Parts from other cars that fit the p5's??

jarmal22

Member
:
2003 Mazda Protege 5
So I've had my p5 for about a year and half now and want to start getting into more than just repairing whatever is wrong with it and start upgrading/modding. I was just wondering if anyone has had any luck with fitting parts from other model mazdas (maybe even some of the fords of the same year). I've been looking into aftermarket parts that are made specifically for the p5 but find that all the options for exhaust and suspension are few and far between. So if anyone has had any experience fitting parts from different cars (similar to how Subarus from the same year have very similar parts between models) that would be great!
 
Search the forum, there are a lot of mod threads. Also, be specific as to what you're looking for, as it could be a lengthy list, from wheels to turbos to seats to control knobs. With a little bit of know-how you can mod a lot of parts to fit
 
Really? Im new to the protege5 but i read people use these ecu to get some increase power and smoother powerband. I saw someone post up a dyno with their results..am i mistaken?
 
Really? Im new to the protege5 but i read people use these ecu to get some increase power and smoother powerband. I saw someone post up a dyno with their results..am i mistaken?

The Mazdaspeed Protege ECU will not work properly for a Protege5. The Mazda Protege MP3 ECU, however, does work for a Protege5 and will increase power and smooth out the powerband with the use of premium gas.
 
Oh damn, i thought mp3 is the code for mazdaspeed protege.

The MP3 was a separate model slotted in between the standard Protege and the Mazdaspeed Protege. It was naturally aspirated rather than turbocharged, featuring a number of components from Racing Beat, along with a retuned ECU mapped to run on Premium fuel with a bit more power and a better powerband as a result.

So yeah, you'll need to run Premium fuel if you do swap to an MP3 ECU (if you want the additional power and better powerband, at least).
 
The wiper switch from a similar era Ford Escape or Mazda Tribute is interchangeable and gives you variable intermittent wipers.
 
I also read that the short shifters between the escort zx2 is interchangeable. As well as speed 6 brakes if I'm not mistaken. I just ordered a short shifter myself from Ralco and noticed they shared a listing with the escort.
 
Regular 6 and speed6 brakes are bolt on upgrades for the front. The 98+ 626 rears are a bolt on rear upgrade. Short shifter for most any FWD Mazda made with a Solid shift linkage will work, be it a ZX2, a Probe, Escort, MX3, MX6, 626 or so on.
 
I know there is a thread out there somewhere on this very subject but I can't find it.

Off the top of my head:

1. Almost any five lug wheel from the newer generation. Just have to watch offsets and width as some will require spacers and or fender rolling.
2. MP3 ECU (manual only and requires premium gas to get the benefit)
3. MSP stock turbo (MSP used same 2.0 FSZE so it's a direct bolt-on)
4. MSP exhaust (will have to cut the piping from the muffler to tip off and have tip rewelded back on - I had an 03.5 on mine and loved it, great sound, only reason I sold it was I upgraded to a Thermal R&D catback)
5. MSP radio pocket and support bar (nice clean look with a single din radio...I have one. ;))
6. CX-7 shorty antenna to get rid of the RC car look (others have used an S2000 antenna)
7. Mazda6 wagon rear wiper (I have this too and love it, looks better than stock and functions better too - can find the kit of everything you need at www.onlinemazdaparts.com)
8. Tribute washer nozzles (provide a nice mist over the stock nozzles, even better it's a cheap and easy upgrade)
9. Tribute/Escape/MPV wiper stalk (variable intermittent wipers!!!! - off the top of my head I don't remember exact years but IIRC 2004 and up should work)
10. MSP bumper (direct bolt-on and gets rid of the amber bumper markers)
11. MSP lip (very hard to find these days)
12. Sedan headlights (will require some re-wiring as they are single bulb vs. the P5 dual bulb system)
13. MSP rear subframe and rear sway bar (the subframe is not needed to mount the RSB but the mounting points are a bit different from the P5 which is why most owners who upgrade to the RSB complain of the clunk)
14. Escape front end links
15. MX-6 rear strut bar (can be found on Ebay for cheap, not sure if it provides any real benefit though)

That's all I have for now.
 
The clunk comes stock on every MSP. You get the LSD, the turbocharger, the turkey call and the clunk. lol

Another thing that I've always done is to buy an oil filter for a '00 626. It fits, but has more capacity than the Protege one. More capacity= more filter element surface area= better filtering and easier flow.
 
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The MX6/626 guys dont even use there stock filter. We use the 93-95 Corvette ZR1 filters. They are twice the size, has double the filtration surface area, and holds almost a full extra quart. And still costs the same as a stock filter. ;)
 
The MX6/626 guys dont even use there stock filter. We use the 93-95 Corvette ZR1 filters. They are twice the size, has double the filtration surface area, and holds almost a full extra quart. And still costs the same as a stock filter. ;)

How ironic! LOL

Completely forgot about this and I've been using the 626 filter for years now. One thing to remember is to make sure it's for a V6. Allows for a full 4qts of oil to be added! haha
 
The MX6/626 guys dont even use there stock filter. We use the 93-95 Corvette ZR1 filters. They are twice the size, has double the filtration surface area, and holds almost a full extra quart. And still costs the same as a stock filter. ;)

So if the 626 one allows for 4 quarts in the Pro5... would the Vette one allow a full 5 then? If thats the case then I'm sold on that!
 
I remember seeing someone say that they fitted a mazda3 rear sway bar to a protege5. Anyone know anything about this? I'd really like to upgrade the sway bar, but short on cash for a brand new performance one.
 
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