tooslow

i was wondering how many people here have fined tuned their n/a protege motor and what type of results did you see?..i wanna purchase a ems before my turbo kit just so i can fool around a bit and get the hang of it, and maybe ill be happy with the gains from that and can dump the turbo idea and focus more on the handling of the car.

Roddimus Prime

I'm about to start a Group buy for reflashing stock ECU's to the higher performance MP3 maps for $100+shipping. This would be a great bang for the buck until your turbo set-up and then when you're ready to turbo I can flash the ecu to the MSP map and avoid the need for an FMU/voltage clamp for your tuning.

straydoginc

Im interested in this. Basically are you flashing the ecu to run the specs of the 160HP mp3?

kargoboy

The MP3 was rated at 140--with different plugs, intake mani and...am I forgetting anything?

That said, $100.00 plus shipping is a good deal. While it's not good for much more than 4 or 5 hp just on it's own, it will help with any future mods.

I've had an MP3 ECU for a few years now and I paid $100 at a boneyard. One of the best mods I've done to date.

straydoginc

So right now my Protege5 is at (edmunds list - 130hp on the books) this would only bump me to 140HP on the books or we talking to ground?

Roddimus Prime

what is "on the books"??

The mp3 ecu will advance the timing which in turns smooths the power curve and gives a much more solid power delivery as opposed to your current p5 ecu. It requires the use of mid grade gas (here in the south) but is worth it in my opinion for the driveability increase.

Probably one of the best bang for the buks on the 3rd gen proteges.

kargoboy

Well, no. to the wheels, stock for stock, you are looking at 98 vs 105. A bit less if you are swapping the ECU only.
Still, there aren't many mods that are $25 per whp or less on its own. It's a good deal.
A good turbo kit, even if you do the work yourself, is gonna be about that much, or more.

J-Protege

100 bucks is a sweet deal - but I have no idea how to swap ECUs. Is this a 1 hour job or trip to the shop?

Roddimus Prime

you just lift up the passenger carpet and using a 10mm ratchet wrench loosen the 4 nuts holding the plate in place. Flip it over and the ecu is bolted to the underside.

Unplug the old one, send it to me and I'll re-flash it and send it back to you....done deal.

I am also working on purchasing a few cores right now so there would be 0 turn around time for those interested. I have no other details other than I'm trying to find suitable cores at this time.

straydoginc

is there an option for higher "Premium" grade gas? and would that be benifitial?

Roddimus Prime

the ecu calls for 91 octane but here in Bama 89 is just about the same. I ran 89 in mine with the mp3 ecu and it felt just as strong as 93. The rule of thumb is to run the lowest octane you can get away with without knocking.

Straydog, I see you're in ATL. You should try to make it out to some of our meets. If you want I'll be doing MP3 flashes at the Cheaha Meet in a month or so. Let me know if you're interested.

macdaddyslomo

dont forget to tell him how sharp that plate is....don't cut yourself...

kargoboy

Oh yeah! I was warned in advance and so I only have one scar left!

Matty are you talking about stock ECU cores? PM me your addy again...I don't have it any more. You can use mine.

J-Protege

I'd be interested in a whole new core, don't have a backup car so I'd need zero turnaround time.

Good to know it's an easy swap - thanks for the info.

straydoginc

I second this one.. whens the meet?