I know that the VICS us supposed to kick in around that RPM.
Check to see if your VICS shutter valve actuator kicks in at ~3000 rpm.
You may just need some lube on the mechanism or your shutter valve is leaking and not holding a vacuum?
I thought that you owned a Protege5.
What protégé do you have and what year is it.
Mazdas haven't used a distributor for a LONG time.
I think my 83' GLC even had electronic ignition?
I remember reading that the gears falling is definitely possible, then you have to take your transmission apart to realign everything.
They say they you don't need a special tool, just a screwdriver or some sort of dowel put in.
Be careful that the screwdriver/dowel doesn't fall out while...
Ohh,..
I just remembered something.
There is a relay that clicks near the passenger side foot well when you turn the ignition key to start.
That relay may have something to do with it.
It's around here on the right hand side.
You peal down the carpet to get to it.
I forget what relay it is.
I replaced my fuel filter/fuel pump housing without having any driveability issues.
I figured that it was like an air filter or an oil filter.
Remember it's just the housing, it's not the entire fuel sending unit.
Some guys were being sold the entire fuel sending unit.
Even the Mazda mechanics...
If your car is stalling due a lack of fuel pressure caused by a clogged high pressure fuel filter, then adding a second in-line fuel filter won't help.
A proper high pressure fuel filter is less than $30 USD at Rockauto and takes less than half an hour to replace if your car isn't a rusty turd...
I checked out the wiring diagrams and I think that you have a sticky Main Relay.
As far as I can figure it, when your ignition switch is turned to "Start", the main relay turns off to allow all available amps to go to the starter motor.
There is still power going to the starter solenoid and to...