Mazda Protege 97 Rebuild

[Dr_Feelgood]

What up fellow protege lovers! Just needed to see if you all could help me out with my Protege Project coming up. I own a 1997 Protege 1.5L engine DX. I want to do all the upgrades to make this car look kick ass!!(even though that sounds really cliche) I would greatly appreciate suggestions on what to do and how, since this is really the first time I got money to invest in this.

So far I can tell you that I want to swap the engine. Was thinking about a
1.8L BPT DOHC and switch out the pistons, connecting rods, and crankshaft and get new forged parts to replace them. (They are custom and I already found the place.)

Then take the FWD trans out and replace it with a AWD. (If anyone knows where I could find one please let me know)

Also wanted to get Bilstein suspension and brembo brake system. Also need help finding that.

The body kit already found it and the colors are gonna blue(base color), yellow(secondary color), black(trim).

Finally I also want to slap the biggest turbo kit I can find to fit in the car and that the engine and trans could handle. Would appreciate alot of advice here. By the way if your gonna tell me you can't put turbo in this car, or that the engine won't handle it, or that is impossible; you can shut your mouth cause I know for a fact that it can be done. My friend did it to his 93 protege. And every part on his car is stock except the turbo!!!!!

I will post a picture of the car soon and show you the transformation as it takes place. If you wish to be a part of this project just lend me your advice. Thanks alot guys and take care.

Dr. Feelgood

 

[sanblaster]

Well that makes two of us with a 97 on this forum. Seriously for the horsepower gain, I don't think the money is worth it, but do what you want to do with it. Welcome to the forums by the way.

 

[RicardoS]

Check the forced induction section for turbo suggestions. I have a stock 97 1.5 turbo (Garrett GT25R) runs great. I like your enthusiasm, Everyone told me that it wasn't possible either. Been running it now, for 4 months. I'd say good luck, but it isn't about luck, it's about patience and determination. Mine's also an LX ATX.

 

[SpecialBlend]

Hi,

New to the forums. I have a 97 Protege 1.5L DX as well. I am not interested in swapping the engine, but do you have any suggestions for increasing the horsepower in the current factory engine? I've put in a K&N air filter which gave me some good low end acceleration and since it's DOHC I have some acceleration once I'm in the 60km/h+, but when I shift from 2nd to 3rd, there isn't much acceleration, anyway to increase it?

My goal for this car is to give it upgrades that are rally inspired, not street.

I will post a new thread on this topic, but felt that there were 2 people here with 97's so I'd reply and say hi.

 

[sanblaster]

Well, welcome to the forums. imo nothing for our vehicles to increase hp.

 

[Dr_Feelgood]

Checking in......

What up again to all those mazda fanatics. I'm happy to inform you all that I have been making much progress in the rebuild project. I've found pretty everything from the mechanic would will be to tuning my engine to the people who are going re-upholster my seats and replace the interior with fiberglass. Once the build starts I will post up BEFORE pics of my car. Then I will give update pics until the final reveal. Thank you to all who have posted your thoughts and shown interest. The only thing that is really bothering me about the build is that I still don't know where to find the AWD trans. Its vital that I find it cause my engine is gonna have to much horsepower. I want to distribute that power to all four tires to avoid breaking the trans. If anyone knows of a AWD trans that fits in my 97 protege please give me the 411. I promise that when I'm done with my car I'm gonna make you all proud for owning mazdas. Take care and lots of love.

Miguel

 

[RicardoS]

Have you looked around some other forums for that trans. Most likely but if you would like suggestions of different forums pm me. Sorry wish I had a better response for you awd trans question. Hope to see some pics sometime soon. Sounds like a lot of fun.