Performance question
October-30th-2002, 10:34 AM
#1
Protege Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 23
Performance question
Hi all, I just recently discovered this forum and decided to ask you guys a question about performance upgrades since you guys USE the product.
My issue is this: I bought a PR5 in May...absolutely beautiful. A 2002.5 midnight blue mica with the tiptronic transmission. Well, I wrecked it, and it's in the process of getting fixed. You can see the carnage here. When I eventually get her back I want to add some performance parts since the resale value of the car will be diminished greatly. I checked out the MazdaSpeed site and saw a K&N-like air filter...has anyone heard anything about it? And does anyone have any other suggestions for upgrades? I don't want to change much as far as manifolds and the like are concerned.
This forum rocks so far! Looking forward to your suggestions!
My issue is this: I bought a PR5 in May...absolutely beautiful. A 2002.5 midnight blue mica with the tiptronic transmission. Well, I wrecked it, and it's in the process of getting fixed. You can see the carnage here. When I eventually get her back I want to add some performance parts since the resale value of the car will be diminished greatly. I checked out the MazdaSpeed site and saw a K&N-like air filter...has anyone heard anything about it? And does anyone have any other suggestions for upgrades? I don't want to change much as far as manifolds and the like are concerned.
This forum rocks so far! Looking forward to your suggestions!
October-30th-2002, 10:50 AM
#2
Show Layne some respect
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Long Island,NY
Posts: 2,458
Without getting "too involved" - your only real options are intake and exhaust. Slap on a free-flowing tube-style intake, and get a better flowing exhaust, and you'll probably bolt on a whole 8-10 horses tops.
On the "more involved" side, you could step up to changing to MazdaSpeed cams, and even invest in one of the tubo kits that have been developed. I can't remember the manufacturers (someone else will for sure), but I believe there are several turbo kits available finally. NO you cannot get the kit from the new MazdaSpeed Protege - it is restricted to replacements ONLY, and you have to send the parts back to Mazda to get new ones. So aftermarket is the only option.
You just can't get much without major mods - but you can get some.
~HH
On the "more involved" side, you could step up to changing to MazdaSpeed cams, and even invest in one of the tubo kits that have been developed. I can't remember the manufacturers (someone else will for sure), but I believe there are several turbo kits available finally. NO you cannot get the kit from the new MazdaSpeed Protege - it is restricted to replacements ONLY, and you have to send the parts back to Mazda to get new ones. So aftermarket is the only option.
You just can't get much without major mods - but you can get some.
~HH
October-30th-2002, 11:09 AM
#3
Protege Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 23
Since I have an automatic, won't alot of those "more involved" mods be a problem. I noticed that alot of performance parts assume you have a stick.
What did you mean about the MazdaSpeed Turbo restriction? Thanks for the input!
What did you mean about the MazdaSpeed Turbo restriction? Thanks for the input!
October-30th-2002, 11:12 AM
#4
Cripple Fight!!!!
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 1,944
do a search on CAI and exhaust in the 3rd gen engine section. There are many MANY sources from which you can buy these parts from.
and these basic intake/exhaust mods can be done on just about every 3rd gen Proteges, even automatics!
and these basic intake/exhaust mods can be done on just about every 3rd gen Proteges, even automatics!
October-30th-2002, 11:38 AM
#5
Show Layne some respect
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Long Island,NY
Posts: 2,458
Most mods do not require a manual tranny. They will work just as well on the auto as a stick.
As for the turbo restriction - well, Mazda has intorduced the MazdaSpeed Protege for 2003 - the successor to the 2001 MP3 - and it has the 2.0L engine, but with a Callaway-designed turbo on it, and it makes 170 HP.
We were all anticipating the release of the car, so that Pro and P5 owners might be able to get the turbo from the dealer and slap it on any 2.0L Mazda - not the case. Mazda is not releasing ANY of the parts for the turbo for sale. The only way to get one is with a valid VIN and an original part. What that means is, if you needed the manifold, the dealer must order it using a valid MazdaSpeed Protege VIN, AND return the damaged one. Otherwise - no shipment. So even if you have a buddy who's a dealer, you still can't order the parts without giving the same part in return. So there's really no way to use the factory turbo from the MazdaSpeed Protege on any other model.
~HH
As for the turbo restriction - well, Mazda has intorduced the MazdaSpeed Protege for 2003 - the successor to the 2001 MP3 - and it has the 2.0L engine, but with a Callaway-designed turbo on it, and it makes 170 HP.
We were all anticipating the release of the car, so that Pro and P5 owners might be able to get the turbo from the dealer and slap it on any 2.0L Mazda - not the case. Mazda is not releasing ANY of the parts for the turbo for sale. The only way to get one is with a valid VIN and an original part. What that means is, if you needed the manifold, the dealer must order it using a valid MazdaSpeed Protege VIN, AND return the damaged one. Otherwise - no shipment. So even if you have a buddy who's a dealer, you still can't order the parts without giving the same part in return. So there's really no way to use the factory turbo from the MazdaSpeed Protege on any other model.
~HH
October-30th-2002, 11:46 AM
#6
Protege Newbie
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Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 23
Wow. That totally sucks and makes no sense whatsoever. What's the logic in not offering it? That would make alot of the PR5 sales if the dealer can install the turbo.
Have you worked with those Ractive intakes much? I took ZoomZoom's advice and search for CAIs and exhaust...found a thread where 2 guys powder coated 'em and installed 'em and later on there was some rubbing problems. That setup looks pretty damn cool but I don't wanna go thru the same problems they had. I'd be nice to get a throaty sound, increase gas mileage, and have a lil more kick in the throttle all by making that one mod.
Have you worked with those Ractive intakes much? I took ZoomZoom's advice and search for CAIs and exhaust...found a thread where 2 guys powder coated 'em and installed 'em and later on there was some rubbing problems. That setup looks pretty damn cool but I don't wanna go thru the same problems they had. I'd be nice to get a throaty sound, increase gas mileage, and have a lil more kick in the throttle all by making that one mod.
Last edited by dean80; October-30th-2002 at 11:48 AM.
October-30th-2002, 12:15 PM
#8
Show Layne some respect
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Long Island,NY
Posts: 2,458
I think the logic is just to kep the exclusivity of the MSpeed Pro. Let's face it - Mazda is selling a ton of P5s, and they don't really need too much more incentive for buyers.
Also - the Mspeed Pro has a LOT more upgrades - not just the turbo. It has: Much beefier suspension, including shocks/struts, sway bars, etc. Thicker drive axles, limited slip differential, heavier-duty clutch, 17" wheels - it really is a total package. And the estimate is that if someone went out and bought all the parts to make a normal Protege a MazdaSpeed, it'd cost over $10 grand. That's a lot of value.
For the intakes - I have no experience with them other than what I've read and seen - I don't own one. But I know most owners are happy with them. I was planning on selling (and getting one for my P5) the Vibrant Engineering intakes several months ago, but it seems the production is VERY slow, and my supplier has not been able to get them yet - I just keep getting "check back next month". It has been several months, though - so I'm due to call them again. The Vibrants are great quality (as good as any of the others, they are just a bent pipe afterall - not too much fanciness in that), and cost a LOT less - if the prices are still the same as when I last checked, I'll be able get them for $129 shipped to your door. Not bad - especially when the others go for $200 or so without shipping. I'm gonna check it out this week, and will post and let you (and everyone else) know if there has been any progress.
~HH
Also - the Mspeed Pro has a LOT more upgrades - not just the turbo. It has: Much beefier suspension, including shocks/struts, sway bars, etc. Thicker drive axles, limited slip differential, heavier-duty clutch, 17" wheels - it really is a total package. And the estimate is that if someone went out and bought all the parts to make a normal Protege a MazdaSpeed, it'd cost over $10 grand. That's a lot of value.
For the intakes - I have no experience with them other than what I've read and seen - I don't own one. But I know most owners are happy with them. I was planning on selling (and getting one for my P5) the Vibrant Engineering intakes several months ago, but it seems the production is VERY slow, and my supplier has not been able to get them yet - I just keep getting "check back next month". It has been several months, though - so I'm due to call them again. The Vibrants are great quality (as good as any of the others, they are just a bent pipe afterall - not too much fanciness in that), and cost a LOT less - if the prices are still the same as when I last checked, I'll be able get them for $129 shipped to your door. Not bad - especially when the others go for $200 or so without shipping. I'm gonna check it out this week, and will post and let you (and everyone else) know if there has been any progress.
~HH
October-30th-2002, 01:31 PM
#10
Protege Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 23
Despite the guarantees of the repair shop, I doubt she'll ever be the same. Plus anyone can carfax the VIN and find out how bad she's been trashed and stiff me on the trade-in value.
That's why I'm hoping to at least have something more sporty to drive since the value sucks and the insurance will go up. If I'm paying higher insurance premiums I may as well have something fun to drive.
Thanks for the sympathy.
That's why I'm hoping to at least have something more sporty to drive since the value sucks and the insurance will go up. If I'm paying higher insurance premiums I may as well have something fun to drive.
Thanks for the sympathy.
October-30th-2002, 01:44 PM
#11
Protege Newbie
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Join Date: Oct 2002
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Yeah, it's no biggie. I was on US 19 making a left turn under an overpass. The person in front me stopped short since the light turned yellow. It was a dual left turn so I evaded the person who stopped... as I continued thru the intersection the light turned red. A lady in her Saturn jumped her green and didn't even check to make sure the intersection was clear before entering it.
And...WHACK!! She plowed into me on the passenger side. The impact of that hit pushed me into oncoming traffic on the rear driver's side. She never even used her brakes to avoid the accident despite me honking. I was faulted for the accident and cited for "violation of a traffic control device". I think the officer on the scene took pity on me and realized the woman that hit me was a total basket case. She had 2 screaming infants in car seats in the back, and even admitted that she was distracted by them. To top it off, she had no insurance either.
This happened 8/28, and the car's STILL in the shop. I've made 2 payments on a beautiful car that I haven't driven. I know it's only a car, but it hurts alot...maybe it's just the whiplash that I'm still being treated for. Who knows.
Thanks to everybody who's participated in this thread, it means alot!
And...WHACK!! She plowed into me on the passenger side. The impact of that hit pushed me into oncoming traffic on the rear driver's side. She never even used her brakes to avoid the accident despite me honking. I was faulted for the accident and cited for "violation of a traffic control device". I think the officer on the scene took pity on me and realized the woman that hit me was a total basket case. She had 2 screaming infants in car seats in the back, and even admitted that she was distracted by them. To top it off, she had no insurance either.
This happened 8/28, and the car's STILL in the shop. I've made 2 payments on a beautiful car that I haven't driven. I know it's only a car, but it hurts alot...maybe it's just the whiplash that I'm still being treated for. Who knows.
Thanks to everybody who's participated in this thread, it means alot!
