Hi, I have a 2003 Mazda Protege 5 with a Borla Exhaust and a Air Intake Resistor Chip. I was wondering what kind of upgrades i could do without going to the extent of turdo, supercharged, or NOS as I dont have the funds?? Could i possibly get the cost as well if you have them?? Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated.

 

A header would be a nice, low cost, and worthwhile next step.

Do yourself a favor and get rid of the IAT resistor. What it does is tell the ECU that the intake is cooler than actual. The ECU then calculates the amount of fuel needed, based on incorrect air density. Since the Protege already runs very rich, adding a resistor to the IAT only worsens the problem.

 

if you can't afford Nitrous than you can't afford much in the way of mods...a kit is like $500....however if I was you I'd get a Ebay CAI

 

header, cams, would be next on my list

 

header, Ebay CAI, Zex Dry kit 50hp shot, AWR front motor mount.

 

what would the front motor mount do? wouldnt you have to also strengthen the suspension?

 

The front motor mount plants the engine/tranny harder into the ground. It prevents wheel hop and transfers more power to the wheels.

I swear by mine...makes me want to thank LAMSP again for getting it for me.

 

Shout-outs on a forum.... alright...

As for the performance upgrades, I guess it depends on what you are looking for: Speed, handling, or both. Strut bars are relatively cheap and springs/struts are good too. And if you want to go fast, you need to stop fast too, so I would reccomend the Brembo CDS Rotors in the group buy section here. There's a lot of stuff you can do (throttle bodies, etc.) just depends on how much you want to spend and how fast you want to go...

 

where can i get some of those? are the "hand installable" for someone with o.k. mechanical skills?

 

AWR makes the mounts. I believe FC3Sboy (chris) sells them. Ask him for the AWR front mount (AT-style). Yes, a 17mm socket and a breaker bar is all you need.

 

yea they are $74 shipped and can be put in in about 10-15 min. with just some hand tools

 

Inquiring minds want to know....do bad motor mounts in Pros account for the wavy/hoppy lines on the dyno graph?

 

they can..usually wavy lines indicate detonation or tire slipppage. What I've founf more common is wavey lines on the bottom of the graph are tire slippage and jagged lines up top are detonation or rev-limiter/fuel cut/spark cut

 

I thought they were listed at $64....just curious....I'm planning on getting one shortly as well.

 

I was also wondering where would be a good place to get some headers, preferably ceramic ones?? I was thinking of also getting a short shifter. Are short shifters hard to install?? Also should i get drilled and slotted rotors?? By any chance, does anyone know where i can get clear lower side markers?? Thanks alot for all the help...