2003 Mazdaspeed Protege any good?

[91mazda]

I'm looking at getting one of these and I was just wondering how strong are these engines and transmissions?

[ThatGreenBG]

They're great cars, but they have some... issues... that need to be considered. The FS-DE is what I like to call a tentative glass engine. It may or may not explode on you for no reason. I used to have a Protege5, which has the same engine without the turbo, and it treated me fine all throughout ownership. I also didn't really abuse mine. The problem with the FS is that is can starve for oil in hard corners and they tend to spin bearings for no reason at all. A buddy of mine spun a bearing in his P5 on his morning commute... twice. They also like to evacuate the stock rods out the side of the block at random. Most will be fine, but some are just plain crappy, so it's like automotive Russian roulette.

The G-series gearbox is also a part of the car that's prone to random failure, namely in the differential. The stock limited slip diff sometimes separates from the ring gear, rendering the whole thing useless. Ways to combat that is to not drive too hard, have the diff welded for strength (not welded to be locked, but the two halves welded to not separate easily) or to buy another LSD like the one they sell at MFactory. Also, 3rd and I believe 5th gears ar particularly weak (as in most Mazdas) so don't hammer them. I think in stock form it can handle close to 300hp? Not too sure on that figure. It's more than enough for stock with some bolt-ons.

As far as the rest of the car goes, they're reliable and well put together. The interior is comfy and made of decent materials and the driving experience is awesome for a 2800lb, front-drive car. You can't go wrong.


All in all, I would buy an MSP if I had the money. They're awesome cars for the money spent. Just don't abuse it and it should treat you well. Perhaps change or remedy the things I described down the line for extra insurance and you'll have a cracking little hot rod.

[91mazda]

Stupid question but could you add extra oil? Maybe half a quart? Idk just a thought.

[goldstar]

Stupid question but could you add extra oil? Maybe half a quart? Idk just a thought.

No. Overfilling with engine oil will not benefit anything and can be harmful. Maintain the car properly and don't exceed stock boost.

Happy Motoring!

[ThatGreenBG]

Yeah, it's not a matter of how much oil there is. Adding extra would just cause the oil to froth up and make the situation worse. It's the engine not being able to keep the pressure up. Some people get upgraded oil pumps and/or an aftermarket oil pan (from AWR). You could go as far as doing dry sump oiling, but that's costly, custom work.

[91mazda]

Does the upgraded pan and sump fix the problem?

[91mazda]

Is the only way to do more boost safely is building the engine?

[goldstar]

Is the only way to do more boost safely is building the engine?

Yes. The stock internals can't handle more than the OEM boost level without breaking.

Happy Motoring!

[ThatGreenBG]

Do the upgraded pan and sump fix the problem?

It's supposed to, but I've heard of people saying it doesn't. Check this thread on FS-DE oil systems out. Really, it's sufficient for a street car, but if you're going to be autocrossing or doing track days, you may want to look into it.

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123700949-FS-DE-Oil-System

[87tpita]

Ive had my msp for 3 years,,, no issues other than fuel cut( cracked manifold) which is a very common issue with these cars and I snapped the rear control arm bracket...... I love the car for what it is and it handles incredibly well.