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93BlkOnGreenPro's 2014 M6GT Build Thread: Maxie G

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#1 · (Edited)
I picked up this 2014 GT yesterday morning with 53.5k miles for $13.9k. I needed a new daily as my 25 yr old, 299k mile, 1993 Mazda Protege, DOHC swapped and lowered daily, finally struck a nerve after 12 years of ownership.

The GT, from my conclusion, has every option for the 2014 model. No need to go into details since I'm sure yall know what those are.

My immediate plans are simple; legal window tint, pioneer android auto hu (2300nex or 2330nex, no android based hu's) and maybe swap in my Kicker L7 10 and 5 channel amp, but only run the sub channel, for now.

Well, enough chatter and on to pictures!

Color code; 42a, Meteor Gray Mica

Thread Contributions:
Cheap GJ Illumination Signature Type Grill;
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?ur...share_tid=436330&share_fid=90767&share_type=t

JDM OEM Overhead Ambient Light Install:
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?ur...share_tid=435577&share_fid=90767&share_type=t




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#4 ·
Get these bumper plugs...

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Man, they are proud of those bumper plugs!

BG owners ( 90-94 Protege, 91-96 Escort, 99-02 ZX2) are poor, lol.

I'll have to think about those. I may paint the bolts black temporarily, or try to find some can rattle code paint.

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#5 ·
I'm sure it was quite the upgrade going from a 1993 Protege to a 2014 6! :grin2:

I came from a 1996 Integra LS with 396k miles to my 2014 6 Touring model so I get it, lol.

Anyway, I chucked the non-bluetooth-reliable infotainment system on my 6 to a Pioneer AVH-2330NEX. I wanted a more reliable connection to my phone, AA compatibility and a discrete subwoofer output. While I did lose the command knob I did gain a distinctively more adjustable audio environment even with my non-Bose speakers, an easy connection to my Kicker 11HS8 powered subwoofer and a more intuitive user interface (that is totally subjective though - ask my wife).

I also went with the more expensive iDatalink Maestro RR steering wheel controller (SWC) interface module. The pros are it allows me dual functions for the audio buttons on the steering wheel (long press/short press) and gives me access to the car's OBD sensors so I can monitor in real time things like: actual coolant temp in degrees, 1/4 mile times, 0-60 times, IAT, MAP, MAF pressure, exhaust gas temps, 60-0 braking times and the list goes on. They're pretty cool, but unfortunately (and for whatever reason) there is still a ton of things this SWC cannot access like tire pressure, oil pressure, oil temps, etc. Maybe Mazda didn't put the sensors in or the iDatalink can't read them - who knows! If you don't want all the bells and whistles there are other less expensive options for SWCs that'll give you the basic controls you would already be used to. Also,(and FWIW) while the Pioneer AVH-2330NEX is compatible with the Maestro RR, it would appear comparable Kenwood headunits have a more aesthetically pleasing display for these gauges. Again, this is totally subjective.

If you are going to replace the headunit, be prepared to spend at least $100-$150 depending on the SWC for the extra hardware you'll need in addition to the headunit. Shoot me a PM if you want the details on my install.

 
#7 ·
I going with the iDatalink Pioneer combo. I have the 4200nex and iDatalink in my 07 Yukon and I love it. I don't need the dual zone, av in and extras that I require in my Yukon since I dnt plan on adding rear monitors, front camera, TV tuner, etc etc. I read a thread (may have been yours) and it had the links to Amazon for all the extras needed, like atanenna adapter, 6v step down for the rear camera, etc etc. I have a entire list on my Amazon dedicated to Maxie. I had planned on buying a touring, so a bunch of stuff got deleted from that list since it came on the GT.

If I need any assistance, I will send you a msg!
Looks SO much better without the front plate - curse you, MA and your plate laws.





Or you could do what I did and get $0.75 ones at your local auto store and an $8 bottle of touch-up paint from your stealership :)
NC, luckily, does not care about having a front plate, so off it goes! They are so big and clunky. The CS plate relocation kit looks nice though.

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#8 ·
1st fix today. I thought I was going to have to replace the arm rest. Luckily, it was only the hinge pins.

And it looks like I will need a new PS inner taillight. Sigh.


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#9 ·
Had a few minutes while the burgers all grilling.

Debadged the rear.

And I realized, on the front, I have a whole mazda decal, not the normal plastic chrome clip on piece.

Soooooo, I'm not sure what's going to happen up front. But the rear will be CM'd.


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#14 ·
Either way, that means I can vinyl wrap it black like I thought I was, lol.

Oh well.

Today I ordered all the radio conversion items, minus the a radio itself, and my previously loved weather tech mats should be here today.

I will work on the harness and find exactly where the idatalink maestro rr runs too. It's not but 6 or so wires. I also have the RCA to speaker wire connection coming for low level RCA output to send to the Bose amp for a better listening experience.

For Bose, is the amp triggered independently of the radio harness? On my dad's 01 GMC Yukon, we had to run the 12v remote wire off the radio to the trigger of the Bose amp for it to turn on. I couldn't find a definitive answer to that question.

Thanks guys!

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#16 ·
Windows tinted. NC Legal (45% over factory brings it to about 35%) and 70% on the windshield.

Also got my ps inner tail light and my radio install stuff arrived. Now to choose a radio. I want a Pioneer 4200NEX, but I may just go with the 2300NEX for the price difference.


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#17 ·
Just found out that Morimoto makes a LED Fog light direct drop in for the 3rd gen. I have them on my 07 Yukon, as well as retrofitted Mini D2S 4.0 retrofit, and they make a huge difference.

So I guess I'll be making an order for those and some 5500k d4s bulbs to match. Lawd! [emoji20][emoji22][emoji26][emoji24][emoji24][emoji24][emoji24]

https://www.theretrofitsource.com/morimoto-xb-led-fog-lights-type-mazda.html


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#18 ·
All of my radio install stuff has arrived!

I am also going to install my 5 channel amp and kicker L710 sub as well, but I am only going to run the sub channel at this time.

When/if the Bose starts to clunk out, I will then wire the remaining 4 channels in and swap out speakers for better units.


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#20 ·
Thank you. Hopefully wiring up the iDatalink will be as easy as I think it will be.

Today a massive rock hit my windshield and now I have a crack.

The dealer that sold me my car does 1 free windshield replacement and free oil changes for the 1st year/12,000 miles, so guess who's getting a free windshield and oil change in a few thousand miles??

This guy!

I will also need to get my windshield repainted. Sigh.


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#23 ·
Figured out why the center console cigarette lighter didn't not work!

Thanks to google, the interwebs and Mazda6Forum! Why place the fuse (#52) under the hood and not in the ds fuse kick panel? Geesh.

The proof.

New fuse and I'm in business!


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#24 ·
I think I'm going to refinish the headlights and get the upper and lower sill guards.

Its the little things that urk my nerves.

My new inner ps tail light arrived today.

Maxie G hasn't been washed in 2 weeks, but she still looks good.

I was working on Maxine and the only way to keep my son entertained is food and TV. So I setup shop in the garage.


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#25 ·
Passenger inside taillight replaced. No more mini swimming pool

Also tried to see if this Turtle Headlight Cleaner would work on the headlights, and it didn't, but they do look marginally better, so I will restore them at a later time.

These HID headlights are expensive so I will try at all cost to save and protect them 1st.


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#27 ·
So I cleaned out the M6GT's glove box today and I found a bunch of documentation from the 1st owner.

The car was purchased from Walser Burnsville Mazda in Burnsville, MN on 25Feb2014 Stock#M001757 with the out the door price of $32,688.75. The owners have numbers from the Charlotte NC area which is only an hour from me. Pretty cool that the car made it back to NC.

I also installed my Go-Magnet for my MP9 Shield. I'll post pics tmrw.

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#29 ·
Normally all of the previous material is removed. I am not sure how it made it through trade in, auction and my dealership without being removed. I was hoping to find the original sticker, but to no avail.

I other news, oh hey there!


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#30 ·
Ordered some things from Japan. Let's see what in about 15 days [emoji4]. I'm excited about 1 particular item. The US cars should have came with them from the factory on a $31k dar, NC my wife's Kia Optima did [emoji58].

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#31 ·
Started on the radio harness and had a thread for all to follow and reference in the GJ audio section.

Also, restored the headlights. Not too bad for $15. Overall, pleased with the outcome. Product Electronics Office Desk Room


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#33 ·
Mazda Sunscreen showed up. It's Nice! Like, nice nice.

I have no choice but to find one for my 07 Yukon now.


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#34 ·
I added a few pcs of chrome to Maxie G today. I am anti chrome, but the M6 is missing a few small pcs. Just too much black plastic on this car.

If it was PTM, it would be good to go, but it's not.


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