Just thought I'd get this thread rolling. It'll be a little bit before I get started on it, but I thought I might as well start the thread and outline what will be done. Hopefully I'll start sometime in January.
I'll be starting a co-op position this winter at an engineering firm. This means I won't be taking any classes during this time, and will be working a 40 hour a week job instead, but I'll still be leaving on campus in my apartment. I won't have any homework to do, so I should have quite a bit of free time. I was considering trying to get a second car, but I can't justify spending that kind of money right now as a college student. I currently own a 2002 Mazda Protege5 for those who didn't know. It just passed 50,000 miles the other day, so it still has plenty of life in it.
I figured this is my shot to drop some money into it. I'll be keeping this as a daily driver and winter car well after I graduate (and will probably buy a nice fun car right out of college). I might as well make this thing more enjoyable to drive, so here are the plans for it so far. This is all tentative, so I may skip on a few things, or add more things later.
Suspension:
Springs
Shocks
Sway Bars
Front Strut Bar (I was considering a rear, but don't want to kill my cargo space)
Wheels:
Moving up to 17" wheels
Summer tires
Probably going to be putting snow tires on my stock rims either this winter, or next
Shifter:
Short throw shift kit
Shifter bushings
Shift knob
Leather shifter boot
Brakes:
Stainless steel lines
New Brake Fluid
Bigger Calipers up front
Bigger rotors up front
new slotted rotors in the back
high performance pads all around
Engine:
New engine mounts with new bushings all around
Exterior:
Fix the obvious scratches on the bumper
Fix the fog light with the cracked housing
Roof rail caps
Short antenna
Tint all around.
I'll be posting pictures of the progress the whole time. If anyone has any suggestions, let me know. I have the specifics all picked out for each of these steps, but I wasn't going to bore you all with all the details with proteges. If anyone wants any specifics (as in what brand and such I'm getting), let me know. I'm hoping to get into Autocross this spring, and will hopefully have a solid car to track for the GTG.
First project: All the shifter stuff. Should be ordering it pretty soon hopefully, and will work on it sometime in January at school.
Why larger wheels and no more power? Seems pointless to add unladen weight.
I like that you are doing the brakes. You might want to do some quick research on "high performance brake pads" because the actual track pads suck balls on the street.
Quote from: Raza on December 17, 2007, 07:30:27 AM
Why larger wheels and no more power? Seems pointless to add unladen weight.
Who said the new wheels would be heavier than my stock ones? :lol:
They should be around the same weight, or a little less. The stock wheels are pretty heavy. There's a few reasons I'm moving up an inch. First, the stock wheels are the most bizarre size. They use a 195/50/R16 tire, which is ridiculously hard to find. Second, the stock wheel width is 6", which is ridiculously narrow. It can't fit anything much wider.
With new wheels, I can get wider tires, shorter sidewalls, more choices at better tires, and less weight at the corners. All while looking better too.
As to why I'm not upgrading the power at all. It's pretty difficult to get anything out of the Protege's motor. Exhaust gets you like 3 horsepower somewhere in the middle of your rev range, and intakes only get a couple more too. Swapping the ECU to the Protege MP3 one gets you a couple more. If I was looking for some actual gains, a catback exhaust and headers would be the best, but I don't really want to eliminate my catalytic converter doing it.
Turbo's are a mess with this car. It can't take more than 8-9 psi on stock internals. Not worth the hassle really. Just makes it a ticking time bomb.
Quote from: Champ on December 17, 2007, 07:58:18 AM
I like that you are doing the brakes. You might want to do some quick research on "high performance brake pads" because the actual track pads suck balls on the street.
I'm going to be going with Axxis Ultimate brake pads. From what I hear, I should be fine in the cold. They're not all out track pads, but a good compromise between street and track pads.
BTW, I edited the original list. Forgot something.
Are there any supercharger kits available for your car? That would be a good next step, after all of this.
Quote from: R-inge on December 17, 2007, 10:33:41 AM
Are there any supercharger kits available for your car? That would be a good next step, after all of this.
Unfortunately no. It can't take much boost anyways. I'd be looking at $2,500+ for a turbo kit. Not really worth it if I can only run 7 or 8 psi. If I happen to cross a Mazdaspeed Protege in a junkyard, I wouldn't be against ripping it all out if I can get it cheap.
If I wanted the most bang for the buck in terms of power, I need to get a set of headers, cat back, and intake. It wouldn't give me all that much power though. It's pretty difficult to get anymore than 10 hp back for less than $500.
Quote from: MrH on December 17, 2007, 10:32:45 AM
I'm going to be going with Axxis Ultimate brake pads. From what I hear, I should be fine in the cold. They're not all out track pads, but a good compromise between street and track pads.
BTW, I edited the original list. Forgot something.
Sounds good, I just want you to know the difference instead of people just buying the most "track" pad out there because it sounds good. I use an Akebono Euro Ceramic pad which produces no dust. I hated my wheels getting dirty in 3-4 days.
I wouldn't get the front strut bar, instead spend the same money on poly bushings for all your steering bits. They are a bitch to replace but make the car really tight handling wise.
Personally, I would start with the suspension stuff because I think it would make the most difference.
As a note, don't get overzealous spending money while you're co-oping. I'm not sure if you've ever lived on your own before, but I'm co-oping this term and my paychecks don't last near as long as I thought they would.
BTW, I love Protege5s. Good luck with the project.
Quote from: BimmerM3 on December 17, 2007, 08:59:36 PM
Personally, I would start with the suspension stuff because I think it would make the most difference.
As a note, don't get overzealous spending money while you're co-oping. I'm not sure if you've ever lived on your own before, but I'm co-oping this term and my paychecks don't last near as long as I thought they would.
BTW, I love Protege5s. Good luck with the project.
I'll be living at my apartment on campus for this fall. For the summer, I'll either be staying at home, or living on campus pretty cheaply. Either way, I'm not paying rent this semester (my parents are paying for it). That means my only expenses are food and gas. I'm hoping to only spend $2,000 worth of my co-op money on those two things. The rest of the money I hope to save.
As for the money for my car, I'll be working two jobs. I have another job that I've worked at for five years now at the Minor League Baseball team in town. It pays well, and I can just work evenings and weekends. I'll be working 8 AM to 10:30 or 11:00 PM a lot of days straight between my two jobs, but I hope to make enough doing this job to pay for all my car stuff.
How long I'll be able to withstand 15 hour work days, I'm not sure. I figured this is the better route than just blowing all my co-op money on my car. If things play out right, I should have about $14,000 saved by the end of just this summer. If I save a lot of my co-op money from my future semesters, I'm hoping to have close to $20,000 for a house down payment (or I could just blow it all on a car), when I get out of college.
Quote from: MrH on December 21, 2007, 09:39:06 AM
I'll be living at my apartment on campus for this fall. For the summer, I'll either be staying at home, or living on campus pretty cheaply. Either way, I'm not paying rent this semester (my parents are paying for it). That means my only expenses are food and gas. I'm hoping to only spend $2,000 worth of my co-op money on those two things. The rest of the money I hope to save.
As for the money for my car, I'll be working two jobs. I have another job that I've worked at for five years now at the Minor League Baseball team in town. It pays well, and I can just work evenings and weekends. I'll be working 8 AM to 10:30 or 11:00 PM a lot of days straight between my two jobs, but I hope to make enough doing this job to pay for all my car stuff.
How long I'll be able to withstand 15 hour work days, I'm not sure. I figured this is the better route than just blowing all my co-op money on my car. If things play out right, I should have about $14,000 saved by the end of just this summer. If I save a lot of my co-op money from my future semesters, I'm hoping to have close to $20,000 for a house down payment (or I could just blow it all on a car), when I get out of college.
Definitely use the money for a house. I've been steadily saving extra money for a house downpayment, hopefully in the next 5 years. Personally, I'd much rather have an average (but still fun) car and a house instead of driving a 60K car while I live in an apartment.
And, you'd be surprised how quickly you get used to 15 hour days. They aren't fun, but you'll adapt.
Cool thread too, I'll obviously be keeping track of it.
Lots of goodies here, and the guys that run the place are cool as hell. I've emailed with questions a couple of times.
http://mazda3online.web.aplus.net/index.php?cPath=281_21_31
I'm going to do some suspension stuff to my car this summer, I'm considering Racing Beat springs and Tokico Illumina or Blue HB shocks.
http://mazda3online.web.aplus.net/product_info.php?cPath=281_21_31_60&products_id=466
http://mazda3online.web.aplus.net/product_info.php?cPath=281_21_31_60&products_id=341
http://mazda3online.web.aplus.net/product_info.php?cPath=281_21_31_60&products_id=285
I want to get an exhaust for the car, but that's a tough one. I don't want it to sound like shit, and I've been unsuccessful in my attempts to find a decent clip of the 2.0 with a quality setup. Should you have any insight here, I'm all ears.
And if you plan on doing install yourself, definitely buy from those guys at protegegarage.com. They are great to deal with, their selection is quite good, and the prices are reasonable.
Quote from: MrH on December 21, 2007, 09:39:06 AM
I'll be living at my apartment on campus for this fall. For the summer, I'll either be staying at home, or living on campus pretty cheaply. Either way, I'm not paying rent this semester (my parents are paying for it). That means my only expenses are food and gas. I'm hoping to only spend $2,000 worth of my co-op money on those two things. The rest of the money I hope to save.
As for the money for my car, I'll be working two jobs. I have another job that I've worked at for five years now at the Minor League Baseball team in town. It pays well, and I can just work evenings and weekends. I'll be working 8 AM to 10:30 or 11:00 PM a lot of days straight between my two jobs, but I hope to make enough doing this job to pay for all my car stuff.
How long I'll be able to withstand 15 hour work days, I'm not sure. I figured this is the better route than just blowing all my co-op money on my car. If things play out right, I should have about $14,000 saved by the end of just this summer. If I save a lot of my co-op money from my future semesters, I'm hoping to have close to $20,000 for a house down payment (or I could just blow it all on a car), when I get out of college.
Good stuff. I'll be the first to admit that I spend way too much money on food and gas (I went out to lunch pretty much every day, and I drove 500+ miles per week), so if you don't drive too much, are willing to make lunches for yourself, and since you have parents paying the rent, you should be fine.
Anyway, good luck with the co-op. This depends on where you work, but be prepared to work overtime at your co-op as well as having your extra job, and make sure that those two will not overlap (i.e., if you know you have a lot of work to do, get there early to make sure you can leave in time to make it to your other job). Personally, I wouldn't want to work two jobs, but if you can handle I say rock on. :rockon:
Oh yeah, brown-bagging your lunch saves a ton of money. I'll allow myself to buy lunch once a week, if that. Other than that, I pack one. PBJs are your friend.
I'm kind of a health freak, so I'll be packing my lunch everyday. Should save quite a bit.
I'll explain in detail in a bit for The Pirate.
To answer a few questions first:
I don't think I'll be working too late for my co-op. From what I hear, it sounds pretty relaxed, and late nights are kind of a rarity. In case I ever need to though, my other job is real flexible. They want me to work every game I can, but any game I can't work, I don't have to. I started training there when I was 15, so its been awhile. My drive there is only 6 miles, so I won't be using a lot of gas money to get around either.
Quote from: The Pirate on December 21, 2007, 02:21:59 PM
Definitely use the money for a house. I've been steadily saving extra money for a house downpayment, hopefully in the next 5 years. Personally, I'd much rather have an average (but still fun) car and a house instead of driving a 60K car while I live in an apartment.
And, you'd be surprised how quickly you get used to 15 hour days. They aren't fun, but you'll adapt.
Cool thread too, I'll obviously be keeping track of it.
Lots of goodies here, and the guys that run the place are cool as hell. I've emailed with questions a couple of times.
http://mazda3online.web.aplus.net/index.php?cPath=281_21_31
I'm going to do some suspension stuff to my car this summer, I'm considering Racing Beat springs and Tokico Illumina or Blue HB shocks.
http://mazda3online.web.aplus.net/product_info.php?cPath=281_21_31_60&products_id=466
http://mazda3online.web.aplus.net/product_info.php?cPath=281_21_31_60&products_id=341
http://mazda3online.web.aplus.net/product_info.php?cPath=281_21_31_60&products_id=285
I want to get an exhaust for the car, but that's a tough one. I don't want it to sound like shit, and I've been unsuccessful in my attempts to find a decent clip of the 2.0 with a quality setup. Should you have any insight here, I'm all ears.
And if you plan on doing install yourself, definitely buy from those guys at protegegarage.com. They are great to deal with, their selection is quite good, and the prices are reasonable.
I'll definitely be buying everything from protegegarage.com. They are awesome. Best prices, with a ton of stuff in stock. I'm going with Tokico Blue's (I have a friend with the whites, and for my limited AutoX and track use, it's pointless to get the white's). As for springs, I've been thinking about this for awhile. Racing Beat is the conservative approach. I'm thinking about getting H&R springs for a slightly more aggressive drop. It's all a matter of what wheels and tires will rub at this point, which I'm still trying to figure out.
I'll be doing pretty much all the installations myself. Crosswire said he'll help me with things, so it'll be a learning experience. I don't have much hands on experience, but none of the things I'm doing are all that intensive, and I gotta start somewhere.
And yes, I'll probably be saving all that money for a house. It's tempting to just drop it all on a 911 or something like that, but a house would probably be a better call. I pretty much already have it set in my mind however: If this whole project goes well, I'll be getting a third gen RX-7 and drop a 3-rotor into it in a couple of years.
As for exhausts, I'm considering it too. Racing Beat makes the best sounding one in my opinion. Doesn't sound like you're ripping ass down the street. But if you want considerable horsepower gains, a header and midpipe are required too. Even then, you're not looking at much. I'm going to be looking at junkyards around the area. If I can find a Mazdaspeed Protege somewhere, I'll definitely be ripping the turbo kit off it. Or if I find an MP3, I'll snag the ECU.
Just start stockpiling parts and we can tackle it all in one day. However, since you're probably as impatient as I am, we'll probably be over in the Mech-E building every day putting on new stuff as it comes in :tounge:
I know it's easy to buy everything new from that site you showed me, but I'd recommend checking out the forums. With the list you have, going used on some stuff could save you quite a bit. Also, like I said, we can fab up some of the stuff like strut bars if you want...I'm getting pretty good at that little item :lol:
Anyways, you know I'm always free, after all, I'm just an engineering student...now you can finally join in the fun we have over at the Mech-E building.
Just a few updates:
Working on snagging some Tokico Blue's and Racing Beat springs with something like 30,000 miles (I forget how much exactly) for $180 or so if they'll still available. They're about $500-600 new for all that, so it'd be a steal.
Also working on all the shifter stuff very cheap.
Finally, looking into wheels and tires used from Cleveland. All this stuff is much cheaper than buying new. All these deals are making me really want to try and find a turbo out of a Mazdaspeed Protege. I'd be happy with a 40 hp increase for sure.
i'd pick Hawk HPS pads or their ceramic pads... cheaper and kick booty on the street and light auto-x/track use
How's the brake dust with those pads r0tor? I heard it was pretty bad.
Update on the Protege5 situation. Bought a rear cargo cover online. Mine never came with one and I always did want one. As for the guy who was selling me the shocks and springs...HE SOLD THEM RIGHT OUT FROM UNDER ME!!! :rage:
Total dick move I think. I asked him a few questions, and it was obvious I was interested. We sent a few PM's to work out the logistics, and I verified his eBay name was indeed who I thought it was. I sent a PM yesterday saying all the money is ready on PayPal, just give me the ok and I'll send it, and he sells it to someone else. Glad I sent that last PM. Would have been a mess if I PayPal'ed him money and he had already sold them.
There's coilovers on the forums for $700 shipped (usually $1300 new). Too bad the front spring rates are something ridiculous like 500 lb/in. That's the stiffest I've ever heard of for Protege's. That's gotta be like riding wooden roller coaster around.
Quote from: MrH on December 28, 2007, 02:31:16 AM
How's the brake dust with those pads r0tor? I heard it was pretty bad.
I have also read the Hawk are bad on the dust but stop well.
I thought firmer suspension didn't always equate to a harsher ride
Quote from: M_power on December 28, 2007, 09:55:06 AM
I thought firmer suspension didn't always equate to a harsher ride
That's true. But when you triple your spring rate, it's bound to be stiffer.
Quote from: MrH on December 28, 2007, 02:31:16 AM
How's the brake dust with those pads r0tor? I heard it was pretty bad.
The HPS's have less dust then my OEM pads did (not saying much though... but its not bad at all) and are quieter too surprisingly. They also have terrific cold bite but still work well when you abuse them - which is why i think they are a geat street/light track pad.
I'm told by an auto-x friend their ceramic pads have the same or slightly better stopping power and temperature range as the HPS's with no dust at all.
Somebody offered me leather seats for me to purchase (I've been actively trying to find some in the area). They aren't stock ones however. I'm pretty sure they are katzkins, and are red and black. The guy said he'd sell them for $400. I might see if I can get him to take my stock seats in return and give me a price cut. Or maybe I'll just try to work him down on the price a tad. New, katzkin seats are about $1,000 though, so it's not a bad deal.
Anyone's thoughts on red and black seats? I think they look great in RX-8's. Not sure how it'll look in my car, so lets hear some opinions.
Here's some pictures of them:
(http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/748/dsc00104ov6.jpg)
(http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/6659/dsc00105ay3.jpg)
What color is your car?
Quote from: The Pirate on January 01, 2008, 01:40:51 PM
What color is your car?
Silver: the fastest color of them all. Also seems like the most cursed color. People have been totalling silver MP5's all over the forums for years, much more than any other color.
Quote from: MrH on January 01, 2008, 01:42:23 PM
Silver: the fastest color of them all. Also seems like the most cursed color. People have been totalling silver MP5's all over the forums for years, much more than any other color.
Hehehe, mine is silver as well. Yeah, I think it'd look just fine with silver. Yellow, not so much...
Don't like the McDonald's look?
I think these seats would look ridiculous in any color other than black, red, silver, or white, but even then, I'm still debating whether these are a little too gaudy for me.
They're a good price however, and I've always wanted some nice leather seats. I have a few questions for this guy. I'll keep you all updated.
i thought the red/black combo on my car was going to be too loud for me too... it grew on me very very quickly though
Aftermarket seat jobs like those never quite look as nice as a factory one for some reason...
Well, something tells me the stock leather for Protege5's aren't exactly the nicest of leathers out there.
These are done by Katzkin, which I felt was pretty nice when I looked at them before (my mother was considering a Mazda 3 and getting leather by Katzkin). I guess we'll see when I see them in person.
Alright, $325 plus my drivers seat (so he has something to sit on to drive the car back to his place) for full leather seats.
Thoughts anyone? Anymore opinions on red/black seats?
I love the RX-8 seats, but not sure if it'll look ridiculous on my car or not.
Quote from: MrH on January 03, 2008, 01:20:07 PM
Alright, $325 plus my drivers seat (so he has something to sit on to drive the car back to his place) for full leather seats.
Thoughts anyone? Anymore opinions on red/black seats?
I love the RX-8 seats, but not sure if it'll look ridiculous on my car or not.
I think RX-8 seats would look awesome.
And are you talking about just the front seats?
I wouldn't do that if I were you. What a bout the back seat? And door inserts?
BTW, sorry if I missed this but what color are they? I think red/black seats would look good.
Check page one. :tounge:
I have pictures of them on there. Black leather seats with red inserts. Front and back. No door inserts (though I think this guy has custom ones in his car that match his seats really well).
I've always wanted leather seats, so here's my chance. I'll be moved back into my apartment by then, so if I decide to go through, he'll swing by our garage area, and we can swap them out there at school.
get them
Quote from: r0tor on January 03, 2008, 01:44:16 PM
get them
We can have matching interiors. It'll be cute. :wub:
:evildude:
I say go for it if you have plenty of money. If not, save the cash for some real mods. :tounge:
I'd do it. I'd love leather in my Protege, so if you bail, let me know. :lol:
I think I'll be going through with it.
And the Protege and Protege5 have different back seats. :pee: :hammerhead:
Quote from: MrH on January 03, 2008, 06:52:45 PM
I think I'll be going through with it.
And the Protege and Protege5 have different back seats. :pee: :hammerhead:
Oh, I could jerry rig something up. And I don't use the backseat in my car all that often.
The seats look nice but I think you should spend that $325 on some real mods.
Well, I'm going to go through with it if the seats all check out and seems to be in good shape. The guy will be stopping by Tuesday night at my school, and we're going to do the swap there. I'll see if I can take a few pictures of this guy's car too (a boosted Protege5. A variety when the stock rods are made of jello).
I'll be sure to post pictures. I'll post some pictures of the car in its current state tomorrow. I'm going to go get all the salt off it and clean out the interior. You guys can see the MP5 in all its glory (scratched bumper and wheels and all).
I also got the cargo cover I ordered in the mail today. Set me back $40, but it was definitely worth it. Looks much cleaner, and not everything in my car is visible. I'll put some pictures of it up tomorrow too.
Hopefully pictures tomorrow. Got tied up with other things today.
In other news, I bought a new shift knob today.
(http://evasivemotorsports.com/merchant2/graphics/00000001/skunk2knob.jpg) Got it pretty cheap, and it's gorgeous. A huge order will be going through in about 2 weeks or so.
That's a nice looking shift knob. :rockon:
I got the leather seats. Better than I ever expected. Don't get nearly as cold as I expected either.
Shift knob was put on. It weighs a ton, and makes the shifting action so much better.
I'll be purchasing more stuff shortly. Possibly a short throw kit this week, and maybe springs too. Trying to work on getting a nice set of coil overs, but will probably end up too pricey. Sorry for the lack of pics. I'll work on it tomorrow.
Oil change, transaxle oil change, radiator flush, and plugs all happening this week too.
Quote from: MrH on January 20, 2008, 11:21:25 PM
I got the leather seats. Better than I ever expected. Don't get nearly as cold as I expected either.
Shift knob was put on. It weighs a ton, and makes the shifting action so much better.
I'll be purchasing more stuff shortly. Possibly a short throw kit this week, and maybe springs too. Trying to work on getting a nice set of coil overs, but will probably end up too pricey. Sorry for the lack of pics. I'll work on it tomorrow.
Oil change, transaxle oil change, radiator flush, and plugs all happening this week too.
Cool, man. Post up some pics. I did all that stuff to my car as soon as I bought it (plugs, tranny, cooling system, etc.), so I'm good for a while.
What shift know did you get? If it makes that big of a difference in shifting, I'm definitely interested.
(http://lh4.google.com/MikeHart42/R5VZYwFfKxI/AAAAAAAAArc/7PU_k23zYJc/s400/IMGP0188.JPG) (http://picasaweb.google.com/MikeHart42/Protege5/photo?authkey=l7JMYBMBEuw#5158127229982419730)(http://lh4.google.com/MikeHart42/R5VZZwFfKyI/AAAAAAAAArk/7gKOA07UxKo/s400/IMGP0190.JPG) (http://picasaweb.google.com/MikeHart42/Protege5/photo?authkey=l7JMYBMBEuw#5158127247162288930)
(http://lh4.google.com/MikeHart42/R5VZawFfKzI/AAAAAAAAArs/B1CiPttKjOc/s400/IMGP0191.JPG) (http://picasaweb.google.com/MikeHart42/Protege5/photo?authkey=l7JMYBMBEuw#5158127264342158130)(http://lh5.google.com/MikeHart42/R5VZcAFfK0I/AAAAAAAAAr0/obQstioDZZg/s400/IMGP0192.JPG) (http://picasaweb.google.com/MikeHart42/Protege5/photo?authkey=l7JMYBMBEuw#5158127285816994626)
(http://lh4.google.com/MikeHart42/R5VZcwFfK1I/AAAAAAAAAr8/LNbdU6UWH-g/s400/IMGP0196.JPG) (http://picasaweb.google.com/MikeHart42/Protege5/photo?authkey=l7JMYBMBEuw#5158127298701896530)(http://lh6.google.com/MikeHart42/R5VZdQFfK2I/AAAAAAAAAsE/kD58iAugZvc/s400/IMGP0197.JPG)
(http://picasaweb.google.com/MikeHart42/Protege5/photo?authkey=l7JMYBMBEuw#5158127307291831138)
(http://lh3.google.com/MikeHart42/R5VZdgFfK3I/AAAAAAAAAsM/gzpw6pYcasg/s400/IMGP0198.JPG) (http://picasaweb.google.com/MikeHart42/Protege5/photo?authkey=l7JMYBMBEuw#5158127311586798450)(http://lh4.google.com/MikeHart42/R5VZewFfK4I/AAAAAAAAAsU/STHS4CX0RIQ/s400/IMGP0199.JPG) (http://picasaweb.google.com/MikeHart42/Protege5/photo?authkey=l7JMYBMBEuw#5158127333061634946)
(http://lh3.google.com/MikeHart42/R5VZfgFfK5I/AAAAAAAAAsc/cK189SqRQwo/s400/IMGP0200.JPG) (http://picasaweb.google.com/MikeHart42/Protege5/photo?authkey=l7JMYBMBEuw#5158127345946536850)
There's some pictures so far. The shift knob does make a huge difference. It's a good 10 times the weight of the stock one, so shifting requires very little effort. It just falls into place. Feels much much better. Still kind of sloppy with long throw though. The short throw kit will fix that.
The seats don't look nearly as obnoxious in person. Sorry for the bad pictures, but it's dark before I leave for work, and when I get home. The Protege got a good oil change today, and some new windshield wiper blades. Up next includes transaxle oil replacement, radiator flush, and new plugs. I'll be ordering some stuff this week too. Crosswire and Felix Legion FTW for the helping out.
Click on the pictures for higher resolution.
Your car looks dirty. The mods look good though.
Quote from: BimmerM3 on January 21, 2008, 10:41:49 PM
Your car looks dirty. The mods look good though.
Dude, for living in the snowbelt, his car is quite clean right now. The amount of salt they use on the roads is appalling. I'll post some pics of my car after a normal snowfall and road salting. It's ridiculous.
And, MrH, I'm not sure if you saw my post in the Chat thread (it's easy to get lost in the plethora of muck in there), so I'll repost in here:
Cool, thanks. I do keep track, and I appreciate any heads up on good components. I'll be upgrading soon enough. Although, your car will always be just a bit cooler than mine. Damn you, -5 suffix and your hatch/wagon features! lol
I wonder if the ES sedan is any lighter or more aerodynamic than the MP5? I suspect such differences (if any) would be negligible, but it just might allow me to sneak in a 1mph higher top speed than you!
Quote from: MrH on January 21, 2008, 08:00:06 PM
The seats don't look nearly as obnoxious in person.
Good to hear, thats the first thing I was thinking
i wonder if you could swap in a red/black rx8 steering wheel or a red/black cover from Auto EXE
Pending transaction on a Mazda MP3 ECU. Only 1500 of them made it to the states, so getting one of the ECU's is ridiculously tough. It's an easy 15 minute install, direct plug and play. Just advances the timing a bit, and I'll be looking at a 10 hp gain, smoother torque curve, 1-2 mpg better fuel economy, but I'll have to run premium now.
One of these pops up on the forums usually every 2 months or so, and sells within the first 10 minutes. I just happened to be on when it was posted. Probably the best upgrade power wise for $250. Also working on getting a set of coilovers. Fuck springs and struts, I want adjustability.
I love that shift knob. :wub:
Got a link for it?
Quote from: thecarnut on January 26, 2008, 07:12:03 PM
I love that shift knob. :wub:
Got a link for it?
I might actually buy it.
Quote from: The Pirate on January 26, 2008, 07:25:18 PM
I might actually buy it.
If it fits on my first car I will buy it.
NO, I will buy it! what is it?
Quote from: NACar on January 26, 2008, 07:29:11 PM
NO, I will buy it! what is it?
Sry, for Protege only.
That shift knob can be had in different thread pitches, so it can fit different cars. It's made by Skunk2.
http://www.skunk2.com/fine_tuning/shift.php
The thing weighs a ton. I'll let you know when I start getting more parts. The ECU transaction could be happening tonight. The coilovers very soon too (maybe as soon as tomorrow). Those are two giant purchases, and will set me back about $750, so I'll have to let the wallet heal for a few weeks before buying more stuff.
Quote from: MrH on January 26, 2008, 07:38:49 PM
That shift knob can be had in different thread pitches, so it can fit different cars. It's made by Skunk2.
http://www.skunk2.com/fine_tuning/shift.php
The thing weighs a ton. I'll let you know when I start getting more parts. The ECU transaction could be happening tonight. The coilovers very soon too (maybe as soon as tomorrow). Those are two giant purchases, and will set me back about $750, so I'll have to let the wallet heal for a few weeks before buying more stuff.
Thanks for the link. I found a bronze-ish colored version but I think the one you got looks nicer.
Quote from: The Pirate on January 21, 2008, 10:45:48 PM
Dude, for living in the snowbelt, his car is quite clean right now. The amount of salt they use on the roads is appalling. I'll post some pics of my car after a normal snowfall and road salting. It's ridiculous.
(http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/9140/dsc02203mediumtn7.jpg)
:ohyeah:
Mike's car is pretty damn clean.
Yay for the south. I can go a year without a wash and my car won't be that nasty. Not that I would, but I could.
Well, I decided against the catless full exhaust system. One guy on the forums had the exact setup I was looking at snagging really cheap, and said his neighbors hated him even at idle.
I bought the MP3 ECU, so 10 more hp, smoothed out torque curve, and 1-2 mpg better goes in the mail tomorrow. I should have it soon. There's an intake modification I need to make to get the full advantage of this ECU swap, so I'm going to try it Saturday. I won't bore you with the details, but there's essentially a valve system that creates turbulance in the intake to try to warm up the cats faster. I'm just yanking it out this weekend.
Considering a used cold air intake on eBay. It's about $50 right now, and needs about $60 in parts to get everything needed. I messages him with some questions, so we'll see how that goes.
Oh yeah, looking at new wheels. Any thoughts on fender rolling? I might create a new thread about it to see if I can get some more responses. The wheels I'm looking at don't have the exact offset i want, but I love the look of them.
Sounds awesome. Did you buy the car new? How much hp are you anticipating at the end of all this?
Quote from: CALL_911 on January 30, 2008, 08:57:21 PM
Sounds awesome. Did you buy the car new? How much hp are you anticipating at the end of all this?
Nope. Got it used with 22,500 miles on it (I think it was around there). It's a little over 51,000 miles now.
The car is 130hp/135lb-ft tq stock at the crank. Supposedly they put out only 98 whp or so, which seems like a huge drive train lose, but hey, it's the truth. It'll never be fast. After the ECU swap, intake, and hopefully a nice cat-back, I'll probably be looking at 145-148 hp at the crank. I don't have plans finalized for power. I may be done there, or I may go as far as a new flywheel and pulleys and all. We'll see.
In the end, I should be able to hand just about everything short of a Miata it's ass in the corners. SRT-4's will be eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the curves.
Quote from: MrH on January 30, 2008, 09:04:08 PM
Nope. Got it used with 22,500 miles on it (I think it was around there). It's a little over 51,000 miles now.
The car is 130hp/135lb-ft tq stock at the crank. Supposedly they put out only 98 whp or so, which seems like a huge drive train lose, but hey, it's the truth. It'll never be fast. After the ECU swap, intake, and hopefully a nice cat-back, I'll probably be looking at 145-148 hp at the crank. I don't have plans finalized for power. I may be done there, or I may go as far as a new flywheel and pulleys and all. We'll see.
In the end, I should be able to hand just about everything short of a Miata it's ass in the corners. SRT-4's will be eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the curves.
Don't tell me about slow. You remember the video of my car.
Quote from: CALL_911 on January 30, 2008, 09:06:04 PM
Don't tell me about slow. You remember the video of my car.
That I did. It's nothing that bad. I can spin the wheels through first, but that's not saying much with how little tread I have left on them.
Quote from: MrH on January 30, 2008, 09:04:08 PM
In the end, I should be able to hand just about everything short of a Miata it's ass in the corners. SRT-4's will be eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the curves.
I dunno, those skittles do pretty well...even though they're still neons. :banghead:
*Sorry, I had to throw that in there...it's the cool thing to do.*
You;ll have to start coming to the WORSCCA and MVSCCA Auto-X events with all us SAE guys. We should have nearly 10 guys going this year.
I'll definitely be autoX'ing this year. As for SRT-4's, once all is said and done (which may be awhile), but I should be able to handle them in the corners. The Mazdaspeed Protege was considered one of the best handling FWD cars at the time, and that suspension setup is pretty tame to what I'm hoping to get. Of course, this is all dependent on everything going smoothly.
Updates:
ECU got mailed today. I got a used Injen CAI off eBay pretty cheap this morning. It's a true cold air intake, and the piping runs waaaay down in front of my fender. Hopefully I'll get a decent gain, and no more new air filters. About out of gas, so I'll be filling up with premium here soon in preparation for the new ECU.
Also looking into to getting a small, partial sponsership to test some new coilovers. I'll let you know how that goes. Hopefully I can get a huge discount on them.
Bought a very rare and expensive cat back exhaust for a good price today on the mazda forums. Its a JIC Magic cat back (straight up JDM yo) that usually retails for $700-$800 for $200+shipping.
Quote from: MrH on February 11, 2008, 11:50:06 AM
Bought a very rare and expensive cat back exhaust for a good price today on the mazda forums. Its a JIC Magic cat back (straight up JDM yo) that usually retails for $700-$800 for $200+shipping.
Any links to how it sounds? I found a youtube video of a 2001 LX with the Mazdaspeed muffler, it sounded pretty good. I've considered one for my car, but I've got some suspension and brake stuff to take care of first.
Quote from: The Pirate on February 11, 2008, 11:58:35 AM
Any links to how it sounds? I found a youtube video of a 2001 LX with the Mazdaspeed muffler, it sounded pretty good. I've considered one for my car, but I've got some suspension and brake stuff to take care of first.
there's one floating around the forums somewhere. I'll try and find it for you when I'm not posting from my phone. Most compare to the racing beat exhaust but breathes better at high rpm. Its not supposed to be all that loud to begin with, but a silencer is included that can be installed. I'll get a clip for you when I install it. I snagged the two best deals that forum has seen in awhile.
Quote from: MrH on February 11, 2008, 11:50:06 AM
Bought a very rare and expensive cat back exhaust for a good price today on the mazda forums. Its a JIC Magic cat back (straight up JDM yo) that usually retails for $700-$800 for $200+shipping.
isn't JIC mande in cali though? :lol:
I did something similar recently... got a $700 Racing BEat exhaust for the RX8 for $300. Some elbow grease and some English Custom hot metal polish and it looks like new (i'll probably make a thread about it one day as a product endorsement because its that good of polish).
Quote from: The Pirate on February 11, 2008, 11:58:35 AM
Any links to how it sounds? I found a youtube video of a 2001 LX with the Mazdaspeed muffler, it sounded pretty good. I've considered one for my car, but I've got some suspension and brake stuff to take care of first.
The Mazdaspeed muffler doesn't free up any power though. Kind of a pointless, expensive mod if you ask me. I atleast free up a little power with a full cat back.
Quote from: r0tor on February 11, 2008, 01:12:27 PM
isn't JIC mande in cali though? :lol:
I did something similar recently... got a $700 Racing BEat exhaust for the RX8 for $300. Some elbow grease and some English Custom hot metal polish and it looks like new (i'll probably make a thread about it one day as a product endorsement because its that good of polish).
Haha, yeah, it is. They originated in Japan though. Way to crush my dreams of owning JDM hotness. :cry: :tounge:
That's an awesome deal on the RX-8 exhaust. I used to follow RX-8's pretty closely (I was a part of Rx-8club.com for awhile). Racing Beat probably makes the highest quality Mazda parts around, but they're expensive as hell. $300 is a steal.
How the hell are the Protege's? I've been scanning classifieds and for some reason the Protege always stands out. I like the wagon model with a manual like yours MrH. Also, what's the forum so I can read up and see if I should really pursue a used daily driver. Otherwise, I'll try to find something like a G20 or a miata(if I can fit in one comfortably.) I don't think there is a chance in hell I'd ever find a decent Mazdaspeed Protege around here. Damn, I've always liked that car.
Here's the forum:
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/index.php?
Protege's are great daily drivers overall. If you want an absolute beast in the straight line, look else where. It's a great handling, good looking grocery getter. The strong point of the car is definitely the steering feel and handling. It's pretty nimble, and the wheel constantly tells you what's going on.
Downsides: The engine mostly. It's relatively torquey, gas mileage is respectable, pretty reliable, but it gasps for air in the upper range, runs really rich, and the rods are made of jello. It's not boost friendly what so ever. There's quite a few protege's on there putting out 220+ whp, some over 300, but the amount of money you have to dump into it to get it there is ridiculous. You're better off just getting a different car. The car isn't the quietest thing ever.
Best comparison is the FWD, grocery mobile version of a Miata.
So this whole build up was put on hold for a bit. I've been real busy, and I don't have access to the garage at school too often. I thought this whole project was going to be put on hold indefinitely. Today, however, I'm going to swing by Sear's, pick up a ton of tools (my family and I barely own any tools), drive back home from college, and see if I get this ECU and exhaust hooked up. I'll be taking pictures along the way.
Youtube that exhaust when you get a chance. I want to hear it!
will do. Just giving an update from my phone before falling asleep. Wrestled with the car for about three hours but I got the ecu in. Pretty noticable too. Nice pull from 3000 rpm or so. Huge bump in mid range torque. Pictures and more in depth review will be put up tomorrow.
Bought jack stands, a jack, and a full mechanics tool set today for about $250. Money well spent. Working on getting a protege mp3 ported intake manifold off the forums currently. Exhaust hopefully this week or weekend. Injen intake goes on when I get around to buying the few missing parts.
I'm debating whether I should go for a light flywheel and lightweight pulleys too. Also considering headers and mid pipe.
UPDATE:
Debated on getting a second project car or putting more money into the MP5. I think I've come to the conclusion I'm going to dump more money into this, and have a perfect daily driver for quite awhile, and get a second car when I graduate.
Ordering the parts for the intake tonight. Haven't installed the exhaust. I might be getting rid of it. Very much a coffee can of a tip. Supposed to sound pretty subdued though. It's back at home and I'll have to take a look at it again.
Considering coil overs, or possibly these wheels if the guy is willing to go down on price some.
(http://img129.imageshack.us/img129/954/dsc01733cr3.jpg)
(http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/6185/dsc00298kn7.jpg)
(http://img129.imageshack.us/img129/861/dsc01744li6.jpg)
I like the wheels.
Yo tambien.
Dude, why waste money on a CAI just because it's an Injen? My stupid BOMZ thing is a "true CAI" and it cost $50.
Quote from: Secret Chimp on March 05, 2008, 03:54:08 PM
Dude, why waste money on a CAI just because it's an Injen? My stupid BOMZ thing is a "true CAI" and it cost $50.
Dude, BOMZ is friggin awesome. Even better are the Ebay generic knock-offs of BOMZ, just in case BOMZ wasn't shitty enough for you. :lol:
Seriously, it's just a tube with a filter. Some are slightly better than others, but in the end, the cheapest ones are almost always the best bang for the buck. I prefer the free ones, myself.
Quote from: Secret Chimp on March 05, 2008, 03:54:08 PM
Dude, why waste money on a CAI just because it's an Injen? My stupid BOMZ thing is a "true CAI" and it cost $50.
I got it really cheap man. It's used, and isn't in perfect cosmetic condition, but I don't really care what it looks like. And frankly, the quality is hands down better than the crap on eBay. This intake actually routes the filter down in front of the driver side front wheel. A lot of those short ram crap they sell on eBay have a higher intake temperature than the stock setup anyways.
since it has a MAF sensor, its critical to have nice looking flow over that too - which some of the cheaper things completely neglect
Quote from: MrH on March 05, 2008, 05:53:31 PM
This intake actually routes the filter down in front of the driver side front wheel.
You just described my BOMZ :P
To coilover or not to coilover, that is the question.
Killer deal on K-sport coilovers that ends today. The cheapest I've seen them new in the past is $975. I can get these for $760. If I end up not liking them, I could probably sell them for even more than I paid, so I think I'm going to jump on it.
Supposedly the old design used to snap the front end links by just putting the car back on the ground, but the new ones can use the stock ones, just have to be sure to tighten them really well. Spring rates are pretty ridiculous on them, but they are supposed to atleast be livable on the street. The shocks are 36 degrees of adjustment.
(http://www.ksportusa.com/grfx/products/coilovers/cd01/splash.jpg)
I said get the coilovers. Get them. Now.
Haha. The funny thing is. I really don't know what I'm doing installing all this stuff. It's pretty much a "learn as you go" experience. I think I'm going to go through with it. They were supposed to be $813 shipped. The guy who's getting the deal from a distributor leaves like 2 miles from me though, so he's dropping the PayPal fees and shipping.
Quote from: MrH on March 09, 2008, 11:57:52 AM
Haha. The funny thing is. I really don't know what I'm doing installing all this stuff. It's pretty much a "learn as you go" experience. I think I'm going to go through with it. They were supposed to be $813 shipped. The guy who's getting the deal from a distributor leaves like 2 miles from me though, so he's dropping the PayPal fees and shipping.
Ask Crosswire, most of the stuff anyone's ever done around our parts have been learn as you go. When he dropped his driveshaft and exhaust system, when I helped a mutual friend change the clutch in his 240SX, and a bunch more stuff. Everything is learn as you go.
ksport products tend to have questionable quality from what i've seen.
as far as learning as you go, i helped my friend on his 240SX the last month or so put on a: header back exhaust, coilovers, sway bars, control arms, various braces, pretty much everything in the interior, tap a stripped cylinder head, and converted his car to 5 lug hubs and installed skyline wheels.... with a 300ZX brake conversion scheduled maybe today and a full silvia front end conversion in a few weeks. After that is an SR20DET sway
Quote from: r0tor on March 09, 2008, 12:15:20 PM
ksport products tend to have questionable quality from what i've seen.
as far as learning as you go, i helped my friend on his 240SX the last month or so put on a: header back exhaust, coilovers, sway bars, control arms, various braces, pretty much everything in the interior, tap a stripped cylinder head, and converted his car to 5 lug hubs and installed skyline wheels.... with a 300ZX brake conversion scheduled maybe today and a full silvia front end conversion in a few weeks. After that is an SR20DET sway
I think for the price, it'd be silly to get anything else. $760 is dirt cheap for coilovers.
I went for it. Bought the coilovers. These better be worth it. Wheels possibly being purchased late this week. My wallet is crying so bad right now.
Quote from: MrH on March 09, 2008, 11:57:52 AM
Haha. The funny thing is. I really don't know what I'm doing installing all this stuff. It's pretty much a "learn as you go" experience.
The E21 is definitely going to be a learn as you go for me. Hell, I think I'm going to attempt something crazy, and try doing a clutch job next week. Hopefully I can grab a friend who's free, but if not it should be a fun couple of days of cursing my head off.
Here's a little picture update for you guys. These are from the ECU swap. This took much much longer than expected, and was a big pain in the ass. Just like I'm sure every upgrade is going to be on this project.
(http://lh4.google.com/MikeHart42/R98ggAKoJZI/AAAAAAAAA7k/CXqiXG7rCm0/s800/IMGP0183.JPG) (http://picasaweb.google.com/MikeHart42/ECUInstall/photo?authkey=oXoIevY3UQE#5178893830671836562)
The dirty Protege5, in an extremely messy garage. It was pretty cold out. Had to disconnect the battery, that's why the hood is up.
(http://lh5.google.com/MikeHart42/R98ghQKoJaI/AAAAAAAAA7w/s-ELj45UiZ8/s800/IMGP0184.JPG) (http://picasaweb.google.com/MikeHart42/ECUInstall/photo?authkey=oXoIevY3UQE#5178893852146673058)
My laptop with my car's owner manual on it, and my new tool set from Sear's. All I'll really need for this job.
(http://lh5.google.com/MikeHart42/R98giQKoJbI/AAAAAAAAA74/AMCYGVLCw8w/s800/IMGP0187.JPG) (http://picasaweb.google.com/MikeHart42/ECUInstall/photo?authkey=oXoIevY3UQE#5178893869326542258)
Dirty interior. And my seats that continue to look really obnoxious in low light conditions. I swear, they're not that bad.
(http://lh5.google.com/MikeHart42/R98gjQKoJcI/AAAAAAAAA8A/XksY4DCBXds/s800/IMGP0191.JPG) (http://picasaweb.google.com/MikeHart42/ECUInstall/photo?authkey=oXoIevY3UQE#5178893886506411458)
Here's the bastard I'm trying to get at. It's under the carpet, up in the passenger footwell. Needless to say, it's a pain in the ass to get to. I was upside down in the foot well for about 3 hours that night.
(http://lh6.google.com/MikeHart42/R98gkgKoJdI/AAAAAAAAA8I/jbBbxyCQ5nU/s800/IMGP0192.JPG) (http://picasaweb.google.com/MikeHart42/ECUInstall/photo?authkey=oXoIevY3UQE#5178893907981247954)
Here it is more zoomed out, so you can get an idea where it is.
(http://lh6.google.com/MikeHart42/R98glgKoJeI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/cgzLLI5mGUg/s800/IMGP0194.JPG) (http://picasaweb.google.com/MikeHart42/ECUInstall/photo?authkey=oXoIevY3UQE#5178893925161117154)
Finally got the carpet up. I first removed the passenger seat, thinking I could take the carpet up that way. Turns out it's one piece all the way to the backseats. I ended up removing a ton of interior pieces up front, which I was trying to avoid. That metal plate was the devil. It was like wrestling a sharp, awkward gorilla strapped to the floor. Since I value all my fingers, I had to wear gloves. The ECU was bolted in with brackets to it, and the metal sheet was strapped to the floor. It was a challenge for sure.
(http://lh6.google.com/MikeHart42/R98gmgKoJfI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/fS4kvIKXvCc/s800/IMGP0197.JPG) (http://picasaweb.google.com/MikeHart42/ECUInstall/photo?authkey=oXoIevY3UQE#5178893942340986354)
SUCCESS!!! There's the ECU in the nude finally.
(http://lh3.google.com/MikeHart42/R98gnwKoJgI/AAAAAAAAA8g/ISqGaGHWPPw/s800/IMGP0199.JPG) (http://picasaweb.google.com/MikeHart42/ECUInstall/photo?authkey=oXoIevY3UQE#5178893963815822850)
Bastard...
(http://lh3.google.com/MikeHart42/R98gowKoJhI/AAAAAAAAA8o/5goKFBivONA/s800/IMGP0200.JPG) (http://picasaweb.google.com/MikeHart42/ECUInstall/photo?authkey=oXoIevY3UQE#5178893980995692050)
New ECU and my sexy bear claws that the ladies love...
That's the end of the install. Another post immediately after with current state, and what's coming up for the Protege5!
I was seriously going to purchase those wheels I posted previously, but these turned up cheap. They are badly curb rashed Mazda MP3 wheels that I can snag for cheap.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/cbcbd/ebay/IMG_3080.jpg)
Currently working on getting a quote on getting them stripped, fixed as best as possible, and powder coated.
Also, I'm getting an intake manifold cheap possibly. I think I'm going to try my hands at porting. It'll definitely be something to learn from. Short throw shifter also in the works.
Also came across a JDM intake cam. Anyone have any experience with cam swaps? How long of a job am I looking at, and how difficult? How much would a shop charge to do this for me? It's an easy 10-12 whp for $165 shipped.
Dang, you're putting a lot of money into this project...
sweet, looks like some good progress coming along.
Why do you buy things from McDonald's?
Quote from: TheIntrepid on March 17, 2008, 09:30:04 PM
Why do you buy things from McDonald's?
Why do you buy things from Chrysler? :evildude:
Sorry, couldn't resist. Once in a blue moon, I'll swing by there with people from work. You can't deny a double 1/4 pounder once in awhile.
(http://lh4.google.com/MikeHart42/R-gf2wNk-OI/AAAAAAAAA9g/05kmVa_iDRY/s800/IMG_0029.jpg) (http://picasaweb.google.com/MikeHart42/ECUInstall/photo?authkey=oXoIevY3UQE#5181426396805003490)
Short throw shifter came in today. My intake manifold should come in sometime this week too. I'm working on getting some bushings before I install the shifter.
I passed on the curbed up wheels. Ron brought me to my senses about the shape of them. I'm holding off on the other wheels until I get all this stuff installed first. Ordering the spacer thing needed for the intake and the actual cone today too.
Parts needed to be installed:
Intake
Intake Manifold (needs to get here, then I gotta remove some valving on it, and try porting it)
Shifter
Coilovers (should be here later in the week)
Still have that exhaust. I'm putting it up for sale or trade on the forums I think. The end is just too ricer for me. I'll throw a picture of it up here in a minute.
Quote from: MrH on March 17, 2008, 10:22:20 PM
Why do you buy things from Chrysler? :evildude:
Touch?. :lol:
Haha, I agree. I had a chocolate milkshake from there today.
Do you have another exhaust lined up? And I'm really, really interested in hearing about the results of the short-throw shifter.
Quote from: The Pirate on March 24, 2008, 04:11:08 PM
Do you have another exhaust lined up? And I'm really, really interested in hearing about the results of the short-throw shifter.
I'm hoping someone will trade me a racing beat exhaust for this one. Chances are slim I'll find someone willing to trade. If nothing else though, I'll probably just sell this and keep the money. Those coilovers raped my wallet.
The short throw shifter is supposed to be the best bang for the buck mod for our cars. Apparently the new bushings are essential for shifting feel though. I'm trying to get them cheap right now from someone on the forum. I probably won't get around to installing any of these for another 2 weeks or so. I'll be gone all this upcoming weekend.
Quote from: MrH on March 24, 2008, 04:14:51 PM
I'm hoping someone will trade me a racing beat exhaust for this one. Chances are slim I'll find someone willing to trade. If nothing else though, I'll probably just sell this and keep the money. Those coilovers raped my wallet.
The short throw shifter is supposed to be the best bang for the buck mod for our cars. Apparently the new bushings are essential for shifting feel though. I'm trying to get them cheap right now from someone on the forum. I probably won't get around to installing any of these for another 2 weeks or so. I'll be gone all this upcoming weekend.
Yeah, tough to go wrong with Racing Beat stuff. I found one on CL a few months ago (for an ES), and thought long and hard about it. January was a nasty month for expenses though, and I was right to hold off. And I really need to do some suspension stuff soon. No coilovers in my future, unfortunately.
Quote from: The Pirate on March 24, 2008, 04:23:17 PM
Yeah, tough to go wrong with Racing Beat stuff. I found one on CL a few months ago (for an ES), and thought long and hard about it. January was a nasty month for expenses though, and I was right to hold off. And I really need to do some suspension stuff soon. No coilovers in my future, unfortunately.
Hey bitch, go big or go home.
I got my coilovers for about the same price new springs and shocks would have cost anyways.
Quote from: MrH on March 24, 2008, 04:37:21 PM
Hey bitch, go big or go home.
That's what she said?
Quote from: MrH on March 24, 2008, 04:37:21 PM
Hey bitch, go big or go home.
I got my coilovers for about the same price new springs and shocks would have cost anyways.
Yeah, I know. Car stuff is just pretty low on the priority list right now. And there's a decent set of shocks/springs on protegegarage.com for around $500. KYB or Tokico, I can't remember which... Anyway, that's probably the route I'll go. It will be an improvement over my worn out stockers.
And I'm kind of at an impasse here with my car. I'm leery to throw a ton of money into it; I'm getting the hankering for something with more power, or RWD, or both.
Quote from: The Pirate on March 24, 2008, 04:42:03 PM
Yeah, I know. Car stuff is just pretty low on the priority list right now. And there's a decent set of shocks/springs on protegegarage.com for around $500. KYB or Tokico, I can't remember which... Anyway, that's probably the route I'll go. It will be an improvement over my worn out stockers.
And I'm kind of at an impasse here with my car. I'm leery to throw a ton of money into it; I'm getting the hankering for something with more power, or RWD, or both.
You can do what I'm doing. Make it the most bad ass grocery getter EVAR!!! And keep it forever too. Then wait a few years and blow your money on a secondary car.
Quote from: TheIntrepid on March 24, 2008, 04:39:33 PM
That's what she said?
And that would be why you're at home right now. :lol:
Quote from: CALL_911 on March 24, 2008, 04:47:44 PM
And that would be why you're at home right now. :lol:
I'm not at home.
(http://lh6.google.com/MikeHart42/R-g01QNk-PI/AAAAAAAAA-A/nj0OpyET6Og/s800/IMGP0315.JPG.jpg) (http://picasaweb.google.com/MikeHart42/ECUInstall/photo?authkey=oXoIevY3UQE#5181449460779383026)
Is it too ricey? Yay or nay?
(http://lh5.google.com/MikeHart42/R-g0-ANk-SI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/3U9VzMECOac/s800/IMGP0318.JPG.jpg) (http://picasaweb.google.com/MikeHart42/ECUInstall/photo?authkey=oXoIevY3UQE#5181449611103238434)
In comparison to my hand for size reference:
(http://lh3.google.com/MikeHart42/R-g05gNk-RI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/IUnRO_4CkfM/s800/IMGP0317.JPG.jpg) (http://picasaweb.google.com/MikeHart42/ECUInstall/photo?authkey=oXoIevY3UQE#5181449533793827090)
(http://lh5.google.com/MikeHart42/R-g1EANk-UI/AAAAAAAAA-o/B0nJqxPq0ps/s800/IMGP0320.JPG.jpg) (http://picasaweb.google.com/MikeHart42/ECUInstall/photo?authkey=oXoIevY3UQE#5181449714182453570)
What do you have against coffee cans? It's just a straight through muffler. Looks fine to me. Put it on.
Yeah, it doesn't look bad at all. And it's supposed to sound decent too, right? Slap that puppy on the car.
My friend put an exhaust that looks similar to that on his 240SX... i think his is a greddy that has a silencer built in and it actually sounds really good (not fart can like at all). We were both suprised after we installed it because just looking at it we both had our doubts on it.
I might throw on the exhaust today. Anyone have an idea how long it should take?
Any other opinions on the exhaust? Its supposed to sound great, the tip is just larger than I'd like. I have a few other maintaince things to take care of today. I need to put in a new battery, refill the windshield wiper fluid, and there's a rattle in the engine bay that's getting progressively worse. Its really loud at 3.5k rpm and can be heard at 1.5k and 4.5k rpm sometimes too. Anyone have any ideas?
Also, I have a tire bulge on the sidewall. I'm guessing that's something pretty urgent that should be taken care of?
loose heat shield that rattles at certain rpm? Ive had that happend before.
You should replace that tire as soon as possible, or else it can get bigger and asplode and damage your rim.
exhaust installs can vary in length... my friends 240sx took about an hour while my car took about 3 hours. The difference is the rubber exhaust hangers on my car were a complete b&tch and I spent a good half hour on each prying like crazy.
Yeah, you should definitely replace that tire ASAP. The front tire on mine developed a bubble 4 days before I bought it. The previous owner replaced the two fronts, so when I got the car, the front tires had less than 100 miles on them.
Quote from: r0tor on March 25, 2008, 04:42:20 PM
exhaust installs can vary in length... my friends 240sx took about an hour while my car took about 3 hours. The difference is the rubber exhaust hangers on my car were a complete b&tch and I spent a good half hour on each prying like crazy.
You can has silicone spray. I doused my hangers with that stuff and they slid right off if I could get the old thumb-pry grip on them.
That was 3 hrs using a half can of silicone spray!! ugh...
Quote from: MrH on March 25, 2008, 03:36:57 PM
I might throw on the exhaust today. Anyone have an idea how long it should take?
Any other opinions on the exhaust? Its supposed to sound great, the tip is just larger than I'd like. I have a few other maintaince things to take care of today. I need to put in a new battery, refill the windshield wiper fluid, and there's a rattle in the engine bay that's getting progressively worse. Its really loud at 3.5k rpm and can be heard at 1.5k and 4.5k rpm sometimes too. Anyone have any ideas?
Also, I have a tire bulge on the sidewall. I'm guessing that's something pretty urgent that should be taken care of?
There is a good change that you may the souce of that rattle while installing the exhaust.
Well, the rattle mysteriously went away....
Anyways, the other night. Two new front tires, and new battery later, the Protege5 is back in action. The parents picked up the bill too. Score.
Anyways, I thought there'd be a delay installing this stuff. I may have torn a ligament in my knee last night though, so chances are I'll be here this weekend with some free time (I'm probably out for the season for Ultimate Frisbee). Exhaust will probably go on this weekend. Perhaps a few other things too.
Well, fuck.
Tried to install a short throw shifter yesterday. Basically, the ball seat which helps seat where the ball (which is the fulcrum) of the shifter sits, is too tall to put it all back together. I can't figure out for the life of me why either. It's not hitting the heat shielding underneath my car. I thought that was the problem, and tried unscrewing it, and ripped the head of the screw right off.
I'm fucked. I need to drive it tonight too.
Quote from: MrH on March 27, 2008, 10:10:47 PM
I may have torn a ligament in my knee last night though, so chances are I'll be here this weekend with some free time (I'm probably out for the season for Ultimate Frisbee). Exhaust will probably go on this weekend. Perhaps a few other things too.
Played Pitt again? :lol:
Quote from: MrH on April 13, 2008, 04:10:39 PM
Well, fuck.
Tried to install a short throw shifter yesterday. Basically, the ball seat which helps seat where the ball (which is the fulcrum) of the shifter sits, is too tall to put it all back together. I can't figure out for the life of me why either. It's not hitting the heat shielding underneath my car. I thought that was the problem, and tried unscrewing it, and ripped the head of the screw right off.
I'm fucked. I need to drive it tonight too.
I'm a little confused. You messed up the fastener that holds the heat shield on? If so, who cares? Just take the heat shield off. And could you put the stock shifter back on?
Quote from: The Pirate on April 13, 2008, 04:44:55 PM
I'm a little confused. You messed up the fastener that holds the heat shield on? If so, who cares? Just take the heat shield off. And could you put the stock shifter back on?
I will be taking the heat shield off when I put the exhaust on. Hopefully it doesn't rattle in the mean time. Didn't hear anything on my 20 minute drive tonight.
Turns out I reversed the two ball seats when putting the shifter back in, making it about a 1/2" too tall. I got it all together, and got the bushings on too.
The throw is really short now. It's very mechanical. Sounds exactly like a bolt action rifle everytime I shift. Takes quite a bit of effort, but definitely a big improvement. I can shift so much faster now.
I didn't take pictures through the whole thing. It was just too frustrating.
Quote from: MrH on April 13, 2008, 09:49:36 PM
I will be taking the heat shield off when I put the exhaust on. Hopefully it doesn't rattle in the mean time. Didn't hear anything on my 20 minute drive tonight.
Turns out I reversed the two ball seats when putting the shifter back in, making it about a 1/2" too tall. I got it all together, and got the bushings on too.
The throw is really short now. It's very mechanical. Sounds exactly like a bolt action rifle everytime I shift. Takes quite a bit of effort, but definitely a big improvement. I can shift so much faster now.
I didn't take pictures through the whole thing. It was just too frustrating.
Damn, that was the mod I was really interested in seeing!! :lol:
Hehehe, I find that when something doesn't work as it should, it's usually some stupid little detail that I made a mistake on. I'm glad to see I'm not alone in that area. :devil:
Still, once you realized your mistake, how was the install? That's something I still might consider doing. Glad to see you figured it out.
Quote from: The Pirate on April 13, 2008, 10:29:27 PM
Damn, that was the mod I was really interested in seeing!! :lol:
Hehehe, I find that when something doesn't work as it should, it's usually some stupid little detail that I made a mistake on. I'm glad to see I'm not alone in that area. :devil:
Still, once you realized your mistake, how was the install? That's something I still might consider doing. Glad to see you figured it out.
Probably 45 minutes to an hour and 20 minutes or so. Pretty easy if you don't fuck it up. If you're ever in the area, you're welcome to drive it and give it a shot.
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123703813
So, so, sooooo tempting. I could get $250 for my ECU alone, so that would offset the cost a bit.
Quote from: MrH on April 14, 2008, 03:39:18 PM
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123703813
So, so, sooooo tempting. I could get $250 for my ECU alone, so that would offset the cost a bit.
Holy shit.
DO IT!
How will the engine hold up under the b00st?
Looks nice, I'd go for it! How much HP can you expect? 180?
170 stock at the crank. I can probably squeeze a few more out pretty easily. I don't think I'll be running anything higher than stock boost though. 7 lbs of boost is about all it can take. I could play with air/fuel ratios and timing and run probably up to 10 psi, but then I'd be flirting with joining the Zoom Zoom Boom club. I'd just keep it there at 170-180 hp. That's still a big increase for me.
"Zoom Zoom Boom Club"
That's creative. :lol:
So there's a club? :confused:
Did you install the exhaust? How much could you sell that for? I'd keep the ECU and sell the exhaust.
If you get that, I will admit defeat immediately unless I, too, could sell my other engine and save up $800 for a turbo kit. MrH, you might just win the war yet.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 14, 2008, 07:56:07 PM
If you get that, I will admit defeat immediately unless I, too, could sell my other engine and save up $800 for a turbo kit. MrH, you might just win the war yet.
Even without the terbow kit he'd kick your ass.
Quote from: the Teuton on April 14, 2008, 07:56:07 PM
If you get that, I will admit defeat immediately unless I, too, could sell my other engine and save up $800 for a turbo kit. MrH, you might just win the war yet.
He's already won the war. The P5 with his suspension goodies should absolutely destroy an automatic 1.8L AWD car on the track. These cars aren't super fast in a straight line, but it doesn't matter all that much, because you don't need to slow down for the corners. :devil:
I know you love your car, but you're going to be staring Proteg? tail lights.
Quote from: The Pirate on April 14, 2008, 08:12:26 PM
He's already won the war. The P5 with his suspension goodies should absolutely destroy an automatic 1.8L AWD car on the track. These cars aren't super fast in a straight line, but it doesn't matter all that much, because you don't need to slow down for the corners. :devil:
I know you love your car, but you're going to be staring Proteg? tail lights.
Ownt.
MrH, any way of keeping that ECU and getting the turbo? No offense but if I were you I would've skipped out on the leather and would've just gotten the turbo and some other stuff.
Quote from: The Pirate on April 14, 2008, 08:12:26 PM
He's already won the war. The P5 with his suspension goodies should absolutely destroy an automatic 1.8L AWD car on the track. These cars aren't super fast in a straight line, but it doesn't matter all that much, because you don't need to slow down for the corners. :devil:
I know you love your car, but you're going to be staring Proteg? tail lights.
Yeah, sorry teuton. The P5 is faster and it handles better.
Quote from: thecarnut on April 14, 2008, 08:11:42 PM
Even without the terbow kit he'd kick your ass.
I'm going to go with a resounding 'no' on that one, but this isn't a debate thread at the moment. There are more appropriate places to start that.
Teuton, you act like you have a shot to begin with. :tounge:
As for getting rid of the exhaust and keeping the ECU, that's pointless. The link I posted includes the Mazdaspeed ECU, which is setup for running low boost turbo's (though not all that efficiently honestly). My current ECU, one from a Mazda MP3 Protege, is good for running N/A, but the timing is too advanced to run with a turbo.
The leather was definitely a good call. I'm still loving it. So do the ladies. :ohyeah:
And yes, there's a Zoom Zoom Boom club, with waaaaay too many members.
This guy wants $165 for shipping, which seems ridiculous to me. I told him if it's still around when my tax return comes in, I'll consider.
Quote from: MrH on April 14, 2008, 08:19:42 PM
Teuton, you act like you have a shot to begin with. :tounge:
As for getting rid of the exhaust and keeping the ECU, that's pointless. The link I posted includes the Mazdaspeed ECU, which is setup for running low boost turbo's (though not all that efficiently honestly). My current ECU, one from a Mazda MP3 Protege, is good for running N/A, but the timing is too advanced to run with a turbo.
The leather was definitely a good call. I'm still loving it. So do the ladies. :ohyeah:
And yes, there's a Zoom Zoom Boom club, with waaaaay too many members.
This guy wants $165 for shipping, which seems ridiculous to me. I told him if it's still around when my tax return comes in, I'll consider.
Oh. In that case it's different.
Go with the terbow!!!
Quote from: the Teuton on April 14, 2008, 08:18:37 PM
I'm going to go with a resounding 'no' on that one, but this isn't a debate thread at the moment. There are more appropriate places to start that.
You think your car is a lot faster than it actually is.
My biggest problem is that this is my daily driver. I think installing this in an afternoon is out of the question, and I can't be left stranded without a car if I don't finish that day. Hell, me being an idiot installing the simpiliest thing (short throw shifter) just about left me stranded.
Quote from: MrH on April 14, 2008, 08:19:42 PM
Teuton, you act like you have a shot to begin with. :tounge:
For what you've spent on your car (which is...?), you can do a lot more with something else (not to name any other cars). I'm done debating this for the moment.
Triple p0st!!!
Teuton, you should post that once more. I'm not sure I got it. :tounge:
Quote from: the Teuton on April 14, 2008, 08:26:27 PM
For what you've spent on your car (which is...?), you can do a lot more with something else (not to name any other cars). I'm done debating this for the moment.
Yeah, you can always spend less money and have a faster car in any situation, but at what cost?
Quote from: The Pirate on April 14, 2008, 08:30:08 PM
Teuton, you should post that once more. I'm not sure I got it. :tounge:
Oops.
Quote from: MrH on April 14, 2008, 08:34:04 PM
Yeah, you can always spend less money and have a faster car in any situation, but at what cost?
Debate closed until I feel like caring again. I have school work to do.
BTW, did you know that every pre-2000 Subaru motor had forged rods stock?
Quote from: the Teuton on April 14, 2008, 08:43:39 PM
Oops.
Debate closed until I feel like caring again. I have school work to do.
BTW, did you know that every pre-2000 Subaru motor had forged rods stock?
Forged rods doesn't mean faster car.
$775 for a turbo kit... damn i wish my car was that cheap to mod... do it!!
Quote from: r0tor on April 15, 2008, 06:32:55 AM
$775 for a turbo kit... damn i wish my car was that cheap to mod... do it!!
Part out your entire interior except for the driver's seat and use that money to get a turbo. :tounge:
It's the most basic of turbo chargers though. Basically a 30+ hp gain.
I don't think anyone is arguing which car has more potential (obviously the Impreza), but I'd imagine that MrH's Protege5, even before modifications, would out accelerate and out handle Teuton's Subie.
It looks like I might be picking up a turbo kit from a Mazdaspeed for $650, possibly $600 now. All I'll need is oil and coolant lines, Mazdaspeed Protege ECU, hot pipe, and AC condensor. Supposedly you can upgrade to a front mounted intercooler, and the AC condensor isn't necessary.
Anyone know what an AC condensor does? I can't seem to think of what it is, or why I'd need it if my car doesn't need one right now. What effect does a turbo have on the AC?
Also, I could sell my MP3 ECU for $250, so could make some money off that. Probably looking at under $700 for a low boost turbo setup.
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123704212
The AC condenser is the little radiator sitting in front of your real radiator... it rejects heat from the air conditioning system allowing you to get cooled off.
Any updates on the terbow?