Redlox 02 p5 work log

[redlox]

Well i guess this is more of a work log/profile. I just bought a black 02 P5. i got it from pretty much the sleaziest car lot ever. He didn't know much about the car but was honest enough to tell me and say since he's selling it for so cheap he doesn't really car. when i asked him to put it on the lift so i could look under it he was like come on dude I'm tired..ha ha the car was 2900 i got it for 2700 out the door. it has 98000 miles on it runs and shift great. it has body damage that i want to get repaired but will save that for last. This will be my daily driver and intended to last me through law school. This is my first experience with this car so i don't know much about it. I plan on easy bolt on performance. These are the things i plan on doing (please feel free to tell me what and where to get it):

fix current issues:
clunking in front passenger wheel area. the shocks, mounts, and stabilizers where changed on both sides so i don't know what it is :-(
AC only works on 4 but blows warm when on.
*any help would be appreciated*
new brakes and rotors all around.
Engine:
intake (maybe just do the mod i saw here)
header
catback
short shifter
performance clutch and fly wheel (i haven't read yet if this is even necessary but will wait to do it when it needs new ones)

Suspension:
ES bushings all around
sway bars endlinks all that jazz
I also plan on rust proofing everything (MI winter suck)

Brakes:
Paint the calipers yellow
new rotors. extra

Wheels
sand & paint the stock wheel black and winter tires
new rims and tires.

fix body work:
street guy quoted me $400
Shop quoted me $1800 :-(
buffy the lights (maybe smoke)
black out the rear lights

my network is acting slow now so i will post pictures later

[goldstar]

Welcome to CP.

Congratulations on your purchase. The P5 is a nice car and handles well even in stock form.

Some suggestions since you asked:
Racing Beat cat back exhaust system. Well engineered and provides a real boost, yet is not overly loud. Check it out at:
http: www.racingbeat.com

Also, look at their Tokico shocks - very good upgrade, I use them myself. They also sell slotted rotors and performance brake pads.

For an improved shifting experience, you could go with an MP3 or MSP shift lever. Although not short shifters since they are not longer below the fulcrum point compared with stock, they are ~ 1" shorter above the fulcrum point and thus reduce hand movement when shifting. The advantage is one of the benefits of a short shifter without stressing the synchros.

Also check out CorkSport for a variety of aftermarket performance parts at:

http://www.corksport.com

Be sure you read through the BJ 3rd Gen section for maintenance and mod ideas.

Good luck with your repairs/ upgrades.

Happy Motoring!

[redlox]

Thanks for the info buddy. I have takico on my escort zx2.they are great. Well I got the clunking and the A/C fixed cost me about $270 at the shop. I could of done the work my self bc it turned out to be a loose fender well and a resistor (Im an electronic tech by trade) . But oh well. It runs smooth and quiet now.

[Mazda_Powered]

welcome to the club, sounds like they were some easy fixes indeed lol, some ppl aren't that lucky.

[redlox]

yeah well i just got a engine light and the code is for fuel emission leak, replacing the gas cap. should fix that. but all and all so far great ride. and I've been taking corners with little to no roll. its pretty sweet!

[redlox]

well my A/C compresser went yesterday. i put about 4k miles on it since i got it traveling to and from ATL , VA, OH, MI. i was on my way to pick up my road bike from the shop and car just stops. i go to turn it on and no starty.. i go to start it today. it starts, screams bloody murder and smokes like cheech and chong. i open the hood and A/C pulley not moving.A/C compresser is an expensive fix. if i had the a/c machine id probably do it myself but i dont so, plus all my tools are still in storage from my move. once this is done i'll work on the body.