is there any way to change the tall *** final drive in our Protege's? It just seems like it's geared way to high. Especially once the horsepower get's up'd, it seems that it'd be really beneficial to change it. I know with RWD, you can change out the rear end differential gear, but how would this work with a FWD car? I'd assume the physical gear would have to be ground down and refit, but someone help me out here....

 

yes, but the only final drive upgrades I've seen make it TALLER.....I'm sure someone could get the ratio they want (3.85:1 or so) and have it custom made.

 

You have any idea what kinda price we're talking for a custom final drive gear? I'm thinking if we throw a blower, cams, intake, exhaust....all the fixins, we're going to have a torque and HP curve that would be able to pull hard through a longer gear. It'd also be nice to spin lower RPM's when cruising, especially with a blower on there. Be interesting to see what the power curves look like with the blower to see if this will be a beneficial change.

 

sounds like pricey labour to me.... plus your playing with the health of your Tranny when you do that, you are taking your mazdas life in your own hands,

so if your gonna play, do it outside of the warrenty 100,000km

or see if Mazda will do it hahah and keep your warrenty in check lol

 

SR MOTOR SPORTS.COM

Mazda Protege 4.30 Final Drive Gears

For the street or an all out race car ,we have these 4.30 final gears . This kit comes complete with all needed gears, shafts and parts to convert your Protege into a real screamer with the additional RPM's and power . They will give your MP3 / Protege a big increase in acceleration. $699.00

Part Number PR-12111

I wished we had some one to buy it so we could get so feed back on it, MATTY?

 

4:30 is shorter than the stock 4:22....we're looking for something taller like a 3:85 or so.

 

I thought the higher the # the lower the gear, is that not what we need? I went for a drive sunday and had a good chance to open it up and it wouldn't go pass 108. I never got the 110 mph. Now my z28 sware to god I hit 147 mph and man WHAT A RIDE!!! Long streight away and no traffic ( back country highways, that the another good thing about TX). But like every thing els I have learnd sofar mazdas are way different than Chevys!

 

you must have an automatic.... my p5 hits 130+ easily with only the obx header and ebay intake.

The higher the number the faster the acceleration but the lower the top speed. The higher the drive the more rpms you'll turn at crusing speed...more gas you'll burn, etc. You'll get off the line faster and feel peppier around town but that is why you're turning 3700rpms at 75mph as opposed to the honda who does 75mph at 2600rpms.

 

I have the 5sd, I really think the Racing beat axel back took away some torq. I thought I could feel it when I put it on. Befor that I just had the ebay CAI on and it really brought the car to life and then the next week I put the RB on and I could really tell the differance. If you can get 130, I am going to take it back off and run it again this weekend. I hope its just me, I really like the sound of the car right now and would hate to lose that. What do you think.
Sorry I think I just jacked this thread! I posted this under the name
Racing Beat Axel Back.

 

I highly doubt your muffler is going to cut you off 22mph before limit.

I know DaveB also installed the obx header on his automatic car and he picked up almost 8-12mph in top end. I had this problem in my MSP also..everyone said they top out at a certain speed and mine was just much higher. I'll try to get a pic next time...but I don't like filming myself at 125+mph!! I may do it for "educational purposes" and preach about how street racing is lame and you shouldn't take risks on public roads!

[/threadjack]

The stock gearing is plenty for 130+mph....I'd actually rather have mine dropped to a 3:73-3:85 or so. I'd like that fuel economy back when I throw the blower on I won't have to rely on that gearing to help me win races.

 

I hit 130+ in my Manual Protege5 like it waz nothing, and that waz only with an aftermarket filter, and a cheap exhaust.