New Protege Owner in search of modding ideas? Read this!

[RaiderMP5]

Welcome to your new addiction! This is the advice I have given for new P5 owners.

Right after I got my P5, I got the intake. You can get a short ram intake (SRI), which is what I have. Others have cold air intakes (CAI) They are about the same on ebay, but you may also opt for name brand. I have the ebay...

The next thing I did was get rid of those god forsaken Dunflop piece of shit stock tires. I hydroplaned within the first week or so I owned the P5. I ended up with the Yokohama AVS ES 100's. 205-50-16's on the stock rims. After 23000 miles, they were through, so I got aftermarket wheels, and Kumho Ecsta 711 205-40-17’s. There are a bazillion threads about tires. These I highly recommend for rainy climates. (Bottom line, get out of the stock tires before you have a problem!)

I just got (after 2.5 years of owning my car) a Racing Beat exhaust. I got an insanely good deal on it. It is on the higher end of the pricing range, but you can score one used at a good rate if you are on the forum within the .245 seconds someone posts it for sale used. They run in the high $400 range new. There is a Mazda Sport (Mazdaspeed) exhaust which is also popular, but people have complained of droning, or an annoying sound at freeway speeds. The Racing Beat does not do that. But there are a bazillion threads about the exhaust subject too, look them up.

Then there is the tinting of windows, a stereo, springs/shocks/body kit, Underdrive Pulleys, carbon fiber everything, etc you will see around here for sale.

Short shifter is next on my list. Kartboy makes a great one, I have seen it in person. The shifter bushings are a must. Get them no matter what. Huge difference in shifting!

I found by moving to synthetic engine and transmission fluids, I get better mileage, and it shifts smoother too. So easy to do, it is worth it.

One more thing you should consider when you mod is a header. OBX and Ractive are the most common. I just installed the Ractive, and love the HP gains. Be sure to look up the Spark Plug non-fouler trick for the 2nd o2 sensor. It prevents the CEL from coming on.

Well, good luck, and check out the “for sale section”. Oh, search for threads about a question you might have. Most likely, it has been covered.

Most important, is the greeting by the great Sir Nuke

Originally Posted by Sir Nuke

Welcome to our happy little corner of the net, and to our Club. There are TWO BIG fridge'S in the corner with anything you can think of in them...help yourself...of course only take what you can LEGALLY have.

make yourself at home on one of the big fluffy couches, kick your shoes off, put your feet up on one of the tables, yes we are allowed to do that, mom don't care....and take it easy.

oh...btw....every once in a while a food fight breaks out...so you may not want to wear nice clothes here.

Welcome!!

[RaiderMP5]

w00t, its a sticky!

[RipperSnapper]

First thing I would mod on a P5 would be lowering it. Its the pimpest.

[MP5cd]

find used Mazdaspeed rims 17" (cheers)

[Josh_160]

yeah i didnt change the tires and i ran into a problem already within 2 weeks
funk. it just slid into a curb and now theres a chunk of rubber outta the tire and rims messed up so bad curb rash

[pluto316]

The best mod I ever did to my P5 was trading it in for a MSP. :)

[RaiderMP5]

The best mod I ever did to my P5 was trading it in for a MSP. :)

Because those are sooooo reliable!

[Mutmatt]

what was that for? :(

[RaiderMP5]

Oh, just having fun with pluto. Don't worry, I was kidding.

[Woody54]

quick question, i have an 03' p5 will a carbon fiber hood for a regular protege from the same generation fit my car? or do i have to look specifically for a p5 hood?

[JoshP5]

Same hood for all 3rd gen Proteges. Enjoy.

[Mutmatt]

3rd gens indeed :)... there are a few options out there check out the GB in my sig or my site!

[PimpSmurf]

i'm prob about ta get my parents p5 with less than 30k miles on it... r there any optionz for turbo kitz cuz i don't wanna f&@# around with all the little mods

go hard or go home

[JoshP5]

Here (http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123664098) is a recent thread that will get you motivated to build and familiar with some of the guys on the forum who run turbos in their P5s. HiBoost has a couple complete kits, other folks use the turbo from MazdaSpeed Proteges or fab their own kits. Use the search function. It will give you weeks worth of information to ponder.

Welcome to the forums!

[MommaProtege`5]

I have been lookin' around for things to do to my car, and I just happened to stumble on car sponsorship. OMG of course I totally fit the female "don't know crap" about cars stereotype..so I've got like 10 sponsors right, and don't know where to start first. Yeah sure I've got the basics for what I want my car to look like : body kit, colors picked out... what about all the little mods though?? 'Cause most of it I just heard of LOL...

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e219/SmiffsArmyWife/03.jpg

[TreFlip999]

I have been lookin' around for things to do to my car, and I just happened to stumble on car sponsorship. OMG of course I totally fit the female "don't know crap" about cars stereotype..so I've got like 10 sponsors right, and don't know where to start first. Yeah sure I've got the basics for what I want my car to look like : body kit, colors picked out... what about all the little mods though?? 'Cause most of it I just heard of LOL...

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e219/SmiffsArmyWife/03.jpgThe "search feature" is a start and how about asking your sponsors..

[br289165]

What have you heard about these, they seem to be the only ones readily available and stainless.

[TreFlip999]

What have you heard about these, they seem to be the only ones readily available and stainless.I know for a fact they are expensive but from what ive heard they are good quality

[MommaProtege`5]

The "search feature" is a start and how about asking your sponsors..

I asked my sponors, and everything they told me i should get total cost is like 10 to 15 grand. So now I just have one sponsor, and they're not pushing me to put thousands plus into my ride. So if anyone is interested in the sponorship stuff watch out. 'cause I'm getting everything that the other sponors were offering me but at a better price. everything so far will top out at like 5 grand. I just want the shit to look good, not go faster. If and when going faster happens, yeah my husband wouldn't let me drive it .. lol ;) BTW using the search feature doesn't exactly answer my question of why i "need" it and WTF it does. It's not like shopping at Victoria's Secret ya know.

[JoshP5]

BTW using the search feature doesn't exactly answer my question of why i "need" it and WTF it does.

Yes it does.

Unlike shopping at Victoria's Secret, you need to spend some time and do some research.

[Liquid_Ag]

and if you arent trying to make it go faster and handle better than you dont really need any of it. not exactly sure what you are spending 5k on if you arent buying performance parts?

[TreFlip999]

I asked my sponors, and everything they told me i should get total cost is like 10 to 15 grand. So now I just have one sponsor, and they're not pushing me to put thousands plus into my ride. So if anyone is interested in the sponorship stuff watch out. 'cause I'm getting everything that the other sponors were offering me but at a better price. everything so far will top out at like 5 grand. I just want the shit to look good, not go faster. If and when going faster happens, yeah my husband wouldn't let me drive it .. lol ;) BTW using the search feature doesn't exactly answer my question of why i "need" it and WTF it does. It's not like shopping at Victoria's Secret ya know.Ok if you dropped "10 ork 15K" into your P5 you should have one of the baddest P5's on planet earth...Ok so you want it to look good...it simple...go to the search feature and type in "body kits" for starters, they are self explanatory...or "lowering springs" again, self explanatory...and if your not buying performance parts then you dont need an explanation of "what it does" or "why you need it"...everything exterior and straight cosmetic wise is self explanatory...Type in "headlights" and Im positive atleast 30 threads will come up giving you endless ideas on the many things you can do with you headlights and even foglights....If you put 5 grand into the outside it should look pretty filthy, just do some research..use google, www.mazda3online.com, www.speedcircuit.net but these forums are the best bet for anything you need to know, there are alot of really knowlegable people on here but be serious when asking questions and dont insult thier intelligence cause' we take our P5's seriously(yellowp5) and by the way, who are these so called "sponsors"?

[peterbuilt]

I am guessing since she is going with all visual things verses motor. The inside cost a heck of alot of money to. If you set me loose in an audio shop i could spend at least two grand worth but i am not sure if she is going that route. What exactly are you expectations ?

[MommaProtege`5]

ok so i picked out the body kit, paint color, dash/door trim, interior glow, rims... well i did the search thing but i'm looking for more of an explanation kinda answer. example: there's gauges that measure water temp. and whatever else that sit in the dash or off to the side, and they come in different colors ... why do you need them??? yes it measures water temp. i get that. but i want the actual reasoning behind it.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e219/SmiffsArmyWife/CPIMG759_medium.jpg

don't lose patience with me i'm just curious. ;) ... i am serious, and would really like to know.

you can go to carsponsors.com or carsponsorships.com; one of my sponors is bodykits ect. (www.bodykits.org) and you get sponsor deals on their products and stick their decal on your car for a year. now through carsponsors.com when you go to a car show if you win a trophy in the category of one of your sponors (say best rims) carsponsors.com will send you a check for what you paid on those rims. there's more fine print to it if you're interested. as far as i know i'm the only female with a protege` 5 total stock car who is sponsored. i know this because there is a search for sponors to look for our car and you automatically get a profile when you sign up. there isn't a way around it, and so you can see who else has a car like yours on there...

as far as audio goes my husband installed Memphis Audio stuff.. the sound quality is beautiful..

[JoshP5]

If you work on your car yourself and know a lot about how it works and have it all modded out to within an inch of blowing up, you want as much information about what it's doing as possible. That information can help diagnose problems or indicate whether something is about to go terribly wrong. One piece of that information is the coolant temperature. Hence, the coolant temperature gauge.

[br289165]

What kind of rims have you chosen?

[JoshP5]

You asking me?

[MommaProtege`5]

the Kyowa KR592 Set
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e219/SmiffsArmyWife/CPIMG1326_medium.jpg

[MommaProtege`5]

If you work on your car yourself and know a lot about how it works and have it all modded out to within an inch of blowing up, you want as much information about what it's doing as possible. That information can help diagnose problems or indicate whether something is about to go terribly wrong. One piece of that information is the coolant temperature. Hence, the coolant temperature gauge.


Oh ok.. yeah I guess it would be good to know. dang.

[BlessedxBlood]

I've been lookin at the sri by aem, but I wanted a cai so i might go with k&n.. any thoughts????? Thanks!

[JoshP5]

Search. There are 438563209485601948787964 threads about this already.

[stillstock]

Hey Guys,
Just joined this Forum. I have a 2003 MP5 5sp that is still stock. I live in Houston and it's hot here for 11 months out of the year. Just wanted to know if an underdrive pulley will reduce the efficiency of the A/C and water pump. Also, does anyone have dyno #'s for the AEM short ram?
Thanx(eek2)

[amsgator]

i've got a UDP and no problems. i'm in FL and it's hot here too...and humid, yuck

[Woody54]

i've got a UDP and no problems. i'm in FL and it's hot here too...and humid, yuck

(jacked)

if i have a system in my car and i'm getting the UDP is this where a capacitor would come in handy?

[J-protege]

You may be better off with a lightweight pulley at stock size. Too much underdrive and you may not have very good power for a big sound system + AC.

[stillstock]

i've got a UDP and no problems. i'm in FL and it's hot here too...and humid, yuck

Thanks. I was'nt going to roast for a few HP. BTW, how much is the HP gain w/ the udp?

[amsgator]

Thanks. I was'nt going to roast for a few HP. BTW, how much is the HP gain w/ the udp?

not a lot. too me it isnt even more horsepower...you just get the power sooner because the engine can rev faster. it may give like 3-5 hp but most of the difference is felt in the faster acceleration due to a lighter rotating mass. essentially the same concept as a lightweight flywheel providing faster reving

attached is the difference in weight using an accurate postal scale.

udp: 1lb 6.4 ounces
stock: 5 lbs 0.6 ounces

[Woody54]

not a lot. too me it isnt even more horsepower...you just get the power sooner because the engine can rev faster. it may give like 3-5 hp but most of the difference is felt in the faster acceleration due to a lighter rotating mass. essentially the same concept as a lightweight flywheel providing faster reving

attached is the difference in weight using an accurate postal scale.

udp: 1lb 6.4 ounces
stock: 5 lbs 0.6 ounces

haha wow, that's a nice little visual aide there

[amsgator]

i was just curious of the difference so i weighted them before i put the rr racing one on :)

[TreFlip999]

That is my next mod for sure...I have to put all this stuff in my sig. on the ride and catch up before I buy more stuff :)

[Woody54]

i've been driving on the UDP and a new lightweight fly for 2 days now and the engine revs so much smoother and quicker, both of those are great mods!

[TreFlip999]

i've been driving on the UDP and a new lightweight fly for 2 days now and the engine revs so much smoother and quicker, both of those are great mods!

damn im jealous..hey did you ever sell that hood? sorry I dont want you to think i bailed on you about it, things are hectic here

[Woody54]

it makes me feel good to know that some people are jealous of my car haha. and since i'm here in IL ken and protege garage did the whole installation. and no i haven't gotten rid of the hood yet. i'm thinking of putting the hood back on my car cause of the nice paint job, CF is nice and all but the hood does look so nice... so you could buy the CF one if you want haha.

[TreFlip999]

it makes me feel good to know that some people are jealous of my car haha. and since i'm here in IL ken and protege garage did the whole installation. and no i haven't gotten rid of the hood yet. i'm thinking of putting the hood back on my car cause of the nice paint job, CF is nice and all but the hood does look so nice... so you could buy the CF one if you want haha.

how much? (attn)

[RABID_MP5]

i've been driving on the UDP and a new lightweight fly for 2 days now and the engine revs so much smoother and quicker, both of those are great mods!
Did you have to readjust your gas/clutch agressiveness to keep from killing the motor more often from a stand-still? That's something I noticed at first w/ mine.

[Woody54]

Did you have to readjust your gas/clutch agressiveness to keep from killing the motor more often from a stand-still? That's something I noticed at first w/ mine.

yeah i did... but only slightly. It's one of those things that since it is just a repetitive action it didn't take all that long to get used to. Now i'm sure that if i went back to the way it was it would feel very strange.

[deathtrigga]

hey

[cruising bazook]

I have a 2003 Protege 5, I have the stereo, but now want to start on the engine and get some more power out of her, any ideas? I have a short arm cold air intake (I live in Canada so was scard of getting water in my engine) and nothing else. I don't have too much cash, I'm still tring to pay the car off, lol. I have heard of doing the throttle body spacers (outlaw and nsn), headers (so i have to move the catalytic converter or does the aftermarket mazdaspeed header fit?), and the exhust system. Any one have any suggestions and plase to get it and word done from. I live in Toronto, Canada.
Thanks P5 owers

[bazooka joe]

welcome...just so you know, without going turbo the most you're gonna see out of this engine...with minor exp is about 15-20hp...that's like exhaust/header and cai...you can do the cams and get a bump too, but again that won't be a minor exp. do a search and you'll find lot's of threads about what kinda gains you can expect...good luck!
here's my ride...went turbo for the extra hp (had an auto so she was really slow)

[cruising bazook]

thanks bazooka joe
I meant for my username to be cruising bazooka not bazook, i have 4 10" in the hatch of my baby. Yeah i know i'll only get 15-20hp, thats good enough for me I do'nt have a lot of cash. Anyone with some ideas?

[CTt3P5]

thanks bazooka joe
I meant for my username to be cruising bazooka not bazook, i have 4 10" in the hatch of my baby. Yeah i know i'll only get 15-20hp, thats good enough for me I do'nt have a lot of cash. Anyone with some ideas?

PM a mod and they can fix your screen name.

With 4 10's in the hatch I don't even know if it's worth it to invest $$$ in the motor. Sure you could go the n/a route (I/H/E) and spend approx $300-$1000 (depending on if you can find some stuff used here on the forums) all for 15-20hp. Don't forget that hp number is at the crank not the wheels. Of course this is just my opinion...you can do whateva ya like and that's cool.

You could also look into FI and save a little longer to pick up a turbo kit that will really bring life into her even with the 4 10's.

Just my thoughts.

[cruising bazook]

thanks for the idea. Yeah i'm not stuck on the hp, just a little more quickness getting to those high gears. I know i don't want to spend too much, but this is my baby and i only want sugestions that only prove my cars life or make no long term damges to the engine. And thanks CTt3p5 i sent an email through the contact us link, hope it works. If people could recommend me some cheap improvments, price and where to get it. Also what should i do first, the only thing i have done to improve the performance is a short cold air intake. to my fellow Canadian's if you know any good cheap mechanics, i live in toronto.
thank you
mazda owners

[RGN .5 AASN]

i have a quick question for the people here...as you already know, i am a newbie, and getting into modding my MP5, and my question is what route should i take as my first project? the engine or the exterior (i am looking to spend 10K total on my MP5, i want her to look good and perform...

02.5 MP5
01 YZF R1
02 YZF R6

[br289165]

In order(my opinion)the single best appearance change to any car are the wheels. 17" wheels first I think 18s look to big on this car, then a CAI,catback, header,midpipe,626 manifold,cams,camgears.Coilovers or Eibachs and Tokicos next and a Progress 22mm rear swaybar.Big brakes or slotted rotors next.10 grand plus the car or 10 car included?


i have a quick question for the people here...as you already know, i am a newbie, and getting into modding my MP5, and my question is what route should i take as my first project? the engine or the exterior (i am looking to spend 10K total on my MP5, i want her to look good and perform...

02.5 MP5
01 YZF R1
02 YZF R6

[RGN .5 AASN]

10K plus the car....when you speak of coilovers/springs/struts, do you know what package i should get to drop it a couple of inches so the 17's dont rub? i have been reading threads all over the place, but they dont get into specifics as to what they installed or part model, so i dont know what i am researching for...thanks man...

[br289165]

I'm running Eibach Prokit springs and Tokico HP struts, it's a good combination not too low i think 1.4" front 1.2" rear drop, my 17s don't come close to rubbing ever.You wont even come close to dropping 10 grand on mods, unless you buy a new built motor and turbo which would be cool if you wanna go all out.
10K plus the car....when you speak of coilovers/springs/struts, do you know what package i should get to drop it a couple of inches so the 17's dont rub? i have been reading threads all over the place, but they dont get into specifics as to what they installed or part model, so i dont know what i am researching for...thanks man...

[RGN .5 AASN]

does it give the dropped look?

[br289165]

Definitely noticable, but not extreme.


does it give the dropped look?

[RGN .5 AASN]

ok, so you are saying with that set up, i can run 17's and not worry about rubbing? i plan getting the sport 20 front lip.

[br289165]

Definitely 17s probably 18s also.
ok, so you are saying with that set up, i can run 17's and not worry about rubbing? i plan getting the sport 20 front lip.

[klickfeuer]

Definitely 17s probably 18s also.

i dont think that the 18"s will fit. i put 18s on mine without lowering it, and my shit rubbed like there was not tomorrow. Just accelerating and braking! let alone turning. but then again, they were bought off a guy who said they were in "great shape". so i would be very careful with the 18s

[bazooka joe]

i ran 18's on lowering springs...every once in a while on a real dip in the road i'd rub on the plastic, not the lip of the fender...you can do it with a low profile tire

[RGN .5 AASN]

just purchased some Tein S Tech Springs and some Tokico Illumina struts...will get a nice drop...still looking for those 17's shoes right now...next is the intake...

[br289165]

Lower struts and springs are stiffer than your stock ones, less dive and lean.

i dont think that the 18"s will fit. i put 18s on mine without lowering it, and my shit rubbed like there was not tomorrow. Just accelerating and braking! let alone turning. but then again, they were bought off a guy who said they were in "great shape". so i would be very careful with the 18s

[Chrisrbl6515]

I am sponsored through them too, but I dont see much help coming from them???

ok so i picked out the body kit, paint color, dash/door trim, interior glow, rims... well i did the search thing but i'm looking for more of an explanation kinda answer. example: there's gauges that measure water temp. and whatever else that sit in the dash or off to the side, and they come in different colors ... why do you need them??? yes it measures water temp. i get that. but i want the actual reasoning behind it.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e219/SmiffsArmyWife/CPIMG759_medium.jpg

don't lose patience with me i'm just curious. ;) ... i am serious, and would really like to know.

you can go to carsponsors.com or carsponsorships.com; one of my sponors is bodykits ect. (www.bodykits.org) and you get sponsor deals on their products and stick their decal on your car for a year. now through carsponsors.com when you go to a car show if you win a trophy in the category of one of your sponors (say best rims) carsponsors.com will send you a check for what you paid on those rims. there's more fine print to it if you're interested. as far as i know i'm the only female with a protege` 5 total stock car who is sponsored. i know this because there is a search for sponors to look for our car and you automatically get a profile when you sign up. there isn't a way around it, and so you can see who else has a car like yours on there...

as far as audio goes my husband installed Memphis Audio stuff.. the sound quality is beautiful..

[breezypro5]

thanks very helpful

[TChaseP5]

my P5 is stock!!! will someone please point me in the right directionn... im going for a 65/35% distribution between performance and show. i need guidance

[ToNeZ90]

my P5 is stock!!! will someone please point me in the right directionn... im going for a 65/35% distribution between performance and show. i need guidance

$$$ makes the world of modding go round. outcome depends on bargains and what you are looking for and how much u want to dump into the car.