truplayax14
Member
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- 2003 Mazdaspeed Protege #354
Thanks I will see that its taken care of.
So had to get rid of my RX8... but I got this instead.
- Thread starter truplayax14
- Start date
Thanks I will see that its taken care of.
truplayax14
Member
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- 2003 Mazdaspeed Protege #354
On the boost level... I dont see a manual boost controller or anything, so until I can get one and get a stock tune thrown on the ecu, it will have to stay as is...
hornsfan10609
Certified Mazda Tech
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- 2003.5 Mazdaspeed Protege x2
If the Previous owner ran 15 psi the car MUST have forged internals, I wouldn't run any more than 9psi until you know for sure.
arlsmazdaspeed
Member
All you gotta do is drop the pan and inspect the motor with a good light and a mirror to check for internals...which is probably a good idea since your boosting 15psi and playing with fire...(drive)
Welcome and congrats. Looks like you bought a well taken care of and thoughtfully modded MSP. It seems like I decided to stay at the party after everyone started leaving, and then a new wave of people showed up. Just know now that you bought a hobby, not a car. It's a fun hobby though, and rewarding when you get something right.
While it is definitely a downgrade from an RX-8 in refinement, the MSP is just as capable around a track, and arguably more fun anywhere. But the real advantage to the MSP is that it is already turbocharged, so you just have to fix the weak links one at a time. A turbo for the RX-8 is a huge and expensive nightmare, and there isn't really another way to get power out of that engine.
While it is definitely a downgrade from an RX-8 in refinement, the MSP is just as capable around a track, and arguably more fun anywhere. But the real advantage to the MSP is that it is already turbocharged, so you just have to fix the weak links one at a time. A turbo for the RX-8 is a huge and expensive nightmare, and there isn't really another way to get power out of that engine.
truplayax14
Member
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- 2003 Mazdaspeed Protege #354
So I am taking the care by Goodyear in the morning for a new set of rubbers and looking for a shop in the area. Street Unit is 15min away. Do you think someone there could be some assistance on seeing what needs to be taken care of to get it back in good reliable order?
truplayax14
Member
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- 2003 Mazdaspeed Protege #354
Going to a performance shop to have it looked at, then off to Goodyear for some tires. Plus here are some extra pics...
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Spiced MSP
Member
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- 2016 Peterbilt 579
pretty well modded MSP you got there. Earlier you said the car had a 3 in downpipe, it looks like it still has the stock s pipe. So, it probably has a 3in j pipe back exhaust. MAM exhaust mani, 626 intake mani, dave b rings, GT SPEC bracing underneath, TWM shift knob!!! I wouldn't be surprised if the previous owner used to be on here. That car is tastefully modded!! Also, when you changed the plugs, did you gap them? Gap range for our plugs is .028-.032.
truplayax14
Member
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- 2003 Mazdaspeed Protege #354
Yes I did gap them correctly. I put the Dave B rings from my 99 Protege I had in 2005. Plus there are AWR motor mounts and there is an electric cutout after the down pipe. So the radiator has a bad leak and there is an oil leak. I got the oil changed about 2 weeks ago and it was bone dry when I went to Goodyear for new tires. Luckily I know the people there so the filled her up and topped off the coolant for free. It ran horrible the whole was home, I had to flutter the gas just keep it going... so no I am waiting to have it towed to the shop.
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truplayax14
Member
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- 2003 Mazdaspeed Protege #354
Its under the steering wheel. There are 2 switches, one is for the cut out, the other I have no idea...
truplayax14
Member
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- 2003 Mazdaspeed Protege #354
Its in the shop right now.
truplayax14
Member
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- 2003 Mazdaspeed Protege #354
So talked to the shop today, they turned the boost down and just got a new all aluminum radiator, they will be getting rid of one of the BOV and uninstalling the turbo timer due to wiring issues. Now just need a front motor mount and a MAF sensor... Anyone?
hornsfan10609
Certified Mazda Tech
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- 2003.5 Mazdaspeed Protege x2
AWR for the motor mount, what is wrong with the MAF? I would be a little surprised if it went out with so little miles on it. These cars don't need Turbo timers anyway, I just took mine out that was one of the first things I installed on my MSP.
truplayax14
Member
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- 2003 Mazdaspeed Protege #354
Yeah, so got to the shop today. Took them a Mishimoto performance radiator and black intercooler (to be stealthy), ********** front passenger motor mount and MAF to get her back up and running strong. I am having them do custom intercooler piping and I am getting a Turbo XS High Performance Boost Controller so I can make sure it doesn't spike much. They fixed the boost spike and leak. After everything is fixed she will be dynoed to have a baseline of what has been done @ about 9-10psi. For a daily driver what is recommended psi for better MPG? And more pics to come! I have to make sure to charge my phone next time...
truplayax14
Member
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- 2003 Mazdaspeed Protege #354
So they have the radiator, intercooler, motor mount and MAF installed. They are still working on the intercooler piping, since they are custom fabricating them. Hopefully she will be complete by Thursday at latest. I will take some video of some driving to see what everyone thinks.
hornsfan10609
Certified Mazda Tech
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- 2003.5 Mazdaspeed Protege x2
For MPG the less boost the better but it really isn't how much boost you run it's how heavy your foot is. If you are trying to save gas you shouldn't be in boost anyway. I boost frequently and knock down 26-27 mpg.
truplayax14
Member
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- 2003 Mazdaspeed Protege #354
I think a lot of it was the radiator and MAF needed replacing. Plus I need to clean the intake filter.
