Mazda Protegé

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Comments

  • edmund2460edmund2460 Member Posts: 293
    I have the Dunlop's that came with the car, so I guess I stick with the same size when time comes to change.
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    I managed to hit a brand new pot hole at 40mph that appeared all of a sudden on my regular way back to home, courtesy of the local municipality.

    I heard a loud crack as the suspension compressed to the fullest extent. It suddenly flashed thru my mind someone over here mentioning that he lost all tires and alloys when he hit such a sharp edged ground work done by the municipality.

    And I mentally cried "Oh NOoooo!!"

    But to my surprise, the car sustained NO damages, whatsoever. No blown tires , no bent alloys, no wheel alignment gone wrong.

    I can praise only 2 things for such a good result

    1. Great bodywork by Mazda
    2. Excellent rubber by BFGoodrich
    (and me, for going for a larger size tire, providing more rubber for more protection in such cases)

    Then on I-95 there was a sudden stop going at 50.
    The guy behind me in a buick almost hit me. But thanks to him, he swerved just in time and actually came to stop next to me on the shoulder.
    I shudder to think what would have happened if he had not swerved........
  • ashutoshsmashutoshsm Member Posts: 1,007
    "Good Day Yesterday"?

    Considering that things could have been bad or worse, and weren't!

    Of course, now we all know that Meade will try something similar in his car just to prove that the Dunlop shoes on his ride are just as good ;)
  • townhall9townhall9 Member Posts: 78
    The Buick, behind you, surely had anti-lock brakes. He was attentive enough to swerve. Too bad he was not attentive enough to brake in time.
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    ur right.
    Considering that things could have been bad or worse, and weren't!

    But it's been a looooong time since I was faced something like this.

    about the guy in the buick. yeah townhall9 is right. In my rearview mirror, I could see that buick rolling down on me and I simply closed my eyes with the bad thought "here goes my pro's rear end".
    But surprise!!!

    Wheew!
  • townhall9townhall9 Member Posts: 78
    Do you think that pressing your emergency flashers button might have "woke him up".
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    When the highway speed (and hence cars) suddently slows down, why don't people hit their 4-way flashers to warn other behind them to keep their eyes open?

    Why aren't rear mudguards MANDATORY equipment on all cars so people following you in a downpour can actually see, not drive blindly into your spray?

    Why aren't DRLs mandatory in the US?

    Why do people drive w/out their lights on at night? Don't they check their instrument panel? Ever?

    Why aren't LLCs pulled over and fined $100?

    Why do people still buy trucks - SUVs?

    Dinu

    PS: Glad to know you're ok Chikoo!
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I ask myself sometimes how people can not notice their lights off when driving at night, for the same reason you said. Oh well, some people just go around half asleep I guess. :)
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    I find them annoying.
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    I find them useful.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I don't. I disabled mine on my VW already.
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    I don't understand why people hate them. Oh well.
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    of what else but the Halloween Protege!


    http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadtests/firstdrive/73419/article.html

  • jeffy729jeffy729 Member Posts: 45
    What size tire did you put on your Pro? Just curious for when the stock Bridgestones wear out!
  • protegextwoprotegextwo Member Posts: 1,265
    "Hey Chikoo! What size tire did you put on your Pro? Just curious for!"
    by jeffy729

    Greg(Chikoo), my wife and I, all have 15 inch alloy wheels on our 1999/2000 Mazda Protegé ES's. We have replaced our OME Bridgestone Potenza RE92 Size:195/55-R15's with BF Goodrich 205/55/R15's T/A's. IMHO, the Goodies T/A's are excellent tires at a great price.

    -lovetrain
  • jeffy729jeffy729 Member Posts: 45
    A tech at Tirerack.com told me I could upgrade to 205/50/15's when when the 195/55/15's wear out (I was buying alloys for my LX), but I was concerned about something even lower profile than what I have (I kind of like a smoother ride). It's good to know that 205/55's work well for you folks. I understand they make your odometer turn over a bit more slowly too! ;-) Thanks for the info!
  • th83th83 Member Posts: 164
    Man, this car is impressive. 0-60 in 6.5 and through the quarter mile in 14.9@93mph according to Motor Trend. That's a heck of a lot faster than the MP3 was. It's hard to believe that a mere 30HP increase could credit such gains. I wonder if Mazda underrated the power so it wouldn't send the prospective buyer's insurance rates through the roof? What's more impressive is its 68+mph slalom run, which is faster than a lot of cars that cost several times more. The M5($75k)comes to mind with its 67mph run. All that for $20,500. It's too bad they're only making 1500 of them when they could probably sell 15k.
  • boggseboggse Member Posts: 1,048
    Anyone have any info on the MS3 air intake? I can see the air box in the shot of the engine bay, but it seems to be missing the flattened tube which drew air in from the under the front of the hood. I was curious to know if whatever they did on the MS3 could be adapted for older Protege's with the 2.0L engine.
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    >>>Greg(Chikoo), my wife and I, all have 15 inch alloy wheels on our 1999/2000 Mazda Protegé ES's. <<<

    I am Nick, not Greg.

    And the BFG 205/55 are a tad bigger in diameter than the stock 195/55. Hence more rubber between the alloy and the road.

    And did I say "are they quiet and comfortable?"
    check them out on torn roads and the highway joints.
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    dynoed a Mazdaspeed Protege to 150HP and 151 ft/lb at the wheels, so it is VERY LIKE that the motor is indeed underrated ;-)

    I guess having a limited slip differential also helps at launch and thus better acceleration times :-)

    The Callaway turbo is a direct bolt-on to the standard 2.0L engine, the problem would be the custom ECU on the Mazdaspeed Protege. ECUs cost A LOT :-(
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    ECUs are $500, that's not alot. Also, typically, small cars lose 15% of their power through a manual tranny, so 150 is about right. The car is not underrated in that case, I wouldn't think.
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    Watch the blanket statment. ECU's can be very pricey. My gf's parents had to replace the ECU in their Volvo and it was $2000 CDN.
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    That's impressive, considering someone from the Toronto Protege Club dyno-ed the 2.0 engine which is listed at 130HP at 102HP at the wheels.

    Wow! 150@ the wheels with this little weight and that great suspension set-up.

    The Halloween Olympics Edition looks flashy all rite, while the black version has more "substance" to it.

    Dinu
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    If it made 151 lbs-ft at the wheels, then it IS under rated. Mazda says it had 160 lbs-ft. 160 minus 15% loss is 136 lbs-ft. It is under rated in this case, as far as torque is concerned. If the dyno tells us anything, it is that the Mazdaspeed Pro is making 174 lbs-ft of torque at the crank, assuming a 15% driveline loss.....
  • nematodenematode Member Posts: 448
    While I really like the idea and admire the effort the MPS is not for me. Like most people here, I was amazed when I started seeing performance figures for the the little orange demon that could BUT:
    * If its getting to 60mph in 6.5-7.0 (where I have seen it) then I bet its about 180-185hp at the crank. Remember the Protege is really not at light weight at around 3000lbs. This is all good BUT:
    * I'll bet it has torque steer from hell. I hate torqe steer. I dont think its character, I think its too much power for the FWD setup. Its the reason I used to hate my SAAB.

    SO in my dream:
    1) The MPS gets the new Renesis rotary detuned to 220hp.
    2) It gets AWD or is converted to RWD.
    3) The price comes in at $25k.
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    per MUSA's spec, the Mazdaspeed Protege weighs in at 2843lb.

    to reduce torque steer, Mazdaspeed Protege comes with a limited-slip differential standard. Car and Driver still complained of torque steer during its test drive, however...

    and remember it ONLY costs $20500 MSRP for all these goodies.

    did I mention it also comes with ABS w/ EBD standard as well?
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    they had a nice write-up on it as well. Basically they love the car but would be willing to trade in a few of the showpieces and the radio for a $1k credit. Here, here.
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    the audio and the rear wing, to be precise.

    Why did they not use the standard ES spoiler?

    In my opinion it is the best looking spoiler I have seen in the whole world.
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    keep the pseudo-bleacher wing for all I care, and keep the MP3 stereo too!

    that's what makes it mad tite y0!

    :-D
  • nematodenematode Member Posts: 448
    I'm sure the car is fun but its just not for me. I think I just do not like high hp FWD cars. I really did not like the Celica GTS and even the RSX was not suited to my tastes. I find that even with good LSDs (like the Spec V) the driving experience is more fight that flight (off the line and during powering out of turns). On the other hand at under $21k....who is going to complain? Not me. I was just dreaming that they turned it into a RWD or AWD car just for me. Basically, my hope is that the RX-8 comes in starting at $25k. I like the Miata but its just lacks grunt. At under 3000lbs and with a reported 250hp / 160ft/lb the RX-8 may be just what I was looking for.
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    a good ol' rotary RWD RX-8 is in your future nematode!!! :-D

    hmm, I just may do the same thing, sit on my ol' 2000 ES until it's paid off/I have saved up some cash, and ditch the piston in 2k4! :-)
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    Maybe a used Bimmer 3 series or Lexus IS is in the stars for you. It's hard to get a serious RWD performance car for $25k.

    yes, yes, subie fans, I hear you.
  • dsm6dsm6 Member Posts: 813
    I've heard rumors (in Road and Track most recently, I think), of a two door rotary RX-7 slotted in under the 4-door RX-8.
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    if I was to have it as my daily and ONLY car...
  • mazdafunmazdafun Member Posts: 2,329
    They also hinted at a rotary option for the future Miata (based on the RX-8 chassis), but that may just be a feeler.

    I'll have to see if I fit into an RX-8 when they come out. I've mostly struck out on fitting into sporty low-slung cars. Feels like my spine is being compressed.
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    http://www.protegeclub.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11915


    look at those shiny hardwares!!!

  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    Got to go to training week...
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    I thought that lucky SOB was you? no?
  • dsm6dsm6 Member Posts: 813
    I'm catching whatever pro_fan has, 'cause that orange is starting to look good. In fact, now that the numbers are rolling in - and sounding good - the whole car is starting to look good.

    Hmm, I might be getting a new job soon with better pay. I wonder how close to 20,500 these things will go, and Mazda just emailed me with the name of the MazdaSpeed dealer in my area.

    FYI, in the Denver area, it will be:

    John Elway Olds Mazda Hyun No
    10450 North Federal Boulevard
    Westminster, CO 80234
    (303) 460-0102

    Tempted ... tempted ... waffling like a politician at election time ...

    The turbo is calling to me ... Hear it?

    Pssst, Darren. Come drive me.

    PSSSST.
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    of course John Elway's got the goods!!! LOL!
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    I'm spreading it....

    Orang-itis!!

    I spoke to a Mazda Sales guy the other day...he kept on calling the MS3 the MP3. I tried correcting him, but HE'S the salesman, not me *shrug*
  • dsm6dsm6 Member Posts: 813
    I will say this - it will attract attention. That can be bad, if you're speeding. My Pro is red, or as some say - arrest me red. I find it good to attract attention, though, or at least good to be highly visible, 'cause around here my little Pro tends to get lost in the sea of monster trucks who might otherwise crush me without ever even noticing.

    Goly, Jeb, that sure was a big ol' speed bump.
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    Went to my dealer today and got 2 new Bosch wiper blades and spoke to one of the service guys. The MS3 is coming (according to him in January). I thought it was this fall. And the 6 is coming in February. Could they have different "on sale" dates in Can and the US?

    Dinu

    BTW: The new wipers are great!
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    The snow slows things down...

    :)
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    PLEASE, don't mention the "s word". Protege_fan and I will be freezing in our PROs in no time. Unless we have a mild winter, which would be ok.

    Dinu
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    use these


    http://www.silblade.com/


    I am using a pair over a year now. Still as good as day-1.


    And they come with a 5 year guarantee!!


    Best part about these wipers are that they apply a slight silicone oil coating on the windshield everytime they wipe and that really helps in thunderstorms since the the glass with the silicone oil does not let the water stick. The water simply beads & slides away.


    Amazing wipers!

    PS: I have also use the Bosch wipers before. Great while new. But life is nowhere near the silblade wipers.

    This will really interest you:

    SilBlade remains flexible and maintains a superior wipe in
    extreme temperatures from -80°F to 400°F.

    SilBlade wipers are guaranteed for 5 years. Conventional wipers wear out in 6 months to 1 year. In fact conventional wiper manufacturers recommend changing wiper blades every 6 months because of degradation to the rubber.

    SilBlade has been formulated with a premium General Electric silicone elastomer that offers extreme high strength and resilience.

  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    Thanx for the info.

    I had the original Bosch on the PRO for 14 mths now and they worked well, even in winter conditions. I love them!

    However, next year I will definitely check these ones you recommended. I'll do a search and find their site to bookmark it now for "future use".

    The Bosch were $23 CAD tax incl., as opposed to $23 + TAX@15% for store brands (Motomaster).

    Dinu
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    Still 90's and humid here in MN.
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    Still warm here too. We will be hitting the 30s in the next few days. I guess that's high 80s-low 90s?

    I was just saying that it will eventually be freezing, but until then, keep the windows open and the music on. Zoom-Zoom in style.

    Dinu
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