The Mazdaspeed Protege has a lot of performance potential. The drive train in stock form is adequate, but is restricted by it's surroundings. Here are a few enhancements that will help the Mazdaspeed Protege perform better (please note that your dealer warranty coverage may be affected if you enhance your car):
1. K&N Air Filter or Cold Air Intake (CAI)
The stock air box sufficiently supplies cool air to the engine. When using the stock air box, install a K&N drop in air filter. You can also use some hose (from a hardware store) that extends to the front of the car for a "ram air" like intake. This new hose will take the place of the stock elbow at the end of the air box. If the stock air box is not cool enough for you, try an aftermarket cold air induction system. If you prefer to use an cold air induction system, make sure it is routed so that the filter cone is in the best location to get cold air. There is not that much room under the hood, so fabricating a shield to protect the filter cone from the hot engine is a good idea.
2. Turbo-Back Exhaust
The stock exhaust on the Mazdaspeed Protege is quite restrictive. It is somewhat small in diameter, has two catalytic converters (one positioned right after the turbo), and the muffler. The best setup would be a nicely flowing 2.5" diameter pipe with one performance catalytic converter (or no converter if you desire) and a performance muffler. There are plenty of exhaust kits available for the Protege in both 2.5" and 3" diameters.
3. Larger Intercooler
The stock intercooler is quite small and poorly constructed. Luckily, there are plenty of intercoolers available for the Mazdaspeed Protege. Upgrading to a large intercooler will help keep the turbo cool and increase cold air into the engine, making more power. While upgrading the intercooler, it is also recommended that the hoses are replaced. The stock plastic piping can get hot and are prone to leaking. Get a nice aluminum piping kit along with your new intercooler and you will be happy.
4. Increasing Boost
The stock boost is set at about 6psi. This is adequate for the car in stock form, but too low after performance enhancements are made. Only after you have freed up the exhaust and added a larger intercooler, should you consider increasing the boost. Increasing to around 9psi should grant sufficient power gains and still be fairly safe. There are both mechanical and electronic boost controllers available. You can also purchase computer modules that piggy back on your stock ECU. It would also be a good idea to get a boost gauge installed!
Here are some aftermarket part sites to check out:
1. K&N Air Filter or Cold Air Intake (CAI)
The stock air box sufficiently supplies cool air to the engine. When using the stock air box, install a K&N drop in air filter. You can also use some hose (from a hardware store) that extends to the front of the car for a "ram air" like intake. This new hose will take the place of the stock elbow at the end of the air box. If the stock air box is not cool enough for you, try an aftermarket cold air induction system. If you prefer to use an cold air induction system, make sure it is routed so that the filter cone is in the best location to get cold air. There is not that much room under the hood, so fabricating a shield to protect the filter cone from the hot engine is a good idea.
2. Turbo-Back Exhaust
The stock exhaust on the Mazdaspeed Protege is quite restrictive. It is somewhat small in diameter, has two catalytic converters (one positioned right after the turbo), and the muffler. The best setup would be a nicely flowing 2.5" diameter pipe with one performance catalytic converter (or no converter if you desire) and a performance muffler. There are plenty of exhaust kits available for the Protege in both 2.5" and 3" diameters.
3. Larger Intercooler
The stock intercooler is quite small and poorly constructed. Luckily, there are plenty of intercoolers available for the Mazdaspeed Protege. Upgrading to a large intercooler will help keep the turbo cool and increase cold air into the engine, making more power. While upgrading the intercooler, it is also recommended that the hoses are replaced. The stock plastic piping can get hot and are prone to leaking. Get a nice aluminum piping kit along with your new intercooler and you will be happy.
4. Increasing Boost
The stock boost is set at about 6psi. This is adequate for the car in stock form, but too low after performance enhancements are made. Only after you have freed up the exhaust and added a larger intercooler, should you consider increasing the boost. Increasing to around 9psi should grant sufficient power gains and still be fairly safe. There are both mechanical and electronic boost controllers available. You can also purchase computer modules that piggy back on your stock ECU. It would also be a good idea to get a boost gauge installed!
Here are some aftermarket part sites to check out:
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