Improving a 1.8L

[Apollo64]

So, I've had my '99 Protege LX 1.8L w/ 5pd manual for a while now, and my clutch disc is almost gone (bought the car used, body is like-new, but the clutch always had some slip in it). So I figured I'd throw either an Exedy stock replacement in, or a Centerforce Stage 1 or Dual Friction jobby.
I was also thinking of installing either a K&N or AEM intake kit to get rid of the deteriorating air tube problem once and for all, rather than getting a new one direct from Mazda for a ridiculous sum (TSB issue, tube deteriorates between the MAF sensor and TB).
Any ideas, recommendations, advice, or comments would be much appreciated, the car is pretty much bone stock at the moment. :)

[Not Jo3L]

Let me warn you..keep it relatively stock engine wise. Replace the cluch with a better replacement...upgrade to a Injen CAI or a SRI of any brand.

Your money will be better spent on appearance and suspension.

[Apollo64]

Sounds good, I have a replacement clutch on the way, and I'll see about getting an intake. As for suspension, what can/should I do to improve it?
It already handles like a dream, especially around corners. Do any companies make urethane bushing replacement kits?

Thanks in advance! :)

[Not Jo3L]

Sounds good, I have a replacement clutch on the way, and I'll see about getting an intake. As for suspension, what can/should I do to improve it?
It already handles like a dream, especially around corners. Do any companies make urethane bushing replacement kits?

Thanks in advance! :)

Yes I suggest you check out AWR for all there suspension goodies

Sway bars, strut bars, springs and struts will do wonders.

[ghostbusters]

is this the BP engine?, the 1.8 i mean.

[Bartron8000]

For suspension I would suggest staying away from the AWR front end links, I'm highly considering to switching back to stock. The AWR end links are noisy and can have fit/alignment issues. I had to grind away part of the bracket on my Tokico HB struts to allow the end link not to pinch itself while turning. The AWR 21.5mm rear sway bar is a must. and I went with Eibach Pro-Kit Lowering springs, they offer a stiff yet comfortable daily driving ride.(IMO)

[zoompastu]

the Eibach springs are a good way to go although I have a set of skunk2 springs. If you think that the car already handles like a dream then you don't need to get to hard core. tokiko blues with the eibach springs is a teriffic setup but a rear swaybar upgrade is going to yeild great improvment on overall handleing. I have the AWR bar and I think that the progress bar or the racing beat would be a better choice for a daily driver. I will be doing the racing beat bar on the wifes mp5 soon.

And who the hell said to leave the motor alone!!!!!!!!!!!!
The 1.8L is a great motor and has great capabilitys. Its is definitly not a waste of time. I chose the 1.8 over the 2.0L for a reason

[Not Jo3L]

Its a good engine if you want to go turbo..other than that I realize how slow my car is.

[MakeMeGoFast]

Corksport sells bushing kits.

http://corksport.com/store/category/4qc0/99p-suspension_misc.html

[zoompastu]

Its a good engine if you want to go turbo..other than that I realize how slow my car is.

yes... it is verry good for a turbo setup like a .50 trim T3(future plan of mine) so in the mean time i have done simple things to boost efficiancy out of the motor without brakeing the bank or keeping me from going turbo later. I'm running the same quater miles times as the N/A 2.0 guys anad I've got even more things I can do to get faster. so insted of a slow car i have a quick car that is F-ing fast in the curves. with the turbo it will be a fast car that is F-ING FAST in the curves. oh and buy the way before I did the cam and injectors I was getting 36mpg on the hwy going easy and 27-30 city/hwy combined while playing around

[Not Jo3L]

glad to hear your enjoying the car. my car is giving me the most trouble. got a bad idle issue, mixed with horrible mpg, lots of exhaust fumes, and thats all I can think of. I will be looking forward for my new illumina setup and the insane handling at the end of the month.

[zoompastu]

nice thats what i've got. what springs are you useing

[Apollo64]

Wow. That's more info than I expected! Thanks for the suggestions, and keep 'em coming, every piece of advice is much appreciated.

ghostbusters: '99 uses the FP-DE, it's similar to a Miata 1.8l as far as I know, just different cams and some other internal changes.

Not Jo3l: Check your MAF, I had the same issue a year back, turned out to be a manufacturing defect that has a recall from Mazda. Metal shavings left in the chamber after manufacturing, they wreak a lot of havoc.

My history with cars is mostly with the 1970's muscle, so this Protege is new ground for me :P.

[Not Jo3L]

nice thats what i've got. what springs are you useing

not sure. I have a set of goldlines and MSP springs. I kind of want to keep the goldlines in the front and the goldlines in the rears. I didnt like how low the goldline made the rear of the car..and I know I wont like how high the car raises in the front because of the MSP springs.

and apollo, I have already used MAF cleaner as well as changed to a 02 P5 MAF. Same problem. Found out its a leak in the Intake manifold. So I have a replacement EGR and gaskets going in the car soon I hope to solve the problem.

[autoxes]

ghostbusters: '99 uses the FP-DE, it's similar to a Miata 1.8l as far as I know, just different cams and some other internal changes.
.

Incorrect. The miata 1.8 is the BP-DE

The FP-DE is a de-stroked FSDE.

[Mark]

Yes the 1.8L is a FP engine. A 99 Protege LX did not come with a 1.8. Only the 1.6L. Only the ES came with the 1.8L. So either you have a LX with the 1.6 or ES with the 1.8. Hope this helps.

[Apollo64]

Mine is definitely an LX, and since it's all original you could definitely get the LX with a 1.8l. The original owner poured on every option for the car when it was new, so that must have been one of them. It is; in all fairness, a mis-badged ES basically.