2001 Mazda Protege MP3 Turbo

[Kryme]

I'm new to the forums and I'm just wondering...I'm thinking about buying this 2001 Mazda Protege MP3 with Turbo it runs about 8 pounds of boost and I'm just wondering if the engine can handle this. I don't know very much about Mazdas or cars in general...here are pictures of the engine. I had my cousin test drive it for me (he owns a 04 STI) and he pushed it pretty well and it seemed to run fine, I just want to know if the engine can handle turbo, or if you suggest I should get it tuned?





If you want to see more pictures of the car, (there's a few more of the engine and individual parts on the dealers website I can link that too)

Thanks!

Front mount.

[talltim]

8 lbs isnt that much. Just make sure you have enough octane for it and dont detonate

[goldstar]

Welcome to CP.

The MSP with the FS-DET engine ran around 7 psi boost, max. All other 2.0 L Proteges including the MP3 and the P5 use the FS-DE engine which is structurally identical to the turbo FS-DET. Therefore, as long as you respect the OEM boost limits you should have no problems.

The MSP ran one heat range colder, platinum electrode, extended projected tip spark plugs instead of the hotter nickel alloy types standard in all the normally aspirated engines, so follow suit. For more information, go to:

http://www.wihandyman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=46112

There was a difference in transmission components, however. The MSP used a LSD and 2 mm thicker axles.

And of course, the PCMs were different.

Happy Motoring!

[Kryme]

Thanks for the help, the check engine light is on...and they haven't checked what it's for yet. There is no cat on it, could that be why the check engine light is on? Also, are the cats bolted or welded for these cars?

[Kryme]

http://www.falcorautosales.net/vehicledetails.aspx?VID=135582537

That's the link to the car I'm looking to get. What do you guys think?

[goldstar]

Thanks for the help, the check engine light is on...and they haven't checked what it's for yet. There is no cat on it, could that be why the check engine light is on? Also, are the cats bolted or welded for these cars?

You're welcome.Yes, and bolted.

http://www.falcorautosales.net/vehic...?VID=135582537

That's the link to the car I'm looking to get. What do you guys think?

Very nice looking car. The MP3 is a very desirable version of the Protege. Definitely worth considering if the turbo install was done correctly, and with appropriate restraint.

Happy Motoring!

[Kryme]

What do you mean by appropriate restrain and I work here so I'll be getting it for around $3500-4000 so it'll be worth it.

- It looks like everything was done right, I'll be getting it checked out by my mechanic before I pay for it.

[goldstar]

Appropriate restraint = set up with no more than OEM specified boost since the engine internals have not been strengthened (I presume).

Happy Motoring!

[Kryme]

Okay thanks, if I got the engined tuned it would be okay right? And we just checked the check engine light, it's

P2009 "Intake Manifold Runner, Control Circuit Low" Bank 1

Any idea how much / what needs to be fixed for that?

Thanks for all the help I appreciate it a lot!

[1Mazda323Fan]

Agreed. As long as the boost is well regulated at 8 psi, you should be fine. Despite the MSP having larger axles, I see no reason why those wouldn't last, as long as you don't thrash it constantly. Also, expect more torque steer with the open diff. Also, the missing cat is most likely the cause of the CEL. Install a cat and new rear (both might be best) O2 sensor, or appropriate wideband O2 sensor as local emissions regulations warrant. Though, I should state that I do not condone removing the cat from cars that will be used primarily on the street, as this is a violation of federal emission laws, and unless you're running stupid amounts of boost, you won't notice a difference anyway.

Edit: I saw your latest post after I posted this. I just packed up my factory service manual, and I don't feel like digging it out right now, so goldstar will have to help you out on the code. If he hasn't, I'll be able to let you know later this evening.

[reefman]

i came across this thread and i had to laugh. i bought this car a few weeks ago the check engine light was cause from a exremly bad tune. it has a piggy back computer and it was only half mapped so it was fireing wrong and the butterflys in the intake were trying to open at the wrong time. i dynoed it when i first got it and it was a merly 112hp at the wheels with a little tweaking its at 160whp but still not done tuning it. this car was kind off halfassed put together but a little work it should be a fast little ride