General Stupid questions.

[yinkoshaumer]

I realize that these might seem like trivial and/or stupid questions. I tried searching around a bit and figured I'd just ask. I'm looking to make some improvements to my 2002 Protege ES (auto, but i was desperate for a car and no one had a manual)

What's the main difference between the MP3 and ES models?
Would it be worth it to put the HiBoost turbo kit in my auto ES (if at all possible)?
Can the stock auto even handle the turbo?

And also just some general advice for how to get the most out of my ES

Thanks

 

[Tengo]

mp3 has different tuning due to its ECu giving it 10 more Hp, which wont work in your auto anyway, alot of people have been turboing lately and alot of them have been autos, bazooka joe, i forget there screen names but you can search, the thing is to keep the boost low and you should be ok if u turbo

 

[bazooka joe]

check this out:
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33154&highlight=turbo+autos

my 02 auto is boosted (20Kmiles) i don;t have any issues at 5 psi, i don't beat on it though. it changes the car for sure! if you're looking for more than 200hp or wanting to race, i'd say skip it...but if you want some extra HP (170ish+-) the hiboost kit would be great...they've boosted several auto's over the years. good luck!

 

[Doodsmack]

the automatic trannies can handle small amounts of boost (i.e. 6 psi), but you gotta drive em cautiously (i.e. don't race). i'm sure the hiboost has been put on an auto before, and if you're really desperate for a turbo i guess its worth it. in my opinion turbo is only worth it for a manual car.

the MP3 is basically a tuner's version of the regular sedans. it has a body kit, upgraded sound system, suspension upgrades, different rims, different seats, etc. however MP3s are not any faster than sedans.

 

[Tengo]

however MP3s are not any faster than sedans.

10 hp faster(yes)

 

[yinkoshaumer]

Wow, thanks for the quick replies. I read through most of that post about putting a turbo in the auto. I'm not certain if the benefits outweigh the costs. I drive with a bit of a lead foot and don't think it would agree the the auto. Putting in the manual transmission seems a bit too much of a hassle. Maybe just grabbing the required parts from a junked MSP would be a better option than the HiBoost.

 

[bazooka joe]

Wow, thanks for the quick replies. I read through most of that post about putting a turbo in the auto. I'm not certain if the benefits outweigh the costs. I drive with a bit of a lead foot and don't think it would agree the the auto. Putting in the manual transmission seems a bit too much of a hassle. Maybe just grabbing the required parts from a junked MSP would be a better option than the HiBoost.

fyi....except you'll still need engine management...the msp ecu is for a standard transmission...is it worth it, it was to me...my wife would say otherwise though!!