Lewis7789's 2003 Protege5 build thread

[Lewis7789]

Affirmative. JT, you might want to upgrade your hardware too, man. I understand why they only used the M8 bolt there because the hole is already there and most people won't buy a product that will need holes drilled/tapped. But why would they use such huge spacers with all that room in there? It's pretty simple to drill and tap it out if you want. I used an M12 x 110mm 1.75 thread bolt.

I mean, yeah they look cool. But the design won't really offer very much structural support...
Oh well. Oh, and whoever assembled it the first time put half the lock washers on the wrong side of the flat washers. Silly goose.

 

[bikingpro5]

Affirmative. JT, you might want to upgrade your hardware too, man. I understand why they only used the M8 bolt there because the hole is already there and most people won't buy a product that will need holes drilled/tapped. But why would they use such huge spacers with all that room in there? It's pretty simple to drill and tap it out if you want. I used an M12 x 110mm 1.75 thread bolt.

I mean, yeah they look cool. But the design won't really offer very much structural support...
Oh well. Oh, and whoever assembled it the first time put half the lock washers on the wrong side of the flat washers. Silly goose.

thanks, ill more then likely grab the hardware Monday to upgrade since you make it seem so easy..

 

[p_ballermatt98]

subbing, your last P5 was inspirational so this will be mind blowing (braindead

 

[Lewis7789]

thanks, ill more then likely grab the hardware Monday to upgrade since you make it seem so easy..

It is pretty simple. Even my big ass corded drill fit back there for the drill/tap.

subbing, your last P5 was inspirational so this will be mind blowing (braindead

Thanks, man. I really appreciate that. (2thumbs)

 

[Lewis7789]

My arms are so torqued out I could barely open my Gatorade. lulz

I took over the entire garage. It looks like the interior exploded. haha Don't worry, Phen, it will be cleaned up before you get home.

No more personality.

 

[Lewis7789]

The roof racks are off. It wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. I thought I would be able to just plug the holes and use 3M tape to secure the filler strips but the OEM clips are $1.65 a piece so I ordered some from OnlineMazdaParts.com. Still not too sure how they mount to the roof though. It looks like the two that are still installed are just double side taped in there.

I also installed the CorkSport shifter bushings on shift linkage. I'm going to wait to install the CS bronze bushing until after the swap since it will be a different trans and linkage.

Off to Autozone for some grommits for the roof rack holes, new wipers and black caliper paint.

 

[PrinceValorum]

black caliper paint.

Totally... devoid.. of personality...

 

[magnumP5]

I got the rear camber plates in. The way the bolt pattern is on the P5 they don't mount perfectly straight like the fronts. But AAC said they got -1.5 degree of camber out of these plates. So we'll see when she gets aligned this week.

Is the body preventing you from getting more adjustment? LOL, if I ran into that with the RX-7 I'd be attacking the body with a cutoff wheel in a heartbeat! I also noticed the same thing about the GT Spec rear cage, but I didn't do anything. I'd almost look to see if you can find a solid aluminum block to drill through rather than the little cylinders GT Spec provided. Might add some more stiffness...

Off to Autozone for some grommits for the roof rack holes, new wipers and black caliper paint.

I approve of this.

 

[subspeed6]

I love the seat swaps. I have always had a sweet spot for those MS3 seats.

 

[Lewis7789]

Is the body preventing you from getting more adjustment? LOL, if I ran into that with the RX-7 I'd be attacking the body with a cutoff wheel in a heartbeat!

I approve of this.

Nah, these camber plates aren't slotted like the front. They just have 2-3 mounting points so I went with the most negative camber. They cleared the strut towers just fine, no worries.

Yeah, they were out of Fake Brembo orange and fake Project Mu green. lulz. Any other color on stock calipers would be a bit ricey IMHO.

 

[fishdonotbounce]

It's a personal preference thing. Clean and simple with maybe a little flair here and there. Love the progress Evan.

 

[etipp98]

I love the seat swaps. I have always had a sweet spot for those MS3 seats.

Nice ninja edit...

 

[subspeed6]

Dude.... Your flag is facing the wrong way you communist. lol

 

[PrinceValorum]

Dude.... Your flag is facing the wrong way you communist. lol

It's my friend's garage, I would have hung it the right way.

 

[Lewis7789]

All back together now and not on jack stands. I'll go for a test drive tomorrow but I think I need to raise the rear coilovers or pull the pass fender to match the drivers side.

 

[CR3 Motorsports]

looking good!

Do you have a pic with the moog links that you sent me? (part number)

 

[hat1018]

It's my friend's garage, I would have hung it the right way.

Dude.... Your flag is facing the wrong way you communist. lol

Have either of you looked at an Army uniform lately? That flag is hanging the right direction in the Army's book. As if to show them "moving forward into battle".

 

[PrinceValorum]

Have either of you looked at an Army uniform lately? That flag is hanging the right direction in the Army's book. As if to show them "moving forward into battle".

I've seen that, too. Never retreat! *eagle cry*

 

[Lewis7789]

looking good!

Do you have a pic with the moog links that you sent me? (part number)

I don't think the Moog's are going to work. The RSB is really close to the lateral arm (or whatever bar that's called). I have to stop at O'Rielys and see if they can't find me some shorter endlinks, front and rear.

I did get my ECU in yesterday.

 

[itsjbeck]

I've seen that, too. Never retreat! *eagle cry*

i lol'd