Kev's '98 Protege Thread

[Mazda_Powered]

KL engines are all aluminium fyi man, so the weight difference won't be HUGE. IIRC it was only 70-80lbs heavier than a BP...so maybe 100lbs heavier than a Z5? since they use iron block/alum head like the BP.

Ksports would be nice tho! figure out your spring rates and what height you want, then order a set! At least I think they can change up the rates and junk for you...

[irishkev90]

Yeah, I knew the KL's are all aluminum, but I wasn't sure what the weight difference would be. I guess if it's only ~100 pounds heavier then my current suspension should be able to handle it. Which would give me time to save up for the coilovers

[Mazda_Powered]

you COULD always find some stock BHA BP front springs from say...an automatic. Those would be the highest spring for the BHA chassis I believe...just incase you were worried about the stock springs taking the extra 100+lbs or so.

[irishkev90]

I don't have stock springs anymore B&G with KYB strut. Can't remember the spring rate to save my life, though.

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[Mazda_Powered]

should be ok lol

[irishkev90]

Yeah, I figured at this point, haha.

If anyone saw my post in the "2011 Whatever Thread" I applied for a technician position at New Country Ford Mazda Subaru in Saratoga Springs, NY. Unfortunately, I didn't get the job. So I applied at Garvey VW Kia here in Queensbury, NY. Still didn't get the job, I was actually denied before even filling out the application. One of my choices is to go to school for automotive training, but I don't have the time or money for that. My other choice would be to find a local shop that would be willing to train me, whether hired or doing it for free, doesn't matter, so I can get some professional experience behind the wrenches. My dad knows a guy who owns a local shop, so I'll try there. Hopefully this will work because I'm really starting to dislike my current job.

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[Mazda_Powered]

Sorry to hear that you don't like your job so much...sounds like you're on the right track though. Local shops will teach you some solid things compared to wrenching new cars at the stealership anyways..

[irishkev90]

I don't mind the work actually, it's how the place is run and how the other shifts can get away with crap that our shift would get fired for. No one is treated equally it feels. Plus it's not really the type of work I want to do. Yeah, warehouse work is physical, but I'd prefer working on cars or even construction over being cooped up inside all day.

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[irishkev90]

Well, good news and bad news today

The good news: I fixed an exhaust leak.

The bad news: I've got a small oil leak somewhere, my right rear strut is blown, and still no luck getting a job at a shop of some sort.

The weird thing about the strut is that there were no signs of it going. The ride isn't bouncy, the was no squeaking or clunking. I noticed it beacuse I wanted to check to make sure the rear struts had the tab for the sway bar. The left strut is fine, silver and some rust. The right side... covered with gunk. Completely black, the boot is wet, the shaft is wet, no dampening whatsoever when I pulled the wheel up.

Looks like I'm going to have to pay for my experience before getting a job as a tech anywhere. That blows. I'd rather work in a shop for free and learn, than have to pay for it. Oh well, maybe I can quit my current job, get financial aid, and do it that way....

[3ni_tricksta]

small oil leak? is it your oil pan gasket. hopefully it's not your rear main seal on it's way out.

[irishkev90]

I'm thinking its the oil pan, but there's also fresh oil dripping from the transmission. I'm going to have to clean everything real good in order to see where it's coming from, though. I don't think this engine has been cleaned since it rolled off the assembly line, hehe.

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[irishkev90]

Finally found a junkyard with a Protege in it, no 626 though Anyway, it's a 2.0 gen, not a 2.5, But I'm going to grab the three remaining doors, maybe some other stuff. The guy said he wants $50/door, sound reasonable? I'm assuming I'd get the door, interior panels, mirrors, window stuffs. Little bit of rust, but no where near as much as mine, yikes.

[3ni_tricksta]

i paid 500$ for my parts car. and i wish i took more. all i took was the engine, 5speed tranny. linkages and what not.

then got 200$ back for scrap metal. if u need quite a few stuff. make the guy an offer for an entire car.

[irishkev90]

I don't have any space to keep a parts car at my house though. I'm not using much mechanical from it anyway. I just need some doors badly because the bottoms of mine are all rusting from the inside and the ones at the yard are almost mint. I'll sell what I don't use and send the old doors to be scrapped for a little more cash.

I just need to find somewhere with a KLG4 626 for me to take parts from for the engine swap.

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[3ni_tricksta]

makes sense! my friend was giving me his speed motor. but i'm really not up right now for a swap like that.