trev

Well, I am looking at a silver 2003 Mazdaspeed Protege silver with 18k on the odo. Excellent condition. I have a 93 RX7 as well that I know like the back of my hand, but this car is different of course I can't seem to find anything for the car...few?'s

Was this car only offered in 2003 as a mazdaspeed?
Available catbacks?
any issues as far as known problems with the motor and turbo?
Downpipes available?

Thanks for the help!

Trev

eggynatey

Hey Trev. Good to have another FD owner around. Welcome to the club!


They began making them in 2002.5 and made 'em until 03.5. The '03.5's have no foglights and a little different front end. 2002.5-2003's have the same front end as a Protege5.

I'm not 100% sure if they're still available, but Corksport used to make a catback for MSPs...I'm sure you can still get a Magnaflow or Racing Beat, etc.
The turbo's small and can't safely handle more than like 8psi, or 200hp or so. There are guys who have more power than that, but their cars are usually built. The motor itself's pretty reliable if you don't boos it too much.

You can get a downpipe from the vendors here, along with the catback/intake.

Congrats on the MSP. They're great little cars, and I'll bet it'll surprise you in the curves.

kargoboy

In addition to Natey's comments, there was a dealer ECU reflash available, you want to make sure it was done. And there are some reported problems with the LSD, might wanna check the history on that if it's available.
Other than that, they are a great little car.

eggynatey

I have a question of my own that maybe someone here can help me with:

Is the ECU in an MSP the same for all 50 states? In other words, will a completely stock used MSP from Wisconsin pass California smog laws?

kargoboy

I didn't thnk there was any difference, and I've never seen it mentioned on any forum ever.

msp03.5

I have 68,000 miles on mine with no problems but I kept it at stock boost the whole time. lsd is going strong knock on wood I still have not had the ecu reflashed on mine runs super rich but they all kind of do. My car has been through 1/4 mile and an autocross event. the only thing I had to do was change out the wastegate diaphragm through the dealer youll know if its bad cause at idle you will get a high pitched whistle. the rear bushings will have to be replaced every once in a while otherwise you will get a clunking noise in the back. Internals are pretty weak so watch the boost if you turn it up. The mods I have are minimal, fmic (perrin) tein s-tech lowering springs Injen cai. Hope this helps out a bit.
albert