hello. just picked up my new MP5 last night . . . it's nice, but a bit on the slow side (previous quick cars: acura integra type R, integra GSR, subaru impreza 2.5RS). it handles fairly well, though, and the 3-spoke nardi wheel is fantastic!

anyway, i have checked the almighty FAQ but could not seem to find answers to a few questions i had . . . here they are:

1. what are the stock swaybar sizes for the protege5?

2. how much do the stock 16x6" protege5 wheels weigh? (i have the 2002.5 model, but i can't imagine that they weigh dramatically more or less)

3. what are the stock spring rates for the protege5?

4. who makes the springs and dampers for the protege5? (kyb?)

thanks in advance!

peter

 

I can't answer all your questions but I can be sure of one, that is that the shocks are made by Tokic, the same company that makes the blue shocks for the MP3.

 

The swaybars measure 22mm front, 17mm rear. I have yet to see a definitive answer for questions #2 and #3.

Most OEM shocks for Mazdas are made by Tokico or KYB; although I've mostly heard of Proteges having Tokico shocks, Mazda tends to shop around and buy from both companies. Mazdas will often have different brands of shock depending on what week they were built The only way to tell for sure is to jack the car up and look at them. However, all the OEM shocks are equivalent and it shouldn't matter which kind you have.

 

hmmm, what to get, then . . . 19mm or 21mm rear? actually, doesn't the dealer offer a 20mm rear bar?

the stock suspension is really quite good, but a bigger rear bar would help a bit.

what is everyone else running?

thanks,

peter