Mazda Protege Accessories and Modifications

the_big_h

1 vote each?!!?!? You guys aren't making it any easier .\ /.

I think I'll do a live poll tonight at the chat room and that'll be the end of it

although having only one ES sticker is kinda cool... sort of like having the best of both ways...

vocus

I vote to add the sticker back on the side where it's missing. I think the car looks better with its nomenclature on the front fender. Just go back to the dealer, and they will add it for you. Only takes like 3 seconds to do.

nikecar

We saw a MAzda pickup with a sticker on the glass (little-one) that says zoom-zoom. real cute. it was in a hand script font...

anyone seen one?

jstandefer

Those stickers are being included in all new Mazda vehicles. I got two of them from some friends at the dealership I bought my '99 from.

the_big_h

That is the question. Went to the dealer, asked about the ES sticker, and the service advisor (I think he recognizes me as one of his 'regulars' now, amazing!) just handed me one and sent me on my way.

it's all in my hand now, all 3 options DIY-able. What should I do.... hmmm... this should make some interesting chat topic tonight....

vocus

Don't leave it like it is now. I persnoally think it would look dumb with only one sticker. What you should have done was ask the dealer for 2 "ES 2.0" stickers and replace your plain ES stickers with those. That would be cool.

the_big_h

thanks to everyone that was at the chat session, I have decided to put the ES sticker back onto the driver side front fender.

I won't be able to do this immediately though, gonna be out of town this weekend, probably gonna do it sometime next week after I wash the car and clean it up a bit.

H

dgiovanni

I need some recommendations for really good replacement tires for my '99 LX (in Canada that's the model that got the 1.8 under the hood). The factory Firestones are terrible, and I'm glad to be replacing them. I would like to go a little wider on the steel rims, and I need an all season tire that's good on snow as well as wet and dry pavement. Also a quieter tire would be nice.

I know I'm probably asking too much. Can I get some suggestions please. Thanks!

chikoo

try 205/55/15
Kumho Ecsta
Vredestein (BMW tires)

the_big_h

http://www.racingbeat.com/protege.htm

Looks like the constant nagging by Protege enthusiasts such as people on this board is starting to pay off...

pro5girlie

See, if we push hard enough, they'll listen. Great job, everyone! Now all the P5 people need to send more emails!!!

mcomet

I am thinking of getting an MP3 or ES protege...anyone know if there are any chip mods that can be done for the car?

Is there a nice Mazda forum/website out there also? Kind of like the VW forums at www.vwvortex.com by any chance?

Thanks!
comet

theparallax

There's a Protege Tech eGroup board that's pretty filled with people, try www.protegetech.com

ellusionz

I may be getting a protege within the next year. I just wanted to ask a couple questions. Are there body kits for them? If so what are some sites? I really do like the MP3 specs, but dislike only being able to get colors blue or yellow. Could I pay more for a different color or does it not work like that? I think if you pay for a car you should get everything you want, color included! Also, does adding a body kit void a warranty of some sort on the car? Any advice/comments for a maybe future protege owner would be greatly appreciated

mcomet

Thanks Parallax...that is the kind of site I was looking for!

-mcomet

nikecar

try here,

http://www.corksport.com/ (under Protege link)

here

http://www.geocities.com/lonestarrd/title.htm (under body kit link)

there are others, but I have to look later today.

yooper53

Seemed to be the place for this post. Need suggestions, re: removing the spoiler, subsequent body work. Or getting an DX or LX trunk lid and putting the spoiler up for sale.. somehow.. Then would I need to get an interior rear deck stop lamp assy installed. Don't want to lose the third stop lamp. I would like the looks better w/o, I hope that's not a sign of impending geezerdom!? Ideas, schemes, or suggestions; all are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

hifikhs

Injen intake for the 1.6l engine is already out and can be ordered. The intake for the new 2.0 is done R&D and is in production now, should be ready for purchase in the next week or so.

h109

my pro is a 2000 LX. a real "pro" indeed !!!

1) is it a good idea to tow a small trailer (1000 lbs. - class I) with car ?

2) any pointers as to where i can get a roof carrier for my pro ? again, is it ok/safe to install one, considering the power.

thanks in advance for the info,
-hari

p.s. (i cross-posted this in "care & maint" also, by mistake)

vocus

I ordered a set of HIDS bulbs for my 2001 Protege ES off Ebay (if I win the bid, that is). I am curious to see how much brighter they will be. At $20 for the set, that cannot be beat.

newcar31

Have fun puting them in. I had a terrible time doing it. I have the PIAA extreme white bulbs now.

vocus

I installed a plasma blue set in my 1999 DX, so I have done it before. It was a little bit difficult, but I did it within about 20 mins. or so.

newcar31

I just had trouble with those dang spring loaded retaining devices. I was also doing it in very hot weather, so that didn't help. My fingers were too big for the small space I had to work with. I have replaced tons of headlights while working at the lube shop, and these have to be the hardest that I have ever done. I find the complicated design of the retaining device completely un-necessary.

h109

i am about to order some of the vibration dampening sheets from mcmaster-carr.

can you tell me what areas have to covered interms of priority. (trunk, front leg space, etc.) i mean, which areas vibrate most ?

also, for chikoo & conheady :
IF you remember (i know it was more than 2 months ago) , how much was the shipping cost ? (they do not mention it on their web-site).

thanks for the info,
-hari

chikoo

Hi Hari.
Go for it.
Makes a hell of a difference. Especically the trunk. Noise is reduced by 70% in the trunk.
same goes for the floor.
I just cut the mat int the shape of the floor mats and put it under them.

Shipping + 2 mats cost me 30 buck or so.
I guess the mats were $12 apiece.

jstandefer

Do exactly what chikoo did. Most of your interior noise is road roar originating from the trunk and wheel wells. Lining the floor of the trunk and around the wheel wells will make a significant impact to the road roar. I will be doing this in a few months when I change my light gray carpets ('99 ES) to the dark charcoal carpets of the 2001 ES.

h109

ordered the stuff yesterday. will let you know about the difference after i install. only after that, i will think of upgrading the speakers. :-)

thanks for the info, btw.

chikoo

after hearing jerry's wail over the rattles and buzzes that have infected his beloved(?) ES, I was wondering on how to prevent such a thing happening to my ES.

One thought that came to my mind was to go for a smaller alloy wheel(14") and corresponding tire with a bigger and softer sidewall.

I made a search on tirerack.com for alloywheels for the PRO, but it came up with only 15,16,17 inch wheels.

Any ideas on how to
1. get hold fo 14" wheels that fit the ES
2. trade in the existing 15" wheels

all inputs would be highly appreciated.

regards,
Chikoo

nikecar

why not look at an LX and see what tires they use?

but I'll be the 1st to say you are loco...

mazdafun

And filter by 14" rims. I'll get the 14,15,16 and even 17" rim choices when searching for a Pro LX (99).

You can check the bolt pattern and wheel offset (face of hub to centerplane of wheel) specifications on your Pro and see if the wheel choices match.

chikoo

Strengths: Great steering response, immediate turn-in. Reaaltively inexpensive. Available in hard-to-find 215-55x16 size.

Weaknesses: The Avid V4s are very noisy

Compared To: BFG Comp T/A VR4, Bridgestone Potenza RE-92VR

Review Summary:
Bought a set of 215-55VR16 tires for my 99 Maxima. Immediately noticed a tremendous improvement in dry grip and steering response. Also noticed a stiffer ride and a little road noise. After prox 15K miles the tires became unbearable noisy -- lots of rumble at anything above 30mph, especially noticeable in my very quiet Maxima. Too bad, because there was lots of tread left when I replaced them at 24K miles. Maybe this is just the way it is with V-rated tires. I love my new Bridgestone Turanzas H Revos. They are smooth, quiet, and seem to corner and respond every bit as well as the Avid V4s.

any rebuttals?

gs280

Why not just use "H" rated tires...the car is not going to go over 130 MPH, is it? They cost less, too, I would think.

Just a thought.

chikoo

I was looking for a 205/55R15 size...and it ain't on the T4....boo hoo...

drdrze1

Hey guys I'm a proud owner of a 2000 pro es. I just recently plus-sized the factory 15" alloys to 16"s. I'm wondering if anyone is interested in purchasing the stock 15"s with the original bridgestones with 16500 miles on them. The rims are in perfect condition, and I don't see any reason to have them lay around and just take up space. If anyone's interested, I've got em here to sell. Thanks.

And if you wanna replace the potenzas, the kumho ecstas from tirerack are amazing tires for the money; quiet, comfortable, great grip

h109

would someone tell me where i can find a roof-rack for my 2000 pro lx. i am in new jersey.

i would also appreciate any hints/tips/warnings/cautions.

thanks.

mazdafun

There're lots of places to find roof racks.

You'll want to make sure the mfr. has clips or towers that fit the Pro, due to the curvature of the roof. Most should have something that fits.

I use a Mondial roof rack that fits both my '99 Pro and my '89 323. I actually use it mostly on my 323 since the roof is flatter. Thus, I can maximize the distance between my support bars. The only problem I have with the Mondial rack is that the clips (which are dipped in vinyl) have some surface rust where the vinyl doesn't cover the steel. I hear they now have stainless steel clips. Otherwise, it's pretty easy to install and mount bikes to it (15 minutes to install and mount two bikes). I like it because the support bars don't protrude past the integrated towers and the locks are built into the rack.

Saris also makes a nice roof rack. Thule and Yakima are longer-established brands and are good too.

I think the Pro manual recommends a max roof loading of 150 pounds, including the rack itself.

If you are only carrying 1 or 2 bikes, a trunk-mounted rack might make more sense, and it's easier to put your bikes on it. Look for 6-strap versions as they better resist lateral accelerations. 4-strap trunk racks are getting pretty rare anyway. With trunk or hitch-mount racks, make sure the rack will accomodate the frame of your bicycles. Some rear-suspension frames won't fit on "traditional" rack arms.

protege_fan

Hey Duh,
I called Shadowtinting again and I asked if they could get the Solargard metallized tint. They said they could. It will cost about $250 CDN (before taxes) and it is guaranteed for life not to fade. The owner said that the metallized stuff will cut out about 20% more heat than the other stuff. I'm still not sure if I'm gonna get the metallized or medium grade (dyed, $179) Solargard tint, but I am fairly certain that I will go to Shadowtinting.

To all others,
I finally decided to go ahead and install the hood deflector, my very first mod!! Installation was simple, but I reccomend NOT doing it at night under a street light....very frustrating then. It looks better than I thought it would, so I'm happy with it. I will be taking a long trip tonight, so we'll see how it actually works.

PF

pgb0001

Purchased my Protege LX 2.0 in March but made the mistake of not getting a cassette player. Have a ton of cassettes but no place to play them. Has anyone out there done an aftermarket purchase of a cassette player and CD changer? I do have the single CD player.

vocus

The cassette is alot more expensive if you go through the dealer to get it installed. You should have gotten it as an option. I see so many Proteges on lots with the cassettes in them, they should just make it standard. Anyway, that cassette option is going to cost you about $300 installed.

pgb0001

I am looking at purchasing a Pioneer cassette player and 6 disc CD changer. My problem is I don't know if this will leave a hole in the area that the current CD player occupies.
The cassette is $180 and the CD player is $200 less a $50 discount at 800.com and I figure about $100 installation at Circuit City since I would not attempt it mayself. About $430 for the whole shootin' match.

tcda

I've ordered a Protege5 and was thinking about putting in the Racing Beat exhaust in an attempt to get some more power. Has anyone done this? How has it worked?

yooper53

I'd like to hear more about this. I'm always open to performance tweaks. I'd be tempted to get one if all it did was somehow improve the sound, which I try to block out with lots of volume, like when I'm passing on the two lane highways. )

protege_fan

Speaking of performance tweaks, I was curious as to what people have done to get more performance (i.e. hp) out of their Pros. Is there an appreciable difference? Also, what sources did they get the equipment from, etc.
Thanks

PF

ashutoshsm

I'd like to hear how the setup sounds in the protege, and how good the pioneer combo is.

In my 95DX, I replaced the factory stereo (Damaged when I bought car) with a Pioneer KEH-p2800 cassette player for 100 including installation at Circuit City. It is IP-Bus (Pioneer) CD changer compatible, and I know I'll add that before I move to the East Coast, so would like to hear what combo you go with and how good it sounds.

Also, if you haven't purchased it yet, try crutchfield (.com), they have a wide variety of Pioneer systems, combos are discounted (not 50, but about 20-30, but starting prices are cheaper than 800.com) and (the best part) you get ALL the gear (brackets, wires, connectors etc) and a car-specific installation pamphlet to instruct you on the installation process. Plus free phone assistance and no-questions 30-day prepaid return, should you need it!

protege_fan

Just an update here,
I had installed a hood deflector that was sold to me by the dealership. Now, most hood deflectors I've seen come with something to prevent the hood deflector from contacting the hood if it gets hit with something or just from vibrations. These things were usually in the form of little plastic mounds that you would stick onto your hood, thus preventing the hood delflector from hitting the hood. However, the one that the dealership service dept. sold me did not come with these little pieces. When I phoned to ask about them, the parts person did not know what I was talking about. So after about 2/3 weeks now, I have noticed that the paint is scuffed at 2 points; exactly where the hood deflector would come down onto the hood if it moved at all. I have now taken off the hood deflector, but am now out cash and have damage on my hood from this deflector. Is there anything I can/should do?
Thanks in advance.

Protege_fan

vocus

Yeah. Go to your dealership and raise hell. Tell them you want your money back for the deflector, as well as the hood fixed on your car. They should have no problem conforming.

On another topic, I wanna stop the problem I am having with my car radio in my 2001 ES. I can't turn it up loud, because the radio "misses" and sounds like it's gonna die. Would another set of speakers cure that or not? Thanks.

protege_fan

Thanks for the advice Vocus. Just made a call to my dealership and was told byt the lady who took my call that she will have to speak to her manager. They're gonna call me back and let me know. I forgot to mention that I want something done about my hood, but I'll tell them about that when I talk to them again. Thanks again Vocus.

Pro_fan

dbroccardo

Anyone replace the anemic toy horn in their Protege? I was thinking of a Hella air horn, which is supposed to put out a significant blast. It's gotta be better than the party-horn sound it currently has (2001 Pro).

jstandefer

Are you still having problems with your radio? Speakers won't help you out. If the sound is cutting out, its the head unit that's the problem. Probably something in the unit's amplifier. I can turn my radio all the way up on my '99 ES, and it doesn't sound that great because of speaker distortion, but it never "misses" or sounds like its going to die.

But, it may just be inherent to that radio. I have heard complaints from owners of every Mazda vehicle that uses this new modular system (Protege, Miata-except Bose, Tribute, MPV, Millenia-except Bose, 626-except Bose). But, I really hear complaints about the Protege5. I've listed to it, and it does suck. A far cry from the radio in my '99 ES.

vocus

Would a new amp help then?