Recommendation for TB and clutch job

[jeproks]

Hello all. I'm about to jump into the Mazda world and I want to make sure that I am not making the wrong decision. I'm buying a 2003 Protege5 with a manual tranny from a friend with 150K for around $2k. TB has not been done at all, clutch is starting to slip and brakes needs to be serviced as well. I love doing DIY having owned Honda/Audi/VW. I last worked on a 1998 Civic and I removed the engine/tranny to replace the TB, tranny and all the seals.

Will it be easier or less time consuming if I remove the engine and transmission to do the TB and clutch? With the Civic, I have a choice to pull either from the top or the bottom. How is it on the Protege5? TIA

 

[mp5la]

I did mine not that long ago and took the transmission out from the bottom. In retrospect, I think it would have been easier and more efficient to take both the transmission and engine out all at once and do the clutch, flywheel, timing belt, etc., etc. Either way, you should consider doing the rear main seal while you're in there. I'd recommend using the mazda oem seal. You might also consider replacing at least your rear engine mount while you're doing all of this and installing the upgraded shifter bushings.