03 mazdaspeed protege build

This all first began with a blue mazdaspeed protege which I had been modifying for about a year for autox then had an unfortunate turn of events ruin it. I had a stock pile of parts that were specific to the protege and didn't see how I could sell them so, I searched around and picked up a yellow one. Was in pretty nice shape for how old it is so I couldn't pass it up.

My stock pile of parts included K-Sport road racing coilovers, Whiteline control arm bushings, a special 3" downpipe (very rare), a lower control arm tie bar, large 4 piston 13" rotor Wilwood front brake kit, a Perrin fuel rail, custom made oil catch can and coolant overflow I made, 2 17x8 -35 Enkei RPF1s, plus other small items. I am currently in the process of fabricating an adjustable rear lateral and trailing link kit for myself using chromoly tubing and polyurethane rod for bushings. Also, I am converting all of the old plastic wire loom to fire retardant tech flex, porting the intake manifold, stripping the interior to prepare for racing seats and save weight, too many things at once.

I've been communicating with a few cam companies about have billet blanks custom ground for more lift and duration. From the sounds of it if I go too far I'll have to go full standalone ECU. Not really ready to do that quite yet. I just ordered a piggyback system that has air/fuel ratio control and data logging (split second). I'd like to mess around with that a bit before I dive in more.

Here are a few pictures

Also engine mounts with a 95A duro New mounts replaced these O_O

Me likey! I wish I didn't have to sell my Protege5. I'd love to steal some ideas from you!

Those Protege's are really sweet handling FWD cars. At my local auto-x club, my Spec-V is always in competition with a Mazdaspeed. I usually win when it's a power track, and he usually wins on handling tracks. A Mazdaspeed with powar should be really sweet. I look foward to see what you do here.

I'm scared for you..... the G-series trans is.......um.....

Do you have a spare built motor laying around?

Yeah the gearbox and motor don't really favor power I know this already. I'm looking into stronger gears and forged pistons and rods. If I keep my initial ambitions low I won't have a problem but, once I go past I think the 300 mark if it's not built and built right things will explode. Literally.

Love the MSPs. I'm trying to stay focused on RWD track projects going forward but it's hard to shake the desire for a spicy 03 :P.

Good luck with the build! Definitely spend some time doing some research over at www.mazdas247.com

IIRC, the stock blocks aren't able of running much more than 9-10lbs without popping.

Did this one come with the updated welded LSD?

Cleverfrog wrote: Yeah the gearbox and motor don't really favor power I know this already. I'm looking into stronger gears and forged pistons and rods. If I keep my initial ambitions low I won't have a problem but, once I go past I think the 300 mark if it's not built and built right things will explode. Literally.

Local guy I know fragged 5 transmissions on his 300whp MSP. SWEET chassis, terrible driveline. I have known several in my time.

My main thread is on mazdas247. I thought I'd come over here since there are more motorsport driven builds with members to offer up advice and such. I really don't want 300 whp at this point. I'm trying more to refine suspension to be able to keep the power down through the bends and slaloms. Once I get that and a 2nd block I'll start building it up to handle the higher hp. That won't happen for some time though since I'll be poor from getting married next year. As far as the differential I'm not sure if it's revised or not. Regardless I'm hoping to put an MFactory or Quaife differential in it eventually. Not too worried about it exploding since I don't street her anymore.

god, i wand rfp1's for my protege5....

There's not much that RPF1s don't look great on. I have RPF1 knockoffs on my Escort, and i'll be damned if they don't look berkeleying incredible.

hmm, who makes the knockoffs? i cant justify 1500 wheels on a 4000 car.....

Cleverfrog wrote: My main thread is on mazdas247. I thought I'd come over here since there are more motorsport driven builds with members to offer up advice and such. I really don't want 300 whp at this point. I'm trying more to refine suspension to be able to keep the power down through the bends and slaloms. Once I get that and a 2nd block I'll start building it up to handle the higher hp. That won't happen for some time though since I'll be poor from getting married next year. As far as the differential I'm not sure if it's revised or not. Regardless I'm hoping to put an MFactory or Quaife differential in it eventually. Not too worried about it exploding since I don't street her anymore.

You're in the right place for that, sir. I love me some BG chassis Protege..... Most brilliant little FWD car i've driven (in MSP trim) this side of my Cooper S.

Dusterbd13 wrote: hmm, who makes the knockoffs? i cant justify 1500 wheels on a 4000 car.....

Drag DR21s, Konig Wideopens.

Here's the Drags. Though.... RPF1s can usually be had for under a grand, unless you need some crazy size.

And uhh... something something about justifying some "small" expenditures on a $700 Escort something something.

I didn't spend 1500. I get a discount though through a friend from m247 that has an online store. Even without the discount though they are only 256 per wheel (plus shipping) depending on the size. I bet the knock offs aren't as extensively tested nor as light as the Enkeis.

The MSP chassis is BJ Yes, it is extremely well balanced for a FWD car. My other car is a 2010 focus and it is terrible in comparison except for gas mileage haha. I'm also working on moving the battery to the passenger side of the trunk to help make the weight more 50/50. Changing it to a smaller gel or agm battery whatever it's called (non-spillable and light weight).

The Drags i probably wouldn't trust as far. The Konigs, i would. They've been used on enough track Miatas that i'd be ok with them.

In my case, the Drags are just being used a street/rollaround wheels with some Star Specs mounted on them to keep it halfway entertaining.

Race wheels are 949Racing 6ULs in 15x9/10 staggered.

What's the goal in terms of what will you do with the MSP?

Goals? Hmm... Short term, finish what I've started in time for next autocross season. Long term, turn it into a nasa/scca time trial mobile. Looking at getting a gtx2863r turbo, at minimum 440cc injectors to compliment the turbo, crower or pauter connecting rods with wiseco pistons maybe 8.0-8.5 to 1 compression, more aggressive camshafts, full roll cage (safety first). Looking into plexiglass windows for less weight. Many custom parts in the works already.

Very cool!

What are you hoping to gain with the cams that you couldn't just gain with another psi or two?

Swank Force One wrote: Very cool! What are you hoping to gain with the cams that you couldn't just gain with another psi or two?

safer whp

I started turning the rear link bushings tonight.

Very nice, will be keeping an eye out on this build

Ooooh, I like what i'm seeing so far.

Do you still have the stock mazdaspeed struts and springs? I'm looking halfheatedly for a set for my protege5

Dusterbd13 wrote: Do you still have the stock mazdaspeed struts and springs? I'm looking halfheatedly for a set for my protege5

Yes, but they've got over 100K on them so I doubt you want them.

Were they leaking or wore out yet?