Lewis7789 2002 Protege5 build thread (tons of pics)

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Oh that's right! He said he wanted it too. I'll send him a PM. Thanks for reminding me, Larry.
 
That makes more sense now about the wiring. I was thinking to myself that it must have to go something like that, but I haven't researched any of it, so I didn't feel comfortable making assumptions.

I've also got my old exhaust mani with no cat if Josh wants to try that, but I'm not sure about the sensor bung situation.
 
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Well, 28 hours into the swap we've succeeded in removing the FS, and installing 1 of 4 coilovers...

Front passenger
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Rear passenger
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Rear driver
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Front driver
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"Yo, what dis be?"
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It's an ABS sensor that got deleted!
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The lonely new coilover (notice singular...)
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ABS is for pussies. Haha! Deleted!

Well it was slow day, fo sho. But I got the headers wrapped and silicone painted at work today. Like Wes posted, we got 1/4 of the suspension done. I had to offically cut all my endlinks, so that kinda blows. But I'll be getting the upgraded Ford Escape front links and still searching for some upgraded rear links.

We had some trouble with a stubborn bolt in the drivers rear shock. Little bastard took most of the night to get outta there. I'll call Jason at OnlineMazdaParts.com tomorrow for a new bolt/nut. Stoopid Ohio cars... Speaking of bolts, does anyone know where I can find Mazda part numbers for hardware? I feel bad calling Jason all the time for part numbers then ordering them online from him.

But it's a wonderful feeling wrenching on the car knowing I still have a ride to work in the morning. I don't have that sense of "Oh s***, I gotta get a bolt in here so I can drive to work in 6 hours!". Thanks again for the Civic loaner, Phen. ;)
 
Ill PM you.

It should have EVERYTHING that you might need. lol


even for the Milli motor. =)
 
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You can always get the parts to make the rear links. Or get the adjustable alternator arms for a small block chevy like I did. Massive sway links do look nice.
 
I would actually highly suggest staying away from Mazda parts when buying bolts, nuts, etc. Unless you're buying really big bolts (like 100 mm M14x1.5) you can generally pick up hardware of the same or better quality/durability at auto parts and hardware stores for much cheaper. I remember looking at OEM P/N's for turbo studs and nuts when I was turbocharging the P5 and I recall some of the M8 hardware costing upwards of $5 each!
 
Ruuuuuuuuuuuusssssssssssssssssttttttt.

I noticed you got the Deeza tie rod ends, I have a set waiting to go on my car :)

I agree with magnumP5 regarding bolts, if it's not something special get it from a parts shop for a tenth of what Mazda charges.
 
Thanks Cres (HKPRO5) for the info. It's greatly appreciated, mate!

And as far as hardware goes, it depends on the situation for the hardware. In this case, I need suspension bolts/nuts. One for the front and one for the rear. Yes, they are epxensive (~$8 for a bolt!) but it's worth the piece of mind knowing I won't need to make an extra run to HomeDepot/Lowes if I get the wrong size. Ordering the bolts from OnlineMazdaParts with the Mazda part number is nice because there is no guess work. And I don't monkey around when it comes to the important bits and pieces like suspension. Or my tranny bolts to mate the block. Those buggers were $2.74 a piece x7. But I knew they were going to fit and work right.

My work has an account with McMaster-Carr so I usually order hardware from them then give my boss the cash for it. Score.
 
Swap is coming along nicely Evan! Any idea on when the key will be turned?

Probably not for a while. I'm not trying to rush and like Wes said, I do work at turtle speed and am an asshole and want to do all the work myself. heh-heh. I'm going out to paint the bay with Por-15 right now since this is the last day before all the rain for a week. The motor/trans itself is ready to go. I want to get a start on the wiring and laying things out before I put the motor in. But once the motor is in I can make measurements for the radiator. The mechanical part of the swap is pretty basic. It's the wiring that I'm going to loath dealing with, but slow and steady wins the race. No pun intended...

So to answer your question, I have no idea. heh-heh. I'm working at a steady pace and doing something with the car/motor everyday after work, but I also got a cold from GF and is starting to kick my ass. But I'm hoping for mid-May. :)
 
Well maybe if you would slow down a little more and take your time it would've came out okay. Just kidding, that blows. I've had that intake mani on and off twice without any problems. Sorry, mate. :(
 
That bolt is the least of my worries....getting this ******* thing back in time is #1 on the list....timing belt is straight kicking my ass...
 
Josh, I don't recall Kevin's timing belt being very difficult. Just that damn spring for the tensioner. Are you following the Mazda manual? And don't get discouraged and take your time. Then imagine the fun I had with my timing belt on the V6. It took Pablo and I about 2 hours just making sure it was perfect. ps- how did the old belt look? Just curious.

Simon, I'm glad I'm not the only one. heh-heh. Luckily I have a great crew with Pablo and Wes and they understand I am a prick and just roll with it.

Well, I just did some cleaning in the bay and some prep for the Por-15. (I forgot the damn brushes for the paint at work). It will be nice to have a clean bay again, even if it is just for one summer...
bay.jpg
 
Josh, I don't recall Kevin's timing belt being very difficult. Just that damn spring for the tensioner. Are you following the Mazda manual? And don't get discouraged and take your time. Then imagine the fun I had with my timing belt on the V6. It took Pablo and I about 2 hours just making sure it was perfect. ps- how did the old belt look? Just curious.

My crank and cam gears got all out of whack, so it took forever to get it all lined up again! The spring wasn't really that bad to get on and off the million times I had to.

And I didn't really notice the condition of the old belt. I noticed the drive belts were shot, but there are gatorbacks on my old motor that are still in good shape, so I'm using those.
 
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