Reno

Since I got my DX i couldn't wait to unlock some of it's potential. Some of you have asked what I plan to do with it now that I'm interested in tuning. So here are my thoughts about how I'd like to handle the urban jungle.


*ENGINE
-T3 Turbo kit(Does HKS have something similar to Turbonetics model?)
-Intercooler (haven't decided which one I like)
-Stainles headers ( I figure I won't be above 500 HP so I won't need anything too special)
-Downpipe
-Exhaust (custom bent by a muffler place. 2.5 in. w/ high flow cat. Muffler that won't attract attention.)
-Lightweight pulley system
-New ECU

*STEREO (A kill just isn't as cool without a theme song)
-Alpine CD/mp3 head unit (already have)
-Alpine digital 4 channel amp (already have)
-Visonik competition 1200w 12"s (already have)
-1000w Visonik Amp (already have)
-Speakers (probably infinity's, silk cones sound F'n awesome)
-Wavebox (costly but worth it)

*EXTERIOR
-Wheels (will RX-8/7 wheels work? That would be sick!)
-Tires (Yokohamas or Kumho's)

*SUSPENSION
-eibach's springs and struts

*BRAKES
-Vented disks

That's right. No wiper lights or neon ground effects. Just a nightmare on asphalt. I want this thing to look as stock as possible. Hense the Mazda wheels. I hope I can get some that will work.

Anyway that's what I'd like to do. So I guess I'll check back with you guys in about two years or so. The Audio will be easy, stuff I can do myself. It's the tuning that will be the hardest on my bank account. So let me hear your thoughts, any products you can reccommend?

macdaddyslomo

First of all read more on turbocharging(Maximum Boost by Corky Bell)...First You can't have turbo and headers..Second all cars have a downpipe, what kind of downpipe are you referring to ?..Third, new ecu??, umm maybe an aftermarket engine management system like a Haltech E6K. Fourth, on exhaust refer to first comment. Why a 2.5 in exhaust ?? Get 3 "ANd yes you would be right to assume you'll be under 500hp since no one has dyno'd higher that like 330hp.Yes RX-8 wheels will fit. Cost is rediculous though. Brakes ??? YOu'll already have vented disk. At least upgrade to SS brake lines and some hawk pads, if not a full willwood big brake upgrade, considering a T3 turbo system would double your stock horsepower. Final recommendation, see my first point.

mitchman

RX8 wheels won't fit. If his Protege DX is like my Protege DX, they have 4 bolt hubs. The RX8 has 5 (for good reason!)

macdaddyslomo

whoops your right...totally slipped up on the DX part...RX-8 wheels fit ES's and P5's,not a DX though..thanks Mitch

hughes412

I don't like to be a hater but I really wanted to hit on the wheel thing. But you hit it first. LOL.

I think Mac for got about the pulley problems on the turbos. Read more on this issue.

The good thing is the enthusiasm this guy has. Just do a little research and ask before you buy anything. That way you don’t waist you money. That’s how I got my stuff; people bought the wrong parts for their cars. Good luck, take your time and do it right. That’s what I'm doing.

macdaddyslomo

Actually I read carefully there . He said Lightweight pulleys, not UNDERDRIVE pulleys. Lightweight ones will be just fine. Rarely do you catch me twice, lol

hughes412

LOL
Almost gotcha!!!

Reno

Okay, so no headers with a turbo kit gotcha. What about an exhaust manifold?

My car doesn't have a pre-cat? I thought it was a Mazda thing. If that's the case I probably just need a cat back.

As for the ECU, I figured with the turbo I'd need something to regulate my Air to Fuel ratio better than what is already in there. Will my stock ECU be able to handle the boosted airflow?

Okay so RX-8 wheels won't fit. How about the 7's? Or maybe a Millenias wheels? I'm stuck on this sleeper Idea but I do want to up my tire size.

Good stuff. Is there anything else? Like where I can find a money tree?

hughes412

The 4 lug thing is killing your wheel ideas. Milinias ? are 5 lug also.

Reno

Dambit!!!

Reno

What about Mazdaspeed? Do they make a 4 lug 17" or 18"?

kargoboy

Hmm, I thought '03 DX's had 5-lug also. Guess I was wrong...
As for the ECU, if you are serious about this, and take your time (and read that book, it's great!), you'll want a standalone engine management system.

macdaddyslomo

The exhaust manifold would be part of the turbo application, exhaust flow DOES spin the turbine you know. As for the ECU, it would depend on how much boost you are running. You can get away with a simple Rising Rate FPR for low boost applications. Otherwise you can look into a Haltech F10X Fuel Controller. As for wheels, look into Miata wheels, they can be found in 14",15",16",and even 17" sizes, and all of them will fit no problem..An excellent wheel would be the Mazdaspeed Miata Racing Harts. Also your car does have a pre-cat....who told you different ?? And what does that have to do with the price of rice in China ???

juddz

There are so many 4-lug 17" wheels on the market. Does it have to be a Mazda or Mazdaspeed branded part?

All these plans are well and good, but man, you had better have deep pockets to do it all. 1) Figure about $3500 for a proper, intercooled turbo kit (unless you want to take it on yourself).
2) Stereo stuff - God knows. Sounds expensive. Lets say a conservative $400 for what you have left to buy, but I really have no idea.
3) Rim & Tires - figure about a grand for a set of mid-level aftermarket rims and tires. Figure on a lot more for genuine parts.
4) Eibach springs - about $250 DIY, $550 if a shop does it. Struts can be expensive, depending on how adjustable you need them to be.

You are already at $5150, and we haven't baked in the cost of struts, ECU, lightened pulleys, brake parts, your exhaust..... but my point is, that is a ton of money to spend on a Protege DX. Some of us are crazy enough to do it. Are you?

Phantom Cruiser

If you have 4X100 lug pattern you can find ANY WHEEL you want. This is 'the standard' Honda pattern.