3rd Gen Protege/MazdaSpeed/P5/MP3 General/Maintenance Discussion for 1999-2003.5 Models Only (BJ Chassis)

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Old July-16th-2002, 08:43 AM
  #61  
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Originally posted by funkdaddysmack


Excellent point! The GTI 1.8T is incredibly modable. In fact, if I didn't think the were so blandly styled, I'd think about one for my next car as well.
Another car that might also fit on that list is a MINI Cooper S, if you could get one. I believe they are also available under $20K.

I like both the Pro and GTI styling for different reasons. I shopped both a Pro5 and GTI before deciding on the GTI (seduced by the dark side of turbo sound and power). I really like the Pro5 and if they would have had one optioned the way I wanted when I was at the dealer, I probably would have purchased it on the spot (I drove the GTI last).

The GTI 337 limited edition model is pretty cool (not to mention a better than stock GTI suspension, 6-sp MT, and 18" factory rims), but I would give the nod to the Pro5 for a more aggressive factory appearance.

For some 337 pics:
http://www.vwvortex.com/resources/ga...gti/index.html

Last edited by rfernatt; July-16th-2002 at 08:50 AM.
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Old July-16th-2002, 08:51 AM
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Originally posted by rfernatt


I like both the Pro and GTI styling for different reasons. I shopped both a Pro5 and GTI before deciding on the GTI (seduced by the dark side of turbo sound and power). I really like the Pro5 and if they would have had one optioned the way I wanted when I was at the dealer, I probably would have purchased it on the spot (I drove the GTI last).

The GTI 337 limited edition model is pretty cool (not to mention a better than stock GTI suspension, 6-sp MT, and 18" factory rims), but I would give the nod to the Pro5 for a more aggressive factory appearance.

For some 337 pics:
http://www.vwvortex.com/resources/ga...gti/index.html
Yea, I've seen the 337 on VWs website, it's pretty nice looking. Just for some reason I like the look of the older GTIs better. The new ones just seems to be too smoothed out (not that that's a bad thing for some people, I just like more agressive styling). I'm sure I'd love one if I had it though. How much does a 1.8T GTI go for these days? I wish they would have made them in the older-style.
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Old July-16th-2002, 09:17 AM
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Originally posted by funkdaddysmack


How much does a 1.8T GTI go for these days?
Entry level manual GTI 1.8Ts are in the mid-$18K at the dealer (according to Edmund's and they were right-on with mine).

Mine with everything (leather, heated seats, moonroof, Monsoon stereo, 17" wheel/tire pkg, security system, etc.) was $21,900 at the dealer ($22,000 MSRP).

I leased it for 3 years, 15K mi per year, $0 down and $337/mo including state sales taxes in the payment. Dealer took care of tags, etc. This lease payment was actually less than the Pro5 lease I was quoted.
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Old July-16th-2002, 10:25 AM
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Originally posted by rfernatt


Entry level manual GTI 1.8Ts are in the mid-$18K at the dealer (according to Edmund's and they were right-on with mine).

Mine with everything (leather, heated seats, moonroof, Monsoon stereo, 17" wheel/tire pkg, security system, etc.) was $21,900 at the dealer ($22,000 MSRP).

I leased it for 3 years, 15K mi per year, $0 down and $337/mo including state sales taxes in the payment. Dealer took care of tags, etc. This lease payment was actually less than the Pro5 lease I was quoted.
That's not bad for a VW, but it's more than I'm willing to spend right now (read: student loans). I bet it's a really nice car!
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Old July-16th-2002, 11:10 AM
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I hear ya! I was there for a while myself (about the time of the Neons).

Good luck! Hopefully Mazda will reward you with a killer Protege (something on the order of a WRX or upcoming Lancer) when you're ready for something new!

Maybe even a rotary powered Mazdaspeed Protege... now that would be cool.
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Old July-16th-2002, 02:55 PM
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Originally posted by rodslinger


What happens when the SRT owner does the same? If history shows correct then the SRT will be able to handle 18 or more pounds of boost on the stock motor.
then i beleive its time for a 20b engine swap with a RWD conversion
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Old July-16th-2002, 10:27 PM
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Keyword here is "Dodge" and Dodge is synonomous with crap. It's sharp and fast but in a year it will be a piece of crap.
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Old July-17th-2002, 01:42 AM
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I didn't read the whole thread so, sorry if im repeating. Its just that its 2:30 morining and i can't read it all before i go to bed.

Anyway. From my understanding... a good rule of thumb for boost is 1 psi for every 10hp. So if the pro is only gonna be 30 more hp its only running 3 psi. The Neon is gonna be almost 60 more hp so its gonna be running almost 6 psi. So if we get a boost controller and boost it up 3 psi we will be back in the same boat with the MP3 vs. R/T. Right or am i just mistakin?
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Old July-17th-2002, 02:58 AM
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No offence but...you obviously haven't driven a spec v. Torque wise it kills the pro. Drive one you will be impressed, I was. I am not trying to start a flame war here, but just because this is a mazda forum doesn't mean we can't give credit were credit is due. And oh yeah with regards to the magazines... I don't have a clue what they were smokin. A focus in front of a spec v? I don't think so!!! I can buy the bit about the pros handling but no way can you convince me that a focus is better built. They are junk. That is why the goverment is checking them out.
Originally posted by leungwingkei
IMO how can you compare the cars? I bet the same discussion came up when the Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V was released. People saying that the Sentra has 180hp etcetc will kill the MP3, etcetc, because it has thicker anti-roll bars blahblah, down with the MP3.

But after it did come out, all the hype died away. No car magazine out of all I read praised the Sentra for being the better car. Motor Trend compared the MP3, and not the SE-R Spec V to the supercars. CD in it's pocket rockets comparo put MP3 first. The exception is Edmunds.com who placed the SE-R first, but I do not consider it to be credible anyways.

It's all hype guys, until it comes out and people runs tests against others with it, I'm not going to say it to be superior or inferior to any other car, not yet.
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Old July-17th-2002, 05:31 PM
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First I have to say that the people in this forum seem to be a pretty fair group. It is your forum and if you want to bash any car make other than Mazda then you should be able to.
I don't know much about Mazda other than the RX7 kicks a$$ and the Miata is a good auto X car. Although, it should be mentioned for anyone who says that Neons handle like crap that when they were in SCCA Show Room Stock B their main competition was the Miata... I guess they must not handle all that poorly...
Neons have had some issues. Front wheel bearings and head gaskets have been the two biggest probably. The head gasket issue is probably the reason the SRT wasn't released sooner. In 1999 (when the SRT project was given the green light) Chrysler fixed the head gasket problem with the introduction of a MLS gasket. I have been fortunant enough to have owned 3 Neons (95 Sport, 97 ACR, 2000LX). The 95 was traded in on the 2000 with 170,000miles on the clock. At that point the body had zero rust, minimal paint chips, stock clutch, wheel bearings, bottom end, axle shafts, bushings, struts, and rear brakes. The interior didn't have a squeek or rattle (although there was some wind noise). It consistantly would get over 35mpg and used 1qt of oil every 5000 miles. The only repairs made to the car were -
head gasket at 100K miles
front motor mount 100K miles
timing belt 100k
cruise control servo 40K
A/C compressor 115K
alternator 165K
I didn't think that was too bad for a car that was driven hard, year round in IL for 5 years.
The ACR has 65,000 miles and has been Auto X'ed regularly since new. The only repairs made to it has been 1 pair of front wheel bearings.
The 2000 has been a reliable car, but has considerable engine vibration and noisy power steering. However I have driven my sister's 2001 RT and it has neither of those issues. I guess that is what you get when you buy a program car during the first year of a major redesign.
I agree with most of the opinions that the interior of the SRT is a little cheap looking, but I like the exterior design, but think that lowering it another 1" would make it look much much better.
The engine ratings are a little misleading. It utilizes a very very small Mitsubishi turbo which is why it only has 215hp, but lag will be pretty much non-existant. The 250lb/ft torque rating from 2500 - 4800 is the result of computer limited boost in that rpm range, which means that the there is no toque curve on this engine. It is a torque line... Straight up and over. An unrestricted boost curve to the 12psi limit will result in over 300lb/feet of torque at its peak. The power band on this engine will be similar to driving a big block V8. A larger turbo will result in more turbo lag, but there will also be a considerable HP gain. 250hp w/o a boost change should be very easy to achieve.

I think this car will surprise a lot of people in both its power and handling.

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Old July-17th-2002, 06:03 PM
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You know what I love, when other car drivers come here. They know they models inside and out and give the real information on these vehicles, not the one page blurb that car mags do. You learn way more from educated car owners than you do from websites or magazines. We just need some more Spec V, Matrix XRS, VW GTI, SiR, SVT, WRX, EVO, etc. owners on this group. That would rock ***. Then I would be all knowledgeable.

But I still think the MSpeed is going to own the corners. I mean, it kicks *** right now w/ a pansy engine and no LSD. And the orange is more aerodynamic than the Blue and Yellow of yesteryear.
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Old July-17th-2002, 06:54 PM
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Originally posted by Dodge Driver
It utilizes a very very small Mitsubishi turbo...

An unrestricted boost curve to the 12psi limit will result in over 300lb/feet of torque at its peak.
I had read in a couple of places that boost will be factory set at 15psi. If that's the case I hope they aren't planning to use the Mitsu TE04H like the early Chryslers. But even if it is at 15, that's nothing a Grainger can't fix...
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Old July-17th-2002, 08:44 PM
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Originally posted by arl240

But I still think the MSpeed is going to own the corners. I mean, it kicks *** right now w/ a pansy engine and no LSD. And the orange is more aerodynamic than the Blue and Yellow of yesteryear.
Someone please correct me if I'm worng, but LSD isn't for cornering, it's straight-line acceleration/grip correct? I think that's how it works, but I could be wrong
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Old July-17th-2002, 11:02 PM
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Originally posted by funkdaddysmack


Someone please correct me if I'm worng, but LSD isn't for cornering, it's straight-line acceleration/grip correct? I think that's how it works, but I could be wrong
limited slip differential allows the front wheels (in Protege's case) to get maximum grip in ALL situations, hence it is for acceleration AND cornering

now you see why many serious performance cars come with one?
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Old July-19th-2002, 12:09 PM
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Hmmm...
LSD is for mental traction and spiritual cornering.
Mazda doesn't supply LSD though I haven't looked inside the seats... Apparently some of you have located it, otherwise there would be any useless ranting (+ or -) about Neon's.
Speaking of enemas (for the colonic crew), my stock (and aged) GT-S is still slightly faster than the P5. I love the new car, but I doubt it will be as durable as the old Toyo - hopefully I'm wrong.
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