hi there (lots of pics and questions)

[_jp]

not new to cars, just new to anything import wise. this is kinda long, kinda try to keep it to what im trying to do. picked this up about three weeks ago, 2002 mazda protege (es? i think) has the 2.0l 4, 5 spd tran, 16" etc.

my first and foremost question and concern is....has my car been lowered? i cant seem to find stock ride height for that year, etc. i was looking at another protege that looks just like mine the other day but it looks like the room between the tire and wheel well isn't that much. ive taken lots of pics which im going to include some below. not that im complaining, i was wanting to drop the stance some. was checking into good adjustable coil overs (desert racing background, coil overs good) but this thing look low. help me figure this out.

on to the basics...what i want out of her is something that's completely reliable transportation, no crazy cutting up the engine bay or 4" exhaust lol. from what ive been searching and looking up ive got around 130hp now. would like to see around 200hp with bolt ons. im in a non smog testing state so im not really worried about emissions stuff. also got a crazy deal on this thing and its got freakin low low miles (37k as of monday, freakin believe that?) its been babied from what i can tell, but has minor stuff that kinda drives me nuts.

what i want : to look pretty much stock. its got what i consider pretty decent wheels for a stock ride, 16", some low pro rubber that im replacing next week (dun 5000's to kuhmo astx (?) somethings). would like to get a set of 17"s for the summer and run the 16"s during the winter when i go visit up north.

exhaust : NO BLING BLING coffee can sh/t. i want good sound, something that opens the system up and provides good back pressure to the power plant and with less of that ricer sound. function and form i guess. engine : someone has put a ? brand of intake on it but whoever did it must have been retarded. the filter is just laying, wait bouncing around. there's nothing holding it in place. seems someone could have taken five minets to fab a bracket to hold it up. considering replacing that for something higher end not to mention the filter on this thing is black.

header, plugs, wires, injectors, etc are all on the "minor mods" list cause that's stuff that i can do and still have some resemblance of warranty left if i have to change back over a weekend. at the moment im looking at magnacore for the 8.8mm set (around 75$) and some plat or ir plugs. anyone have suggestions, etc JUMP IN AT ANYTIME.

body : there's some of what i would call damage on the sides of the drivers side. down towards the bottom there's some scrapes, kinda dented in but not really noticeable. just bugs the piss outta me cause now i know its there. thinking a nice good looking side skirt would kinda hide that but im not sure where that would attach at? the dented areas are in the pics below. would love to try to hide that.
hood : ok, is a CF hood worth anything except for weight reduction? yeah its bitchin to look at and would help my cause in going faster with that heavy hood gone but are they worth the 499-700$ im seeing?
front/rear bumper : not really concerned about them at the moment. the rear bumper has some scuffs on it that im thinking about getting taken care of. but i would guess with a custom exhaust i would have to mod around where a new exhaust tip would go? why invest in a new bumper that im just gonna have to cut?

what i want is something that i think is fully attainable, taking what seems to be a strong engine at 130 to the 200 mark with boltons. there are things that im in the market for now like spark plugs and wires. want to give the rad a good flush and throw in some water wetter (the desert racing background there, keep things cool) just some routine maintenance to start with. im looking for options for this as i want to get this stuff ordered this week.

as for the headers, injectors, etc i really need the advice on that stuff. ive been on enough boards to use search and do things for myself which ive already started doing. just as far as who to get stuff from? what stuff isn't junk? what stuff actually works and isn't wasting mod money? things like that.

i welcome all opinions and look forward to picking your brains on this stuff.

thanks for the help, here are some pics.

jp

[MP3Architect]

hey welcome to the forums. I have carbon fiber trunk and hood. I didn't get it for the weight reduction purpose, mainly for looks. but i also got the hood to take advantage of the vents on it that let hot air out of the engine. as far as exhaust i have a greddy sp2 exhaust and its a nice low grumble. sounds great and not really that loud. you wouldn't have to cut anything out of the bumper for the exhaust. even if you got a lip on the bottom part of it, the mazdaspeed/buddyclub2/etc lips have a cut out already in them for the exhaust tips. good luck with the car and welcome to the forums.


ps. i dont see any pics.

[_jp]

large full shot
http://img478.imageshack.us/img478/1018/picone2rx.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

smaller shot
http://img478.imageshack.us/img478/6691/pictwo7xl.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

close smaller
http://img478.imageshack.us/img478/92/picthree8ke.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

how do i clean up this engine bay? dont want to fry any wires, computers, etc? any ideas, its driving me nuts.
http://img478.imageshack.us/img478/3919/picfourdirtyone5np.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

once again, how freakin dirty is this...uhg. need to clean.
http://img478.imageshack.us/img478/2429/picfivedirtytwo3wi.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

full engine shot. more dirt and the mystery intake...
http://img478.imageshack.us/img478/1415/picsixwholebay4hh.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

jp

[MP3Architect]

car looks lowered to me. look under the wheel well and see what color the springs are. that will let us know what springs are on the car.
goto autozone and get some gunk engine cleaner or whatever to clean up that bay.

[_jp]

the unnamed intake. any ideas? ebay junk?
http://img478.imageshack.us/img478/324/picsevenunnamedintake8qe.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

who ever just left this laying there with no support should be shot...
http://img478.imageshack.us/img478/224/piceightidiotinstall4dp.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

im sure no one ever cleaned the filter so im guessing its junk....
http://img478.imageshack.us/img478/2216/picnineidiotinstalltwo6en.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

more dirtyness. steam clean the engine?
http://img478.imageshack.us/img478/8901/pictendirtythree5ew.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

so has my car been lowered?
http://img478.imageshack.us/img478/5621/picelevenlowerdcarquestion6kg.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

another shot...
http://img478.imageshack.us/img478/3730/pictwelveloweredcarquestiontwo.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

one more. the springs are black in color, eibach? anyway to confirm?
http://img478.imageshack.us/img478/7854/picthirteenspacebetweenwheelan.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

jp

[MP3Architect]

the unnamed intake. any ideas? ebay junk?
ebay junk works just as well as anything else. i would just suggest buying a new k&N filter. support...............eh my short ram intake doesn't really have a support either. but my filter doesn't hit anything.

[L8R]

ho snap, id go fucken nuts if my motor was that dirty o.O

how to clean it:
remove anything u can from it
- strut tower bar
- intake (check that intake piping, i wouldnt be surprised if there is a hole in the pipe by the first bend after the throttle body. it usually rubs the master cylinder and makes a hole in it.) including your MAF.
- battery
- tape the throttle body (so water doesnt get it)

get simple green and spray your motor down. after letting it sit for about 5 mins or so, get a high pressure hose and spray your motor down. i usually do that once or twice a year. wipe your motor down after and reinstall whatever u removed.

there has been a more indepth thread made on how to clean your motor. that is how i usually do it.

no, u will not fry any wires (i was affraid of that also) just dont get too much water on the ignition wires and coils. but dont sweat it, not too bad.

welcome to the forum

[_jp]

looks like there are other nite owls out there. i like the idea of a good performing exhaust that has some sound but a) requires little to no modding of the factory bumper and b) doesn't sound like im cruising the circuit or a HS parking lot.

id like to get into some bumper work, front/rear later on, there are some very nice kits out there that would give it a better stance. the one thing with a body kit is that i do travel with my job (move every 13-26wks) so i might get sent to upstate new york or to arizona. have to keep it a little bit taller. also that's the reason id like to keep these mods smaller cause i don't have access to a shop so this stuff has to be able to be bolted on in a apt parking lot over a weekend.

think its lowered huh? the springs are black. ive yet to get the wheels off to see if there's any branding on the springs. some off road companies do that, just wondered if they might have something like that. i don't know what model i have (16" wheels lead me to believe that its a ES) but if its been lowered someone could have throw these wheels on as well. my other research says for 02 all protege's came with 2.0's? that correct? anyone got a VIN decoder that could give me the model,etc.

i like it and its a fun car to drive. sun roof, one of the nicest factory sound systems ive seen, more pick up than i thought it would be for a four popper. im sure ill have lots of questions and advice to ask for. i do appreciate the replies. thx in advance.

jp

[_jp]

i clean my two desert cherokees and my rock crawler after going out. so yeah, this dirty thing is driving me up the wall. i need to pull the intake and check it as well as the wheels to clean the insides of the rims and to check the mystery springs. im guessing im gonna replace the intake all together. id rather know i put something good in there vs someone else's problem.

so is it attainable, getting 200hp out of this with some minor work?

jp

[L8R]

no :D u want 200hp or 200 whp? with h/i/e, i say about 100whp or less. check the NA section of the forum. twilightprotege is the guy to talk to when it comes to NA HP

if u want a fast car, im sorry, but either get turbo or get another car. that is why im more show than go. the amount you invest vs the power you get isnt worth it. u could spend the same amount on... a 240 or something and get better results.

[_jp]

i want something that's relatively quick without spending over three k. i move every 13-26 wks so ive got no where to tear it down for a week or more to install and trouble shoot things. i just want some more pep out of it. no bullsh/t fast and furious stuff here. just bumping up the stk numbers

id like to turbo it but with only 30k+ on the odo im not willing to chance playing chicken with mazda/ford over warranty. all the auto makers are getting really bad about covering stuff these days. trust me, first hand experience with it. ive got a three slow rides, a really fast ride (69 gto 400 b/bp/p/p 11:1 comp 430 hp on pump gas)

so this is just something fun to drive that can give me 30+ mpg with the air on and still not feel like ive maxed out at 70mph.

jp

[wwpms6]

looks like there are other nite owls out there. i like the idea of a good performing exhaust that has some sound but a) requires little to no modding of the factory bumper and b) doesn't sound like im cruising the circuit or a HS parking lot.

id like to get into some bumper work, front/rear later on, there are some very nice kits out there that would give it a better stance. the one thing with a body kit is that i do travel with my job (move every 13-26wks) so i might get sent to upstate new york or to arizona. have to keep it a little bit taller. also that's the reason id like to keep these mods smaller cause i don't have access to a shop so this stuff has to be able to be bolted on in a apt parking lot over a weekend.

think its lowered huh? the springs are black. ive yet to get the wheels off to see if there's any branding on the springs. some off road companies do that, just wondered if they might have something like that. i don't know what model i have (16" wheels lead me to believe that its a ES) but if its been lowered someone could have throw these wheels on as well. my other research says for 02 all protege's came with 2.0's? that correct? anyone got a VIN decoder that could give me the model,etc.

i like it and its a fun car to drive. sun roof, one of the nicest factory sound systems ive seen, more pick up than i thought it would be for a four popper. im sure ill have lots of questions and advice to ask for. i do appreciate the replies. thx in advance.

jp


it looks lowered. i'm pretty sure its an es too. i'm not completly possitive, but i think the es and p5s were the only protege to come with 5 lugs in 2002. for the exhaust most recommend the racing beat. welcome! looks nice except for the dirty engine! lol

[_jp]

thanks. am going to work up under the bonnet this weekend, see if i can stop dreading opening it up. im gonna head to the stealership also and see if i can get a build sheet, will let me know a few things. also do some more digging on wires, plugs and an intake. thanks for the complements.

jp

[gksspot]

Those are the wheels that came out in 03 arnt they?

With the fog lights, spoiler, 16 inch rims, and disks in the rear id say you have an ES for sure... also, chalk up another vote for the "I think its lowered" category.

Also to answer your other questions, yes all 02s have the 2L engine. 01 had the 2L in the ESs and an option for them in the LXs. The more I think about it, if you really do have an 02 Im almost positive that the previous owner got 03 wheels and put them on the car. Ive yet to see an 02 with those wheels and Ive been searching the car listing places for a weeks now as I am finally about to buy a Protege.



Ive looked at a lot of 02 ESs and they have these rims... maybe you have an 03 Protege ES? (thumb) ... which might be a real possibility as I have yet to see fender mounted turn signal lights on 02s, and you have them on your car.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v236/gksspot/Miata/P4328.jpg





The car pictured in this link is an 03 ES and looks just like yours (rims and fender mounted signal light)

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://images.intellichoice.com/Small/03360ProtES%255B%255B%255D%255D%255B%255B%255D%255 D4552.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.intellichoice.com/reports/vehicleReport/vehicle_nmb/10482/year/2003/make/Mazda/model/Protege&h=91&w=151&sz=11&tbnid=rJgkSzVwMvoJ:&tbnh=54&tbnw=90&hl=en&start=48&prev=/images%3Fq%3D2003%2BProtege%2BES%26start%3D40%26sv num%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN













.

[MP3Architect]

you could always call mazda usa and give them the vin #

[D-rock240]

Ive looked at a lot of 02 ESs and they have these rims... maybe you have an 03 Protege ES? (thumb) ... which might be a real possibility as I have yet to see fender mounted turn signal lights on 02s, and you have them on your car.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v236/gksspot/Miata/P4328.jpg





The car pictured in this link is an 03 ES and looks just like yours (rims and fender mounted signal light)

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://images.intellichoice.com/Small/03360ProtES%255B%255B%255D%255D%255B%255B%255D%255 D4552.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.intellichoice.com/reports/vehicleReport/vehicle_nmb/10482/year/2003/make/Mazda/model/Protege&h=91&w=151&sz=11&tbnid=rJgkSzVwMvoJ:&tbnh=54&tbnw=90&hl=en&start=48&prev=/images%3Fq%3D2003%2BProtege%2BES%26start%3D40%26sv num%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://images.intellichoice.com/Small/03360ProtES%255B%255B%255D%255D%255B%255B%255D%255 D4552.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.intellichoice.com/reports/vehicleReport/vehicle_nmb/10482/year/2003/make/Mazda/model/Protege&h=91&w=151&sz=11&tbnid=rJgkSzVwMvoJ:&tbnh=54&tbnw=90&hl=en&start=48&prev=/images%3Fq%3D2003%2BProtege%2BES%26start%3D40%26sv num%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US<img src=)

.

I thought all 2003's (DX,LX,ES) came with the side marker light, mine has one and all the 2002's that I've seen do not. Isn't the production date listed on the driver's door?

[Kansei]

It's an 02.5 The 02.5s came with the same wheels found on the 03s and also the side markers. I know, mine is an 02.5 also. Nice car btw. Oh and I didn't see anyone else mention it but if you want to cover up those scrapes under the doors on the driver side, the factory sideskirt from the Protege MP3, Protege5, and Mazdaspeed Protege should cover that up since they cover everything down from the doors. Of course for those sideskirts to not look out of place you would need the MP3, P5, or MSP front bumper and the MP3 or MSP rear lip as well.. see my sig pic for the front bumper and sideskirts.

[SIBalla23]

Good choice with picking the protege to drive around in. Yes your car is definitly an es because you have rear disc brakes. The dx/lx models had drums in the rear. Yes, your car is lowered. It looks good at that height, I would leave it. Stock hp of this car is 130hp at the crank, but like 100 whp. Is your car an auto or manual? As far as intakes go, they only give about 1-3hp. Aem and injen make intakes for our car that has a support bracket to hold up the piping and filter. For exhausts, I would go with the racing beat catback. It has an oval tip and fit so nicely under the bumper it looks like it belongs there. It has a low deep rumble, no ricey lawnmower type noise. Also get a MAM (Mental Addiction Motorsports) midpipe. Either get it with highflow cat or with no cat. Then you can get a header. Wagnermotorsports makes a header that keeps your first cat. They make a downpipe to get rid of that first cat as well. Obx and AWR make a one piece header that gets rid of the first cat. After that, you can get an underdrive pulley to free up hp. Maybe a new ecu to fine tune your car, set timing and fuel. Also you can get the jspec intake cam and mazdaspeed exhaust cam or custom cams made. Also can get adjustable cam gears. If you have a manual, then you can get a short shifter and lightened flywheel to rev faster and free up hp. After that there really isn't anymore bolt ons to do. To get more hp you would have to port and polish your head, intake manifold and get different rods and pistons. Any other questions feel free to pm me. I'll be glad to help you out.