besides the turbo.... whats the diff.. like with the suspension... and other performance parts?

 

Actually, both cars use the same Euro-spec steering rack.

 

im just wondering if i would come out on top if i buy a mp3 then turboing with the fm protege kit.... and with some suspension work. i should be the same or better than the mazdaspeed.... but i guess i cant get the LSD in the mp3.

 

don't forget the MSP's ECU has been modified for turbo application, while the MP3 doesn't.

 

Yes, it would almost certainly be cheaper to buy a used MP3 and turbo it, although the engine obviously wouldn't be under a factory warranty and you can't get 60-month 2.9% financing on a turbo kit. And yes, excluding the turbo, the only significantly difficult-to-install and expensive item that the MP3 lacks vs. the MSP is the LSD. (The MSP also has upgraded axles, but IMHO they aren't as important if you don't install the LSD.) Flyin' Miata does a very good job of engineering their kits, and I'm sure that their fuel management mods will mostly compensate for the lack of the MSP ECU.

 

did some research today.... corksport sells a LSD kit for our cars... it like 1500... but its still avalable..... also.. fm protege has instructions on moding the ecu for turbo......

so right now.... the system... seats... and little things make the diff... oh and the suspension.....

 

so in the end would it be better getting an MP3 and modifing it or just getting a MSP?

 

I'd go for the MSP. Here's why:

The MSP comes with 170hp, stock. If you wanted to get more than the measly 140hp offered up by the MP3, you'd need to take some drastic action (turbo, nitrous, FS-ZE components) which would most likely result in your warranty dissapearing. You'd also need to purchase an LSD to handle the new power. The MazdaSpeed already has one. Plus, it already has better motor mounts, stiffer suspension, blah, blah.

And now, the MazdaSpeed comes in another color besides that radioactive pumpkin color.