Project Black has Begun! - Colorado

[ProjectBlack]

I will check into the end links...is that something I should replace during the suspension installation?

 

[iamthewheelman]

Your pretty much 99.9% going to have to do it, the nuts just get seized on and then strip inside the endlink. I had air tools and they stripped the second I hit the trigger, most people take a grinder to them, I used a saws all (or however its spelt) to avoid sparks and cut them off.

 

[bullshark524]

but sparks are fun. and you can use ford escape endlinks for the front. they are thicker

 

[ProjectBlack]

Damn, fellas! Thanks for the heads up. That would have been an unpleasant suprise. Sorry I sound like such a dumb ass, but I am just starting into this upgrade stuff. Any part numbers for me? Do I need front and rear end links?
(stooges)

 

[bullshark524]

heres the info on the escape endlinks
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123781572-Astonishing-find!-Front-Sway-Bar-Links
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/show...ront-end-links-excellent-alternative-to-stock!!

and a how to on some adjustable endlinks because i dont know of another alternative for the rear aside from stock and awr adjustable ones
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/show...ustom-Sway-Bar-End-links&highlight=end++links
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123747421-Adjustable-endlinks&highlight=adjustable

 

[cojsl]

Hi Projectblack, another black mica P5 in northern CO here.
My 215/40/17s don't rub with Eibach lowering springs.

 

[ProjectBlack]

NICE! I was going to go with 205's, but it would be nice to have more tire. Where in Colorado are you located? I'm in Highlands Ranch.

 

[ProjectBlack]

Ordered my front and rear end links. DAMN! The rear Protege endlinks are friggin expensive, cause I had to go with the higher priced ones! I think the Escape one's were only $9.99/ea. Anyway, $110 total all the way around.

 

[cojsl]

NICE! I was going to go with 205's, but it would be nice to have more tire. Where in Colorado are you located? I'm in Highlands Ranch.

Northern CO

 

[iamthewheelman]

Ordered my front and rear end links. DAMN! The rear Protege endlinks are friggin expensive, cause I had to go with the higher priced ones! I think the Escape one's were only $9.99/ea. Anyway, $110 total all the way around.

I had to buy mine from the dealer.... Just under 200 Canadian (N) and I just got a rear sway bar so I am gonna need to change them again lol

 

[ProjectBlack]

Cleaned up the engine bay for the first time since 2003! LOL!

 

[bullshark524]

it looks good

 

[iamthewheelman]

Wow that looks great, how did you go about it?

 

[ProjectBlack]

I just covered the air filter and alternator. Then sprayed the crap out of the entire engine bay with O'Riely's engine degreaser and let it sit for a few minutes. Then sprayed it all down with slightly high pressure water. I took an air compressor to everything to help get water out of places that it doesn't belong, and let it sit for an hour or so in the sun to make sure everything was dry. Once it was dry, it started right up perfectly.

 

[mymmeryloss]

Not too shabby!

 

[ProjectBlack]

(nervous)Well, I have to say that I am nervous. Tomorrow is a big day for the P5. Below is the list...

-full suspension install (the fun part).
-sanding, bondo'ing, finishing, and painting driver's rear door. PDR is not working.
-sanding, bondo'ing, finishing, and painting three additional dings on rear quarter(s).
-utlilizing rubber spray to sound deaden the trunk and heat shield (it's far enough away from muffler) to help quite interior noise from exhaust.

...wish me luck.

 

[bullshark524]

good luck. if i was you i would do the fun part first then get pissed off with all the sanding, bondo'ing, finishing, and painting that i would end up bring it somewhere to get it done. i just dont have the patience for it.

 

[ProjectBlack]

That might happen, but I'm going to give it a shot. The fun stuff is definitely happening.

 

[ProjectBlack]

Tokico Blues and the Eibach Pro Kit springs installed. No complications, and we didn't even use a spring compressor. It rides sooooo nice! Body work done as well, just need the finishing coat. More picks to come...

 

[bullshark524]

cant wait to see the body work you did. you definatley deserve a pat on the back for that