Mazdaspeed Protege Modification Guide

Last updated 10/13/19

The 2003 and 2003.5 Mazdaspeed Protege is now 16 years old. It shares its chassis with the 1999-2003 Mazda Protege, 2001 Mazda Protege Mp3, and 2001-03 Protege 5 wagon.
Crossover Auto has pioneered the modding and tuning of this platform. We would like to share our knowledge for newcomers to this platform.

We recommend the list below and separated it into stages for the novices and beginners.

Most parts listed below are available from our store for purchase. Visit the link below.
http://mazdaspeedtuning.com

Stage 0
Fix/eliminate any CEL/MIL lights. Don’t try and mod until you fix what is wrong with your car.

Perform routine maintenance.
fix any leaks (oil, coolant, misc fluid, exhaust/intake)
new spark plugs 6 heat range NGK Part# ZFR6FIX-11 recommended
replace coil packs and plug wires
oil change 10w30 or 5w30 synthetic oil. Synthetic is recommended in turbocharged engines.
trans oil drain/fill 75w90 GL-4 or higher. 80w90 is suitable in warmer temperatures. We like Redline MT85/MT90, Motul Gear300 75w90, Motul Motylgear 75w90, Eneos 75w90, Torco RTF
brake fluid drain/fill/bleed DOT3 or DOT4 brake fluid. great time to replace and upgrade brake lines
clutch line drain and bleed DOT3 or DOT4 brake fluid. great time to replace and upgrade clutch line
drain and fill new coolant 50/50 mix or mix yourself with distilled water only. tap water will cause internal corrosion.
power steering drain/fill bleed
silicone vacuum lines – replace all the cracked or hardened rubber lines. Vibrant pack works great
check/inspect brake pads/rotors, tires, suspension bushings, control arms, ball joints, wheel bearings, end links (replace and upgrade if necessary)
AWR engine mounts 88 durometer. At the very least replace the front with a solid urethane mount. This will reduce wheel hop, improve shifting dramatically, and produce the least in-cabin dash vibration
Urethane shifter bushings if your car doesn’t have this already. Torque solution makes a set

Stage 1
Intake, Injen or custom
Turboback exhaust, 3 inch ID mandrel bent piping
Front mount intercooler, bar-plate core preferred, 24x6x3 size minimum,
Aluminum hard pipes, 2 inch hot side/ 2.5 cold side minimum. 2.5 on both is recommended for higher power levels
Your choice blow-off valve (recirculated until you have a Haltech ECU with MAP sensor conversion) or bypass valve

Stage 2
Our Plug N Play Elite 1000 or Elite 1500 preferred
ID 725 injectors for pump gas only mild power setups.
ID 1000/1300 injectors for E85/pump gas setups.
Crossover Auto Fuel Pump Kit Mazdaspeed Protege

Stage 3a
Engine build parts
http://mazdaspeedtuning.com
rods and pistons
engine bearings clevite recommended
arp main and head studs
OEM gasket set
MLS gasket optional
oil jets
freeze plugs
oil pump
water pump
timing belt kit
magnetic oil drain plug

machining:
torque plate cylinder hone, main cap align hone, hot tank, crankshaft balance, block deck if necessary
Video why you need a torque plate

head build kit
supertech springs/retainers single minimum
valve seals
regrinded stock or new valves or +1mm oversized
custom grind cams optional – offered service inquire within
adjustable cam gears if upgrading cams – pick up used or new elsewhere. must have proper cam signal pickups. shop carefully

machining:
3 angle valve job, valve lash set, mill head if necessary
cnc porting – coming soon offering from us

Stage 3b
Transmission
http://mazdaspeedtuning.com
see our transmission articles for more detailed technical information
Mfactory LSD
Mfactory or PAR Gears
Clutch for your desired hp goal
lightweight flywheel Fidanza

Stage 3c
Turbocharger upgrade
Any of the GTX series turbos for your desired hp goal

Optional Upgrades
buy at any time
Intake manifold
Turbo manifold
Fuel rail / adjustable pressure regulator
aluminum radiator
suspension
brakes