New Owner, Need a little Help!

[PA_MP3_Man]

Hey everyone,
I just got my MP3 last thursday 10/17/02. It had 20,188 miles on it. As far as I know it hasn't been serviced yet and the only complaint I have is the damn clunking sound which appearently from reading the threads, there is no real cure for.

I've never really had a car with a good....I mean great suspension on it so this is a first for me but man i love it already. I used to drive a 98 grand am automatic and after this I will no longer go without atleast a 5 speed and a great suspension that's for sure.

I was basically just wondering about mods I'm about to do or would like to do soon like; which cold air intake seems to work the best, or atleast worth the money. Is there any other bolt ons that will increase HP without jumping too high in price IE Turbo, which apearently the best turbo seems to be tripoint.

Can you get a 6 speed tranny for it? I drive a lot of highway and doing 3500 rpm at 70mph in 5th gear doesn't help the gas milage as much as i would like.

If there are more types of clear taillights besides the Altezzas, what are they?

Is anyone else on here from PA area?

And last but not least, the dumbest question I'll ever ask about my car where the hell is my production number at? I can't find it. Any help would be appreciative.

Thanks

Mitch

 

[Tonpow]

There doesn't appear to be any quick path to extra HP with the protege. There are things you can do, it all depends on how much cash you have to spend. In my opinion there is only three mods that make a real difference.

1. Turbo

2. High compression pistons along with complimentary modifications like intake and exhaust, etc...

3. Engine swap

There are intake and exhaust cams, but without an adequate way to tune, they don't do a whole lot for the money. But I'm sure they are a good compliment to other modifications. Like pistons, headers, and so on.

No direct bolt on 6 speed that I know of.

 

[joshyellomp3]

call mazda, give them your vin number and they will tell you your prod #. Congrats

 

[PA_MP3_Man]

Oh yeah

I thought of a couple of other questions.

1. What are the stock size and brand that came on my car. Right now it has Dunlop sp9000 205 45zr 17, I assume that's the stock size but just want to be sure.

2. Since I live in PA we have winter comming up shortly and I don't intend to drive on winter roads with my good rims. Anyone know where I can get or anyone selling a cheap set of 15's with snow tires. And how does this car go in the snow? Anyone have any troubles?

thanks again.

PS. This is pretty cool. Thanks everyone for all your help.

 

[Tonpow]

4 15" rims and snow tires and the car is a snowmobile. With the stock tires the car is death on wheels in the snow.

Tire rack has cheap rims.

 

[1sty]

I can back thaqt up. The Dunlops will get you killed in even a little snow. Most worth tire in the snow ever, you'd probably get better trackion with slicks.

Can't do a 6 speed tranny.

get used to the rear clunk, mines got fixed but that doesn't seem to be the norm.

A few turbo options exist.

Welcome

 

[saided18]

hell yeah my MP3 slides like a MO FO in snow. that why i don't drive it and hop in my dads truck put the 4wd drive!!!!

 

[oliver2000]

just to add to this....DO NOT DRIVE WITH THE STOCK TIRES IN SNOW ! or when the temp is anywhere between 32-36 and the roads are wet...these tires do not like cold...

oh yeah...welcome

 

[scott42]

to fix the clunking, go to your dealer and ask that the rear swaybar bushings get replaced (should still be covered under warranty) The part number is BN7H-38-156C (x2) to replace the bad ones (BN7H-38-156B=bad) that should fix your problem. I'm in Philly, so the weather is about the same...
I've also got a set of snow tires I'm thinking of selling. They are 15" Michelin Arctic Alpins in black steel rims. They have MAYBE 3-4k miles on them (all highway; they still have the stubby little rubber pieces on them) Let me know if you'd be interested. scott_reynolds_42@hotmail.com

 

[dragonbabe79]

Bravo, Bravo!
congrats on the purchase of a great car!

 

[saided18]

just to add to this....DO NOT DRIVE WITH THE STOCK TIRES IN SNOW ! or when the temp is anywhere between 32-36 and the roads are wet...these tires do not like cold...

oh yeah...welcome

yeah i know. i just started my car and pulled out of my drive way and then floored it and i spin my tired all the wat threw 1st and part of second gear. i guess i should have done that thing that dragsters do to heat up there tires right before the race. hahahaha

 

[PaulMP3]

Im from Pa too, right out side philly. I personally am saving up for a turbo now. i plan on getting it as soon as the weather gets warm again so probally around march-april. i will be getting the kit from SPOOL ITS www.spool-turbo.com it cost 2600$ and it will give you about 160whp check out the forced induction forum for a ton of info. as for winter driving the first thing i got for htis car were my snow tires. i got them from discounttiredirect.com they cost me like 450$ shiped. They look ugly i wish i would have gooten rims for them but the black steel wheels were much cheaper.

 

[PA_MP3_Man]

Thanks

Thanks everyone for all your Info. I am buying new wheels and snow tires and checkin for future mods as we speak. Thanks for all you help and welcomes to the club. That kinda sounded weird huh. Oh well. Well I'm glad to be part of the club and can't wait for other discussions. Thanks agin

 

[jayp3]

I have winter wheels for sale. I pm you check it out and get back to me. I live in PA

 

[jayp3]

I mean winter wheels and tires for sale