want to mod my protege but dont know how to start

[a61688]

i have a '99 protege 1.6L auto that has 62k on it and im wondering if there are any minor/inexpensive fixes/upgrades i can do to make this thing run better. its completely stock. if it matters, it happens to be the dx model. no power windows or doors :(. but it gets me from point a to b. i just got a tune up that it needed but i still feel like it struggles a little. maybe its just my need for speed. i know nothing about cars but am willing to learn. any suggestions?

[JCell]

being a 1.6 and auto is a bad place to start....

define how far u want to take it, maybe focus on looks rather than performance.

[ucMP3]

Patience, don't rush it. Take your time and read AS MUCH AS YOU CAN. The more you know, the less time/money you will waste.

Also - if you have the space, I would recommend getting a project car, so that you can keep your daily driver a daily driver.

[lilpoindexter]

I have a 99 1.6 manual...It's peppy for a little bucket, but It's not fast, no matter how you slice it. I put a mazdaspeed protege axle back exhaust on it, but frankly I think it's too quiet. I also removed the intake silencer pieces in front of the air box...The engine doesn't sound any racier, there are no power gains felt with the butt o meter, and it makes a nasal honk sound when I turn the steering wheel now...It also increases the risk of water getting in the engine, but fugg it, who cares. The engine does sound pretty good above 4000 rpm, though.
You can make the car handle pretty decently...If the suspension bushings/ tie rods/ ball joints are in good shape, save your pennies for some lowering springs, and struts...You can also get the sway bars off a mazdaspeed protege...The car can be made fun to drive, but there aren't any easy ways to gain big hp. It's a cool little car, though, You will enjoy it...be prepared to pour over this site for hours and hours, there are all kinds of cool tips here.

[prof15]

Like the others said you have to inform your self and learn more information about our cars so you can make the best decision regarding what you want to do, and your goals. Performance wise there is not much we can do that will have a big performance gain. The least expensive mod will be a short ram intake.