cheap upgrades

[kms1990]

hey all, i am looking for some useful upgrades that are not too expensive to help the protege 5 performance wise. i am on a limited budget but want it a little faster i already have iridium ngk ix spark plugs and a k&n drop in filter. i know catback exhaust helps and so do intakes, but i cannot afford much, but i am willing to take suggestions as to what i can do on a budget.

i am working part time while paying my way through school full time so money is a big issue

 

[The_big_dill]

inexpensive performance don't go well hand in hand, unless you are generally a big spender. Albeit there are inexpensive upgrades, but you will hardly feel them, if at all (unless its in the mind).

Get your car running in tip top shape is the first thing I would do if you already haven't. This includes valve clearance, EGR cleaning, air filter replacement, etc.

Copper plugs (Such as NGK V-Power) will give you better performance than iridium, with the loss of longevity in the plugs, once again though, this is a negligible gain.

Lose some weight, both for the car and for yourself.

Other than that, I suggest you save your quarters if you want a performance upgrade you can feel such as an ECU upgrade, exhaust or even a turbo.

 

[kms1990]

yeah, i was looking and i can save for the exhaust and intake kits but its gonna be awhile. i may just wait until i graduate and get a better job, its only about a year or so away and i think i can wait that long to get a car with more, and better upgrade options, and one thats newer like an 06 sentra ser spec v or something of the sort

 

[The_big_dill]

yeah, i was looking and i can save for the exhaust and intake kits but its gonna be awhile. i may just wait until i graduate and get a better job, its only about a year or so away and i think i can wait that long to get a car with more, and better upgrade options, and one thats newer like an 06 sentra ser spec v or something of the sort

I would say the Protege has quite a bit of upgrades you can do to it. One of the biggest is a turbo upgrade and an ECU from an MSP.

 

[kms1990]

I would say the Protege has quite a bit of upgrades you can do to it. One of the biggest is a turbo upgrade and an ECU from an MSP.

yes but money is a factor

 

[kms1990]

where can i get the turbo pieces and how much do they cost?

 

[00bluees]

A sentra spec v starts off faster than a p5 yes, but it has a very limited aftermarket as well.

Honestly, even with more expensive upgrades, without adding a turbo or an engine swap any performance upgrades provide negligible gains on our cars. If you can't handle how slow it is in a straight line you need a new car.

Focus on good suspension and tires and stick to the twisties. Protgs are slow unless you start spending thousands of dollars. I've been in a couple msps and they are even supremely underwhelming.

 

[kms1990]

i was looking, i think i will keep tabs on an 05-07 mazda speed 6 for my next car 273hp 2.3 turbo inline 4 290 ft pounds of torque so not bad plus they look good and are still useful to haul more than myself or maybe a speed 3 as they made those longer. i am just itching for a faster car now that my friend got a focus st and its quick but i am going to have to wait until i get a better job

 

[aznxenon]

I have Injen CAI and Mazdaspeed exhaust, car is still slow. Great daily beater and MPG tho. Save your money, pay off your tuition and buy a faster car.

 

[kms1990]

I have Injen CAI and Mazdaspeed exhaust, car is still slow. Great daily beater and MPG tho. Save your money, pay off your tuition and buy a faster car.

yeah, thats my plan now. im going to keep tabs on speed 3 and speed 6 as well as some other cars that are faster