widgetchick

Hi, I'm new!

I was in an accident 2 years ago in my 2000 Protege LX and FINALLY got the settlement for it. I can pay the car off now. Which means I have about 400 dollars extra a month to plunk into this thing. I wanted to know, where's the best place to start?

I'd like to eventually make it faster, look better and sound better. I'm hearing all types of suggestions but by NO ONE that owns a Mazda (except for one who has a Mazda6).

I'm having a little problem finding things for my engine (it's the 1.6). So far I think the majority says to go with air intake and exhaust for now. But I wanted to know what YOU guys thought since, ya know, y'all are Mazda owners.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

~widget~
"DAMN the man who said fixing up my car is like polishing a turd!"

alex_aha

It all depends on a person, me i would tint my windows ($120 - $200), get some 17 inch rims for looks ($700 - 1200 depending on your taste and tires) and after that get some exhaust ($ 360 - 550, more $ for complete exhaust with headers) and cold air intake ($ 160 - 280), not that fartcan the size of the ******* bowling ball exhaust (unless your really into it) but some nice sounding exhaust: maybe 2 and a half inch pipe with a maganflow muffler. Warning!: Once you start buying performance and looks enhansing parts for your car it will become addictive.....

Guys, did i miss any startup performance parts?

devorak

b&m short shift is hands down the best mod ive done... using a price to fun ratio, of course

import_tuner19

ebay intake and corksport exhaust easiest and best mods you can do, better fuel efficiency(like you need it with a 1.6) and better throttle response plus it just sounds cool but im not sure corksport makes exhaust for the 1.6.

Roddimus Prime

do whatever cosmetic mods you'd like but do NOT do any performance until you save up enough money to buy a HiBoost Turbo kit or Wagner turbo kit.

The 1.6L engine in your car has been proven to be VERY boost friendly and both of those turbo builders have proven they can make awesome power on stock engines. Buying an intake would be a waste if you buy a turbo later on....as would a header. Save up the $3600+ for a good turbo kit and do it right the first time. With $400/month to put in a pool you'll have it in 9 months!! Thats awesome....then Income tax time will come around and you'll possibly get another small chunk of change to do something like wheels, tires, audio...whatever.

Da P-Funk!

Yep. I agree ^

Have a plan for the car. What is the end result?

chiefmg

If you are planning on upping your power output, I would recommend upgrading your brakes. Too many people forget they need to stop as well as go. First thing you can do is change your rubber lines for braided stainless ones. You can get a set for about $100, it's easy to do and you will notice an immediate difference.

mitchman

For $400 a month you could buy a used Mazdaspeed Protege or a new Mazda 3. It's all about respect! (Sorry, but I couldn't resist)

If you go with 17" rims, don't forget to lower the car. I think 17" rims with stock springs make the cars look like an old stage coach!

kargoboy

Welcome, and you might want to check the sticky in this section regarding
performance mods.
As for looks, well, that seems to be driven more by personal taste, however, we are not shy about posting opinions if you ask.

Roddimus Prime

actually we got my wifes RX8 for $410/month.

widgetchick

That's everyone for your help. I'm still deciding what to do! I should post some pictures, when I find them, of my car after the accident. It was horrible. Early 90's model Suburban hit me in the trunk at about 55 miles an hour. The frame wasn't even touched, and not ONE window broke on the car.

I have my windows tinted already.

I'm afraid of putting a turbo kit on my car. From what I've been told, the compression ratio is too high and even if I lower it, it has a high chance of blowing the engine. Which, of course, is told to me by Honda and Neon drivers... so hey! What do they know? (more than me, I'm sure of that lol) :P

I think I'm going to go with 16" wheels for my car. I don't really want it lowered. I do, however, I saw a Erebuni body kit that I think looks good.

I'm not changing my car for racing or to show it off, really. I think my car is a lot of fun to drive and the more I put into it, the more fun it will be.

btw: it's an automatic, not a manual. I don't think I mentioned that before.

Roddimus Prime

your honda friends are idiots. Ignore them at all costs.

I hate to try to push a product but my supercharger kit seems to be the weapon of choice for automatic owners since it's low torque levels keep it from grenading trannys. Just food for thought if you'd like more power and aren't too fond of your ac.

Otherwise stick to a simple turbo kit and no more than 4-6psi and enjoy.

widgetchick

I live in Los Angeles, California... there's no way I'm parting with my AC