Hey Guys and Gals,
I just picked up an 02 P5 and I am trying to learn my way around it and was hoping for some general help from the knowledgeable people of this forum. My protege is black on black 5 spd, 75k miles and in pretty good shape. Cosmetically, the front bumper is a little scrapped up, the side skirts aren't holding up to well, and the 17" motegi dpk wheels aren't really my style. I'll try to figure out how to post some pics on the thread later. I am still undecided on the unnamed cat-back that's on it, and cold air intake (I've seen too many hydro-locked engines from bad air intake location). The sound isn't raspy or ricey, but the pilgrim musket style tip again really isn't my taste.
Here are the issues/fixes I am dealing with now and would appreciate any pointers or tips that you have.
-- I would like to return the car to stock appearance. I am unsure if the front bumper and skirts are OEM or not. Are there any markings that will tell me off that bat if they are? Or should I just post some pics and have you guys tell me?
-- Where/who has the best prices on OEM replacement parts? I need an engine under shield and might go back to factory air box and piping. Also, possibly front bumper and side skirts depending on the status of the currently installed parts. I also need at least one fog light housing and lens, however neither illuminate...
-- The car came with eibach lowering springs, but I am noticing excessive tire wear from both camber issues and wheel well rubbing. If I go back to factory wheels (16") would that solve the fender rubbing? I know I could roll them, or possibly the offset of the motegi wheel is incorrect for the car. Is the P5 front and rear camber adjustable or will I need to purchase an aftermarket kit or adjustable suspension components?
-- I would like a higher light output from the head lights. I think the previous owner installed blue "HID" bulbs for the high beams and they suck. What do you guys recommend for better visibility, will new bulbs cut it or should I look into HID ballasts and bulbs?
-- Last one, timing belt. I have searched the forum on this before purchasing the car. I found it to be a 60k mile inspect and a change by 105k mile. I also saw conflicting reports on it being an interference motor, has that been resolved yet? Especially given the member who lost nearly all his valves when his belt broke...? Sounds like an interference motor to me. How bad is the belt change to do? I have rebuilt a Nissan 300zx Twin Turbo completely and motor had to be pulled to do 60k on that easily. I guess I shouldn't say "had" to be pulled, but much easier.
Sorry for the stupid long first post, but I have a lot to get squared away on this P5 and would like to go straight to the knowledge source to make the most of the free time I have. Thanks. Oh and here's my attempt to post a picture of my Z. If this works, I'll try to get some of the Mazda.
I just picked up an 02 P5 and I am trying to learn my way around it and was hoping for some general help from the knowledgeable people of this forum. My protege is black on black 5 spd, 75k miles and in pretty good shape. Cosmetically, the front bumper is a little scrapped up, the side skirts aren't holding up to well, and the 17" motegi dpk wheels aren't really my style. I'll try to figure out how to post some pics on the thread later. I am still undecided on the unnamed cat-back that's on it, and cold air intake (I've seen too many hydro-locked engines from bad air intake location). The sound isn't raspy or ricey, but the pilgrim musket style tip again really isn't my taste.
Here are the issues/fixes I am dealing with now and would appreciate any pointers or tips that you have.
-- I would like to return the car to stock appearance. I am unsure if the front bumper and skirts are OEM or not. Are there any markings that will tell me off that bat if they are? Or should I just post some pics and have you guys tell me?
-- Where/who has the best prices on OEM replacement parts? I need an engine under shield and might go back to factory air box and piping. Also, possibly front bumper and side skirts depending on the status of the currently installed parts. I also need at least one fog light housing and lens, however neither illuminate...
-- The car came with eibach lowering springs, but I am noticing excessive tire wear from both camber issues and wheel well rubbing. If I go back to factory wheels (16") would that solve the fender rubbing? I know I could roll them, or possibly the offset of the motegi wheel is incorrect for the car. Is the P5 front and rear camber adjustable or will I need to purchase an aftermarket kit or adjustable suspension components?
-- I would like a higher light output from the head lights. I think the previous owner installed blue "HID" bulbs for the high beams and they suck. What do you guys recommend for better visibility, will new bulbs cut it or should I look into HID ballasts and bulbs?
-- Last one, timing belt. I have searched the forum on this before purchasing the car. I found it to be a 60k mile inspect and a change by 105k mile. I also saw conflicting reports on it being an interference motor, has that been resolved yet? Especially given the member who lost nearly all his valves when his belt broke...? Sounds like an interference motor to me. How bad is the belt change to do? I have rebuilt a Nissan 300zx Twin Turbo completely and motor had to be pulled to do 60k on that easily. I guess I shouldn't say "had" to be pulled, but much easier.
Sorry for the stupid long first post, but I have a lot to get squared away on this P5 and would like to go straight to the knowledge source to make the most of the free time I have. Thanks. Oh and here's my attempt to post a picture of my Z. If this works, I'll try to get some of the Mazda.
