ProtegeES

Does anyone know FOR SURE if the rear sway bar brackets used on the MP3 have the same shape and the holes are in the same location as the brackets used on any other 3rd gen. Protege (DX,LX, ES, MP5)?????? I know the brackets will be bigger to accomodate the larger 20 mm rear sway bar, but are the holes in the same location? I remember someone saying that the rear sub frame on the MP3 is different than the stock Protege. I heard that it is reinforced and also that the holes are in different locations. Does anyone know anything about it? I would order the bracket from my dealer, but it costs $26 and they want the money firts since it is special oreder and I do not feel like paying $26 just to look at it and find out that it will not work for me. Thanks!

macklum

I can tell you from experiance that the MP3 Swaybar bushings and bracket willnot work on a regular sedan . I know this because I installed a MP3 rear bar on my 2001 LX . In order to get it to fit ,idid this ,
I ordered a set of adapter brackets from AWRacing ,these are the spacers they sell for their 19mm rear bar. Ask tony to include the bolts . To install the bar I use the stock bushings and brackets from the factory 15mm bar ,i did have to open up the bushings to fit the bar . Then pushed the brackets over the bar and bushing then bolt on the AWR spacers .Now you can bolt up the MP3 bar to the regular sedan . You also use stock endlinks the car came with. An important Note You must reinforce the mounting tab on the rear struts .
Here is the link for AWR [url]www.awrracing.com

Eric F

True, the MP3 rear crossmember is slightly different than the other Proteges. The MP3 bar and brackets won't work on a stock crossmember without the some kind of adapter. If you wanted to use the stock brackets with the MP3 bushings, I think that would work. I don't think the rear strut end link mounts need to be reinforced even though Jim Mederer from Racing Beat recommends it. The stock front mounts definitely do need reinforcement though. I didn't reinforce the rear and I've had no problems with either the AWR rear stabilizer bar or the MP3 rear bar.