mitchman

I'm ditching the Protege and going back to the Miata for a while. But I'm not giving up. I think the reason it wouldn't rotate is that the rear shoes are worn much more than the front. And/or the offset of my custom rims is wrong, throwing off the front scrub radius.

I'm going to order some new Porterfield R4S rear shoes when I've built up funds again. I'll try running the car in Street Tire class on my Miata street tires/rims (Azenis). Maybe that'll help.

If that doesn't work, it's off to STS for me....although I'm not looking forward to spending money on the car. Like you, I was really hoping I could have some fun with it in H-Stock.

lilgunny

I am sorry to hear that your not having any luck with your 03 protege dx. I am racing a 03 es and having good luck. I am leading the South Carolina Region, the Central Carolinas Region and my local Highlands Sports Car Club HS championships. I have won 6 of 7 races this year and generally having loads of fun. I run Kumho Exsta v700's and no other modifications. I don't even take my spare tire out. So, keep trying, there is possibilitys with the car. I haven't gotten to run with any Mini's on race tires, but will get my chance at the S>E Div.in Atlanta in June. Hopefully they won't eat my shorts to bad.

mitchman

I'm glad to hear you're doing well with yours!

I haven't given up yet. I should point out though that I was racing against the current H-stock national champion driving a Mini. There are a lot of fast guys in our region. I can out PAX them (some of the times) in my Miata, but the Protege needs more work I think. Here's what I'm going to try next time.

1. Take the rubber washers out of the front AWR adjustable swaybar end links. I think it was binding...which doesn't help the push.
2. I might disconnect the front sway bar entirely.
3. Replace my worn rear brake shoes. This should help the car rotate entering turns.
4. Slow down! I have to remind myself I'm not driving the Miata.

I just put some new Penske's on the Miata so I'll be racing it for a while.
--
Mitch

low.psi

I had great luck with my DX but since I wasn't playing with the alignment settings it required ALOT of rear tire pressure and "aggressive" driving. My MSP is a much smoother beast. Did you ever experiement with 0 toe all around? My MSP rotates much better at 0 toe than at factory specs.
Glad to see you're giving the Maita some loving now. I'm sure she was itching for some action

mitchman

Yeah, I forgot to say that. I've got a little toe-out at both ends.

I also tried rear tire pressure of 58psi and front 45psi....it didn't help. Those darn V710's stick like glue! Running street tires in the rear seemed to work the best.

I still think it's a combination of bound up front aftermarket sway bar end links and really worn out rear pads (especially since the fronts look like new). I'll keep you updated in the next few months.

The Mazdaspeed shocks are awesome though! The car doesn't roll at all anymore. I don't know why anyone would go with different springs / coil overs / etc.... Unless you just wanted to lower it for looks. The car transitions great! It's just steady state cornering that it understeers so bad.

Mazdaspeed17

hey guys whats up... ahh, i have been sooo busy with finals and all the fun **** that i miss the last few autocrosses... but i did have a chance to go to a test and tune event just this past thrusday... it wasnt too bad.... i had an opportunity to run both the S2000 and the protege... believe it or not, i was much FASTER in the speed protege...im def. not complaining... but i just ordered new tires for it.. i got sumitomo htrz from tire rack.. i picked em up for 70$... a treadwear of 160... ill let u know how i like em..