Hey, new here

[Pro5.0]

Hi everyone,
Just wanted to introduce myself. I just bought a 2002 protege 5 last week. It's been a lot of fun so far. Still getting used to the car since I am used to big engine American gas guzzlers...never owned a foreign car. 86 Mustang GT (hence the "5.0" in the name), 86 Trans Am, and 2002 Impala were prior to this car. Impala was totalled, saw this car and liked the looks and Mazda reliability so here I am.

Anyway, carfax was clean as well as the car, nearly perfect condition so I was comfortable even though the guy had no maintenance records. Which means I will be doing a tune up since I don't know the last time anything was done. Brakes pads, trans drain and fill, new spark plugs and wires... The car has an AEM (CAI) and some type of aftermarket muffler. I really don't know too much about these types of cars since I'm used to working on older v8's. But I do all the work myself so I'm sure I can figure it all out. I will be searching here for answers to my questions, but if anyone has any quick tips for me let me know.

One thing I noticed while looking up parts online was that I couldn't find a fuel filter for it...these cars do have them, or no?

Thanks!

 

[KronixKid22]

Welcome to the site! You'll find lots of information here. As you said, the Mazda is very reliable, and there are people here with Protege5's with well over 150k miles and no problems at all.

Your best bet for identifying the exhaust would be to post up a picture or search around the site for pictures. Two of the most common types include the Mazdaspeed exhaust and Racing Beat exhaust.

As for the fuel filter, I don't know much about them but hopefully one of these threads can help answer your questions:

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/search.php?searchid=3907567

Other than that, have fun and enjoy the site! Lots of great people here to help you out with what you need.

 

[JoshP5]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[Pro5.0]

Thanks, and I checked that link Kronix...it looks like the fuel filter is with the fuel pump. This is normally something I change when I buy a used car, looks like I won't worry about it yet since it will go with the pump. I usually change the spark plugs, wires, fuel filter, air filter, trans fluid, radiator flush, oil and filter, brakes (if needed, you can tell on these) and serpentine belt right after I get a used car. I think I might pick up a set of underdrive pulleys that come with a belt, just for fun. I'm liking the site so far. Very informative.

 

[CTt3P5]

Welcome to the forums! What color did you get and of course all of the other details and pics too!

 

[Pro5.0]

2002 Yellow MP5 manual, about 80k miles on it...all rear windows tinted (don't know %), aftermarket taillights, the CAI, not sure on the muffler, newer pirelli tires (don't know details on them). It had a grey stripe down the center of the car, but is mostly faded. I'm going to look into getting it redone since it actually looks pretty nice where it is not faded. Car is in great shape, previous owner really kept it clean. Lot of fun to zip around in, but lacks the power that I am used to...however the handling makes it plenty fun since I can now take turns far quicker than with any of my other cars. I'll get some pics up after I get it waxed and whatnot when I get a chance, I still haven't taken any to show anyone yet...

 

[Crazy D]

Welcome to the P5 crew

 

[The Short Bus]

2002 Yellow MP5 manual...

Nice, regardless of what others will say, yellow is the fastest color due to the single stage paint playing a key role in weight reduction. Welcome to the addiction!

 

[Pro5.0]

Haha, the yellow seems to be hit or miss with people. My friends and family seem to love it or hate it. Yet even if they dislike the color they say it's a nice looking car aside from that. I like the Blue ones as well

 

[Riken]

Welcome. But to inform you in the right path, silver are the faster color. Everyone will tell you so. Right Sunlight Silver guys? Silver FTW!!!!!!!!!

 

[i12drivemyMP5]

Welcome to the forums. Don't sweat the fuel filter being in the tank with the pump either. There is an access panel under the rear passenger seat for access to the top of it. No need to drop the tank like you may be accustomed to on American v8 stuff. Just do search on any topic, it's been covered & most likely there's a how-to complete with pics & warnings. This forum truly kicks ass. Watch the FS section for cool stuff coming & going like the pulleys you were mentioning. There is a lightened set being manufactured right now but most of the initial offerings have been snapped up. There will be more forthcoming just ahile down the road. Enjoy, it's all in here.

 

[fatti03msp]

welcome to the forums lots crap on here you will waste your money on lol.

 

[Pro5.0]

Welcome to the forums. Don't sweat the fuel filter being in the tank with the pump either. There is an access panel under the rear passenger seat for access to the top of it. No need to drop the tank like you may be accustomed to on American v8 stuff. Just do search on any topic, it's been covered & most likely there's a how-to complete with pics & warnings. This forum truly kicks ass. Watch the FS section for cool stuff coming & going like the pulleys you were mentioning. There is a lightened set being manufactured right now but most of the initial offerings have been snapped up. There will be more forthcoming just ahile down the road. Enjoy, it's all in here.

Yeah, I noticed that about the fuel pump when I checked the search out. And yes, unfortunately I've had to drop the whole gas tank more than I'd like to for replacing fuel pumps. It's just not fun. From what I hear most foreign cars do just have the simple access panel to get to the fuel pump.

 

[TreFlip999]

Nice, regardless of what others will say, yellow is the fastest color due to the single stage paint playing a key role in weight reduction. Welcome to the addiction!

People are oblivous...Yellow is the best out of all P5's...We are in a class all of our own...we own the road...we own the streets...we own the tracks...Mazda didnt want to say it and it has been a sworn secret between yellow P5 drivers but i will come out and say it...All yellow P5's came out of the factory with a twin turbo, 400 WHP engine...I couldnt keep it a secret anymore...Now you all know the truth bout' yellow P5's...beware (evil)

 

[Pro5.0]

He's not lying, the turbo's are hidden in the onboard "lockbox" via Al Gore.

 

[Ham*Sammich!]

(cool) Welcome and congrats on your new addiction..I bought mine as a daily driver brand new and never planned on doing anything to it but here we all are.....

 

[shane02pro5]

Welcome to the forums and good luck with the new ride!
Lots of info in here to be found. How-to's for everything from rebuilding the tranny to blacking-out headlights.

Lot's of authorized vendors here to give your hard earned money to also!!

They can be made fast too with enough blood, sweat, tears and lots of patience.

 

[P-Funk!]

Welcome aboard!

i would not change the fuel pump until i needed to.

 

[Wishmaster]

Welcome... and yes Yellow is the best colour. Before I bought mine, I hated yellow cars... the only reason I bought mine was because is was such a great deal for such a clean car... I would have been stupid to pass it up. Anyway, have grown to really like it... I think it makes the car look much less bland than it does in the other colours. Also, I now never get cut-off!! People see this car from a mile away, it's easily caught in the corner of your eye = safer!! People notice it in their blind spots much more than say silver which has to be the colour of about 90% of the cars on the road these days... sooooo booorrrrriiinnnnggg! And when you park in huge unfamiliar busy parking lot, it's easy to spot if you get turned around. To make it easier just stand on top of someones silver P5 and you'll spot your's for sure!