PCM Change/Modification

[Jordan1200]

Hello I own a 2002 Mazda Protege 5 ES. I understand that the Mazda MP3 has 10 more horsepower than the regular 2.0 liter. I have spoken to the dealer to find out how this was done and they said with a different PCM. The cost of the MP3 PCM for the standard 5 speed is around 1500 bucks up here. I have this site that allows you to download and reflash your PCM to the latest available firmware I guess. If I was able to to find out what one is for the Mazda MP3 with a 5 speed stick, could I just flash it with the MP3 file and have it change mine instead of replacing the existing PCM?

http://mazdaserviceinfo.com/PCM.aspx

[irishkev90]

I don't know about downloading and flashing the PCM. Didn't the MP3 using a Racing Beat exhaust? I thought it did, but I could be wrong. This could be the real difference.

Edit: You can get an MP3 ECU for $295 at autoecms.com. Part Number: FS9N-18-881 (remove the "-" to use the site's search function)

Also, ask goldstar about the exhaust system, I think he installed it on his car.

[goldstar]

[QUOTE=irishkev90;737402]I don't know about downloading and flashing the PCM. Didn't the MP3 using a Racing Beat exhaust? I thought it did, but I could be wrong. This could be the real difference.[/QUOTE

That was only one of the differences. Go to:

http://www.wihandyman.com/forum/showthread.php?49107

And could a mod for this section or a supermod or admin move this thread to the BJ forum? Thank you.

Happy Motoring!

[irishkev90]

Hi goldstar! Hahaha, you replied just as I was editing my post

[goldstar]

Sorry about that.

Happy Motoring!

[MD323]

thread moved

[DuRWooD]

I know the protege pcm can be flashed to mp3 spec, I've net heard of anyone doing it themselves though, just at the dealership.

[irishkev90]

Type that part number into eBay and you'll find the guy that flashes regular PCMs to MP3 spec for $150. You have to send him your ECU then he'll send it back after flashing. Or he'll send you a flashed ECU with a core charge and when you send him yours he'll refund the core charge.

[goldstar]

Further Thoughts

After changing to the MP3 PCM and eliminating the VTCS (assuming that is planned), even more HP and torque can be obtained from the powerplant with the addition of a single bolt-on and a few judicious tweaks.

When Racing beat (RB) was working with Mazda USA in the development of the MP3, they had not yet produced their cat back exhaust system and therefore fitted a low restriction muffler (axle back) in place of OEM. By fitting the current RB cat back system even more HP can be obtained over the original MP3 spec. For more information, go to:

http://www.wihandyman.com/forum/showthread.php?46276

For a list of potential tweaks and an estimated HP increase as a result of their implementation, go to:

http://www.wihandyman.com/forum/showthread.php?51915

Have fun.

Happy Motoring!