Hey guys, Just looking for some advice from some of the more veteran mechanics and drivers out there. My car is reaching the end of it's extended warranty, and I just got a compression test done, and I wanted to make sure their findings were as "perfect" as the dealership is claiming.


First, some info about the car itself:

Early 2004 model
6MT
90,000k miles
2nd owner (bought with 47k)
5w-20 non-synth (always)
Full Synth Tranny fluid (since 60k)
MazdaSpeed Sport Shocks & Springs
Full Stock Otherwise
93 Octane Fuel (always)
Never premixed

Recalls/TSBs performed:
Starter replaced (twice)
Fixed Brakes sqealling
Sunroof rattle/lockup fixed
Rear taillight drained

I've only driven rotary cars since I got my license, so the car has been driven & maintained properly (proper warm up, redlined frequently, oil kept filled, etc).
50% long distance driving (city to city highway driving)
50% commutes/traffic/other "average" driving conditions
Highly "Spirited" driving style
AutoCrossed 6 times + 1 practice day



Compression Test Results
Rotor 1:
(KPa) 822 - 829 - 843
(PSI) 119 - 120 - 122
Rotor 2:
(KPa) 810 - 784 - 814
(PSI) 117 - 114 - 118



Anything I should be aware of? I tried searching and couldn't find anything about what kind of scores an old, high mileage, daily driver should be scoring. There's no power loss (that I can detect, anyways), and it's always idled smoothly, even with the A/C on during a typical steamy-hot Houston day. Please offer any advice you may have.

Also, if I've left out any information that might be helpful to a diagnosis, please let me know.



Thank you all in advance :D

all looks very good. i would be thinking about a fuel pump as a preventative measure.

also the upgraded coils.

beers :beer:

Thanks for the reply, Swoope :)

Are there any other "preventative" things I should be looking into? I've gotten a LOT of different recommendations for pro-active maintenance - both in person and on these forums - and I'm not sure which ones are really worth the money you spend, and which ones are about as effective as a drop in a bucket.

I know there are lots of threads out there explaining the pros and cons of each, and trust me - I've read them - but these seem to be geared more toward people with newer, lower mileage cars. Given that my car made it this far bone stock under the control of a rev-happy hard driver, are any of the "longevity" mods really going to make a difference?

Coils?
Water Pump?
Radiator?
Flash?
Fans/Temp Sensors?
Air Pump?
Injectors?
Premix?

Are any of these still worth my time & money?

I don't have a high mileage car, but its an 04 and I have just recently started premixing. Might not be necessary but after hearing the 09's have an extra oil injector, that made me think maybe I should start. If they feel it needs more oil in the center then maybe premixing is a good thing. I am using Lucas Oil UCL (~$9/bottle and lasts about 5 tanks) in the recommended amount on the bottle and so far it feels pretty good and gets a tiny bit better gas mileage but thats not why I did it. its jsut that little bit extra who knows if it really helps in the long run on engine life, but it makes me feel better lol. good luck with your car and hope it lasts a long time.

How about your sparks, have they been replaced/checked lately?


swoope, I laugh every time a see that avatar very funny!

check your fuel pump. Also buy upgraded coils other than that sounds like you got a good running renny

I just got everything replaced at the dealership when I got the compression test done. The spark plugs, wires, All fluids, all filters, all injectors, all pumps, and the windshield wiper blades are currently less than a week old :)


Also - pardon my astonishing newbishness - what exactly are coils, and why is it so important that I replace them? Where can I buy them/what brand should I get? And is it a DIY job, or will I be in a rental for a day?

I would:

Buy the MAzmart upgrade water pump
upgrade the hoses
Replace the fuel pump
flush the radiator