During take off, with TCS turned Off, IT seems as thoguh there is a loss of power (feels electronically limited) when going from 2.5krpm-3.5k... The initial boost is great, then when it gets to 2.5 it seems to be limited by something. Once it hit 3.5 it jumps and i feel that big boost of power again. The tires are getting full tranction also even with the TCS is off... I hope this isnt how its supposed to be... my friends mazda 3 hatch back beats it off the line. The only mods to the car is a 5/16 plenum spacer. Still using stock airbox until my JWT arrives.

Is this normal for Zs or is there an issue with mine? Oh, its a 5AT 2005 Touring by the way.

 

i cant see a mazda three beating a 350Z off the line unless u cant drive or your car isnt working right.... even then idk lol

 

Well I'm not a bad driver... not that bad anyway. Does anyone know if there is anything in the ECU that might be limiting my power in the early stages of 1st even if TCS is off?

If i hold the break down and rev it up to about 4 it launches pretty well but i dont like doing that for durability reasons.

 

A 5AT won't let you rev to 4k with the brake down to launch. I have an 06 5AT Touring and it won't even get close to 4K. There are numerous posts about this, but basically the torque converter won't let you do that.

The AT is a bit hard to launch and to race well. If your friend has a manual, his launch will probably be much better. Try racing him from a roll around 40.

Also, the Mazda 3 is much faster than you give it credit for. A regular Mazda 3 is only 138 HP (crank), but the hatchback is the MazdaSpeed 3:

Curb Weight: 3153 lbs.
Horsepower: 263 hp
Max Horsepower: 5500 rpm
Torque: 280 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 3000 rpm
Drive Type: FWD

 

the hatchback mazda 3s are spunky but their lack of tractions gets them beat down just like the 4 cyclinder. There is no reason you should have lost to one except for driver error. If you had a problem with your car other than your own abilities you would know it. Keep practicing.

 

I can get it up to 4k with foot on the break just fine, the issue is when I dont do that it seems to losse power from between 2-3.5. (thats when not using the break to launch at all, just regular gas).

 

Just to clarify, not all hatchbacks are the Speed 3. Just the ones with the 18' wheels, and more aggressive front bumper. I think the normal ones are 140, with the GT(?) being 162ish?