New Mazda P5 Owner...

[jyoshcyox]

Whats up guys? Im a noob to the forum, just puchased my first Mazda yesterday!

I've owned a few GM's with mixed emotions (Loved my 88 Caddy), **** Dodge & Chrysler!!!

but in my "tireless" search for a new vehicle i stumbled upon this nice lil mazda..
2003 Protege 5 with 50k miles 100% STOCK! at a price you couldn't shake a stick at (after some haggling of course)

Some of the posts i've read have been very informative (Thank You) and im looking forward to getting to know some of you as i get to know my newly acquired vehicle...

Couple Questions, im sure they've been addressed i looked around a little but like i said im new i've been a member for like an hour take it easy on me they're just questions!

My backlighting on my cluster BLOWS it has the black gauges is this NORML?
~also looked at Replacement and can only find like Blue Reverse Glows anyone know where i can get like red or orange (blue isn't the color scheme im shooting for) Or should i just get some LED's and light it from the front?

Can i get 18x8 +42mm offset wheels on this with out any body mods? and Has anyone attempted to put 20's on a P5 and how much work does this take?

Also Tuning up in the next couple of days saw NGK plugs were recommended anyone use e3 plugs? Preference? wire preferences Welcome too! (Should i remove the EGR just to see if it needs cleaning?) any other personal tune up rituals?

Cold Air - K&N? Ingen? Preferences?

Also would Like to know some or your preferences on Suspension, with personal exp. of brands to stay away from and personal favorites.

i was also a little disappointed to see no real options in aftermarket lighting such as projectors/Halo's and LED Tail Lights if anyone knows where i can find a broader selection on these items it would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks Guys Looking forward to hearing your responses! (jerkit)(evil)

P.S. i'll try to get some Pix up so you can see what she looks like now before i start Jazzing her up a bit!

 

[goodfornothing]

Welcome! Great choice on the p5 with a nice amount of miles! Which color is it?

First of all, I WOULD NOT PUT 20s on a p5. No bueno. & yes the backlighting on the gauges suck bahlzz. There's a how to on how to remove the dash and take it apart where people have replaced the LED's so their different colors or brighter. Gotta do this myself.

As far as suspension, I'd get coilovers if you plan on lowering, well worth it. Other than that, not too sure lol.

You should totally BOOST the p5 (nana)

 

[jyoshcyox]

Its Black!

and im lookin at 18's just seen some wheels that would look incredible but are only available in 20"

and as far as boosting i was thinking about it, but due to the fact its my only vehicle and my Daily Driver i think i may hold off till i have another vehicle and have more time for mods like this that require more extensive engine work.. just looking to make smaller Mods in the meantime...

 

[goodfornothing]

Ahh I understand. I have a motorcycle and I pretty much took a weekend with the help of my friend's to install the kit. Took about 16-18 hours of work, maybe even less and everything went smoothly. Just try to do small things here and there on different weekends, but make sure it's things you can do to keep the car running (like installing gauges, intercooler, etc). But that's just a tip if you decide to go the boost route.

18s don't look bad on the p5, but anything bigger would just look silly in my opinion. Black is a nice color too! I'm guessing it's a 5 speed?

 

[Hank3]

So your gauge cluster is black...not whitish-silver? If so, that's not the original gauge cluster because '02 P5s came with white gauge clusters and '02.5 - '03.5 had silver ones. Does your gauge cluster light up green at night? It's supposed to light up red? You might have a regular Protege Sedan cluster. You can switch out the bulbs in the clusters pretty easily for under $10 from your local Advance Auto, Pep Boys, or Autozone. Just search the "How-To" section and you'll find write-ups on how to take out the cluster.

No pre-made projector headlights on the market, but there are many members rocking them on here with quality HID components in them. Matt V makes them ( ~$400-$500) and has a thread and other used ones come up for sale every so often.

Link to Matt V's headlight retros:

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/show...trofits-NEW-PERMANENT-LOWER-PRICES&highlight=

17" rims are the biggest I would run on the P5. A lot of rides on here with anything bigger don't look that great IMO.

 

[bgibb68]

I'm rocking 17 and have an ~inch of tire.....any bigger rim I could only imagine on bad roads.....I already cringe like hell when I hit a pot hole....Like thongs....if ya got an stick...Mp3 ecu....a Guy on here sells reflashed ones....pnp the intake and remove the non needed set of butterflies....a header...other than that sky's the limit

 

[jyoshcyox]

Yeah the gauges are silver and they light up red...
im getting used to the dim gauges buts sucked i almost got pulled over the other night and i had to glance twice to see how fast i was going...
and No its the Auto with sportshift.. which kinda sucks, but i wasn't gonna let a good car with 50k on it slip away due to that! i dig it! Definately missing the 5th gear tho!

but my first order of business is the intake, installing my JL w7 (dont think the H.O. Box will fit) then prolly the coilovers!

 

[jyoshcyox]

The Muddy Mazda

First Pic Of My New b**** LOL!

 

[azuelke]

Congrats and welcome!

 

[82735]

Get rid of your sidemoldings! It's a nice little way to spiffin up your car. They look much sleeker IMO.
And welcome!