98,000 miles Now what?

[got snake?]

Time to make a decision. Trying to figure out my options. NO NOT GETTING ANOTHER CAR.

Getting into track events. The Mazda has been on two touring session at Autobahn Country Club. I am going to do full open track days. Not just some laps under solid yellow.

I would like to set up the mazda to be more of a track car but not dedicated. I want to still use it as a daily driver.

At 100,000 miles I'll be dumping some cash into the car. New timing belt, belts and suspension. Still on the original springs/shocks, belts and timing belt.

I guess i"m asking for a suggestion for suspension and brake upgrades. I'm not planning any engine mods. Just want to tighten it up a bit. I don't even know where to start. I know Mazda has a huge racing history and I want to start representing it!

 

[got snake?]

Shoot should have done a search first! Tokico and some eibochs looks popular.

 

[MakeMeGoFast]

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123680378

just some ideas for ya. this is the setup im going with

 

[got snake?]

Good info. Do you put your car on the track? Didn't even think about the bushings.

 

[MakeMeGoFast]

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=51

yeah there are a few on here that do events....lol

 

[i12drivemyMP5]

Make sure to do the waterpump & timing belt tensioner while doing timing belt.

 

[MakeMeGoFast]

Good info. Do you put your car on the track? Didn't even think about the bushings.

Will try to get it on the track this summer, although its mostly for spirited country road drving..

 

[whitemp5seattle]

for suspension, look up espelir springs on this forum. The espelirs are awesome with tokico HPs. A big improvement over stock but still good for daily driving too (still a pretty comfortable ride...not too jarring). Also think about the Progress rear sway bar - they're designed for the p5, and with the stock endlinks you don't have a clunk like with some other rear sway bar/endlink combos.

 

[got snake?]

Thanks guys! Whats up with the tensioner pulley? Why does that need to be changed out? I'll look into the springs. Such a variety. I do have a sway bar but don't know who makes it. It has ball joints and is fully adjustable. Is there a bushing kit available for the car? Might as well change them all out since it's going to be all apart.

 

[got snake?]

Going with The espelirs with tokico HPs. Where do I buy? Protege Garage isn't emailing me back or picking up the phone. I need to get these ASAP car is in the shop ready for parts. Getting all the stuff done I stated above.

 

[CTt3P5]

Try sending a pm to Rishie. I know he had some espelirs in stock around the holidays.

**edit**I guess it would help if I gave you his screen name!!! Check out this post....hopefully he still has a set for ya.

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3543273&postcount=31

 

[arcane73]

Thanks guys! Whats up with the tensioner pulley? Why does that need to be changed out?

It's a pulley on a bearing that is prone to wear like most other bearing type parts. Your timing belt rides on it and it just makes good sense to change it out while you're in there doing everything else to save yourself the trouble of having to go back in later to do it. My gf's 96 protege was just in for it's 120k service and i had the tensioner & water pump replaced even though neither were showing any real signs of wear...

 

[got snake?]

My shop asked me why I wanted it changed. I told him I don't want to see him till this car hits 200k (probably see him sooner since I'll probably need a new clutch. Still on the original. I'm really big on preventative maintenance. Still going to be cheaper then getting a new car. Having no car payments is nice!

 

[got snake?]

Anybody use Protege Garage's Tokico HP Suspension Kit? Is that close to the set up with Espelir Spring with HP shocks?

 

[808MP5]

Could Check My Sig "Current Engine/Suspension Project" for suggestions on a build... It's all about preference... Can't really take anyones word for it until you try it for yourself...

The majority decides whats bad or good... But this isn't always true.

 

[got snake?]

yeah I know just so many options. I guess I need to really talk to some serious Road Racers that use the protege 5. Don't see much. Lot of Miata guys. Maybe I'll be the first...or not. Screw it. I"m going to just email protegegarage and see what the drop is on the car with their kit. If it is .5-1in then I'll just get them.

 

[Magus]

Here is the deal. There are two types of springs: linear and Progressive. Linear give better handling and feedback, but are punishing for daily usually. Progressive have difference spring rates and are not as good as linear usually when it comes to handling.

Espelir springs are actually two different type. You get linear in the front for great handling and response, and progressive in the rear for a less bouncy ride. If you go to google, choose more in the upper left, products, and look for espelir springs you can find them for ~$220. I would personally like to get them from protegegarage, but he just can have every protege part know to man.