Newbie here >>need some advice

[Ryo]

[color=#000000:post_uid0]im looking forward purchasing astina 323 hardtop soon, any advice? 1.8 or v6? modded or standard? price?

I had mazda 'bubble' 121 couple years back. I loved it. The last one year ive been noticing the nice looking 323 hardtop , so i went to mazda showroom (sydney) to have a look, but then ive learned they r not making 'em no more since 1998 model. Was 323 hardtop a limited edition 323 astina? as i dont see 'em too often.[/color:post_uid0]

[BigBoyLemonade]

[color=#006666:post_uid0]if you want to seriously modify the car get the 1.8 cause its doesnt come with things like alloy wheels...

If you dont want to modify it buy a v6 and just lower it a bit. It would real class with out breaking the bank or getting in trouble with the RTA.[/color:post_uid0]

[Rupewrecht]

[color=#000000:post_uid0]pretty much as Lantis said. it was the main reason i bought the 1.8 - because i knew it would be easier to get some really quick times (by going turbo).

but having said that, whack a decent exhaust and the usual cold air/filter mods on the V6, and you'd have quite a quick little car. not turbo quick, but you'll certainly cane anything under 2.0 litres quite easily.

the Hardtop wasn't a limited edition, it just wasn't as popular. i think the ratio of Astinas sold was about 70:30 in favour of the hatch. The Hardtop comes in Passion Rose, Noble Green, Oriental Red, Silver, Gunmetal Grey, Midnight Blue, and Polar White.

and DO NOT get one without air conditioning...they get a bit warm in the sun!

cheers
Dan[/color:post_uid0]

[MrShadow]

[color=#000000:post_uid0]Compared to the hatch (and 323 sedan), I think the hardtop can be classified as "Rare" (well, on the Central Coast at any rate). *As Lantis said, if you're going to mod it, the 1.8. *If you just want to lower it a bit, and not do much else, the V6 has more power.

Having said that, the 1.8 is a nippy little beast in the 3,500-6,000 RPM range (hehehehe). *If you get the auto 1.8, it's a little wierd compared to other autos I've driven, I'd recommend a manual (especially if modding).

Another good thing about the hardtop is that it gets 6x9's in the the rear parcel shelf, as opposed 5x7's in the doors.

If you want to see what you can do to a hardtop, talk to Rupewrecht. *He's got the same car as me (or did have). *But ow it handles as well as (if not better than) a my00 WRX. * Oh, yeah baby!!

I agree totally with Rupe about air-con, they get VERY hot in summer. Oh, and the frameless windows rock......[/color:post_uid0]

[Sandyman]

[color=#FF0000:post_uid0]ok, since ur looking for the hardtop, i gotta say this: they can look hell sweeter wiv this bodykit:
(click here) (http://www.carmate.com.au/)

if that doesn't take you to the page, look under bodykits/mazda/astina/94/(the 1st one on the left, yellow hardtop) at www.carmate.com.au[/color:post_uid0]

[CityEnd]

[quote:post_uid0="MrShadow"][color=#000000:post_uid0]I think the hardtop can be classified as "Rare" (well, on the Central Coast at any rate). *

Another good thing about the hardtop is that it gets 6x9's in the the rear parcel shelf, as opposed 5x7's in the doors.[/color:post_uid0][/quote:post_uid0]
[color=#000000:post_uid0]well personally I wouldn't go as far as to say the hardtop is 'rare', but more of a 'less common' car. but it is a 'special' car.

just look at the other 323 sedan models and u'll see why...
-pre 1994 323 sedan was so boxy,
-then the 94-98 323 hardtop which has nice curvy shape.
-98-current, u got urself the 323 protege, once again it's boxy... well boxier then the hardtop.....

I think the hardtop has a closer relationship with eunos' style then mazdas... take the 500 and 800 model.... they have simular charactor just different size..

and also think about this... what other car would have a "hardtop" model but doesn't have a "softtop" version??? =P

hm... i think i just convinced myself that the hardtop is a 'rare' car.. hahaha

anyway.. about the 6x9, not all hardtops have 6x9s in the rear parcel shelf, when i was looking for the hardtop, i found some of them had a bare rear shelf.. but i guess u could still install 6x9s in them as the holes would still be in the metal framing, u'd just have to modify the parcel shelf cover.[/color:post_uid0]

[.::Astina|Brad::.]

[color=#000000:post_uid14]Hey guys...

I've got the V6 Hardtop... love it soo much =)
My aircon sucks alot of my performance out.. not sure if that's normal. But yeah.. get one for sure!!! Bring the numbers up for us Hardtopians... only think i don't like is the lack of bodykits...

Rupe, why is a 1.8 ltr engine better to mod than a 2ltr???

Brad[/color:post_uid14]

[Sandyman]

[color=#FF0000:post_uid0]1.8 is supposedly better cuz u actually got room to fit in some stuff e.g. turbo. the v6 is very good thou. but u can't fit anything else under the bonnet (i don't think so anyway, u could try if u wanted)[/color:post_uid0]

[Rupewrecht]

[color=#000000:post_uid0][quote:post_uid0]Rupe, *why is a 1.8 ltr engine better to mod than a 2ltr??? *[/quote:post_uid0]

well, it's not that it's better, it's just that there are more performance orientated mods for the 1.8. for a start it came out from the factory as a turbo engine, whereas if you wanted to go turbo or supercharger with the V6 there's no factory boosted engine to use as a base.

but most people end up going custom in some form or other even with the 1.8T :)[/color:post_uid0]

[MrShadow]

[color=#000000:post_uid0]As for price (we probabley paid a bit too much for ours from the dealer), our 96 Hardtop (1.8, aircon) with about 80K (actually, I think it was less than that even) on it for $15,500. Had one owner, full service history, and had just been professionally detailed, new engine belts, new tyres, very little wear and tear (was almost like new inside!).

Already said, but I'll say it again, get Aircon. If it hasn't got aircon, don't bother. Only problem (as with all small engine cars), aircon takes a massive amount of power from the engine.

Alltogerther a great car. 1.8 auto is lacking in the 1,000 -3,500 rpm range, but 3,500 - 6,000 (red line 6,500 for the auto :angry: ) is great! Would beat the **** out of a same year 1.8 Hyundai Lantra.

:p[/color:post_uid0]

[BigMal]

[color=#000000:post_uid1]I like being different so if I had the time again would go
the V6, drop the 2.5L in and then get on of the turbo
kits in the US they have for the Probe's and bang 450hp
with heaps of torque, way more than you would get
from a 4.

Mal[/color:post_uid1]

[.::Astina|Brad::.]

[color=#728FCE:post_uid0]I like the Idea of dropping in the 2.5 litre engine.

[quote:post_uid0]1.8 auto is lacking in the 1,000 -3,500 rpm range, but 3,500 - 6,000 (red line 6,500 for the auto :angry: ) is great![/quote:post_uid0]

My V6 manual has the same thing... from 1000 to around 3000 rpm it lags, then above that it's like someones hit the back of the car and you just take off, i've suprised plenty of commodores doing that :D but yeah.. i was meaning to ask if that laging oin the low revs is normal, if so is there any mods that will sort that out (with out slaping a turbo in there)

Mine redlines @ 7000 rpm :D :D[/color:post_uid0]

[MrShadow]

[color=#000000:post_uid0][quote:post_uid0]i was meaning to ask if that laging oin the low revs is normal[/quote:post_uid0] *

Yeah, it's a pain in the arse. *Still, give the throttle a boot full, and it'll drop back a gear (or two :D ) and get up in the sweet spot.

Is yours a manual? *If so, that's why you've got the 7,000 limit. *Lucky bastard, it pulls really well up to about 6,300 (the highest I've ever gone), but I haven't been game to go any further, just in case, but I'd love to hear it at 7,000. *Actually, at the time I was pulling out of a street, and at 6,300 in first gear, the wheels were having problems gripping ( :D *:D ) and I was doing about 65-70 km/h (Long time ago, could be wrong). Sweet :D

Edit:- Sorry, I was wrong, was in 2nd by that stage, but I did get it up to around 6,300, sounded oh so sweet.[/color:post_uid0]

[Rupewrecht]

[color=#000000:post_uid0]the 2.5 has been done into a Eunos30X/MX-3, but it seems that the problenm you'll have fitting it into an astina is the inlet runners/intake manifolds are too high to fit under the bonnet! i'm sure there'd be a way around this tho..

actually thats a good point - what should the rev[b:post_uid0]limiter[/b:post_uid0] be set on for the BPT guys?

currently mine's set on 7200...should it be same as standard? (7100) or higher? or lower?[/color:post_uid0]

[BigMal]

[color=#000000:post_uid1]Think you are right on the money. Not to sure if the
microtech can do it but you can soft rev limit about
200 before the rev cut so you could soft cut at 7200
and hard cut at 7400. That way it would stumble at
7200 and then if you haven't given up by 7400 it will
make you.

Regards

Mal[/color:post_uid1]

[IZG-00D]

[color=#000000:post_uid0]RYO... CHECK OUT THE FOR SALE ASTINA...
problem is, its a hatch (looks better) :D[/color:post_uid0]

[MrShadow]

[color=#000000:post_uid0][quote:post_uid0](looks better)[/quote:post_uid0]

Aww, come on now, you [i:post_uid0]KNOW[/i:post_uid0] the hartop looks better, that's why you're selling the hatch, so you can buy a hardtop. :p[/color:post_uid0]

[Rupewrecht]

[color=#000000:post_uid0]nah i'm running the Wolf 3D version 4 computer, and yeah i can set it up that way. thanks Mal :D[/color:post_uid0]

[IZG-00D]

[quote:post_uid0="MrShadow"][color=#000000:post_uid0][quote:post_uid0](looks better)[/quote:post_uid0]

Aww, come on now, you [i:post_uid0]KNOW[/i:post_uid0] the hartop looks better, that's why you're selling the hatch, so you can buy a hardtop. :p[/color:post_uid0][/quote:post_uid0]
[color=#000000:post_uid0]sorry MrShadow, there was a typo on the previous message.
IT'S ACTUALLY "LOOKS WAY BETTER"
:D[/color:post_uid0]

[MrShadow]

[color=#000000:post_uid0]*Thinking* *Thinking*

Dammit, can't come up with a witty come back. :angry:

I'll think of one when I'm driving home, like I always do :p[/color:post_uid0]

[Rupewrecht]

[color=#000000:post_uid0]front of the Hatch is better, but the rear of the Hardtop is better...and that's all anyone sees as i accelerate away from them :p :laugh:[/color:post_uid0]

[IZG-00D]

[color=#000000:post_uid0][quote:post_uid0="MrShadow"]*Thinking* **Thinking*

Dammit, can't come up with a witty come back. * :angry:

I'll think of one when I'm driving home, like I always do :p[/quote:post_uid0]
I have one ready for your come back so when your finish thinking of one and post it up on this forum, ill reply with mine...

WAITING WAITING :D

Rupe... your car may be fast but overall, the hatch looks WAY better front, back, side, top, bottom, 45 degrees, 180 degrees any angle... :p :p[/color:post_uid0]

[Rupewrecht]

[color=#000000:post_uid0]no, the arse on the hatch looks like a fat elephant sitting down :p[/color:post_uid0]

[MrShadow]

[color=#000000:post_uid0]Don't forget the body shape, that sloping, low body. Ant you're right, the best looking part is the part everybody sees of yours, the rear end!![/color:post_uid0]

[IZG-00D]

[color=#000000:post_uid0]i like chicks with nice ass...
my baby (car) has a very sexy ass.

I guess you guys like chicks with NO ass (drag queen). :O :laugh:[/color:post_uid0]

[MrShadow]

[color=#000000:post_uid0]oohhh, that's harsh...... The back of the hardtop kinda reminds of bug eyes (or a cicarda). Still looks better than the hatch though...

Still thinking.....[/color:post_uid0]

[IZG-00D]

[color=#000000:post_uid0]COME ON hatch owners, help me out here...
OHH, BTW did you guys know that the 1994 SEXY HATCH model won best car of the year???
i like this. having so much fun. :D[/color:post_uid0]

[MrShadow]

[color=#000000:post_uid0]The hatch owners aren't going to help you out, cause they all know the hardtop is a lot better than the hatch...[/color:post_uid0]

[IZG-00D]

[color=#000000:post_uid0]BUMP[/color:post_uid0]

[Rupewrecht]

[color=#000000:post_uid0]yeah pete, you've been fed to the lions :p

and my babys got back, just not 'elephant ass' back :p[/color:post_uid0]

[MrShadow]

[color=#000000:post_uid0]Oh god, if my sister found out about this, I'd be in soooooo much ****. (She has a hatch with the popup lights, 84 I think)[/color:post_uid0]

[IZG-00D]

[color=#000000:post_uid0]like i said before, drag queen (loss points for the LOW BLOW) :D[/color:post_uid0]

[MrShadow]

[color=#000000:post_uid0]Ryo, this is quite normal. It happens all the time, just join in and throw some insults around.

IZG-00D, get your hand(s) off it mate, hardtops rule, they just plain look better. :p[/color:post_uid0]

[IZG-00D]

[color=#000000:post_uid0]BUMP...
waiting for your replies HATCH OWNERS
and mrshadows come back[/color:post_uid0]

[MrShadow]

[color=#000000:post_uid0]Well, either way you look at it, the 96 Astina was the pinnacle of fashionable design. After this, Ford bought a controlling interest, and Mazda went to having boring, boxy designs.

That's my comeback. Figure it out. :p[/color:post_uid0]

[Rupewrecht]

[color=#000000:post_uid0]aint nothin drag queen about this ass, bitch! :;):
[img:post_uid0]http://hrdwrbob.net/mca/uploads/rupewrecht/rupe_ast_bunn_big.jpg[/img:post_uid0][/color:post_uid0]

[MrShadow]

[color=#000000:post_uid0]You go girl, yeah! :;): :p

Go Rupee, go rupee, go ruppee, oh yeah![/color:post_uid0]

[Ryo]

[color=#000000:post_uid14]Last time when i went to the mazda dealer looking for hardtop these sales guys was offering so called very good deal on the new 323 protege, while saying the its blocky shape is IN, the same with the new 'blocky' celica, man .... i thought previous 323 model- regardless hardtop or hatch, was much better looking even better than mazda 6 id say.

while hatch has very good shape, there are so many of em, dunno guys, hardtop where my hearts sets in, there are so few of em, even at first i thought it was from top of the range mazda/uenos import, everytime i see one on the road, i tried to tailing them admiring her rear..... and eventually search on google and landing on this forum.

honestly ive never driven hardtop before. so aircon didnt come as standard? any other option as standard? central lock? power window? alarm/immobiliser with remote? air bag?

thanks for the reply guys :)[/color:post_uid14]

[Rupewrecht]

[color=#000000:post_uid0]as far as i know (for the 1.8), central locking and power windows are all standard. airconditioning was an option, but usually included with one of the 'Shades' value packs. air bag (dual or drivers) and ABS i think were optional, or standard depending on what year they were. alarms were never standard, nor immobilisers

V6 had Radio cassette - 5 speakers, Power steering, Airbag (driver), Power windows, Fog lights, Alloy wheels, Anti lock braking, Compact disc player, Power mirrors, Airbag (passenger), Central locking as standard

sunroofs were optional on both, as were the rear spoiler

96-97 models had better door pockets with lids, 97-97 ones had slots that aren't very deep

umm i'm sure i've probably missed something...[/color:post_uid0]

[Batmobile]

[color=#000000:post_uid0]Hiya guys, I'm a newbie here too... have been reading the enlightened discussions and just gotta add...

No contest... Hardtop gives me the hard-on ... hatch is a looker but the hardtop is just the bomb...

That might have something to do with the fact that I have a 96 1.8L Hardtop (noble green, what else?) And gotta say that I love it! Had it for 2 years now and still turns heads wherever we go. Bought it from a guy who put a custom body kit on it but no alloys, just standard yekky steel rims with hubcaps.

First thing to add then was 17 inch rims with Goodyear Eagle F1 rubber. Then added Pioneer deck (DEH-P930), CDT audio 6 1/2 inch splits up front with sound deadened doors, CDT audio 6 1/2 coax in rear door, Signat Rom 4 amp (90x4 RMS), and Kicker 10" sub in boot.

Engine has been untouched but that is probably next on the to do list.

I'll take some pictures of the "Batmobile" as my frens call it and post it to see what you guys think.

I never new this forum existed... thought I was all alone in my Astina worship till now... sniff ... its like finding long lost rellies... :D :D[/color:post_uid0]

[.::Astina|Brad::.]

[color=#728FCE:post_uid0]:O Rupe! that is one sexy ass!!! (your cars, not yours!) :O and wat i like about it the most!!! MY ASS IS AS SEXY! (my cars, hehe )[/color:post_uid0]

[Toyboy]

[color=#000000:post_uid14]Glad you found us dude, [b:post_uid14]WELCOME[/b:post_uid14] to our humble family :D Cant wait for the pics
Hope you enjoy your stay :)[/color:post_uid14]

[Ryo]

[color=#000000:post_uid0][quote:post_uid0="Sandyman"]ok, since ur looking for the hardtop, i gotta say this: they can look hell sweeter wiv this bodykit:
(click here) (http://www.carmate.com.au/)

if that doesn't take you to the page, look under bodykits/mazda/astina/94/(the 1st one on the left, yellow hardtop) at www.carmate.com.au[/quote:post_uid0]

nice work, is that yours?[/color:post_uid0]

[Toyboy]

[color=#000000:post_uid14]Yeah man,
The pic in my avtar,is my car :D Its my toy :p[/color:post_uid14]

[Sandyman]

[quote:post_uid0="Ryo"][color=#000000:post_uid0][quote:post_uid0="Sandyman"]ok, since ur looking for the hardtop, i gotta say this: they can look hell sweeter wiv this bodykit:
(click here) (http://www.carmate.com.au/)

if that doesn't take you to the page, look under bodykits/mazda/astina/94/(the 1st one on the left, yellow hardtop) at www.carmate.com.au[/quote:post_uid0]

nice work, is that yours?[/color:post_uid0][/quote:post_uid0]
[color=#FF0000:post_uid0]nah, i'm only 15 wiv a stock v6 hatch(my dad's).
made by vielside. I bloody love that kit.[/color:post_uid0]

[Toyboy]

[color=#000000:post_uid11]Sorry,thought you were talking to me RYO :( My bad :laugh:[/color:post_uid11]

[bRaDiNhO]

[color=#FF0000:post_uid0]Doesnt matter Theo.... i still lurve it. :;):[/color:post_uid0]

[Ryo]

[color=#000000:post_uid0][quote:post_uid0="IZG-00D"]RYO... CHECK OUT THE FOR SALE ASTINA...
problem is, its a hatch (looks better) :D[/quote:post_uid0]
man no wonder ezzy seems so familiar, couple cars i see has ezzy stickers on .......so ur workshop is in auburn, i have noticed ...... there is a green hardtop with rather large lion paint on the front booth, often park in front to the shops near auburn train station. while it looks weird, it attracted a few curious pedestrian.

sorry EZ, for the hatch ...... *i really want hardtop at the moment, i might seek ur advice on ur workshop when i finally get one.[/color:post_uid0]

[CEPAT]

[color=#FF0000:post_uid0]about the looks of hatch and sedan. I think the sedan is more like a stylish luxury car, And the hatch is more of a sports car thing. I like both cars, they both look nice.

I have a Hatch btw. :)[/color:post_uid0]

[BigMal]

[color=#000000:post_uid1]I agree, I like both cars but prefer the hatch and its styling.
Love that baby commodore look about it.

Mal[/color:post_uid1]

[CEPAT]

[color=#FF0000:post_uid0]never heard them being called a baby commo b4 ???

and never again :p :) :D :;):[/color:post_uid0]

[mrpayner]

[color=#000000:post_uid0]i like the hatchoo [sneeze]

BLESS YOU!!! :D :D

Hehehe, I also like both shapes. I also share the same view as CEPAT, that's why i bought a hatch! Sorry Peter, I only just saw this topic, i woulda coulda shoulda given us hatch owners some support here!

But if anything were to happen to my baby [touch wood], I'd be hard pressed to decide a replacement. Hatch or hardtop...... hmmmmm.

Adam[/color:post_uid0]

[Sandyman]

[color=#FF0000:post_uid0]oy mal,
where did u come up wiv the "baby commodore" thing? i honestly can't see the resemblance.[/color:post_uid0]

[BigMal]

[color=#000000:post_uid1]Cmon cant you see all the styling that holden lifted off the
Astina to make the VT. The contour of the front guards,
the rear tailights and even similar type headlights albeit
larger ones. Thats why I am going to put a VT SS rear
wing on my car cause it will look similar but different.

I think so anyway

Mal[/color:post_uid1]

[Rupewrecht]

[color=#000000:post_uid0]i agree with Mal, but i've always thought the hardtop looks like a smaller (and more stylish of course) VT commodore.

if you look at the profile, it's a very similar shape. okay the lights are in a different postion but otherwise it's similar

not that that's a good thing :p[/color:post_uid0]

[Sandyman]

[color=#FF0000:post_uid0]i kinda see your point here. i'd take the astina over the commodore any day, as long as the commodore wasn't a v8 or supercharged or none.[/color:post_uid0]

[BigBoyLemonade]

[color=#006666:post_uid0]Nah not baby commodore...

its more like a baby supra... with its big guards[/color:post_uid0]

[CEPAT]

[color=#FF0000:post_uid0]nice avatar lantis. :D got a bigger pic of it? ??? :)[/color:post_uid0]

[BigBoyLemonade]

[color=#006666:post_uid0][img:post_uid0]http://www.syndicatemotorsports.org/images/tony/photo.jpg[/img:post_uid0]

thats the biggest.. it was on a friends digital camera.. it was only 640x480

More pics will come when the car is fixed up a bit better[/color:post_uid0]

[astina]

[color=#32CD32:post_uid0]mmm very nice[/color:post_uid0]

[CEPAT]

[color=#FF0000:post_uid0]mmm nice. :D

Would they be gauges on the dash? ??? looks nice. :D[/color:post_uid0]

[CityEnd]

[color=#000000:post_uid0]yeah u can see pics of lantis' dash in a different thread, under interior -> my dash. it was started in july 30 i think... but I've added a link of it below.

lantis' dash (http://www.astinagt.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1)

cheers[/color:post_uid0]