astina owners. It contains heaps of useful stuff on how to modify the car, and details on regular cruises.

Bronze Rims

Recently I had to purchase 4 new tyres, so took the opportunity to upgrade the factory 16" rims. It wasn't much of an upgrade in terms of size, as the rims are only 1/2" wider, and 1" taller. I'm sick of chrome (never like it anyway), and silver is boring. In the end it was either bronze or powder coated white. I went for the bronze, as they're easier to keep clean (they never look dirty), and its something different.

Engine

Apart from the cold air intake, the engine is completely stock. Sure I could do the exhaust, and up the fuel, but the money I'd spend wouldn't be worth it. Not when I can drop in a V6 from the jap spec MX-6. For around 2 grand for the engine, and another couple to bolt it in, I get an extra 42Kw. The engine is the same size, just with slightly bigger internals (2.5L vs 2.0L V6). This is heaps cheaper and and less complex than turboing the car, with around the same gains. After that, I'll think about the exhaust.