So, i've got the thumbs up from the wife to start "improving" the protege. I plan on upgrading the suspension, brakes and wheels first. I've been driving my friend's WRX and i'm simply jealous of that suspension, so I want to try and copy it.

After some forum reading, here's my plan, please tell me what you think....

Eibach Prokit
Tokico HP shocks
Mazda solid strut bar
Rear sway bar
15" wheels
195/50-15 tires (Yokohama AVS ES100'S?)

Is there any more I can do or anything better you would recommend? Also, I'm still a little undecided about a brake setup, what is a good setup for stopping power?

This car is going to be a daily driver, but it will be recieving varioius engine modifications this year and my end goal will be a turbo setup, so I want to make sure the suspension and brakes can handle it.

 

sounds good, but go bigger on the tires. Get 16's or 17's. Other than that, i have pretty much the same setup, and I love it. Handles damn good.

 

Thanx mixmaster, that's what I was thinking too... but I can't find anywhere to get 17" wheel and tire sets for around $600. Any suggestions? I'll probably end up holding out for a used set on a forum or classifieds.

 

The AWR 21.5 mm adjustable rear sway bar is to die for!!! You pretty much have to get it.
The strut bar is nice, especially with the springs/struts.

For Brakes, I use Hawk HP+ in the front. However they are a bit rough on rotors, so you may opt for the Hawk HPS compound. Either way you should be happy. Also, stainless brake lines are good. You don't need to waste your time with drilled rotors or DOT 4 fluid, you don't really need them.

For basic power bolt ons, I have a Drop-in K&N and a MP3 Muffler (less then $200 from Mazda Motorsports).

 

Thanks for the brake tips.... as for power, Im pretty happy with my custom cai for now... I plan on doing a custom turbo, so I'll probably toss on a muffler later on down the line... I wonder how the MSP cat back exhaust sounds on a turboback setup?

 

When you are ready to go turbo, check these guys out
http://www.wagnermotorsports.net/products.php
they made a custom header for me, and it looks like they sell a manifold for a turbo- as well as a whole turbo kit.

 

Thanks for the link... that's a pretty shitty looking turbo manifold, does your header look much better?

I'm going to try and not order anything except the turbo, intercooler and fuel stuff.... i really want to weld and bend all the piping myself... $3k isn't bad though for the kit w/ intercooler... cheaper than the flyinmiata kit... wonder if it puts out similar results?