Whats going on with all the problems?

[daperspeed]

Why do I say that?

Well it seems every other thread on the MSP board is about a blown up turbo or a failing LSD, a blown engine or some other problem. I have upwards of 14K on my MSP and she is running great. :) But then again I see the problems some of the owners are having...and I wonder have I been lucky so far or is the MSP a reliable car and the stories on the board are exceptions caused by abuse?

I think the MSP is very reliable if kept stock..what say you?

[mspdfreak]

You're absolutely right. The only people blowing motors are the ones who can't be happy unless they're crankin' up the boost. I, too, have about 14k, run stock, and car runs like new. But hey,like I said before...
If you've got the money to blow, what the hell.

This car is VERY reliable if driven responsibly.

[laracroft]

hmmm... I'm kinda getting the gitters too. But Mazda KNEW that some people would modify their cars when they bought them, so they used cheap parts (I read it on a website from them somewhere.. wish I kept the link, I think I came across it by accident).

Who knew that these cars were so damn sensitive??? But every other turbo car out there has mods done, why isnt their engine's blowing like some of the members on here? My car gave ME a scare the other day when it made a rattling noise and white smoke came out the back. But as soon as I put coolant and the temp. went down, everything was fine again?? So I'm kinda baffled myself. My car's boost usually runs anywhere between 7-9 psi, I check all my fluids and hoses every few days to be safe and so far.. so good. But if you think about it.. there has also been P5's and MP3's that are boosted that have had a blown engines here and there too. So who can say for sure? But at 160 hp and dyno'd even lower at STOCK, how can people compete in a market where every other turbo runs better numbers and costs near the same thing as ours? I don't think enough testing was done and after all... they made the Speeds for only about 1 1/2 years. Makes you feel better knowing you have a "rare" car, but at what cost and do they care?

[mspdfreak]

It's not that mazda used "cheap" parts, they just used the parts designed to run a long time reliably at 14ohp. They saved money by not beefing up the internals, so when people play with fire, they get burned.
But I know that before I bought my car, I researched it thoroughly, and so I knew they basically just slapped the turbo on at the ports. But hey, my car runs like I expect it to, and would not blame mazda if I blew my engine because I started playing with the boost.
You just can't get $30,000 performance out of an $18,000 car without taking some risks.

[2K3 MSP]

But hey, my car runs like I expect it to, and would not blame mazda if I blew my engine because I started playing with the boost.
You just can't get $30,000 performance out of an $18,000 car without taking some risks.
Exactly. I'm over 47,000 hard driven miles and wouldn't even think to blame Mazda if my car ever blew up.

[girth]

MSP motor with factory tune = turd

[thunder]

some people think that all engineers working at car companies are incompetents, well they set the car to meet a certain target, not to exeed it! There's still a bit of room for improvement, but after that it's thin ice.
My car runs beautifully, exept for the infamous clunk I had no issues at all.

[BlkZoomZoom]

If left alone Protege's are practically bulletproof. Everycar will break in some way if abused and not taken care of. Every persons car that I "play" with is under the understanding that they have to pay to play. I even payed for my lsd....and I work with mazda.

[1sty]

Time catches up with everyone.
A stock protege, even an MSP is capable of 200,000 miles without any major issues. What makes someone think they can add 50% more power and have this remian true is beyond me. Especialy when they are using the safety magins set by the engineers to make power with out setting new margins.

[dbacksfan]

I have read the comments defending Mazda and I understand that position to a point. This car is not an EVO or STi yet those references are made on these boards everyday. But what about all the problems these cars have everyday that are not related to increase in boost or abuse. The rotor problems, the suspension squeaks, the cars needing to be flashed? All of the MSP's I know of here in Phoenix have had their LSD's replaced. I have always owned Acuras and Hondas. 3 Accords, 5 Civics, 1 Legend and 1 RSX Types S. None of those cars ever had any service work done other that routine maintenance. My RSX was tuned extensively. Much more than my MSP. My MSP has stock boost and has been to Mazda 5 times in 12 months. Blowing up turbo and motors is one thing. But these other problems, they are just poor planning and carelessness. My two cents!!!

[hello2000]

Yeah, when my engine blew I didn't b***h about the warranty. I knew the risks before I started and now I'm paying for it. If you make the decision to mod your car, be prepared to handle the consequences!

[daperspeed]

I dont know..(in reference to the poster above)..I think Mazda is a good company, IMHO comparable to Honda. I think the MSP is a fantastic piece of engineering when it is operated within its design parameters (ie stock). The performance for 17K is unbelievable. *sigh* I guess Im still in love with my car * :)

[1sty]

I dont know..(in reference to the poster above)..I think Mazda is a good company, IMHO comparable to Honda. I think the MSP is a fantastic piece of engineering when it is operated within its design parameters (ie stock). The performance for 17K is unbelievable. *sigh* I guess Im still in love with my car * :)
I have to agree.
Take any other sport compact made after 2001 and increase the power output 50% without the proper supporting parts and the results will be no different.

[msp03.5]

I almost traded in my msp because I was tired of lil problems with the stereo the sub blowing all the time, The clunk and so forth but I love the fact that you never see it on the road. That to me is worth it and I know what happens when messing with these or any other cars when upping the performance so in that case the only one to blame is yourself.

[TX Speed Demon]

19 months, 28,000 miles and one really bad accident ($12,000 in repairs) and my MSP still drives like brand new. Only problems have been the clunk and my stereo went out once. I have been stock as far as power enhancements until now. Now that the 36,000 mile mark is less than a year away the first set of major mods is allready on order :)

[lamp3]

Man, for me, i pay 300 a month for a Very well rounded car! I just dont under stand why people can't be happy to just open up the exhaust cork, let her breath a little better, maybe some better brakes and a fatter rear sway bar, and just enjoy the shit out of it? And leave the friggin boost ALONE?

It sure is a hell of alotta fun for 3 bills a month, and I'm a big car nut have owned much more powerful vehicles in the past...

I think if anyone bought this car with the inpression they could make huge horsepower and go out at night to chew up and spit out vettes, was having dilusions of grandjure (spelling?).

If ya need huge horse power, buy something that makes it, or was designed to make it. Thats what I never understood about everyone and thier brother running out, buying a civic and expecting to make it the fastest thing on the road.....................and not blow up on top of that.

......rant over, sorry..lol.

[wicked]

I bought this car with the intent of modding it,I know the risks,and I know I through my warrenty out the window along time ago.


I am one of those people who buy a car thats slow on purpose.it's not as fun to mod a already fast car.

I like to feel the progress in the seat of my pants

[sickspeed94]

(mswerd) ^^VERY well put^^ something i find myself explaning that to all my friends who want evos, i swear NO ONE that i hknow knows what they're talking baout when it comes to deh cars. they all ask why i bought my car when the i could have gotten a used evo for "only about 8 grand more" hah. whatever, i love my car, no one will ever change that... and i get it back monday!

[yashooa]

48,000 miles here most of it at 12PSI. My car is in great shape except the dang front bushings pop and will be replaced by the dealer soon. All in all just a broken exhaust, 3 sets of rear swaybar bushings, and soon to be a new set of front swaybar bushings.
On the whole I have driven the car very "spiritedly" over the last yr and change with a huge grin on my face. This is a geat little car.

[K-S-W]

The msp is a better car if you mod it. Yea mazda can't compare to honda and acura quality. I like my msp ok, but it is cheap thrown together quality. Then again this is my 100 import and I like the precision of Acura. I like the speed of a modded msp better.
Some reason I can't afford the best of both. ( whatever )

[Stormtrooper77]

Yashooa: What are your mods?

[Emode]

32000 miles, have been boosting 11-12 psi since about 5000 miles. I was worried before about mazda trolls so I kept it secret, but my warranty is long out the window now. Also ran it for a couple days awhile back at 14 psi with some 93 octane plus xylene, still pulls strong. Just be smart with your mods and driving style:). I have a chunk of change just waiting for the engine to blow,(or for the AEM EMS to come out, or both.)

[yashooa]

Yashooa: What are your mods?A Little Joey P MBC and thats it. Well I do run Mobil 1 with WIX filters but that's hardly a mod :)

I am very careful about how I get into the boost. I do not floor it way down low in 4th or 5th and let it get into boost. I do boost hard in 5th if I am going 70MPH but it is a smooth throttle roll not a vicious jab at the gas.
I usually hit the boost hard in the first three gears.

[kwiktsi]

Proving even more what I said LAST YEAR!! It is driving style that will keep these cars together. Too many people think they are driving a race car and boost in 5th for top end pulls, wind the snot out of it and lift instantly- throwing a rod while doing so, etc. It has been discussed several times in the past. Some people believed it, others didn't. Some people have gotten away with boost and such for 48k miles- others haven't :).
Joe

A Little Joey P MBC and thats it. Well I do run Mobil 1 with WIX filters but that's hardly a mod :)

I am very careful about how I get into the boost. I do not floor it way down low in 4th or 5th and let it get into boost. I do boost hard in 5th if I am going 70MPH but it is a smooth throttle roll not a vicious jab at the gas.
I usually hit the boost hard in the first three gears.

[jurgs01]

Best car for the money. Driving habits, people with no idea what they are doing just throwing stuff on in random order, and people who just pushed the limits and knew the risk are the reason there is blown motors. Both MSPs I have owned have been very reliable. People blow their sub because they listen to music too loud. It is an economical sub that is great for a stock system. The car is tuned for 6-7 psi. Changing the boost without properly retarding the timing at certain RPM and getting the proper A/F ratio is asking for trouble. I will completely rebuild my engine and have engine management before I even think of raising the boost. I might be over cautious, but I doubt I will blow my engine and in the end will come out with large HP and torque #s.

[FrozenMazda]

I have read the comments defending Mazda and I understand that position to a point. This car is not an EVO or STi yet those references are made on these boards everyday. But what about all the problems these cars have everyday that are not related to increase in boost or abuse. The rotor problems, the suspension squeaks, the cars needing to be flashed? All of the MSP's I know of here in Phoenix have had their LSD's replaced. I have always owned Acuras and Hondas. 3 Accords, 5 Civics, 1 Legend and 1 RSX Types S. None of those cars ever had any service work done other that routine maintenance. My RSX was tuned extensively. Much more than my MSP. My MSP has stock boost and has been to Mazda 5 times in 12 months. Blowing up turbo and motors is one thing. But these other problems, they are just poor planning and carelessness. My two cents!!!I agree that there are a lot of little things that are wrong with the car. Having the reflash, the Klunk, subs blowing, body parts falling off, now warped turbo manifolds (me), severe engine thrash,... shall I keep going?

You have to remember that this was Mazda's first run at something like this. Just like any new car or redesign that comes out, there will be lots of bugs that need to be fixed.

I was lucky enough to drive a Mazdaspeed MX-5 for a weekend and I can tell you they definitely took a lot of the problems to heart. For one, I don't think it's assembled in the ports, the stereo is a stock Bose system, there were no crazy noises coming from the suspension when I throttled it, and I didn't feel any hesitation whatsoever.

If this is the sign of things to come, I'm seriously looking forward to the Mazdaspeed RX-8 and Mazdaspeed 6.

[kwiktsi]

The car is tuned for 6-7 psi. Changing the boost without properly retarding the timing at certain RPM and getting the proper A/F ratio is asking for trouble.
Yes and no- it is a MAF based car- not a speed density system- the ECU sees the increased airflow and makes timing/fueling changes as necessary- to an extent- that is why you are partially correct :). If it were a speed density system, it would still see boost increases, but with additions like intake work, exhaust, etc- it would not see the increased airflow that these mods would give and you seriously run a chance of leaning out (like the 3rd gen 7's). Several MSP's have been wide band tested at 10-11 psi and are still insanely rich- I am not familiar with the most recent flash though, so things may have changed. With the proper "supporting mods"- exhaust, colder plugs and good intake setup, the MSP could handle 10-11 psi for quite a while with no issues at all assuming good gas (I prefer Sunoco Ultra 94 when available) is used and the car is driven accordingly. Look at Yash- he is an example. It is not that he is "lucky" or his time is never coming, but he knows how to drive for his setup and has 48k on his car!!!
Joe

[BlkZoomZoom]

I've run over 300 1/4 mile passes and have only broken the lsd.

[jurgs01]

I've run over 300 1/4 mile passes and have only broken the lsd.
Yea, but you know how to take care of your car. What did you say, 12K in tools last year?

[BlkZoomZoom]

yeah how sad that really sounds too.....Man I wish the dealership would pay for tools lol.

[Glowmunkey]

(I prefer Sunoco Ultra 94 when available)
Joe
Hey Joe, what Sunocos still have the 94?? All the ones by me got rid of it, and only carry 87, 89, 91 and 93...

[kwiktsi]

Really? It has been over a year since I got it last, but I believe it was not a problem at almost any one I went to from what I remember. I know there were always some here and there that didn't have it, but I know I used to find it failry easily in Albany. Maybe Central ave somewhere?Joe

Hey Joe, what Sunocos still have the 94?? All the ones by me got rid of it, and only carry 87, 89, 91 and 93...

[kwiktsi]

Isn't it sickening how fast it adds up!?!?!?! That is actually "cheap" compared to some of the Snap On boxes and such!!! Huge $$$ for tool boxes alone, then you got the cost of the tools to add in there!! Lol- that's why my box came from Lowes haha.

Joe


yeah how sad that really sounds too.....Man I wish the dealership would pay for tools lol.

[1sty]

Isn't it sickening how fast it adds up!?!?!?! That is actually "cheap" compared to some of the Snap On boxes and such!!! Huge $$$ for tool boxes alone, then you got the cost of the tools to add in there!! Lol- that's why my box came from Lowes haha.

Joe

Word, $4500 only buys the entry level boxes of theirs.

[yashooa]

the MSP could handle 10-11 psi for quite a while with no issues at all assuming good gas (I prefer Sunoco Ultra 94 when available) is used and the car is driven accordingly. Look at Yash- he is an example. It is not that he is "lucky" or his time is never coming, but he knows how to drive for his setup and has 48k on his car!!!
JoeWerd Joey...
I know where most of the motors have went and I avoid that place like the plauge. It would seem from reading this forum from about the time the MSP came on the scene (Feb03) that the most common time for a over boosted MSP to go is in 5th gear, at low RPM, under load, above 10PSI and possibly with extra weight. Except that one dumb Ho who had the UDP, a brand new motor with 4 people in the car, and mucho boost. Can you say "DUMBASS?" (cryhard)
At least three motors have hairy-kairied under alomost the exact same conditions one of which did not post the death on here and I happen to catch it in the chat room. Do not go over 10PSI in 5th, at WOT, from a low RPM. If you do then you may have a dramtic change in your Rods relationship to the block :)
I do boost in 5th but I do it calmly and easily and yes I pass in 5th but 3rd gear downshifts at 12PSI going 70mph are much more entertaining. I can roll on the throttle at 70MPH in 5th and go to 90MPH in short order but again the RPMs are up and I can see the 60mm boost gauge just inches from my eyes.
I know exactly how much boost is being applied to my motor at all times. You get a good feel for the car, the boost, the RPM, the amount of throttle, etc.
Just boost smart, be smart, drive smart.

[BlkZoomZoom]

Up in malta on rt.9 a Mobil station has cam2 (100 octane).....smells soo good........drool.

[kwiktsi]

Yup. Lol- an employer of mine years ago just bought one of those "new" at the time "corvette" boxes. It was like a baby blue with corvette logos and such. Big $$$- he started dicking over with pay and such and one day working on a car, an 8" long 1/2" extension and socket got stuck on a bolt I was trying to get off. When I looked up to see where it was, it fell off and cracked me under the eye, splitting the skin nicely- I LOST it and went on a rampage and my first target was his box- kicked it over from the back and walked out taking other misc. items out on my way (fans, etc.) :). The cut was the final straw lol. I still have the scar from that one. Scumbag. He ended up screwing everyone over and closing the doors one day taking all the tools and all with him- screwed Snap-On royally also. Even worse, I found out he talked his girlfriend at the time into putting everything in her name when he opened up and screwed her over also. Damn, she was hot too- and bi from what I heard :D..

Joe


Word, $4500 only buys the entry level boxes of theirs.

[1sty]

Yup. Lol- an employer of mine years ago just bought one of those "new" at the time "corvette" boxes. It was like a baby blue with corvette logos and such. Big $$$- he started dicking over with pay and such and one day working on a car, an 8" long 1/2" extension and socket got stuck on a bolt I was trying to get off. When I looked up to see where it was, it fell off and cracked me under the eye, splitting the skin nicely- I LOST it and went on a rampage and my first target was his box- kicked it over from the back and walked out taking other misc. items out on my way (fans, etc.) :). The cut was the final straw lol. I still have the scar from that one. Scumbag. He ended up screwing everyone over and closing the doors one day taking all the tools and all with him- screwed Snap-On royally also. Even worse, I found out he talked his girlfriend at the time into putting everything in her name when he opened up and screwed her over also. Damn, she was hot too- and bi from what I heard :D..

JoeThe perfect women...Bisexual, hot, and stupid (thumb)

[jaeSun]

any car driven responsibly (and done right) will last .... the car will last as good as you take care of it ...

[kwiktsi]

Too bad I was so stupidly hung up on someone at the time that I didn't think to take advantage of the time I went by to pick her up and take her somewhere (she lost her car from all this too) and she answered the door topless. Man, looking back- I must have been blind to miss some of the things I did. Remembering the look on her face now that I am thinking about it- maybe it was more stupidity than blindness. I now know that look means "you're in" :).

Joe


The perfect women...Bisexual, hot, and stupid (thumb)