J.O.H.N

hi i have a 97 LX manual and i want to put a turbo on the 1.5 but i was wondering if i could get anyone to tell me: 1.where i can get the stuff 2.What i need 3. and if i should forget thins and just invest in a 1.8 BPT from corksport or something. All you in put will be gladly accepted thanks.

Roddimus Prime

Investing in an engine swap like that will most likely be costly unless you already have access to every part you'll need. Also, I'm assuming you'll have to pay a shop to do it since you seem to be a little new to cars. This can rack up shop hours rather quickly.

I don't know a whole lot about the 1st and 2nd gen pro's but from what I remember the engine/tranny combo should bolt right on up in there using the 1.8 mounts and what-not....beyond that you're really on your own.

If it were me I'd find a local speed shop that you trust and get a quote to have a custom turbo system made....something simple, low boost. Take that figure and ask yourself if you REALLY want to put that kind of money into the car. If you do then have them do it and enjoy it. If not you should maybe save that money on the side and then look into maybe buying a newer car thats already faster. Used MSP's are selling rather well nowadays.

mannydingo

I don't know jack about turbos or mods or anything but work on my own cars for repairs. However, you should do the swap since the 1.5 engine on our cars does not have the best reputation. You would not look for a 1st gen Protege 1.8L engine. Instead, you would look for the 1.8L from the 2nd generation ES model. That's ES instead of DX or LX. That way you are sticking to an OBDII configuration which makes your life tons easier.

NooB1FieD

I have the 95 protege LX and it has the 1.5L engine which is OBDII. I know this for sure because when my throttle control needed adjustment, my dad showed me. (he is a mechanic w/20+yrs exp.) anyways, now you know. =)

Jackelope

That's what i did, traded my '03 LX for a MSP

btw.. Matty - he IS in SC HAHA

mannydingo

Oh, I'm well aware that the 95 has the OBDII system on it. I own a 95 and found out the culprit of my first problem of the car was the MAF sensor thanks to it having the system. Our 95's actually don't comply fully with the OBDII standard. In 96 it was fully implemented. It's ok, we have what is basically needed to have the OBDII benefits and the connector for the scanners is the same as on the 96+ years. The thing about getting the 1.8 is that it's just a better engine.

cornercarve98

Would you have to upgrade the tranny and half-shafts if you got a 1.8 and then turboed it? I assume so. If you had any inclinations of getting near 170-200 hp out of it, I think it would not be a question.

Mannydingo, what do you mean by "the 1.5 engine in our cars does not have the best reputation"? Are you talking power-wise or reliablility? Thanks.

cornercarve98

Someone had to ask the obvious question...figured it might as well be me...

mannydingo

Sorry, I didn't fully read that first post of yours, Corner. I didn't realize you had asked me a question. It's just that the 1.5L engine had a valve spring problem. You would take it in for a recall and get the springs replaced. Also, there's this problem with the gasket mating ugly on the valvecover, the carbon buildup in the intake(due to the spring problem)too. I bought the car used not too long ago and had to do repairs but bought it knowing that. I will be taking it to the dealer just for a diagnostic now that the major problems are fixed. It's now in pretty good shape but wasn't when I got it. I'm leaking oil from under the valve cover right now and get occasional smoke out the tailpipe. It's only intermittent, though, so it might be the valvetrain prob. I don't think it's the more major engine smoking problem or it would do it all the time.

Please guys, go back to your profile and put your location. Don't be scared. We can't come get you with just city & state. Oh, and locations like "The Sunny South" don't cut it.

midnightblue97

Just swap the ****** BP in there and get a tranny from a 95 ES
Tubro that. The BPT swap into a second gen is difficult, though not impossible but you might as well just get a GTX mainfold turbo, and build your own kit from there, less headaches.

mannydingo

Oh, no. I'm not the modifiying type. I just like a stock well-running car. After the weak valve spring problem is corrected, almost all problems are gone. I know it's not the same as a 1.8L but it's enough for me. All I need is something that takes off fast enough from a stop sign to cross the street to go left before cars reach me. This does that well enough. I don't need the speed or anything else. I also enjoy the excellent gas mileage. The mods are for you guys. I'm just on the board to get help and help others, if I can. Thanks for the advice, though. A BP would be my choice if my engine went bad. Both my first gens with the 1.8L never failed me but both were crashed.

NooB1FieD

seems making left turns from a stop sign is a problem... just playing

mannydingo

That's a good one. Now prepare to DIE!

Actually neither crash was while doing that. Yes, I know you're joking.