Mazdaspeed 3 Front Lip Styles, Install Guide, and Maintenance Tips

Introduction to Mazdaspeed 3 Front Lips

A front lip is an affordable and easy way to enhance the look of your Mazdaspeed 3. Front lips attach to the bottom edge of the front bumper and add aggressive styling and improved aerodynamics. For Mazdaspeed 3 owners looking to modify their car on a budget, adding a front lip should be one of the first mods on the list.

Benefits of Adding a Front Lip

There are several advantages to installing a front lip onto your Mazdaspeed 3:

• Improves aerodynamics - Front lips reduce drag and lift by smoothing airflow under the car.
• Enhances appearance - Lips look much more aggressive than a stock bumper and complete the sporty look.
• Protects bumper - A lip takes the brunt of minor scuffs and scrapes instead of the bumper.
• Affordable upgrade - Lips can be purchased for a couple hundred dollars compared to a full body kit costing thousands.

Popular Mazdaspeed 3 Front Lip Styles

There are a few common front lip variations for the Mazdaspeed 3:

• Polyurethane lips - Made from flexible polyurethane plastic, these lips screw or stick directly onto the bumper. They come color matched to the car and are the most affordable option.
• ABS plastic lips - Slightly more rigid than polyurethane, ABS plastic lips have to be drilled and mounted to the underside of the bumper.
• Carbon fiber lips - Real carbon fiber lips add style points with their exotic look. They are the most expensive choice but very lightweight.

Top Brands for Mazdaspeed 3 Lips

Some reputable manufacturers making front lips for the Mazdaspeed 3 include:

• Duraflex - Popular for its budget-friendly polyurethane lips with aggressive styling.
• Velocite - Makes lightweight ABS plastic lips that are very affordable.
• Iconic Auto - Specializes in hand-laid carbon fiber lips with OEM-quality fitment.
• AIT Racing - Leading brand for Mazdaspeed and Mazda 3 aftermarket parts.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Lip

Here are some things to think about when shopping for a Mazdaspeed 3 front lip:

• Material - Polyurethane, ABS, or carbon fiber. Consider durability, cost, and appearance.
• Fitment - Ensure the lip is designed specifically for your bumper and model year.
• Installation method - Some stick on or use screws, while others need to be mounted from behind the bumper.
• Splitter rods - Adding rods connects the lip to the chassis for stability at higher speeds.
• Painting - Unpainted lips can be color matched by a body shop if desired.

Installing a Front Lip on a Mazdaspeed 3

Putting a front lip onto your Mazdaspeed 3 is a relatively straightforward bolt-on project if you have some DIY skills and garage tools. Here is an overview of the installation process:

Steps for Installing a Front Lip

1. Remove the factory bumper - Take off all the fasteners and pop clips to remove the bumper cover. Watch for hidden bolts and screws.
2. Modify bumper - Some minor trimming or sanding may be required to ensure a flush fit.
3. Install lip - Line it up and hand tighten the provided screws or 3M automotive tape. Ensure the lip is centered and straight.
4. Mount splitter rods (optional) - Drill holes to install rods from the lip to chassis for added stability.
5. Reinstall bumper - Carefully put the bumper cover back on the car and attach all hardware and clips.
6. Stand back and admire! - Your new front lip completely transforms the look of your Mazdaspeed.

Tips for Getting a Perfect Fit

To achieve a flawless installation with no unsightly gaps, keep these tips in mind:

• Wrap problem areas with painters tape for a tighter fit.
• Use a plastic pry tool to prevent scratching during removal and re-installation.
• Apply painter's caulk to fill any small gaps around the lip.
• Use a heat gun to warm and manipulate the lip during fitting.
• Sand down high spots on the bumper cover that interfere with alignment.

Caring for Your New Front Lip

A front lip is vulnerable when driving and parking so it requires some basic maintenance and care. Here are some tips for keeping your Mazdaspeed 3's new lip looking good:

Cleaning

• Hand wash only using a microfiber cloth and mild soap. Avoid automated car washes.
• For carbon fiber lips, use a dedicated carbon fiber cleaner to avoid dulling and water spots.
• Inspect for chips and scratches after washing and touch up as needed.

Protection

• Wax or seal the lip every few months to protect the finish.
• Apply touch up paint on any rock chips to prevent corrosion.
• Cover the lip with painter's tape or clear bra if driving on gravel or debris filled roads.

Parking

• Avoid pulling into steep driveways or parking lots to reduce scraping.
• Park further away from curbs and barriers to give the lip plenty of clearance.
• Fold a microfiber towel and place under the lip when parking to prevent scratches.

Inspection

• Periodically check all hardware is tight and no cracks are forming.
• Look for signs of stress like warping or deformities.
• Ensure splitter rods are securely connected.

With proper care and maintenance, a Mazdaspeed 3 front lip can look amazing for years to come while taking your car's style to the next level.

FAQs

Do I need any special tools to install a front lip?

You'll need typical hand tools like screwdrivers, socket wrenches, and plastic pry tools. A heat gun can also help with fitting the lip to the contours of the bumper. No specialty tools are required for most installations.

What's the difference between polyurethane and carbon fiber lips?

Polyurethane is flexible, affordable plastic that is easy to install. Carbon fiber is real composite that's lightweight and looks high-end but costs more. Polyurethane lips are the most common choice.

Will a front lip fit my car if it's not exactly the same model year?

Lips are generally designed to fit several model years as long as the bumper design remained the same. Just check with the manufacturer to ensure compatibility across different year ranges.

Do I need to remove my bumper to install a front lip?

Yes, you'll need to remove the factory front bumper cover to install the lip directly onto the bumper. This allows for a secure mounting and seamless fit.

Should I have my front lip painted to match my car?

It's not necessary, but some people prefer the look of a color matched lip. Unpainted lips can give a two-tone contrasting appearance. It's mostly personal preference.