New member needs schoolin'

[starlifter]

I'm new to the board but not to Mazda. I've been reading lots of post in several different areas and have some questions with more to follow I'm sure. First a brief intro. I'm sure I'm a lot older than most here (46) hell, maybe the oldest! I prefer to do all my mechanical work and have experience in paint & body as well. Anyway, I purchased a 2002 Protege 5 for the wife back in June of 02. She wanted the van (M5 or what ever they called it back then) I saw the Pro 5 and convinced her it would be a better deal (and look a lot cooler). Fast forward to now. The Pro 5 has been her DD until last month when she was hit drivers side by a Honda. I have since bought her a new 09 Tribute which I noticed has no listing on this site? Anyway, I decided to keep the Pro 5 since it's a blast to drive, paid for and gets much better MPG than my 4X4 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. A few questions.
1. On my original window sticker it says Mid-Cycle Refresh, which was no addition charge. Does this mean it is a 02.5 MP5? It has side marker lights on the front fenders.
2. The car came with a moon roof, ABS with side airbags and a sport mode automatic w/overdrive could this mean it has a "sport suspension" as I have read in other posts?
3. Any ideas what percentage have the sport mode auto? It works great in the mountains!
4. If I'm reading the posts right I should be able to install M3 17-inch rims with 215-45 tires on a stock suspension?
Sorry for the long post,
Cheers!

 

[ScratchNSniff]

 

[JDMJNKY]

Gay ass fairy (wedge).Oh welcome op (yippy)

 

[winston3x]

welcome

1. yes
2. all p5s have the sport suspension to my knowledge. some of the sedans don't have it.
3. all autos 2002.5-3.5 have the auto/manual trans.
4. not sure on this, just search that tire/wheel combo in the main forum, I'm sure someone has it.

 

[dxaveP5]

welcome and pics?
future plans with teh car?

 

[starlifter]

welcome and pics?
future plans with teh car?

The pictures will haft to wait until the car gets out of the auto body shop. Right now it's a stock, red, 02.5 with moon roof and about 65K miles on it. First, I want to tint the windows then look into wheel/tire and suspension upgrade. I'm not looking at any engine mods now. There is still a lot of reading to do on this board and others to gain knowledge & input.

Cheers

 

[raserx]

I'm closing in on 46 and my DD is a yellow p5 .... you are not alone!

 

[starlifter]

Hope this works. Pics of car before trip to body shop.

 

[starlifter]