FS: TRI-POINT built '01 MP3 racecar or street

[Clark18]

My car started life as a '01 Protege ES bought new by TRI-POINT Engineering (Mazda factory race team) from Galpin Mazda in CA. They planned to race it in the SCCA SSC class, but found it uncompetitive so w/ the help of the Mazda factory changed it to an MP3. TP did EVERYTHING MP3, and I have a folder a couple inches thick of receipts to prove the build, all done w/ direct factory support. This car is an MP3, but the interior was left ES since that did not matter for racing.

The car has about 11,000 miles on the odometer, but the rebuilt SUNBELT engine (best Mazda engine builders in the country) and trans have less than 300 miles on them--basically BRAND NEW. Other details....
*fully welded TRI-POINT cage
*MOMO wheel, race seat, window net, racing belts, very $$$ fire system (not just a fire bottle)
*about 10 total RacingHart MP3 rims shod w/ race tires
*2 sets of basically new Hoosier and Hankook tires, as well as 3 BRAND NEW Hoosiers--tires alone are worth over $2,000
*basically new Mazda rotors and CarboTech pads ($250+ just for the fronts) on car as well as spares, new SS brake lines
*other misc. spares

My car is set up to race, but the SSC rules mean it must stay "close too" stock. The drivetrain and suspension are fully tuned, but I will not go into details with anyone but serious buyers so please no tirekickers. Trust me--the car is very fast for an MP3 and handles like it is on rails. It is so fast that it was protested for legality by a Mazda3 racer because he said I pulled him up the long straight at Road America. No fear though, THIS CAR IS LEGAL and fully capable of winning races.

My MP3 can be driven on the street since it has a valid title, and actually was driven from TRI-POINT in CA across the country to my shop in WI w/o issue. Keep in mind though there is no radio or AC (both removed to save weight), and the driver's door is partially gutted (still has a window and power window/lock controls).

Asking $12K OBO and for info PM me, post here, email uwecje@yahoo.com or can give out my # if need be. I will post more pix w/ my info, just testing the ones I already have to see if I can do this right. Thanks for looking...Jim

[CRZbrussian]

something tell me this thread shall be locked in a few, but looks like a fun car to drive, good luck on selling it

[ChefChris]

Lord_Zath your slipping I figured you would have locked this with in 5 mins...I have been sitting here waiting for it. LOL nothing against the seller....just no pic with the name means locked up till proper pics come...(boom07)

[Clark18]

C'mon I'm at work and only have a few photos on this computer. I'll take more when I get home. Check my rep on here since I've dealt w/ others in the past and they will vouch for me, or check me on ebay--user uwecje w/ a perfect positive feedback rating. No scamming here as this is my car....

[ChefChris]

C'mon I'm at work and only have a few photos on this computer. I'll take more when I get home. Check my rep on here since I've dealt w/ others in the past and they will vouch for me, or check me on ebay--user uwecje w/ a perfect positive feedback rating. No scamming here as this is my car....



If it gets locked they will unlock it later when you have to pics, they always do...besides if they do lock it you get still get pm's on it...(thumb)

[RaiderMP5]

All that is needed is the pics retaken with a paper sign with your screen name, date and the forum on it. Not a big deal, and a great car!

[Jeff@Tri-Point]

Those pictures were taken at our shop... They are not even recent pictures. (thumb)

[Clark18]

Those pictures were taken at our shop... They are not even recent pictures. (thumb)

That is true--those are pics Mark Shuler of Tri-Point took of the car for me. My name is Jim Ebben. I bought the car, my bro Joe picked it up from your shop in CA, and it still looks basically the same save for an orange hood. Do you remember?

As I said I wanted to post these pics now since I only have access to them now, and I will take some more when I get home.

[Clark18]

More pics this time w/ the proper info. One of some spare wheels, and one of the car. The weather is terrible here so I just took one, but as I said the car looks the same as in the other photos, just w/ an orange hood.

[RaiderMP5]

+ reps for posting proper pics. I am sure you will take more when it is not crappy out. But the thread will not be closed. Good luck with the sale!

[GHOSTWHISPER]

Works for me

[Mad Hatter]

Where in WI are you?

[Antoine]

Bump for posting proper pics...But someone should check it out IN PERSON.

[Clark18]

I'm located in the Fox Valley, and have actually asked some of you WI folks some MP3 questions in the past (maybe you Mad Hatter).

Yes I expect that anyone who is SERIOUSLY thinking of buying my car comes take a look. I have plenty of proof that I own it (race results, SCCA logbook, title, etc) so if you have any issues just ask me.

Forgot to mention that I even have spare complete hubs that come w/ the car (from the MP3 conversion), spare barely used diff, etc. The engine alone cost almost half of the asking price.

[CasopoliS]

I like Tri-Point :)! Does it have Cunningham connecting rods by any chance?

[L8R]

Ship to Hawaii? :) JP. (bump)

[CasopoliS]

I would take off all the stickers, get it looking as stock as it can look, then drive it around town :)

[Clark18]

No Cunningham rods, and like I said I don't want to go into details on the engine build--can't give away all my speed secrets!

I will ship the MP3 where ever you want. Maybe I'll ride along if it is to Hawaii.

If a buyer prefers, I will take off all stickers and can make the car more "streetable".

[TXMazdaSpeeder]

You might wanna rename the thread "FS: 01 Protege ES" instead of MP3, because no matter what if its a conversion the VIN is still gonna come up ES which comes up differently when people are trying to insure it or run a NADA value (even NADA value is kinda moot now do to all the work and you are essentially buying a racecar.)

[CasopoliS]

No Cunningham rods, and like I said I don't want to go into details on the engine build--can't give away all my speed secrets!

I will ship the MP3 where ever you want. Maybe I'll ride along if it is to Hawaii.

If a buyer prefers, I will take off all stickers and can make the car more "streetable".

I thought Sunbelt got a ton of rods made by Cunningham for the FSDE, for the World Challenge Proteges, just thought they would have used the same here. Nonetheless I am sure they are good internals, just don't know why you would keep that info from us.

[vindication]

someone from tripoint already posted the info on there engines. it was a complete sheet with all sorts of specs.

[wicked]

No Cunningham rods, and like I said I don't want to go into details on the engine build--can't give away all my speed secrets!




you mean tri-points secrets?

[Lord_Zath]

Lord_Zath your slipping I figured you would have locked this with in 5 mins...I have been sitting here waiting for it. LOL nothing against the seller....just no pic with the name means locked up till proper pics come...(boom07)

lol I guess I must have missed this one! Thankfully, there are 3 FS mods :)

[Clark18]

Sunbelt originally built the motor, not Tri-Point--they built the car. This engine is different than a World Challenge build due to more restrictive SCCA rules. Since I'm selling the car more for racing I don't want to tell everyone every little thing about it. It is hard to win races, and even harder if your competition knows your setup and such. If this were just a street car I would tell y'all everything since there would be nothing to lose. Racecar transactions are usually like this, and I will discuss the car in detail w/ prospective buyers that are serious--but not here on a public forum. Hope you understand.

[Brian MP5T]

What

[xelderx]

Actually most racecar transactions start with a complete list of everything on the car along with spares, weight, power etc. Motors are usually described in hours, not miles. Since you aren't going to be keeping the car for racing what does it matter what secrets you have in it? The car is obviously built right with sunbelt and Tri-Point being involved, but this isn't drag racing so the whole secrecy thing just doesn't fly with all us grassroots guys.

[Brian MP5T]

^^ Agreed, SPILL THE BEANS!

[MrDiggler]

FWIW, I just recently dealt with buying some spares from a race team and they were very tight lipped about the specs until they knew I was serious. It's also possible that the next owner of this car might be going racing with it and therefore glad every detail wasn't published here. Just my .02

[Clark18]

Actually most racecar transactions start with a complete list of everything on the car along with spares, weight, power etc. Motors are usually described in hours, not miles. Since you aren't going to be keeping the car for racing what does it matter what secrets you have in it? The car is obviously built right with sunbelt and Tri-Point being involved, but this isn't drag racing so the whole secrecy thing just doesn't fly with all us grassroots guys.

I'm just trying to sell my car, not argue. I gave a basic description of the car and spares, and plenty of contact info for those that want more. I don't see the need to discuss every detail of my car on a public forum. I have been around SCCA racing for a long time, and EVERY seller of a vehicle I have talked to has been the same--won't give all the info until they know I'm serious. True I'm not racing the car anymore, but as MrDiggler said I'm thinking of the new owner who might race it.

By rules the MP3 must race at 2850 lbs w/ driver, but mine can get down to 2750. I don't know the exact HP since I have not had a recent dyno, but it has plenty for an MP3 (its racing record is proof). True race engines w/ no odometer list in hours, but it makes more sense here to list mileage--easier to track too.

Forgot to mention there is a new clutch in the car, and I still have the stock driver seat if someone wants that installed. Thanks for looking....

[turboprobe]

what happened to the original hood in the tri-point pictures??

nick

[Clark18]

what happened to the original hood in the tri-point pictures??

nick

It got a bit wrecked in a race. I could get it pretty straight, but just got a new one. I will include that w/ the car as a spare.

[Clark18]

I'm going to do some gray touch-up painting on my car. If anyone wants to buy it before that (since you might want your own color) I will sell it for less.

[Clark18]

Lots of interest but no $ yet--$11K drives it home

[stdntDrvr]

man, i wish i had the cash.

[Clark18]

The race season starts soon around here. My MP3 is still for sale, but is also available for rental w/ the rental fee going towards purchase price if there's interest in that.

[xelderx]

Rental fee huh? Where are you located again?

[Clark18]

Rental fee huh? Where are you located again?

Wisconsin--I will rent the car, and if you were then to purchase it I would knock the rental fee off the price which makes it a great deal.

[justanotheradikt]

shit i would go for that...too bad im in south louisiana

[Clark18]

Price now $10K, and that includes a test day at Road America on May 11th. The MP3 is also available for rent.

[wannabe]

hey clark, i noticed you have several mp3 wheels, and none of them seem to have center caps. do you by chance have 1 of those laying around somewhere that i could get off you for like $15?

[Clark18]

hey clark, i noticed you have several mp3 wheels, and none of them seem to have center caps. do you by chance have 1 of those laying around somewhere that i could get off you for like $15?

I'll check and let you know. Sorry for the late reply but I've been busy.

[justanotheradikt]

would you be interested in selling a set of rims to me?

[Kooldino]

What are the specs of the engine and ECU?

[-pixy-]

I'll check and let you know. Sorry for the late reply but I've been busy.

don't go crazy looking, he already ordered one :p

[Clark18]

don't go crazy looking, he already ordered one :p

OK, unless I hear different I won't bother looking.

justanotheradikt--I have a few interested parties at the moment so let me see what happens. If it doesn't sell I might part w/ a set but right now I'm leaning towards keeping the spares.

Kooldino--what specs do you mean? The ECU is a basic MP3 unit.

[Mr. 4500 RPM]

would you accept trades?

[justanotheradikt]

hahaha...trades. thats a good question


also keep me updated about the wheels...id buy them right now!

[RaiderMP5]

because he so wants a used p5 in trade for a race car...lol.

[Mr. 4500 RPM]

because he so wants a used p5 in trade for a race car...lol.

36k miles...pretty mint...

[Rac3rX]

Can I see a Pic of the Motor Please?

[Clark18]

Sorry, but I already have too many vehicles so I'm not interested in a trade right now. Make me an offer if you don't like the price.

Engine pic coming tomorrow.

[wannabe]

don't go crazy looking, he already ordered one :p

thanks pixy.

yes, i already have one, so dont bother searching...

[Clark18]

Here's an engine pic as requested, sorry it's late. I had the car out and it is running great--will be lots of fun for someone. Don't miss your chance to own a fast MP3, street-legal racecar.

[Clark18]

Price reduced to $9500. SCCA just decided to keep the SSC rules the same so this car can be raced for a long time. Don't forget, Mazda pays you to win SCCA races as do the tire manufacturers.

[Clark18]

Bump--attached is a pic of the car from a recent race at Road America, and the other is to show what the yellow rims look like. Sorry but the baby is not for sale. The car ran great, and now comes w/ a set of the new Hoosier race tires (225/40) that go for about $900; that is besides all the other tires I have. The new ones only have 10 LAPS on them! Come pick up the car now, it is ready to race.

[Clark18]

$9K drives it home

[Clark18]

price reduced to $8,500

[Solo2Protege]

wow, thats a helluva price drop...too bad i already have a build going.

bump for a cool RACE car.

[Clark18]

Car is sold but do have some parts left. Will be posting for sale soon a Wagner shorty header, exhaust, MP3 cam, headlight, taillight, side marker lights, splitter, etc.