Reviews

I have a gen2 speed3… I initially upgraded the fuel pump and intake (JBR powerpath CAI), got a Cobb AccessPort and tried tuning myself… it’s a freaking learning curve and the forums, once you get past the “mine is bigger than yours” stuff that’s quite funny at times, are very informative… I learned a lot and my custom tune seemed OK but it wasn’t perfect and I was sick of spending my time reading and adjusting and getting nowhere fast… I got a couple more upgrades and late last year finally decided to let the pros do it and got the Stratified Flash tune… powerwise, it seemed very similar to my tune, but when I looked at the logs more closely, I had no doubt it was safer for the engine… now I wanted more power (which was always the intent even before purchasing the car)… within 3 months, I contacted Alex at Stratified to upgrade my car and he helped me choose the parts that would best get me to my power goals (GTX2867, Cobb DP, JBR 3.5 intake, ETS top mount, Synapse BPV, and other stuff)… I saw Jesus the weekend I did the parts install…

I got 2 tunes (93 octane and e25)… I loaded the first map for the 93 tune just after the install, went for a drive, and was very underwhelmed… don’t worry, this is by design because Alex can’t start being more aggressive with the tune until you send him the first logs, so be patient (and make sure you have no boost leaks)… 6 revisions later, the car feels awesome and pulls hard (@20-21psi)… we started the e25 tune cause I got a station less than 4 miles away… same thing, the initial map is pretty conservative and you won’t feel much difference… 4 revisions later…. holy crap!!!!!!!!!!!!!... at @24psi, those 3-4 extra psi sure make a difference!...

The car is basically like jekyll and hyde now… if not for the hood scoop, it would be a sleeper... a little louder than stock but not at all obnoxious or over-the-top and just as "comfortable" at stock… the GTX2867 spools a little later than the K04, but IMO this actually makes the car more drivable on the street (and pulls basically all the way to redline when going WOT)…

Alex was very helpful and answered all my questions and any concerns I had… I can’t recommend Stratified Tuning enough for the results they’ve produced and, since I’ve entered the rabbit hole, if I decide to go bigger (a good possibility), they’ll be the ones tuning the car and who I’ll ask regarding parts I need… if $$$ is not an issue and you’re still on the fence, what the hell are you waiting for?... you won’t regret it… and you too have a good chance of seeing Jesus just like me ;-)

After trying out Lex's flash tune (S-OTS+) I figured it was time to try out what my car could do with a full custom tune, so I decided to take the plunge.

Lex's professionalism really shines through with good communication and a good insight into what a vehicle is doing. After having some spanner monkeys somehow stuff up a fresh spark plug install, causing my car to miss and knock, it was relieving having Lex's calm instructive advice on hand to get me through whatever bumps in the road came along.

What also stands out is how the throttle feel is dialed in. With a throttle response this smooth, it's a wonder Mazda doesn't put out a call out to Lex to see what magic he is applying to the throttle tables in his maps. It really makes the car more usable not just in spirited driving but also in day to day traffic, crawling in car parks and all other conditions.

It has been said a million times by everyone who gets one, but the custom tune is really the best bang for buck modification to your vehicle. It doesn't just improve performance, it's improves the way the car drives overall

Cheers Lex!

I have to say the tuning they do is the BEST in the business! You can trust and get the support you need with your custom tune.

The stratified auto guys are top notch. My tuner Mike was the greatest. He was quick to respond and very patient when I wasn't. If you drive a MazdaSpeed it's definitely worth the price of the tune

Best $250 I've ever spent on the car. Not only did the end result meet my goals and expectations of the tune, but Mike, my tuner, was right on the dime with responding to my logs and comments extremely fast. I never had to wait on him. Moreover, he was patient and provided many options while I was having trouble sourcing quality gas in my area. Cheap, fun, safe, and FAST. What else could you ask for.

All I can say is Mike Neary is the man! Mike made tuning easy. Every map I received I could feel the increase in power. If you want a ridiculous increase in power purchase a custom tune you wont be disappointed.