Mazda Protegé

newcar31 · September 2001

In Mazda air filters, there is an oil impregnated in the filter media. This is to better trap dirt and dust. Nissan, Subaru, Ford, GM, etc. use similiar filters. Some of the crappy parts stores' filters (and Jiffy Lube filters) don't have any oil in them, they are just paper. This is why the dirt in my air filter looks black, because the oil in the filter makes the dirt look darker. I am not BSing you. Remember, I still work at Jiffy Lube.

fritz1224 · September 2001

I priced one at the dealership and they wanted $20. So a dealer doing it would be about $25. I don't think they will even raise the hood for less than $5 labor. It has something to do with the highly skilled techs they allegedly employ.
That scratch you have grubbs should be checked out by a body shop. Mucking with it yourself may not give you long term(and rust free) results.

jstandefer · September 2001

Keep in mind, even though I no longer work at the dealership, I still get discounts. I get parts at cost plus 10% and 25% off of labor.

I just looked at K&N's website. They also oil their filters and you must re-oil them after each cleaning. I have always oiled air filters, paper or not. It does trap dirt a lot easier and won't clog the filter as easily. BTW, the cost of a K&N filter for a 1999 Protege ES is $31. I would imagine other years are the same or very similar. They recommend cleaning them every 50,000 miles (depending on conditions, of course) and they are covered by a million-mile warranty. Not a bad price considering you will never have to buy another filter again, plus they are supposed to be more efficient than the stock paper filter. The MazdaSpeed filter is a bit pricey, but its price covers about four paper filters and is supposed to add performance and fuel mileage like the K&N.

protege_fan · September 2001

I was looking for a K&N filter for the '01 Pro, but can't find the P/N on the website or in any stores. I emailed them about a month ago to see if they had a part number but haven't gotten a reply. Since I've read that any gains from a K&N aren't that large, I decided to just leave it. Pretty pricey to considering you don't replace an air filter all that often.

yooper53 · September 2001

from '02 MP3. Just spoke to Mazda at their 800 # and was told it would fit without mods to the '01 Pro ES. I guess actually utilizing it would be at the price of increased tire wear. Still I'm tempted. I contacted Roger Beasley in Austin and am waiting to hear from them. They seem to sell cheaper than the average Mazda dealer. I'd appreciate thoughts and opinions from other ES owners. Thanks in advance.
Dennis MI

edmund2460 · September 2001

I'd like to get some feedback from this forum from those who are not that mechanically inclined to do brake jobs and things like that but who can change an air filter or the oil - what services do you get from the dealer? What I am specifically after is, should one just take it in and get the (say) 7500 mile service which is a lot of 'inspect x and y' bundled with some essential things or should one make a note of the items mentioned in the manual (major ones) and ask the dealer to do JUST those at the specified intervals. I am wondering if its worth getting the whole package, in the sense that maybe you get better overall care (mechanic might see something that really needs attention) or is it a waste of money? For example 7500 service on the PRo at my dealer is $189

edmund2460 · September 2001

I forgot to say that in the instance where I would not go for the standard list of services, I would do what I can (change filters etc) and get the dealer to do stuff that is mentioned as essential such as timing belt changes.

fowler3 · September 2001

Did you read the Car and Driver review of the Protegé MP3 in September's issue? Their subheading said, "Gasoline-powered stereo". LOL

fowler3

chicagopro · September 2001

Hey, Grubbs--

Yes, when I was younger, my family took a short trip out to western IL, eastern IA, and SW WI. Once you get west of Rockford, IL, VERY nice country. People who think the Midwest is flat as a pancake should visit that corner of the world. Beautiful rolling hills, picturesque farmland, the whole nine yards. And I'm sure great Protege territory.

I'm fortunate that my daily commute takes me along Lake Shore Drive here in Chicago. Not exactly the Pacific Coast Highway or the banks of the Mississippi, but the lake is gorgeous, and there are enough twists and turns (and idiots!) to keep me awake.

speedypt · September 2001

Forget the one from the MP3...get the one from the Protege5. The MP3 does NOT have cruise control and the brackets that bolt on top of the strut towers do not allow for mounting your cruise control assembly. The Protege5 uses the EXACT same strut brace as the MP3, but the brackets include mounting points for the cruise control assembly.

Trust me...I already went through this with my '00 ES, except that I had to cut my cruise control bracket to get it to fit the new strut bar. I bought mine from Corksport. Other than a few ordering and missing parts issues (which were never resolved by Corksport) I have that strut bar mounted securely and happily in my engine bay.

I had posted pics in here back in February or so...see if you can find them. It may help you to mount yours....

Regards,

Pete

ashutoshsm · September 2001

Found this off autobytel at carsmart.

I'm guessing they really mean 2002, not 2000!

Turbocharger and intercooler, with an 87% increase in torque and 21% increase in HP. Sounds great!

http://www.carsmart.com/cgi-bin/aucenter.exe?pagecode=snk-1

Don't know if the link will work, use the research section at autobytel.com, click on Sneak Previews, then choose the Concept: 2000 Protege Sport.

yooper53 · September 2001

I recall seeing your pics quite a while back. I think that's where I got the idea from.

Anyway I didn't realize the MP3 didn't have cruise (carrying the "sport" theme way too far IMO) or that the P5 had a strut tower brace.

How hard do you have to be pushing through the corners before you notice the improvement afforded by the brace? I don't do it often and so would have to balance that with a decision to buy and install. Thanks for the info.
Dennis MI

sfrat · September 2001

Good Morning,

I had a great drive up to New Jersey with my car, absolutely no problems. I got great mileage on the trip, the best was filling up my car and only paying $1.23/gallon, compared to $1.55 here in MD. They even pump it for you. I go to New Jersey all the time to visit family, and I still can't get over that.

Before leaving though, I did a quick inspection of my car, oil level, coolant, and checked the tire pressure as well. They were inflated to 43psi!!!! I always thought this car was a bit jumpy over bumps, no wonder! Needless to say, I lowered it down to the manufacturer recommended level of 32psi, and am much happier. The sidewall of the Dunlops says that 50 psi is the max pressure, that's got to be like riding on stone wheels. Anyone who has recently got a Protege, check you're pressure. I'm not sure why mine were that hight, but its the first time since I've checked it since I got the car (yes, I know, I should have checked it sooner). Other than that, no problems whatsoever.

Steve

Sporin · September 2001

That's the first thing I did when I got my Pro5 home. 32psi all around. :-)

duh_ster · September 2001

hey all,
well, on friday i finally got my '01 ES w/ GT pckg! she's a beaut! first thing i did when i got home was take pix of it! i'll put them up shortly! after, i drove it around for the rest of the day! bad thing is, when i received it from the dealer, it had some parallel scratches on the roof. i told him immediately, and he told me to come back (today) and he'll get them addressed. other than that, i'm really happy with it! the dealer also threw in a set of lock nuts for my alloys...and i promptly put them on!

PF: thanx for the info on the tint. how's she look?? i'm pretty sure north hill gets their tint done by shadowtinting also...did u go through the kramer to get the tint done? or did u go directly to shadowtinting?

yooper53 · September 2001

Here in the U.P. of MI we've been paying $1.949 for regular for a couple weeks now. We'd be dancing in the streets if we were paying $1.55.

)

yooper53 · September 2001

I don't imagine the AVERAGE SUV owners up here are happy campers. Hmmm, campers..poor choice of words since the AVERAGE SUV will never see anything but paved roads.

I emphasize average since there are a distinct minority of those who have real need of one and use them for their intended purpose.

Good Lord, am I becoming opinionated?? Not a trait I particularly like.

protege_fan · September 2001

Hey congrats on the car again! Get all over them about the scratches!! As long as they fix it, it's all good, but don't let them give you the run around! I've talked to the service manager there a few times. He seems to know what he's talking about and he seemed nice.

I haven't gotten the tint yet because I am debating the tint or a new piece of stereo equipment. If you haven't heard, there's a HUGE sale at the Stampede Grounds this Saturday from 9 til 9. I've been there the last 3 years and I always come home with something! You should check it out! I'd leave the Pro at home though...parking is scarce and there would be a GOOD chance that some jerk might ding your doors. I'll decide this weekend though: tint vs. stereo (a/v) equipment. If I do get the tint, I will go directly to Shadowtint.

PF

vocus · September 2001

Tire pressure: I have 14,600 miles on my 2001 ES to date, and have not checked the tire pressure once. I know, I should be ashamed of myself. Have not checked the oil since I got the car either, though I change it every 7000 miles or so with synthetic replacement and a new filter. Also rotate the tires at the same time too.

Here in Baltimore, Md., I pay an average of $1.40 a gallon for gas now. I work in Southern Md. (around Lanham/Greenbelt area) and gas here is like almost $1.60 a gallon. I have seen it in some places for as cheap as 1.31 a gallon, but closer to Baltimore.

fowler3 · September 2001

Look at this URL for info on the 2004 Protegé and the next 626. The spy info on the 626 says it will have a roofline like Audi's. Picture shows artist's concept. The Protegé reportedly will get two I-4 engines, a 2.0L and a 2.3L.

http://www.motortrend.com/april01/mazda/mazda_f.html

fowler3

chikoo · September 2001

does anyone have any experience regarding auto parts by Beck/Arnley?

vocus · September 2001

I was on the road going to lunch today, and almost got it. I was meging onto the highway from a beltway ramp off 495 (Capital beltway) when this Maxima came outta nowhere and was right next to me. In front of me was stopped traffic, about 2 cars up, and there sat yet another Maxima. I tried to swerve to the left, but there was no room and the other driver wouldn't get over, even though there were 2 open lanes to the left of her. Anyway, I slammed down my ABS brakes on my 2001 ES and stopped dead, short, and straight. Just 3 feet or so before the black Maxima's rear bumper. Once I got around, I gave the driver that was to the left of me a piece of my mind (and a lesson in sign languauge too). Some people are just plain rude on the road these days.

The point of this story, though, is to tell how responsive the handling/braking of the ES is. Saved my rear end once more.

newcar31 · September 2001

I want a strut tower bar too. I went in to the dealership to look at the P5 bar and it looks like it has extra brackets that mount on each strut tower. When you order the bar, do they come with those brackets? Speedy--Can you tell the difference?

protege_fan · September 2001

I hear ya! Coming home last Monday, I was following a suburban so I had no idea what was ahead. I was at a fairly safe distance and we saw that he was slowing down. I started to slow as well, but the surburban suddenly jammed on his brakes. Well I did too and ABS kicked in and I came to a short quick stop! Never used ABS before, but I'm fairly confident it helped.

Same trip back, I was passing a couple of cars. Let's just say, I was nearly run over by a semi truck because the jerk next to me wouldn't let me back in. Quite a close one there.

Anywho, no real point to this story...just wanted to share.

Pro_fan

chikoo · September 2001

My question:

Is the 99p-6-001 a standard air filter or does it offer some benefits over the OEM.
I have a 99-00 PROTEGE ES.

Corksport's reply
It is better than stock. It is made foam element.

Ben
Cork Sport
(503)735-9858
(503)735-9815 fax

Huh!
for 30 bucks or so, Foam filter from AMSOIL are avaialble!!

Why pay $85 + s&h?

chikoo · September 2001

I went to the mazda dealer and bought OEM air filter.

Surprisingly,
1. it's made in USA
2. it's not orange colored like original
3. it's not hard compressed paper

4. It's milky white
5. it's like FLANNEL

6. Car revs really softly now up into the high RPM

newcar31 · September 2001

That's what an OEM Toyota air filter is like. I wonder how they can call it "OEM" when it isn't "OEM"? Maltb?

yooper53 · September 2001

See speedypt's of 09/04/01. I'm going to hold off til I get some feedback as to the the perceived handling improvement afforded by the brace. If you go checking at a dealer let us know how much they're asking for it.

A ? for chikoo..are you saying the sound of high revving is somehow quieter than with the air filter that came with the car? The flannel filter that is. If so, even though I'm about 18K from needing a filter I may just get one. It's a great little engine (2.0L) but the sound kind of leaves me cold compared to..well I won't go there again.

)

chikoo · September 2001

and if forgot to tell you.

They were charging me $22 + tax.

BUT,

I pulled out a printout from Roger beazly mazdastuff.com and showed that they were selling it for $13.99 + s&h + tax.

So he sold it to me for $17 + tax.

Actually, I did the same for OEM NGK sparkplugs, too!!

cpoupart · September 2001

All,

After lurking for some time I finally broke down and purchased my ES 2.0 with the GT package (Canadian). So far I love it and it won't break the bank.

However I started shopping for snow tires today and apparently the 195-50R16 size may be impossible to get in a snow tire. Does anyone know whether I can use the standard Protege steel rims with snows on a 2.0 GT? I expect they'll have the same issue with the Protege5.

Going without snow tires here is not an option.

Sporin · September 2001

TierRack sells a "Minus-1"winter tire package. 4, 15" steel wheels with 195/55R15 dedicated snow rubber.

Package price runs around $400 depending on which tires you want.

That's my plan for wintering my Pro5. No way I'm running 50-series rubber in Vermont Winters.

nematode · September 2001

My car is within "factory specs". So 3.8k rpm is 80mph and all is well. However, my friends 325i reads 12mph fast at 80mph. That was the difference!!! When we were doing 85mph he thought we were near 100mph.

chikoo · September 2001

the ultimate driving machine....huh?

bluong1 · September 2001

First, I'm glad both of you got out this road hazardous situations.

Just one question: when the ABS kicked in, do you feel any vibration on the break pedal? My Citroen ZX Aura does that, and it distracts me greatly in an emergency situation. I don't have a solid prove, but I think I can break shorter, certainly with more confidence, on a car without ABS. I decided not to buy the ABS option on my Protege5.

Bruno

protege_fan · September 2001

YES! The brake pedal vibrated and I heard a noise like a propeller (kind of). I've read lots on ABS and knew what to expect...but this was the first time I've actaully felt it go off. I didn't find it distracting at all. I just reacted and I for one am glad that ABS was on my Pro.
But really, I can't say that I stopped any shorter or straighter than a non-ABS vehicle. I would have to be in the exact same situation again w/ a non-ABS Pro and I'm not sure that's something I want to go thru again!

PF

protege_fan · September 2001

The pulsing was not excessively hard or loud, but I was aware of it.

maltb · September 2001

as with many OEMs I would suspect that the original equipment filter is too expensive once you get it across the water. In order to be competitive, they have a domestic supplier build it to an approved spec. Colors may change, but the function needs to be 100%.

fowler3 · September 2001

is normal. That's the ABS doing the pumping on the brakes you would have to do without ABS. As opposed to just pressing the brake peddle hard and locking up the wheels.

fowler3

speedypt · September 2001

The effect is only noticeable in two instances that I can tell:

1. The front end doesn't seem to follow road imperfections quite so much. A pleasant unexpected benefit.

2. The handling is slightly more precise at the limit of traction, the front end seems to communicate better what's going on up there. Handling limit seems about the same, mabye ever so slightly better on my favorite on-ramps. Plus...since I painted mine silver, it looks cool too.

I plan on buying the P5 mounting brackets to "reinstate" the stuctural integrity of my cruise control mounting, even though it doesn't move now.

Regards and I hope this helps you.

Pete

newcar31 · September 2001

That makes sense, but why wouldn't they have a domestic supplier make the same kind of filter? It isn't just the color that is different. I know exactly what chikoo is talking about, the one they sold him at the dealer has a white puffy synthetic filter media (ala Toyota and Honda), whereas the factory (OEM) filter is an oiled compressed paper filter (like Nissan and Subaru). They are two completely different kinds of air filters. They must both perform the same right?

tomciviletti · September 2001

You folks who have installed it...how much does it weigh? I'm not crazy about adding weight, especially high and up front.

yooper53 · September 2001

cpoupart-See my post #4132; 08/29/01. The 60 series "all seasons" on my last car were useless in U.P. of MI winter. I just can't imagine 50 series being any better.
speedypt-I appreciate your detailed answer. I suspected any improvement would be at the limits of traction. Guess I'll probably pass on the brace. Thanks much.
Dennis MI

mazdafun · September 2001

More so than the aspect ratio. "Minus-sizing" will accomplish this for you. Skinnier tires push through snow more easily than wider tires and the pressure (force/are) increases due to the reduced contact patch. This packs down snow more and also helps to push water away from between your tire and ice.

Funny about the BMW's speedometer reading so optimistically. It's either to keep their drivers out of trouble, or to buttress their belief that they can get to speed so quickly. LOL.

vocus · September 2001

I am used to the ABS pulsation. I found out what that was all about 2 weeks after I starting driving. It was a rainy night, and I was driving my mother's 1994 Bonneville down the road, about 30 mph (the speed limit). I came upon a traffic light that was red, but turned green soon as I got to it (so I was going about 20). All of a sudden, this 18-wheeler comes balling through the light in front of me. Needless to say, if not for the ABS in that car and that pulsation, I would not be telling this story today. I missed going underneath the truck by about 5 feet. No car I have owned ever (but my 1999 Protege DX) came without ABS, and none ever will.

Bruno, I would rather have the peace of mind of being able to hit the brakes hard to stop (normal reaction for me anyway) and have the ABS do the "pumping" than have to worry about it. Also, ABS will stop you more effectively on wet pavement than pumping will.

yooper53 · September 2001

mazdafun: Back during the first winter I had the Contour I figured it was the width of the lo pro 60 series since previous to that I'd gotten along fine with "regular" all season radials. Wouldn't it be reasonable to assume the 50 series would be no better? I'd like your thoughts on this as it's not like I'm anxious to spend all that $$.

vocus: re: ABS. The Contour was my first thus equipped and there were many times on "snowy" streets that I'd try to lock 'em up (not that I had to stop; just familiarization)and in these exact conditions I'd always felt I could have stopped straight ahead shorter without them. Always wondered if it was just my imagination and to this day I'm not sure.

laurakat · September 2001

My Pro LX 2.0 is my first car with ABS. It will definitely be a learning curve for me. I've been driving for over 18 years and have always pumped my brakes for emergency stops in panic situations. It's always worked well for me and has become sort of second nature to pump them. I remember when I was 16 my dad took me to the high school parking lot on a Sunday after a snowfall to have me practice panic stops and get an idea what a car feels like when it begins to slide. I'll have to do that again this winter with my new Pro to practice ABS stops! I think ABS is a great safety device for cars, but could have the potential to do more harm than good for those of us who have driven for many years and have 'pumping the brakes' in our blood. I'll have to get over that pumping instinct pretty quick. Snow is just a couple of months away for us in MN!

maltb · September 2001

Many times it has to do with what materials are available in a region. Some materials cannot be produced here due to safety or environmental concerns. However, to answer your question: yes, it has to meet the specifications for filtration and flow that the OEM engineers specified. This is not necessarily the case with parts you find on the shelf at AutoZone or others. They claim to meet or exceed specs, but they don't even have access to that info. Rather ironic.

vocus · September 2001

Malt, they never lie in advertising now, do they?

yooper53 · September 2001

JMO absolutely discs are worth additional cost especially if its 4 wheels disc brakes as on the ES plus which rotors are about 18% larger than on DX or LX. Additional cost isn't that much more.

newcar31 · September 2001

Don't say that. I hate snow, yet I live in MN. My Integra had ABS and I swear in certain situations the car actually took LONGER to stop. When on ice or snow, sometimes its better for the brakes to lock up. Now, of course, ABS IS better when you have to brake AND turn at the same time. I choose to do without ABS this time though on my Protege.

Mazda Protegé

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