2010 Mazdaspeed3: A Gearhead's Mazda Mastery

Explore the life of Justin Richardson, a true gearhead who turned his passion for cars into a career, building a stunning Mazda Speed3 that turns heads wherever it goes, while maintaining his love for automotive customization.

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2010 Mazdaspeed3

Justin Richardson

2010 Mazdaspeed3

Instagram: @Kleen_visionz

Photographer: KleenVisionz LLC

Instagram: @Kleen_visionz

Performance Stats: 380whp/385wrq on e30 tune

A Gearhead from the Start

My name is Justin Richardson, most just call me J. I am a gearhead through and through to the core. I went to a trade school right out of high school to learn automotive service repair. I had already been exposed to cars from my stepfather, who had a '73 Datsun 240Z, which I thought was the coolest.

The Early Years

During school, I had gotten my first automotive job at a Pep Boys service centre. As most people do, I started as a lube tech, focusing on oil changes, tyres, and small maintenance. From there, I went to a custom audio shop for a while to learn the proper ways to install serious sound systems. I then went to a local tire shop franchise, and this is where I really started learning more and more. I got focused on doing plus-size wheels, suspension, and alignments. And this is where the custom bug really bit me hard, lol, and I started my first project.

2010 Mazdaspeed3

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A Passion for Mazda

A few years passed, and I got the opportunity to join a dealership as a lead technician at a Mazda dealer. From there, I joined a local Mazda car club and then split off and started my own club that reached 300+ members within two years.

The Automotive Addiction

I fell in love with cars very young. The first car poster I ever had in my room was a black Trans AM WS-6, which is still one of my favourite American cars. I was always begging my parents for a new model to build or a slot car track. I remember spending hours upon hours painting and building model cars. And if I wasn't doing that, then I was taking up the entire living room setting up epic race tracks.

The Speed3 Build

I was introduced to the Mazda Speed3 when I started working at a Mazda dealership. I had never heard of them before, as I was mainly into lowriders at the time. But once I got behind the wheel of a customer's Speed3, I was hooked like an addict. I had never been in a boosted car before that, and let me tell you...it's freaking awesome!

2010 Mazdaspeed3

A Show Car with Go

So, after researching and learning more about the platform, I waited and waited until one day they lowered the price of a Speed3 that had been on the lot for nearly two years. It still only had 100 miles on it. This car launched me into really modding and the whole car community. Fast forward a handful of years, and here we are on my third Speed3 build, and this one, I wanted to go a different route – a show car with a little bit of go.

The Unique Factor

I would say that my car is unique for a few reasons. First, it was only made from 2007-2013, and my body style is from 2010-2013. Second, the colour combo I have with the bright blue paint and candy red wheels. It's also on air ride, so the stance is mint. Every time I get behind the wheel, I get a smile on my face no matter what kind of day I'm having. I get looks, waves, thumbs up, pictures/videos ALL the time. It's the only one around like it, and that's what I love so much about it. I've been told by many, many people that it's the cleanest Mazda in the state!

2010 Mazdaspeed3

Build List:

Interiror

Corksport flat-bottom steering wheel
Corksport short shifter
JBR weighted shift knob
Corksport led lighting
Pioneer touch head unit
Kenwood door speakers
Skar Audio SDR 12" subwoofers-2
Skar Audio 1500w amp
Custom built sub-box
Hardwood hatch floor
Microsuede headliner and pillar trims
Custom-wrapped interior panels

Exterior

Airtekk stage 2+ air suspension
18x9.5 +10 Cosmis xt206r candy red
Aodhan gold spiked lug nuts
Painted calipers and hardware
Bayson R front grille
Bayson R full lip kit
Corksport CF hood scoop paint matched
Corksport aluminium engine skid plate
JBR rear sway bar w/adjustable links
Custom dual halo headlights

2010 Mazdaspeed3 engine bay

Engine

Cobb accessport v3
PD Tune with 93oct and e30 blend
BNR s3 turbo
CNT high flow catted downpipe
Corksport 3" catback exhaust muffler delete
Corksport exhaust hangers
Ramfab 3.5" short ram intake/Corksport filter
GoFastBits response BOV
Corksport 3.5 bar map sensor
Corksport 3 port boost control solenoid
Autotech high-pressure fuel pump
Corksport oil catch can
Treadstone TR8 front mount intercooler
Treadstone intercooler piping
Damon Motorsports Solid motor mount trilogy
Corksport engine/firewall covers-painted
Corksport battery box

Future Plans

The engine has been in its current state for about five years now, and I'd really like to start building a block to get to that 500whp mark. So, to get there, I'd need forged rods/pistons, an intake manifold, an exhaust manifold, and a bigger turbo. I may also do a custom wrap on top of the car, but I'm still working on a design.

Shout Outs

First off, I wouldn't have this car or have been able to do the things I have if it weren't for my best friend, the mother of our two daughters. She's my ride-or-die, and her support and help mean the world. Her IG is @msvelvetrevolver. . I'd like to give a huge shoutout to Corksport for their continued support for the platform, as they are strictly a Mazda performance company. I've met many people along the way who have become good friends, and I owe thanks to them. Also, to everyone who shows me love for the build – if it weren't for all the smiles, I don't think it would have reached this point.

Dream Car

My dream car is a Porsche 911 GT3RS.

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