Eric F

The Ford Laser is a rebadged Mazda. It does use the Mazda FS 2.0L engine, which is different than the Ford duratec 2.0L engine. The turbo isn't the issue, the exhaust manifold is. I've heard that Turbonetics has an exhaust manifold for the FS engine. I haven't had a chance to call them yet to verify the manifold exists, but this makes it sound like it does. Turbonetics will work with you to pick the parts you need for your specific application, they won't build kits.

talon4x4

That would be great if a kit were available for the P5. Does anyone out there know if the current fuel and ignition system would be able to handle the addition of a turbo? What about the compression of the engine?

Coming from an Eagle Talon TSi the addition of a turbo to my P5 would be a welcome one!!!

Eric F

Damn, I just called Turbonetics for information, and I forgot to ask the most important question. Can their turbo manifold maintain the stock primary cat? Sorry. Anyway, Turbonetics does make a turbo exhaust manifold for the FS/FP engine. Part #305-15 for $576, flange fits the T3 and T4 housing. They suggest their T3 super 60 turbo for a street application (72mm - .48 A/R housing). They don't currently make kits, so this would be a custom system. They are considering making kits in the near future due to demand, no word on one for the Protege specifically. It would probably be fairly low in priority if they did decide to offer a kit though. Has anyone else contacted RX-7.com to inquire about the turbo they installed on the Protege 5 shown at a Texas auto show?

Eric F

Damn, I just called Turbonetics for information, and I forgot to ask the most important question. Can their turbo manifold maintain the stock primary cat? Sorry. Anyway, Turbonetics does make a turbo exhaust manifold for the FS/FP engine. Part #305-15 for $576, flange fits the T3 and T4 turbine housings. They suggest their T3 super 60 turbo for a street application (72mm - .48 A/R housing). They don't currently make kits, so this would be a custom system. They are considering making kits in the near future do to demand. If we have enough 3rd gen people interested in the same system we might be able to get them interested enough to produce a kit in the near future. Has anyone else contacted RX-7.com to inquire about the turbo they installed on the Protege 5 shown at a Texas auto show?

eeterp

Here's the reply.

"So far the Protege was a one off for Mazda USA. We are looking into trying to make a kit for the masses eventually. However, at this time, we are still working on perfecting the turbo that is on the car now. If there is anything else, let me know.

Thank you,
Rocky"

Eric F

Let's give them some numbers. How many people are really interested in a turbo kit? Maybe if we give them something specific, they'll make it.

Ben_D

If they can make one for the 1.6 i am all over it

Eric F

Actually, It seemed like the aftermarket was starting to notice the 3rd gen Protege before the MP3 and Protege 5 came out. I think it had a lot to do with the increased sales of the 3rd gen, especially with the 1.8L engine. There were parts becoming available for these cars before the MP3 and Protege 5, but I do agree that the MP3/Protege 5, and all the additional press they're getting, will certainly help things along quite a bit faster. I've only seen a few instances of parts being directed specifically at the MP3/Protege 5 as opposed to the 3rd gen or specific engine displacement in general. That's probably a good thing since the cars are so similar most parts should interchange just fine. So only the uneducated/uniformed manufacturer should be targeting the MP3/Protege 5 only.

Makaveli

So hang on, does the Ford Laser have the same engine as the Protege then or???