That’s barely anything by today’s standards, but again, much appreciated in the early aughts. Mazdaspeed’ing the Protege gained 30 horsepower thanks to its little turbo, with the output claim now totalling 170, with 160 accompanying ft-lb of torque. Mazda contracted Callaway Cars - a longstanding SoCal-based tuner known for making ultra high-HP Corvettes - to develop this car’s turbo system and it still sells replacement parts. And at this point, the Mazdaspeed name was actually starting to stand for something serious (the turbo Mazdaspeed Miata would be in the mix around this time as well).Īnd the development of the Mazdaspeed Protege was taken seriously.
![mazdaspeed protege car and driver mazdaspeed protege car and driver](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/irkOYjFbIb8/maxresdefault.jpg)
The Protege MP3 name didn’t last long everyone was up to speed in the ways of Napster and LimeWire by the time the Mazdaspeed Protege came out. Mazda needed to refine its formula for the street and make the Protege faster. The era in which it proudly placarded Mazdaspeed all over their marketing, campaigned the Protege in World Challenge and had a long, proud heritage of driving fun. Heck, a Mustang GT was hitting 0 to 60 in about six back then.Īgain, not bad, but this was the Zoom Zoom-era of Mazda. That’s not bad for a small-engined non-turbo car in 2001 it’s comparable to what a Honda Civic Si would have done at the time. That was enough to pull its 2,782 pounds to 60 mph in just over eight seconds. Thanks to a re-tuned ECU pinned into its 2.0-liter, FS-DE four-cylinder engine, it made 140 horsepower and 142 lb-ft of torque. It had the minerals in acceleration, too. You also feel the understeer, but it rotates the MP3’s rear satisfyingly when you back out of the throttle lightly, a trait that helped the car post a blazing 0.85 g on the skidpad.” “You feel the car’s organs working to digest corners. “From the thick steering wheel, ergonomically sculpted buckets, and machined-steel pedals, the Protegé MP3 streams data to your appendages regarding lateral grip, slip angle, and road irregularity” detailed car reviewer Aaron Robinson. Protege/P5 manual: and still decent support for MSP platform from Corksport, Racing Beat, streetunit.The fun factor was very much there, according to Car and Driver. Only times I've ever been stranded other than a blown tire was a snapped drive belt and my battery got discharged due to a bad alternator. Check for leaks in the trunk especially inside quarter panel where spare tire jack compartment is. Tons of salvage parts to be had from Proteges and P5s, I've even had two MSPs show up in my local LKQ over the last year.
![mazdaspeed protege car and driver mazdaspeed protege car and driver](https://photos.offerup.com/q1_1p6Tprv-r5VkNE01dV02FNKc=/600x450/8ba4/8ba40c2dd12b4a95bc8ae159bac89b4b.jpg)
#Mazdaspeed protege car and driver code#
The only engine code I've ever had not related to needing new plugs or coils was P2009 for the green solenoid above the intake, got it from a salvage yard. I have a Spicy Speed Protege now at 155K owned since Fall 2009 with 88K miles totally stock except for hot pipe replacement and new BOV.
#Mazdaspeed protege car and driver crack#
If you decide to get a MSP and get new tires make sure to let the tire techs know they have to use a T-bit to remove the MS center cap or they'll try to force it out and crack it all to hell. Hot pipe is usually broken cheap plastic for sure. Biggest thing, don't let a shop talk you into changing the timing belt it's non-interference engine as we all know and a shop will probly do something wrong anyway.
![mazdaspeed protege car and driver mazdaspeed protege car and driver](https://www.motorbiscuit.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/2004-Mazdaspeed-MX-5-Miata.jpg)
Front motor mount and passenger mount are usually compromised. OEM drive axles will probly click at 140-150K miles, Mazda shop wanted like $600 for just one axle but I did it myself. A Mazda dealer tried to tell me the stock Tokico struts were shot but they're not, bushings can be found at Racing Beat website. I'm thinking you'll only find one at 100K+ miles so you're gonna need new sway bar bushings front and rear for clunking noise fix, if it bothers you. Mostly about my experience but a Speed Protege is great as long as you can do your own work on the car and save money by finding parts at the salvage yard.