woc212's Protege5 Build on a Budget

[woc212]

Hey guys this is is my first post on here and I decided to start my own MP5 build thread. Before I get started on what I have planned, here's some background info on the car.

I bought my Pro5 about 9 months ago from an older woman for 3500. It had 116000 miles and seemed to be in good shape. Turns out the car was leaking a massive amount of coolant. I was able to fix this by replacing the radiator. A few months later, it started to leak oil because of the rusty oil pan. On top of that, I broke the passenger side headlight assembly hitting a friends gargoyle and the passenger side mirror just fell off during the snow storms we had this year. So the car is not looking too hot right now.

Other than that, it drives very nice and I couldn't be happier to own it. My only mods so far are plasti dipping the rear valence and the rims due to not having much time or money because of school.

During the next few months I plan to:

-replace the oil pan
-replace both side mirrors
-replace both headlight assemblies
-exchange both tail lights for black ones
-rust repair
-antenna chop
-fix broken bumper grille
-paint rusted break calipers
-add short ram
-maybe new exhaust
-maybe coilovers

I'm open to feedback and any suggestions. Would really appreciate some help from some of you guys. I know next to nothing about cars so this is going to be a great learning experience!

Thanks,
woc212

 

[Scotty_biz]

Welcome, man. Have fun with it. Also, your attachments aren't working (at least for me.) you should just create an imgur.com account, and link your photos directly to this thread.

 

[woc212]

Welcome, man. Have fun with it. Also, your attachments aren't working (at least for me.) you should just create an imgur.com account, and link your photos directly to this thread.

Thanks! And thanks for letting me know, I'll get that fixed.

 

[woc212]

If any more of you guys can't see the images let me know

 

[woc212]

Was able to do a few house keeping things this morning. Topped off the fluids, checked spark plugs, and cleaned out the air filter. I'm set to change out the oil pan tomorrow morning.

 

[Pimpecoven]

Most people go for the Blacked out, or black Altezza tails when they first start modding these cars, look into the JDM tails, way cleaner look IMO. Can't wait to see progress!

 

[woc212]

Most people go for the Blacked out, or black Altezza tails when they first start modding these cars, look into the JDM tails, way cleaner look IMO. Can't wait to see progress!

I looked into the JDM lights and I might have to go with those instead! Thanks for the feedback

 

[woc212]

After 6 hours, I am proud to say that I have successfully (I hope) installed my new oil pan. The whole process was relatively easy the only thing that took a long time was dealing with rusty, stripped bolts. Was able to do the work without removing the J pipe. Just got to those bolts by using a wrench rather than a ratchet. Heres a picture of the old rusty mess that was my old oil pan:

 

[woc212]

Quick update: still waiting to order parts until I get my replacement debit card. In the mean time I've started a running list of parts I will be ordering which includes new brake pads and rotors, new headlight, new side view mirrors, red caliper paint, short ram, Stagg struts and lowering springs, and can't decide between headers or new exhaust. HOPEFULLY the card will be here Monday so I can get this all going.

Also, the oil pan replacement really went well. No more giant oil spots!

 

[Pimpecoven]

Are you getting stock springs, or lowering springs? If you're planning on running lowering springs I would stay away from oem struts as the spring rates of lowering springs will destroy them fast. And for the break pads and rotors you should look into a brake upgrade! Get the mazda 6 front brake setup, I've heard its makes a world of difference and its an affordable upgrade. Seeing other members do it made me want to do it soon! Scroll down the page a bit on this build! http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123840136-2003-Protege5-Build-Thread

 

[woc212]

^Pimpecoven, I'll be picking up Stagg struts with some ebay lowering springs. Read on here that Stagg struts are a steal and work great if you want to lower your car. As far as the brakes go, I was thinking of some slotted rotors. I might consider the upgrade though. Are the Mazda 6 brakes a direct fit or would I need to replace other things too?

 

[Brian_K]

^Pimpecoven, I'll be picking up Stagg struts with some ebay lowering springs. Read on here that Stagg struts are a steal and work great if you want to lower your car. As far as the brakes go, I was thinking of some slotted rotors. I might consider the upgrade though. Are the Mazda 6 brakes a direct fit or would I need to replace other things too?

i've heard some good things about stagg struts, spend a little more and get some name brand springs. Unless you're after the aesthetic factor, slotted rotors wont give you any increase in performance. you might just want to go with some brembo or centric blanks. switching to better pads like hawk hps or ebc will give you a more noticeable stopping power.

 

[woc212]

i've heard some good things about stagg struts, spend a little more and get some name brand springs. Unless you're after the aesthetic factor, slotted rotors wont give you any increase in performance. you might just want to go with some brembo or centric blanks. switching to better pads like hawk hps or ebc will give you a more noticeable stopping power.

Haha funny you say that was just looking into the megan lowering springs and just going with new pads. Have you heard anything about megans or what the drops like?

 

[Brian_K]

Haha funny you say that was just looking into the megan lowering springs and just going with new pads. Have you heard anything about megans or what the drops like?

from what i've read megans are a good choice. the drop is around 2" and the spring rate is a bit higher than most.

 

[woc212]

from what i've read megans are a good choice. the drop is around 2" and the spring rate is a bit higher than most.

Any rubbing that low on stock wheels you think?

 

[woc212]

Was finally able to replace the headlight and mirrors. Will post pics tomorrow

 

[NemosMP5]

oh i was going to see if you needed some headlights...but welcome to the forum and good luck with the build

 

[woc212]

Thanks!

 

[woc212]

Here's some pics of the new headlight and mirrors. I like how the black mirrors match up with the rims.

 

[Jackie chan]

Looks good, but polish that other light!