130hp Protege cornercarver?

[dugrant153]

Here's my question: I'm thinking that with the Mazda 3 out now, maybe finding 2001 or 2002 Protege ES GT (with disk brakes and stuff) would be a good deal. Main complaint has been that the 130hp engine doesn't suffice.

How can I (without totally making the car wild):
a) Make the car a good autocrosser for H-stock?
b) turn up the hp numbers?

[Roywhitep5]

a)good tires
b)turbo is the only real option

[davens]

As I read stock rules (http://www.moutons.org/sccasolo/Rules/stock.html) I'm thinking some of the following...

Sticky street tires...I'm getting to be a fan of Toyo T1-S.

Wheels...if you've got the budget, some stock sized ultralightweight replacements would help. Ideally, something that saves more then 2 lbs per corner.

Adjustable shocks...Koni. The rules say up to two external adjustments allowed.

Brakes...any aggresive pad but I like Porterfield r4-s. I'm not sure if you can switch to braided steel lines because the rules mention it for cars manufactured prior to 1992.

Engine...a drop in K&N filter and the extended reach spark plugs are well witihin the rules and good for a couple hp.

The whole "modifications are illegal if not specifically allowed" sucks because they can't cover everything for every vehicle. You can put them on and I doubt anyone will ever call you on it, unless maybe you got to Nationals. Under that category I would put these items:
A "thermoblock" intake manifold gasket (link here (http://www.outlawengineering.com/MazdaFsFrame.html)). One of these made a huge difference in my Honda, especially after waiting in grid forever.
Stiffer engine mounts are really needed. AWR front and rear.

For flat out illegal but completely invisible would be an ecu reflash to MP3 specs. I say reflash because if you are called on it, the case is the stock ES case, they would have to look at the actual program...and the chances of them being able to do that are slim to nil.

[SOLO Proto]

for H-stock or any stocj class your stuck with a drop in filter, cat back,plugs and (illegally and MP3 reflash)...the car has "decent" power but the suspension is where its at....the car really is more fun in STS....thats where I run

[dugrant153]

ah, so the 130hp doesn't really bog it down... or does it?

It seems pretty lively to me. I'm sure the mods would definitely kick it up a notch.
but probably no where near Mazda 3 performance?

[SOLO Proto]

the 3's have such great power....the key to driving a Protege fast is momentum conservation....the more speed you can carry the better as it doesn't have tons of power to pull you out...i had to get used to NOT braking as much in this car as it could hold speed somuch better

[rustychops41]

Stiffer engine mounts are really needed. AWR front and rear.

Different motor mounts are not legal for the stock class, but are now legal for STS. Last I know, Koni is not making struts for us, but Tokico is: the HP's, (AKA "blues") and the 5-way adj. Illuminas, but unfortunately the rear adjustment is stupidly mounted where it is inaccessable without removal of interior trim.
Also despite the power disadvantage, you will fight corner-exit wheelspin, as the 2.0L is almost "too torquey" down low.

[wannabe]

can a dealer really flash the stock ecu to mp3 specs? i thought that was all bogus...anyone got any more info on this??

[dmitrik4]

power means next to nothing in autoX. 130HP is plenty for HS and for the amount of front inside wheelspin you'll get with the steering wheel at anything but dead straight. here's your list of mods (in order, IMO):

-R-compounds...even the stickiest street tire is no comparison. make sure they're heat cycled.
205/45/16 Hoosier S04 (you might rip these up with no front camber, tho)
205/45/16 Kumho V700 (a better bet)
-extra set of stock rims (unless you can find lightweight 16x6" rims...good luck!)
-struts (preferably custom Bilstein inserts from AWR, but Tociko Illuminas will do)
-smaller front sway bar (out of a LX or DX model...or a bigger one out of an MSP...either one will help somehow)
-align the crap out of it. nudge, push, pull...anything to get SOME front camber. dial in some toe out front and rear (rear makes the biggest difference)
-cat-back exhaust (the lightest one you can find)
-harness (the Schroth Rallye 3 or 4 is a good one)
-drop-in filter

BTW, both Mazda3 mdels are in GS, where they'll have it really tough. the protege is a better stock class car, IMO. you should be able to find an ES (GT) for ~$9,000US or less. :(

honestly, i'd rather drive a 6s in GS than a 3. MUCH better suspension and more power.


for H-stock or any stocj class your stuck with a drop in filter, cat back,plugs and (illegally and MP3 reflash)...the car has "decent" power but the suspension is where its at....the car really is more fun in STS....thats where I run

you're exactly right on the STS bit...MUCH better. as well as the "conserving momentum" advice!

[Prodigy]

I have to subscribe to any thread with 'autocross' and the '2002 protege sedan' as the main topic.
=)

[dugrant153]

Do you folks think that it's really fast in the corners, though? I guess the HS mods would definitely put the car carving corners like mad.

That's a very comprehensive list. Thx, dmitrik4!

On top of a great HS autocrosser, I'm looking for something that would make a great daily driver. I don't need to smoke my tires at red lights, but I do want something decent enough to be exciting. But yeah, I'm really into the twisty stuff. Mazda Protege is okay for this?

[dmitrik4]

made for it. IMO, the protege, while not fast, is quick enough to be fun to drive (much like the miata). turning and stopping is what the protege is all about.

on really twisty roads (like the Dragon (http://www.tailofthedragon.com)), my stock ES kept up just fine w/ stock WRXs. i can't wait to go back w/ my MSP suspension and Azenis.

IMO there's more fun to be had in STS than HS, but to each his own.

[theGeneral]

130HP is plenty for HS and for the amount of front inside wheelspin you'll get with the steering wheel at anything but dead straight.

That of course, depends on the course.