Hi All - and thanks for all the valuable postings.

But I think there is one thing missing here: Is there something like a European or E-spec protege and does anybody have any details?

I just came across this question because I was planning to get the FS-ZE high compression pistons for my Mazda 323f (That's what they call it in Europe) with a 1.8 liter FP-DE engine. Fortunately I checked the maintenance manual and saw that it already ran at 9.7:1 (which is identical to the FS-ZE specs if they are installed in the FP-DE engine).

But what else can I expect to be different? How about cams - I just installed the J-Spec 2.0 intake cam and it didn't make a whole lot of differnce - maybe I was already at 210 degrees with the stock cam? (The stock cam has "FP39" printed on it where the FS-ZS has "FSH9" - anybody know the specs?)

I also know that the E-spec doesn't have the 1st cat, so installing a full-size header is straight-forward.

Could it be that the European ECU is what you guys are looking for in terms of better utilization of performance mods? I don't have a clue, and Mazda in Denmark are hopeless when it comes to performance modifications, but maybe one of you could find out?

Right now, I'm a bit about these "identical" engines being all different, so any info is appreciated.

Thanks,
Carsten

 

actually different engines....

u have the FP-DE.... which is what i got.....
but that only for the 99 - 00 cars

the 01+ cars have a 2.0L FS-DE in them

they are basically the same engine, just the 1.8L is a destroked 2.0L i think...not sure.....
i know the parts are interchangeable....but i dunno how well they will work together....
u gotta get a reply from one of the more .... knowledgeable people here...hehe

well just tried ot put in my input...hehe

 

According to my brochure and when i drove the european 323, (2002 yr model) the 2.0L put out the exact same power and torque.. Now the difference was the style of wheel on the car (on the lower models) and those cars had a electric temp guage in the cluster under the tach. Besides those differences there wasnt much difference between mine and that one. For the effect, i now have a 323 badge on mine.