What's up guys.
I've been looking for a used car and the mazdaspeed protege seems like it would be a good fit for me. I want something that will be practical, economical, reliable, and most importantly fun. I will autocross it and spend the weekends in the hills driving from time to time.
I'm not looking for another project and I wouldn't be doing any real heavy modding for years. I am able to work on my own cars and can do repairs as necessary but would prefer not to on this car if I don't have to.
Here are the specs:
-2003.5 silver
-clean title
-California only car
-cold air intake
-forge waste gate
-manual boost controller (seen boost peak at ~10)
-no radio/sub
-outside/inside 8/10 (no dents)
-motor comp 175 on every cylinder
-no cels
-ripped motor mounts
My biggest problem is the reliability issues of MSPs in general. I know Mazda contracted Callaway to slap turbo kits on them. It bothers me that this one hits a solid 10 pounds. This owner has been driving on 10 pounds for about 9-10000 miles and he told me he uses 89 octane. He bought the car with about 75k on it and the previous owner before him already had the forge waste gate.
On the other hand the compression has checked out good though and the car drove very strong...
So what do you guys think? Should I have any concerns? What should I check?
I plan on doing my own compression test and checking the turbo for shaft play and bearing oil leaks. Any other spots to check out?
-Kyle
I've been looking for a used car and the mazdaspeed protege seems like it would be a good fit for me. I want something that will be practical, economical, reliable, and most importantly fun. I will autocross it and spend the weekends in the hills driving from time to time.
I'm not looking for another project and I wouldn't be doing any real heavy modding for years. I am able to work on my own cars and can do repairs as necessary but would prefer not to on this car if I don't have to.
Here are the specs:
-2003.5 silver
-clean title
-California only car
-cold air intake
-forge waste gate
-manual boost controller (seen boost peak at ~10)
-no radio/sub
-outside/inside 8/10 (no dents)
-motor comp 175 on every cylinder
-no cels
-ripped motor mounts
My biggest problem is the reliability issues of MSPs in general. I know Mazda contracted Callaway to slap turbo kits on them. It bothers me that this one hits a solid 10 pounds. This owner has been driving on 10 pounds for about 9-10000 miles and he told me he uses 89 octane. He bought the car with about 75k on it and the previous owner before him already had the forge waste gate.
On the other hand the compression has checked out good though and the car drove very strong...
So what do you guys think? Should I have any concerns? What should I check?
I plan on doing my own compression test and checking the turbo for shaft play and bearing oil leaks. Any other spots to check out?
-Kyle