MP3 Chip into ES. BS or TRUE?
 

I've been hearing that you can put a Protege MP3 ECU into a 2002 Protege ES and expect a gain in power, and I was told that this could be easily done. Talking with a tech person from my dealership, I found this to be false. He told me that it was not possible, that the ECU would not integrate into the ES, and that for emission, law, and dealership protocol, that they wouldn't be able to do anything like that anyways. Is this true? Or is it just B.S., and I should assume that the tech guy just didn't want to get into any trouble?

oh yea listen to the mazda tech at the dealership...
:o
what are u thinking its something some ppl have done already. its not a good mod considering the COST of the ECU!!!!

The MP3 lacks some emissions control components that are used on the ES and P5, so it might work if you do some rewiring and possibly some parts swapping. However, because the emissions controls are different, installing an MP3 ECU on an ES is illegal in the U.S. If a shop performs an illegal mod to the engine emissions system of an OBDII car, most states will hit them with huge fines and administrative penalties. NO dealer is going to help you with this mod.

To answer the basic question, this mod will only increase power slightly. Flyin' Miata played around with MP3 ECU's when they developed their turbo kit and discovered that swapping an MP3 ECU into an ES (or vice versa) made very little difference in power output, less than a good CAI or cat-back. Given the high cost of an MP3 ECU ($1000+) this mod is not worth the money IMHO. It's on my "Do This Last" list. :D

Strange
i installed a MP3 ECU in my P5. bit more power, milage is about the same maybe a touch worse.
i had to go to the smog nazi last month because of a legal intake the the stupid cop thought was illegal.( long story) the car's emmissions were the same as a stock P5.

cost of the ECU about 10 bucks shipping and a set of shifter bushings :)

just need to find a MP3 owner that wants to go turbo :) the lower timing helps boosted cars.
tom@kartboy.com

Tom
 

Are you still happy with the MP3 ECU swap? I'd love to see this in combo with Jspec/Mazdaspeed cams in my car some day. :)

Jim