Yet Another JBR Post

[hartynorseman]

First post in this forum...long time lurker. I have had a 2007 MS3 for over a year now, and I am not new to modding, but I figure I should finally make an appearance. This forum seems to be the most helpful when compared to other mazdaspeed forums, and I have used it as a guide to install new struts and swaybars in the past. Continuing in appropriate fashion like any good MS3 owner, I am adding more mods.

Since, I am more concerned about cornering and grip, especially in the amazing twisties that NM has to offer, I focused on suspension first. Though the RMM is not directly associated with suspension, it sure does have a lot to do with grip. I want to know what Mazda engineer thought that the OEM RMM was acceptable. It looks like something off a Corolla or a Focus. We all know that the RMM is an essential upgrade. The wheel hop and torque steer is unbearable at times, and I feel it has gotten worse. I fear that my RMM is torn, which will be determined later in this thread. I guess I am not surprised at the weaknesses on this car. Mazda put all the R&D (and $$$) into the powerplant, and she sure is a torquey beast.

For the money the MS3 is a bargain and she is sex on wheels.

So, which rear motor mount is best? I don't know how many times I saw this question. It is not the right question to be asking. It is more appropriate to ask, “which rear motor mount is best for my application?” I could tell right away, I didn’t give a piss about vibrations. It is perfectly fine if you do. I don’t think you are a pussy if you want minimal vibes. I know I wanted the stiffest, beefiest and manliest (most important) motor mount that money could buy. This mystical journey brought me to the impressive website of James Barone Racing, also I was wholly inspired by this thread. I took one look at the 88a Durometer Chrome Molly RMM and fell madly in love (not really, I just thought it looked bad@ss) and figured while I was on the site I would look around. Big Mistake! I was then tempted by the SSP and solid shifter bushings, because let’s face it the MS3 shifts like a John Deere tractor and the shifter feels like a limp...noodle. So I took the plunge and ordered this awesome kit in RED! Red is the only acceptable color for your MS3, so if your MS3 is anything other than red you should be thinking about a paint job as your next mod. You heard it here first people.

I ordered the kit on 3/3/2012. That’s Friday for those without calendars. Now James Barone made a fatal mistake. He shipped the same day via USPS priority and the parts arrived on 3/5/2012…Monday!!! His customer service is too good, and now I am spoiled and will always expect 2 day shipping. Also, I didn’t plan accordingly, and now I have parts waiting to be installed because of lack of time. This folks is the definition of insanity.

Let’s see what came in the mail yesterday:



Thank you so much USPS for your awesome priority mail service. Even though you are hemorrhaging billions of tax dollars, I still love you.



Whoa...more boxes inside of a box. It is like Russian nesting dolls.



Nice labeling. Shows attention to detail which usually alludes to quality and professionalism.



All the goodies laid out. I am itching to start installing them, but probably won't get to it until this weekend.

So, let me sum up. Mazda OEM RMM sucks big donkey balls thus I ordered a best one to replace it. You might have heard better one, but I did say best one... for me. Also, James Barone Racing rocks. Awesome customer service and speedy shipping. I will post a quick review once I get parts installed. Stay tuned...

UPDATE:

So I got everything installed today, and I am very pleased with the results.

1. The JBR Chrome-Molly 88a RMM: This thing is solid, and looks very well made. The welds are clean and the finishing is resistant looking. It looks as if it could withstand a roundhouse from Chuck Norris. Installed it rocks my world. I love the feel of the engine at start up and you can really feel the responsiveness improvement off the line. Wheel hop is virtually eliminated and I cannot feel torque steer anymore. I actually like the extra vibrations as does the wife. You know if the woman likes it, it is a HUGE plus. The car feels more like a performance machine and less like a passenger vehicle now.

2. The JBR Short Shifter Plate: Does what it says it does. Nice red finish, clean cut lines with the JB symbol cut out of the plate. Fits perfectly over the existing shifter plate to shorten shift throws. Only complaint is that it requires rubber grommets to raise the stock airbox so as to not interfere with the new shift plate. Not really an issue, because anybody worth their salt will be moving to an aftermarket intake (I will once I have more monies).

3. The JBR Shifter bushings: Installed without a hitch. Amazing the stuff you find under the console as a second owner.



I guess they were going to a rave or something, because I also found a glowstick (not in pic)
Shifts are much tighter and smoother now. I am now longer missing the dreaded 2nd to 3rd that plagues this car. Overall the whole setup was completely worth it. Highly recommended.

[TriO]

I like your hardcore knife box opener!

[J'sSpeed3]

Subbed. Let me know how much better the shifting feels with ssp and bushings

[SWAY]

Originally Posted by J'sSpeed3 Subbed. Let me know how much better the shifting feels with ssp and bushings

Why you havent seen the million other threads like this.

[JBR]

Thanks for the right up man. I'm pretty sure you'll love the new parts. Now get to work!

Jamie

[hartynorseman]

Bump for an update: all parts are installed!!!