ok so i have a 99 lx touring 1.8 fp-de autotragic it has 280 000kms and is starting to sound pretty rough i can here the bearings in the bottom end making alot of noise theres no knocking and im getting decent compression (155 psi across the board) most of the work i have done has been exterior and interior as for engine stuff i have replaced water pump/ timing belt plugs wires intake that kinda stuff. I have always planned on waiting for the engine to hit its final days before I do any major upgrades so im leftwith some big questions. Do i A) keep the car as i have a decent body, interior, suspension, brakes and chassis to work with and focus on building up a nice engine and tranny B) cut my losses and say good bye and part it out. I do like the protege and it is fun to drive the things i dont like is that it is automatic. I am kind of leaning towards rebuilding the motor and take a look at the tranny maybe put that aftermarket valve body in to make it less slow. so enough of me rambling on if i decide to keep this car ive narrowed it down to two options (1) rebuild the 1.8 n/a or turboed(havent decided yet) port polish head maybe stronger pistons and dif cams and keep the auto maybe lentech valve body maybe stronger spider gears in the diff if possible (2) swap in a mazdaspeed engine, wireing ecu, tranny and convert my car to manual i was just wondering if there was anyone who has either converted to manual with these cars or if someone has built up the 1.8 real nice im not looking for the fastest car if i stay with the 1.8 just something fun and reliable i think the 1.8 might be better for turbo because of the lower compression, the problem would be in the rods and automatic trany. anyways i hope i can get some useful information thanks guys!
1.8 FP-DE rebuild?
- Thread starter Proteggy
- Start date
Ill try answer all your questions. Just bair with me 
Turbo or NA is really up to you, i love NA so my car is going down that route. Depends on you as a person and what you want from the car. Another question is how much did you want to spend?
NA no doubt about it will cost alot more then a turbo build will for similiar power. Anything can be accomplished with enough money and/or patience and research. Research doesnt cost a thing cept maybe the cost of internet use it, search function is at your disposal. Knowledge is power.
In both the FP-DE and FS-DE your going to run into issues really quickly regarding boost. Theres threads about some people having issues with the mazdaspeed engine going from stock boost.
Manual will make a massive difference either way, even on a stock engine. The FS-DE beniffited those with autos as they have much better mid range torque thanks to its longer stroke.
The major factor is how much you want to spend and how wild you want to go. If your going NA you will probably be happy with just the following:
626 IM + Throttle Body
Exhaust Header
Exhaust
Manual Transmission
Turbo or NA is really up to you, i love NA so my car is going down that route. Depends on you as a person and what you want from the car. Another question is how much did you want to spend?
NA no doubt about it will cost alot more then a turbo build will for similiar power. Anything can be accomplished with enough money and/or patience and research. Research doesnt cost a thing cept maybe the cost of internet use it, search function is at your disposal. Knowledge is power.
In both the FP-DE and FS-DE your going to run into issues really quickly regarding boost. Theres threads about some people having issues with the mazdaspeed engine going from stock boost.
Manual will make a massive difference either way, even on a stock engine. The FS-DE beniffited those with autos as they have much better mid range torque thanks to its longer stroke.
The major factor is how much you want to spend and how wild you want to go. If your going NA you will probably be happy with just the following:
626 IM + Throttle Body
Exhaust Header
Exhaust
Manual Transmission
is the 626 manifold bolt on for the 1.8 fp i heard the heads are similar between fs and fd so intake and exhaust manifolds will fit for either cylinder head? im pretty sure most of the problems with my current engine are all in the top end thanks for your reply
Yeh the manifold will bolt on
Just make sure to get the right 626 manifold and itll bolt right on. Theres many threads around regarding it.
For most people the mods i listed will give alot of fun. If you wanted to go further i recommend looking into some light weight pulleys (note: needn't be under drive stuff).
Also make sure to get cold air intake as well i forgot to add to list
Just make sure to get the right 626 manifold and itll bolt right on. Theres many threads around regarding it.
For most people the mods i listed will give alot of fun. If you wanted to go further i recommend looking into some light weight pulleys (note: needn't be under drive stuff).
Also make sure to get cold air intake as well i forgot to add to list
