PRESS RELEASE
BBR unveils three phases of Mazda MPS 2.3 turbo DSI Upgrades – to over 350 bhp!
Brackley, Northamptonshire, 2nd November 2011
Following on from the successful release of its MX-5 Anniversary turbocharger conversions, renowned Mazda tuner BBR has developed an exciting range of engine and suspension upgrade packages for the Mazda’s performance flagship MK1/Mk2 (gen 1 and gen 2) 3 and 6 MPS models.
The BBR performance packages transform the characteristics of the 2.3 DSI turbo engine, turning the Mk2 Mazda 3 MPS into a Focus RS beater and the Mazda 6 MPS into a true performance saloon car, with handling enhancements to match.
BBR offers a choice of three engine tuning upgrades for the 256 bhp Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 MPS, with a choice of power outputs at 290, 320 and a sensational 350 + bhp,
Phase One – BBR Mk2 Mazda 3 / Mazda 6 MPS ‘290’
The entry level BBR upgrade transforms the performance and driveability of the Mazda 3’s 2.3 DSI turbo engine via an ECU remap. BBR’s StarChip software affords an extremely linear throttle pedal / turbo boost map, resulting in a considerably smoother driving experience than offered by the factory ECU settings. With a huge improvement in throttle response, the mid range torque and peak horsepower are substantially enhanced, with no visibly obvious mechanical changes. Impressively, careful analysis by BBR of the DSI turbo engine’s air / fuel ratio has enabled significant reductions in the Mazda MPS’s fuel consumption while cruising.
The Mazda 3 MPS’s BBR Starchip can also be tailored to suit client’s driving requirements. For example, torque limits in lower gears can be reduced or removed and with the soon to be released DIY BBR Starchip package clients will have access to user programmable valet mode, high economy and track day maps.
Dyno testing by BBR has proven that the Phase One ‘290’ conversion produces a sensational 290 bhp at just 5200 rpm, boosting the Mazda 2.3 DSI’s engine power by a massive 34 bhp, with gains throughout the rev range from 3000 rpm right to the 6600 rpm limiter.
Similarly, the Mazda’s torque output is transformed, with over 300 lb.ft of torque available from just 2850 rpm through to 5100 rpm, with a peak output of 330 lb.ft (compared with 280 lb.ft as standard.) The BBR converted Mazda’s 3 MPS’s torque characteristics consequently deliver sensational in-gear and overtaking performance, enabling the car to trouble much more expensive machinery, both on the road and the track.
BBR Mk2 Mazda 3 / 6 MPS Phase One ‘290’ Conversion includes:
Custom Mapped BBR Star Chip – With careful calibration of the standard Mazda ECU, fuel, ignition, torque, airflow and boost requirements are carefully re-mapped for all conditions, making this conversion a worthy level one addition to our range. BBR is confident that this ECU remap represents the finest blend of drivable performance for track and road.
BBR MPS Phase One Power 290 bhp @ 5200RPM
BBR MPS Phase One Torque 330 ft/lbs @ 4150RPM
Priced at just £549.00, customers should allow two hours for installation. A DIY BBR Starchip kit with user programmable maps will be released in December.
Phase Two – Mk2 BBR Mazda 3 / Mazda 6 MPS 320
For enthusiasts seeking more performance, BBR’s Phase Two package provides a sensational upgrade for Mazda 3 / Mazda 6 MPS owners at an affordable price.
To extract the Phase 2’s extra performance BBR undertook an intensive development program on the Mazda 3 MPS’s 2.3-DSI engine to highlight any inherent performance restrictions and compromises. During testing and development BBR discovered that the stock Mazda fuel pump reached the limits of its flow at approximately 300 bhp so this is modified with high flow internals to increase fuel flow without any drop in pressure.
The MPS’s standard, airflow restrictive turbo inlet hoses are replaced with high flow, cast aluminium/silicon versions specifically designed to withstand higher boost levels without deformation. To optimise inlet flow and provide superior filtration BBR replaces the stock paper airbox element with a high flow performance filter.
To improve exhaust breathing the restrictive standard Mazda MPS turbo downpipe, pre-catalyst and main catalytic converter are replaced with a BBR 3 inch stainless steel downpipe incorporating a sports catalyst (thus retaining emissions legality). For customers seeking a sportier exhaust note a BBR stainless steel cat back exhaust system is available as an option to complement the Phase 2 upgrade.
In conjunction with the BBR Phase 2’s mechanical modifications a custom mapped BBR Star Chip is installed to extract the maximum safe power from the original Mazda MPS turbo charger.
The end results are, even by BBR’s high standards, quite exceptional, with a dyno proven peak power output of 318 bhp (320 PS) being recorded and over 300 bhp available between 4300 and 6200 rpm.
BBR’s work on improving the driveability of the Mk2 Mazda 3 MPS is also highlighted in the Phase 2 upgraded car’s sensational torque output, which reaches a supercar troubling peak of 370 lb.ft at just 3800 rpm. Over 340 lb.ft is available from the Phase 2 converted Mk2 Mazda 3 MPS between 3100 – 4900 rpm, highlighting the flexibility of the BBR upgrade.
In addition to BBR’s Phase One upgrade, BBR’s Phase Two Conversion includes:
A BBR spec High flow fuel pump – the standard Mazda 2.3 DSI high pressure fuel pump is removed, disassembled and cleaned, the standard unit is reassembled with the addition of BBR’s high flow internals and unit reinstalled – retaining the standard visual appearance but with much higher performance.
A BBR High Flow inlet hose set – a complete set of high flow replacement hoses are included, removing Mazda’s inherent flow restrictions and allowing greater flow to the turbocharger.
A BBR high flow exhaust downpipe with sports cat – a complete downpipe section including sports catalyst, produced from highest quality aircraft grade stainless steel ensuring a perfect fit and consistent high flow.
A high flow filter – BBR specifies a ‘drop in’ performance air filter, which improves inlet airflow, increases throttle response and comes with a million mile warranty.
BBR MPS Phase Two Power 318 bhp @ 6580 RPM
BBR MPS Phase Two Torque 370 ft/lbs @ 3900-4300 RPM
Priced at £1645.00, with a fitting charge of £395.00, customers should allow six to eight hours for installation. A 3 inch diameter cat back stainless steel exhaust system is available for a further £495. A DIY kit conversion will be available in December.
BBR MPS Phase Three Mk2 BBR Mazda 3 / Mazda 6 MPS 350 bhp
Aimed specifically for Mazda MPS fans seeking 350 BHP plus, BBR offers two turbocharger upgrade options in addition to its Phase 2 conversion. As part of these more radical enhancements the standard Mazda top mount intercooler is replaced with a BBR designed front mount intercooler that greatly improves cooling efficiency and air flow whilst removing the inherent heat soak of a top mount intercooler.
BBR Turbo option one – The standard turbo charger is removed and replaced with BBR fully overhauled unit, replacing all bearings and seals, high flow compressor wheel, CNC re-profiled compressor cover, Billet motorsport 360 thrust bearing and thrust washers, solid billet cutback turbine wheel, Core balanced to motorsport spec. Standard turbo spool characteristics are maintained a good option for power outputs of up to 350 bhp.
Turbo option two – Specifically for those looking for 350 bhp plus, the standard turbo charger is removed and replaced with Garret hybrid GT28 turbo charger. With this unit turbo spool at lower engine speeds is slightly sacrificed for a much stronger top end performance. 400 bhp is possible with this turbo charger and supporting engine modifications.
£POA – conversion individually tailored to client’s requirements.
BBR Mk2 Mazda 3 MPS Performance Spring set
In order to compliment BBR’s range of engine upgrades for the Mk2 3 MPS, BBR has developed its own suspension upgrades designed to improve the Mazda’s chassis dynamics both on road and track. Careful development and testing by BBR has resulted in a set of performance springs which are designed to work with the car’s existing standard dampers, or BBR’s adjustable dampers for a more comfortable ride, whilst gently lowering the Mazda MPS ride height.
DIY Price £195.00, fitting charge £395.00, including a full geometry setup.
BBR Mk2 Mazda 3 MPS Specification Koni adjustable dampers
BBR has found that many of its Mazda MPS clients have reported the rough and bumpy ride on the Mazda MPS is far from enjoyable on longer journeys and compromises handling in many fast road situations.
BBR’s solution is to install a set of adjustable BBR spec Koni dampers that are compatible with either the standard MPS springs or BBR’s own performance spring set.
DIY Price £795.00, fitting charge £300.00, including full geometry setup.
Prices exclude VAT.
CONTACT: BBR GTi Tel: + 44 (0) 1280 700700 www.bbrgti.com
Notes to editors:-
A BBR Phase 2 ‘320’ upgraded 318 bhp Mk2 Mazda 3 MPS is available for journalist test drives. Please contact Neil Mckay at BBR-GTI on 01280 700700.
BBR has over 25 years experience tuning forced induction engines for road and track use. Early successes with Mitsubishi Colt turbo and the legendary Cosworth RS500 in the 1980’s saw BBR racing in the British touring car championship with numerous victories.
Arguably best known for its 500HP + RS Cosworth builds in the late 80’s and 90’s, BBR also developed and produced the world’s best selling MX5 turbo conversion developed for Mazda UK. In recent years BBR has concentrated on road based conversions, with a 365HP Lotus Elise, a 312HP BMW Cooper S and a 1000HP Aston Martin, along with a hugely successful recent release of anniversary turbo conversions for Mazda MX5 MK1 and 2 models and supercharged conversion for MK3-3.5 models, to mention just a few of our stunning upgrades. BBR’s new upgrade portfolio to the Mazda MPS models is a natural progression of this process.
PRESS RELEASE ENDS
