Hi there...I'm the new guy

[SouthernP5]

wow...let me say i've never seen so much info on the P5 before...
i just got mine about a week ago. 02 P5, 5 speed, dark blue, around 90K on it. i'm looking to keep this car throught college, but also to have some fun with it too. so far i've put in my Pioneer HU from my past car, my iPod link kit, and my Kicker subs. the stock speakers r doing their job for now, but i am looking for some louder ones for sure. any ideas?
then there's the performance side of my car...it's all stock... i need some thoughts, i've read that CAIs are great starters and that headers are too. which is the best? which gives me the most bang for my buck?
thanks for all the info, and please hook me up with any good performance ideas!

 

[TreFlip999]

Welcome brother...This is the only place besides www.protegegarage.com you will ever need now...Of course we needs pics for sure..As for performance..CAI, Header and catback exhaust is the foundation for P5's, of course there are tons of other mods too..Enjoi.

 

[shad0wSS]

wow...let me say i've never seen so much info on the P5 before...
i just got mine about a week ago. 02 P5, 5 speed, dark blue, around 90K on it. i'm looking to keep this car throught college, but also to have some fun with it too. so far i've put in my Pioneer HU from my past car, my iPod link kit, and my Kicker subs. the stock speakers r doing their job for now, but i am looking for some louder ones for sure. any ideas?
then there's the performance side of my car...it's all stock... i need some thoughts, i've read that CAIs are great starters and that headers are too. which is the best? which gives me the most bang for my buck?
thanks for all the info, and please hook me up with any good performance ideas!

Welcome! The mods you'll feel the most benefit from are suspension mods. Coilovers, or aftermarket spring+shocks, stiffer sway bars in the rear, etc.Performancewise, everyone will tell you to get the racing beat catback exhaust. It sounds the best based on almost everyone's experiences. I have a mazdaspeed sport exhaust for the p5, i love the sound, but people will say that it drones on the freeway. I really don't mind it, its not as loud as in a wrx, and those are freakin loud. You can search around for other mod ideas, lots of stuff on here.

As for speakers, I always liked the sound of the stock speakers, they just arent loud. I liked the way Infinity reference or kappa speakers sounded, but keep in mind that mp3s from your ipod will sound like crap on any aftermarket speaker.

 

[TreFlip999]

Welcome! The mods you'll feel the most benefit from are suspension mods. Coilovers, or aftermarket spring+shocks, stiffer sway bars in the rear, etc.Performancewise, everyone will tell you to get the racing beat catback exhaust. It sounds the best based on almost everyone's experiences. I have a mazdaspeed sport exhaust for the p5, i love the sound, but people will say that it drones on the freeway. I really don't mind it, its not as loud as in a wrx, and those are freakin loud. You can search around for other mod ideas, lots of stuff on here.

As for speakers, I always liked the sound of the stock speakers, they just arent loud. I liked the way Infinity reference or kappa speakers sounded, but keep in mind that mp3s from your ipod will sound like crap on any aftermarket speaker.

i have to agree with you on the stock speakers, they sound perfect for me, i was actually surprised! i just upgraded the head unit to a dvd/double din and it made them sound that much better, big ups to mazda on the P5 stock system hehe, well the 03' one anyways, i heard 02's didnt get the sub

 

[SouthernP5]

yeah, i haven't seen a stock sub anywhere on my 02, but i already had 2 12" to drop in the back.
shadOwSS-i know what a WRX STi with full exhaust sounds like, i got a friend with one, it's LOUD!!! and i was also looking around for a MazdaSpeed exhaust, any idea on where to get them cheap?
and i'll get some pics up asap, just need time to load them!

 

[Pro5.0]

Wow, I just joined today too...bought my MP5 last week as well...and it's a 2002 manual...BUT, its yellow and 80k miles. Hope you like yours as much as I like mine. Mine came with a CAI and at least just a muffler. From what I've been reading on the site the car will never really be a "fast" car, unless you spend lots of money. But the intake, headers and catback would be the best start, usually is for about any car. Let me know if you find any nice speakers cause I don't want to waste space with a sub, but I'd like a little more bass...I guess as said before, the 02 didn't come with the same stereo.

 

[shad0wSS]

protegegarage.com is where i got my exhaust. But u look in the for sale section to see if anyone is selling a used one there. Its alot cheaper that way, and the price was raised on protegegarge the last time i checked. I got it for 159.99 and now i think its listed for 199.99. I really like the sound of it, and if you have 2 12" subs, u probably wont even hear the exhaust anymore haha.

ms exhaust


pro 5.0, what kind of bass are you looking for? you can always go with a small 8 in sub that wouldnt take much space at all. i love the sound of JL audio subs, they may be a bit high in price, but the bass quality is great.

 

[dezine]

Welcome aboard! I have just recently installed new internal speakers in my car which are Infinity references, which don't have the greatest low range but they are amazing for the mid and high range. Got these because the bass would be coming from my subs, so perfect combination. The speakers have done a perfect job for me. Good luck with your choices .

 

[P-Funk!]

Welcome!
i too am pleased with the stock speakers - i upgraded the 1/2 tweeters (02.5 P5s) with 1" Boston Accoustics - great improvement. The rear doors are fine.

I built a 'false floor' box for the twin 10" subs - works well. Amps fit under the seats and the little 'mystery panel' on the back of the center console is great for stashing the fuse panel.

*Please note - our cars can't use the sedan exhausts - they must be P5 (different lengths).

x2 on the header/intake/exhaust combo. Then ask what is next... it sounds like you don't plan to turbo - so this is a good path to take.

Check your car for the recall (search keyword VTCS screws). Check your rear wiper arm bolt torque (lift the cover). Keep her full of oil always (holds 3.7qt - so 1 qt down is significant!). Use the same year Mazda 626 w/V6 oil filter (more capacity - brings it up to 4 qts).

I am sure you will learn more...