Mazda Protegé

protege_fan

I think you'd notice if your rotors were warped! I think you're ok.
I'm getting disgusted with the weather! It sucks not being able to wash the car because it's too cold!! I heard we're in for a chinook in the next couple of days, so I'll have to do it then.

Fowler, do you have my email address? I can't remeber if it's in my profile or not. Let me know and I'll provide it to you.

mazdafun

Hey, small world! I lived on LI (Dix Hills) from '83-'87, Flushing, NY from '72 to '83.

Last time I was back in Flushing, it was so much more crowded! LIE was more crumbled than I remembered too.

mazdafun

Yeah, almost got my wife interested in a P5 from them because of their lifetime oil change offer.

Of course, I'd want to do the oil changes myself anyway. I could have an excuse to take it out for a short "test drive" after each one.

She's waiting to see how much longer her SL2 will last. Now the driver lap belt buckle is becoming balky at releasing the belt tongue (she almost got stuck in her seat). I think a plastic part inside it is worn down or broken.

sfrat

I don't check for a few days, and boy do I miss a lot. That's too bad about the chats. I rarely attended them, but I know some of you did. Its unfortunate, but I can understand the reasoning. Larry seemed pretty upset about it though, it seems sort of empty without him though. I hope he calms down and comes back soon.

Its good to have some new people on board. Ron congrats on your new car, I have a 2001 ES sedan which I bought 11 months ago. I can't believe its been that long. I'm very close to the big 10k mark, and best of all, only another 37 months of payments. Meade, glad to hear that your wife is getting a P5. Seeing that car makes me wish I'd waited a bit, I really like the looks of it.
Can't wait to see it at MappIII. And Maryland will still be represented, since that's where I live as well. :-)

Steve

chicagopro

Thanks for all the info on the 1.8 engine (I have a 2000 ES as well) vs. the 2.0 engine. Seems wild that they can claim that something is 2.0 when it really isn't...

silentguilt

....replace the ignition wires & coil.
I had the same problem.
then one day it started rough & a check engine light on.
dealer replace coil & wires and car starts like new. ....

Thanks, 30k replacement is coming up anyway.

newcar31

Many car companies round up liters from cubic centemeters when advertising engine size. The 2.0L is 1,991 cc's and the logical round up would be 2,000 cc's or 2.0L especially since you're dropping off two digits. ES 1.991L wouldn't sound very cool, and besides, it's closer to being a 2.0L than a 1.9L. My parents camry isn't a full 3.0L either, it's 299-something cc's. My old 5.0L mustang was really 4951 cc's. Many, Many cars are like that. There are 61 ci's or 1000 cc's in a liter.

fowler3

Fowler, do you have my email address? I can't remeber if it's in my profile or not. Let me know and I'll provide it to you.

Send it protege_fan, it isn't in your profile.

If you do not want your email address to appear in a club (group) mailing state this in your email. I can send individual mailings, probably will in the beginning.

fowler3

speedypt

Congrats and many happy miles with your Pro. I am on my third Protege and all have treated me better than expected. Keep the oil fresh and enjoy your Zoom Zoom Zoom!!!

Regards,

Pete
2000 ES Silver

chicagopro

Thanks for the further clarification on engine size.

Glad I teach reading and not math!

bondobob

I went looking for replacements for the factory fog lights on the MP3...I was thinking along the lines of the Cibie driving lights I used to own in the 80s--about the same size but with decent pattern and wattage. Sadly, it looks like most of the lights these days are those little stupid PIAA type or the "Super Oscar" size for rally purposes. Any thoughts on what might fit? Also, on a related subject: would Cibie/Hella covers fit over (and tight enough) to the stock lights to ward off having a rock or winter flotsam crack the lens?

(The ultimate would be to fit those wicked looking "ring" HIDs seen on current BMW in place of the Pro's stock setup.)

mdaffron

I know you're lurking out there. I didn't read the 200 posts that occurred during my 4-day weekend until now, and now I understand where you are. Unfortunately I cannot comment on the chats since I don't have Internet access at home and never participated in them. And because of that, this topic has been, and continues to be, a very valued and appreciated resource to me. I guess I don't know what I've been missing, but to me Edmunds' provision of space for a topic like this has been a blessing alone!

This topic does feel very cold without your input. And I miss hearing your retort on my post about your friendly jab at me -- and I miss hearing your reaction to calling myself "protegextwotoo." Come on back, my friend. The ogres at Edmunds may be mean and hateful folks, but we're all still the same friendly bunch of people, right?

Meade

mdaffron

Everyone:

I have set up a new group at Yahoo! groups at this address:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mazdaprotege/

Please give it a visit and tell me what you think. Its purpose is not to replace the Town Hall group but to provide another venue for sharing information about Proteges with prospective purchasers who are searching for information. (You'll notice I reference the Town Hall group on the page.) It's also a great place for us to upload photos to share; I've had a hard time sharing photos with you guys because I don't have a web page to post them on. Well, now I do!

Check it out!

Meade

P.S. Paul, you're gonna love the photo I chose for the home page. Prepare yourself for another trip down nauseating nostalgia lane ...

rbrooks3

Ron Brooks

rbrooks3

My dealer called this am, and all things considered, I should receive my new ES on Tuesday. He could not find one in Silver without a sunroof, so, for a small amount more (he was exceptionally good on the price) I'll have the sunroof. The only thing that I don't like about the Protege, and his goes for probably 98% of new cars, is the absolute lack of any exhaust note. the engine sounds good, but I want a bit of an exhaust note. But, I do have one problem.

I do NOT want it to sound like a buzzing hornet. I currently drive a Porsche 944, and the exhaust note is deep, but not too loud. That's what I'm looking for, something with a deep tone, but that doesn't drone so loud that my head is ringing by the time I drive to work. It's hard not to have a 16 valve motor sound buzzy, but that's what I'm looking for.

So, if anyone knows of an aftermarket exhaust that has a lower tone and isn't so loud that it's intrusive, please let me know. Also, if there is a generally known on line source for performace parts, please let me know. I am brand new to the Japanese performance scene. I don't want to do anything drastic, but I would consider slotted rotors, an exhaust and perhaps firmer shocks and struts.

Ron Brooks

newcar31

Check out www.mazdastuff.com and click on 2002 accesories. They have an exhaust among other things.

mdaffron

Maybe they've done something different to the 2002's exhaust system. My 2000 ES 5-speed makes a satisfying snarly growl when I do a little heel-and-toe drag racing.

Meade

the_big_h

i joined your yahoo group, member #2, woohoo.

I'll upload some of my car's pics there...

protege_fan

I'm in Calgary, Canada, so I'm not too sure what's available in your area in regards to auto accessory stores that would sell exhaust systems. If anything, you guys in the US should have much better stores.

At any rate, I called around yesterday looking into air intake or exhaust systems. One place I called told me that they custom make their exhausts depending on what the customer wants. He said that they could create different sounds. So, if I were you, I would call around and check that out.

Let us all know if you get something done. I'd love to hear about your mod(s!).

mdaffron

Considering I'm the first member, that's something! You're the honorary first member. I'll have to come up with some sort of prize for you for MAPP III.

Meade

chicagopro

So this morning on my way to work the visor mirror cover (that little flap that velcros over the mirror) fell off. I know I'm a girl and all, but trust me, I do NOT spend all my time checking my makeup in the mirror...actually sees very little use. A bit perturbed that it self-destructed so soon.

A couple of questions:

1. Is this the kind of thing they fix for free?

2. My understanding is that the visors on later models (I have a 2000 ES) are more substantial. When they replace the visor, should I push for one of the newer ones? (Obviously, it wouldn't match the passenger side, but not sure I really care).

Believe me, I understand that in the vast configuration of things, this is a pretty minor issue...if this is all I have to worry about, then I should probably shut my pie-hole already.

P.S. Saw a black ES this morning with the new badging...is that an '02? Looked really good, even with the spoiler

the_big_h

if the car is still under warranty (which it is) they should replace that for you free of charge. They'll probably replace the whole visor anyway, if you ask, it shouldn't be a problem to replace it with the '02 ones.

mazdafun

Those heat-welded flaps are a joke. They are the cheesiest part of the car IMO. The current ones match the feel and quality of the rest of the car much better. I'd also mention that you're concerned the other one will fall off shortly after. The only thing is, I don't think the color matches as well. At least they will be cloth-covered instead of cheap (not even fabric reinforced) vinyl.

I would feel fine asking for the current visors. In fact, I would even suggest replacing the other visor so it'd keep up the image of the make in the eyes of your friends, family etc. When the plastic flap in the driver door lock cylinder fell in (plastic flaps...I thought that was a failed exercise several years ago), they replaced BOTH lock cylinder covers under warranty after I asked nicely. I said I was concerned the passenger lock flap would also break, so would they replace the passenger one sooner rather than later? Worth a try anyway.

mdaffron

I betcha they don't replace your visor with a new model. I don't think they can justify it in a warranty claim. I'm not saying don't try -- just don't get your hopes up. Besides, I'll bet the 2002 visors cost more. Maybe if you offer to pay the difference ...

Meade

P.S. Thanks for the photos on the Yahoo group, Hank and Mike! I've uploaded my MAPP I and II photos there, as well as some pics of my Protege in our little snowstorm here in Richmond a few weeks ago. Everybody's welcome to add their photos too!

protege_fan

Thanks for setting that up! Wanna send a second prize up here to Canada for being the First International member? Hehehehe

If I took a pic of my car today, I think I'd have some people in a rage at just how dirty it is. With this cold snap we've had the last couple of weeks, I haven't had a chance to wash my Pro.

Duh_ster, if you haven't done it, TODAY is the day to wash your car! This Chinook is not gonna last until the weekend!

mdaffron

It's supposed to hit 70 here in Richmond today, but it's rainy. However, we're going to have a 60-degree weekend with sunny skies! What wonderful weather to welcome the new Pro5 home, and give my own Protege a much-needed bath as well!

Meade

duh_ster

actually, i washed it on monday...it was @#%(%&!( COLD outside! AND i actually tried drying it too...not too successful, since it's hard to soak up water when it's ice! chinook is nice though...maybe i'll take a look at the housing for that foglight...

meade: thanx for setting up that page...i'll upload my pix soon!
'duh'

mdaffron

Just everybody keep in mind that we have a 30 MB limit in the Photos section, and we've already used up 8 MB, LOL ... There are an additional 20 megs in the Files section though. As I stated on the home page, if things get tight I'll delete some of the MAPP photos. Let's just all be fair and keep it to our best few photos so everyone can have a chance to post some. And remember you can delete ones you want to replace!

Meade

maltb

Try these two links:

http://www.corksport.com
http://www.mazdamotorsports.com

protege_fan

I know I've got a few angles in there now, so I'll delete some as soon as space starts to become an issue.

chicagopro

Thanks for your comments and suggestions.

Mazdafun: I agree, those are pretty cheesy visors. I think my Barbie Country Camper was of similar construction (NO, I'M NOT KNOCKING MAZDA QUALITY...JUST VISOR QUALITY).

Meade: I had considered offering to pay the difference between '00 and '02 visors, if it came to that.

Don't know when I'll actually get around to dealing with this, but I'll keep you guys posted.

tradrct

One of the best aftermarket exhausts for the Protege is the Bosal Chameleon Series exhaust, which is a cat-back, 304 stainles steel all the way back to the muffler which has interchangable tips. it has 2.25" tubing all the way but I'm not sure what the tip size on the end is. Mine is still on order (backorder actually) so I haven't heard it yet but I've heard nothing but good things about it yet.. There are 2 versions of the exhaust, a "48-state" federal version which removes your second cat. convertor and a "california" system which removes your second cat.. wait a couple weeks and I can probably let you know how it sounds on a real car

Bosal makes the OEM exhaust on our cars (I'm almost positive, at least on the p5 they do..) so I think they know what they're doing aftermarket

P.S. it is fairly reasonable too.. like under $400 shipped.. theres a couple vendors online who sell it

David

'00 Protege DX

http://323.itgo.com

tradrct

oops, I meant to say the california version doesn't remove the second cat.. so it's.. more legal for emissions purposes. I believe if you want to stay legal on 2001+ 2.0's you MUST get the california version.. us older 3rd gens dont have to worry about that

David

fowler3

It takes a while to register and there are quite a few form thingies to fill in, but eventually you get there. :P

On Yahoo! Mazdaprotege I have a new nickname -- jimboncpro, like it? We can do a lot of things there.

fowler3

fowler3

loads faster and the message box is at the top. Cool.

fowler3

vocus

It's very nice here in the DC Metro area as well. It's not raining here though, but still a little cloudy. The sun is starting to peak out though.

I might just go in and upload a photo of my 2001 Protege that I used to have. I have a couple really good ones at home. We shall see...

cpaulyee

Hi everybody,

I believe the last time I posted was back in May 2001, but only because my 01 LX 2.0 has been perfect here in the 50th state, Hawaii, home of the $1.61 per gallon 87 octane gasoline, although it was $1.95 a few months ago. But with only 4,500 miles racked up so far, the high price doesn't hit too hard. The Protege is by far the best car I have ever owned so far.

Hope you don't mind Meade if I join your yahoo site, I love reading the stories and photos as I have here at town hall, and if it weren't for the vast ocean that separates us (plus the distance to the east coast) I would have been very interested in the MAPP events.

Keep on zooming

dinu01

Hi everyone!

I was at school this week, then at work during evenings and it's just now that I've had a chance at reading the posts!

First, let me congratulate Ron: Welcome to the club! I'm sure you'll have many ZOOM-ZOOM miles in your PRO

Now for the "regulars":

speedypt: Thanx! I know the text has to be smoother, but if we actually set ourselves to get those stickers printed I will make it look sharp. This was just a try to see what everyone thought. Glad you liked it.

Meade: Nice site! Did you get a chance to drive the P5 yet? I will join the Yahoo! group soon (tomorow maybe).

Dale: As it's a 2000, it should still be under warranty. The visor should be replaced free of charge. Bumper-to-bumper includes sun visors...

Jim: For the chat tonight, I won't be able to attend. I finally have Thursdays off, so I will go play indoor soccer since I haven't played for more than 1.5 yrs now and I need some exercise. Plus, I LOVE the sport! I will nevertheless be here to post.

Cheers!~

Dinu

chicagopro

We'll miss you at chat tonight!

What position do you play? I used to mess around with (outdoor) soccer in college and played goalkeeper. Considering I'm only 5'3" (sorry, don't know how many kilometers that is that probably wasn't the best position for me, but I did have a good time (even after the broken ankle!).

Have fun!

dinu01

I used to play left fwd (striker to be correct) in high school, but since I started university I play left defense. I played on house league teams since 1999, and just like here at Edmunds I have a good group of people (aged 18-60 yrs old) that I play with. All for fun of course. I haven't played one game since Sept 2000 (work got in the way), so now that I have this chance, I have to play. I also played hockey for 3 yrs and v-ball in Cuba last yr. (You know, us Canadians are allowed there)

Dinu

PS: Say HI! to everyone from me!

bondobob

ChicagoPro: Yeah, but what kind of mileage did you get with your Barbie Country Camper?

Ron: The Bosal gets high marks for aftermarket exhaust, or check out Racing Beat for their new cat-back for Protege (which they have been promoting as coming late 2001) on the racingbeat.com site. The MP3 muffler does not fit the standard ES as it was designed to come out the rear valance.

Coming soon: Pictures of my MP3 with Moon Discs! (They went on 5 minutes after the box hit the front stoop. Now all I need is flames and fuzzy dice for a retro rod!)

Old school-a-roni!

chicagopro

True, mileage was pretty poor, especially with Barbie's lead foot

fowler3

to hang a raccoon tail from the radio antenna!;)

Tonight is our next-to-last chat on Edmunds, yes, 'tis true, so lets ALL be there to show Edmunds how much we care!! dinu01, you are excused.

Remember it's 6:00PM PT -- 9:00PM ET!

cpaulyee: Welcome back! Glad to see you again. Honolulu is one of my favorite places, especially Ann Miller's restaurant and those delicious pies. Next thing you know we'll be having an MPPP in Honolulu, that's Mid-Pacific Protege Picnic -- I wish!

fowler3

theparallax

...I never thought of Yahoo Groups. Now we can have that in case this place goes bankrupt or something...

dinu01

You'll find out really really soon

HAHAHA!

postal2

I'm looking if anyone that has found a radio mounting kit for a 2001 Protege ES, would like to replace the stock radio for a better one.

rbrooks3

Geez, I seemed to have joined this list in the middle of a revolution! I'm going to follow along and see where everyone goes. As long as the list continues, that's the important thing. Everyone here seems eager to help each other and that's what is important. I've owned my 944 for 7 years and the Rennlist group for 944 owners has been the absolute best thing I've ever found on the internet. We have thousands of people all over the world helping each other to buy cars, buy parts, chat to change engines. These groups are invaluable, especially to new owners like me. I know my 944 inside and out, but know absolutely NOTHING about the Protege except that once I drove it I was very impressed with its level of refinement and chassis ability. The only 2 things I could suggest to Mazda would be an optional ltd slip and 30-40 more hp. but, that would also take the Pro into price territory it's not meant to compete in. For what it is, there simply is not a better car in its segment at all!

Anyway, enough rambling, I went to the Mazdastuff.com site and saw their sport exhaust. The site is run from a dealership and I was wondering: is this a sport muffler endorsed by Mazda itself or just an exhaust that the dealersip has termed "sport" and is selling through their website? I would assume that since it's being sold by a dealership that Mazda would not allow it unless it was condoned by the factory. If I do change the muffler, I want a perfect bolt in fit. I'm not going to start bastardizing my Pro (hey, look at me using the lingo for the first time) to fit an exhaust. Also, I have found that while many factory "sport" pieces are not as full performance oriented as some after market parts, they are almost always of a higher quality, have been properly tested and fit is never a problem.

So, having said all this, anyone ever hear one of these "sport" exhausts from Mazdastuff?

Ron B.

sfrat

It is just a muffler, I also read, contrary to what's put on the mazdastuff website that it doesn't fit on the sedan very well, because of the difference in the bumper cutouts and hangers. Also, I think the 5 is shorter in the back? Is this correct or not? Sorry if I'm giving bad information.

ashutoshsm

Someone posted about this in the mazda protege5 board recently (as well as mentioned it here, in a short note about 4-5 days ago).

An online seller has made one available and it can be done ... let me see if I can hunt down the link ...
douglam "Mazda Protege5 (Hatchbacks & Station Wagons Boards)" Jan 14, 2002 5:28pm

Read for follow-ups - I believe the same harness can be used in the P5 and Protege Sedan. Good luck!

protegextwo

The number #1 one thing I hate about winters in Southeast Penna.? Cold weather, hehe! Ya see, I L O V E to hand wash and fuss over my Protege! Sooo, today the weather forecast is calling for temps in the low 50's and no snow in the foreseeable future. Tell ya what I need to do. I'm puttin on my shorts and my favorite short sleeve sweatshirt and then out comes the hose and bucket. After a nice hand wash, it's getting a coat or two of Klasse. My PRO-ES's is gonna pop! I might even wax the alloys! Today is going to be awesome! I prolly catch a cold, nonetheless, no more cabin fever.

-Larry