zoom_zoom_03

I'm debating on what I should do with my tax return. I'm guessing I'll have somewhere around $1,000 to play with on my car. I have a 03 protege es. How does a catback exhaust and a mazdaspeed suspension sound? Oh, working at a mazda dealership makes it kinda nice to get stuff cheep.

Topher

hey zoom...here's some ideas:
j-spec cams (400) www.shaneracing.com
eibach pro-kit (240) www.corksport.com
UR Crank Pulley (200) www.corksport.com
Injen CAI (240) www.corksport.com

then save up for the cat-back and a header...that car will scream!

that's how i'm doing mine...the header will be here in a week...then i'm gonna get a cat-back. she's pretty quick now...i can't wait to have the header and cat-back.

i worked at a mazda dealer for a while...i got the updated 2000 protege 1.8L coils and wires...and a 2001 626 valvecover while i was there...it's supposed to give you a hotter spark...and the valvecover helps seat the wires properly. you might want to check into that as well...the coils should be $20...the wires are around $40...and the valvecover...well, i had mine warrantied...and oops, i guess we'll just have to use this 626 valvecover.

it helps to be friends with the parts manager and service writers!

everbruin

if u haven't already, do some driving schools (autocross, track, etc.). Your skills will be w/ u no matter the car and u can readily beat a faster car w/ less skillful driver!

an.

Knight

Everbruin, or anyone else, got any links to share on possible driving schools? Makes sense to me ........ What good is extra horses if you don't know how to use'em!

gcs118

You are surely in luck my friend. Mid-Ohio offers many driving courses and I believe it is in/right near Columbus, OH. I have had friends do them and have a lot of fun, never gone myself. Check it out though.

acidbbg1

I have done every lots of mods to my p5..your best bet would be NItrous Oxide..Best bang for the buck! I ran nx 50 shot..One guy is running a 75shot..on a protege!

Most NX kits can be had for around $600 (New)..Used about $400..and that will leave ya..$200 for like a Injen Intake!

Nuff Said!

Chas

zoom_zoom_03

I'll have to see what I can find out about that Mid-Ohio thing. Since I live in Ohio and run around Columbus all the time it would be a good idea to at least check out. If I find anything I'll let you guys know.

GNO

It's not a pure driving school, but there are some skills sessions. I'm not sure why there've only been "regional" posts on this, but hit Mazda Rev it Up when the tour is near you.

At $40 it's hard to beat!

I've already signed up for Minneapolis. My wife might register for Chicago. Unfortunately, Chicago and Washington DC are about the closest the tour gets to Columbus.

everbruin

the lowest cost driving schools involve autocross (parking lot course w/ cones) rather than a race track, and are typically held by local car clubs, many of which are affiliated w/ SCCA (sports car club of america).

here's a link to the regional scca chapters. Note columbus and various OH clubs.
http://scca.com/interactive/regions.html

each club website should have a calendar of events, so look for schools there.

u can search for other (non-scca) autocross clubs as well (eg. search via google.com for columbus autocross).

let a skilled driver drive your car at first, and u should be amazed. i was, then i was hooked =).
best of luck!
an.