BBR unveils mad Mazda MPS performance upgrades

In these times of increased environmental concerns where everyone is running around trying to reduce Mazda impressed us hugely with their Mazda MX-5 Anniversary turbocharger conversions. And it wasn’t just us either, people favoured the move as it turned out to be a huge hit for both Mazda and BBR. Seeing great potential with the business of performance modifications in Mazda cars, BBR has launched three separate performance upgrades that can take the power output of a Mazda 3 MPS or a Mazda 6 MPS to crazy levels. 

The BBR upgrades are available for the 2.3 liter turbocharged petrol versions of the Mazda 3 MPS and the Mazda 6 MPS and can push the engine power output to 290 bhp, 318bhp and 350+ bhp. 

BBR upgrade Phase One 

The first conversion features an ECU remap for the engine. BBR’s StarChip software programmes in a linear throttle pedal / turbo boost, resulting in a considerably smoother driving experience than offered by the factory ECU settings. With an increase in throttle response this upgrade lets the engine develop more mid range torque and horsepower. The Mazda MPS’s BBR StarChip can also be tailored to suit owners driving requirements.

With power gains throughout the rev band Dyno testing has proven that power is pushed up by 34 horsepower over the standard car to 290 bhp. The BBR upgrade delivers delicious in gear acceleration and performance. The torque figure is pushed up by 20 lb/ft to 300 lb/ft at a reasonable 2850 rpm while peak output of 330 lb/ft is available at 5100 rpm.

BBR upgrade Phase Two 

The second conversion kit by BBR is much more exhaustive and requires modifications to a host of other components. During testing BBR discovered that the stock fuel pump reached its limits at round about 300 bhp and therefore had to be replaced by a higher pressure fuel pump. 

The MPS’s standard turbo inlet hoses have been replaced by high flow, cast aluminium/silicon hoses so as to withstand higher boost pressure from the turbo. Naturally then to optimise airflow into the turbo and the engine the stock air filter had to be replaced by a performance air filter.

Also, the exhaust system had to be modified to support the true increase in power. As a result the MPS’s turbo down pipe, pre catalyst and main catalytic converter have been replaced by BBR 3 inch stainless steel down pipe incorporating a sports catalyst. 

Apart from all the mechanical modifications the BBR upgrade also features an ECU remap for BBR’s StarChip to extract maximum safe power from the turbocharger. The end result of which is a power output of 318 bhp while peak torque is a sports car threatening 307 lb/ft. 

BBR upgrade Phase three 

The third upgrade option available for the Mazda MPS 3 and the Mazda MPS 6 comes at two levels, one with a BBR turbocharger and the other with a Garret turbocharger. 

The first modification option features a BBR turbocharger, high flow compressor wheel, CNC re-profiled compressor cover, Billet motorsport 360 thrust bearing and thrust washers, solid billet cutback turbine wheel. Also, Mazda’s top mount intercooler will be replaced by a BBR designed front mount intercooler. This modification pushes power output to 350 bhp. 

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If you opt for the Garret28 turbocharger that can increase power output to 400 bhp, however turbo lag will be an issue at low speeds, but once the turbo kicks in, you can expect supercar levels of performance. 

The increased power out from the cars is fine, but it would be unfair if only performance upgrades were offered on the cars without options to spec up the car for handling. 

Suspension Upgrades

Two suspension upgrades will be on offer, one has been developed by BBR. The suspension upgrade comes with performance springs designed to work with the car’s standard dampers. One can also opt for BBR’s adjustable dampers for a more comfortable ride along with lowered ride height. 

There is also a suspension upgrade that features Koni dampers that can be mated to either the car’s standard springs or with BBR’s performance spring set. The Koni adjustable dampers provide a comfortable ride and stiffens up the suspension during high speed manoeuvres. 

All in all the upgrades on offer by BBR for the Mazda MPS 3 and the Mazda MPS 6 have quite a lot of appeal as they are safe and come with all the right components to make it a balanced and complete performance upgrade.