Considering getting a Protege or 323

Whizbang · Postby **Whizbang** » Sun Dec 11, 2011 9:14

So i have been considering get a protege, maybe the 99 to 2003 variety. Or perhaps an older 323. What engine does the FS-DE swap to? Can i run a BP turbo?

chickenwafer · Postby **chickenwafer** » Sun Dec 11, 2011 9:14

I don't have much info on the newer Protege's but I roll a '90 Protege as a Daily currently. The BP motors are pretty bullet proof and you can turbo these cars for cheap (since a turbo variant was produces in other parts of the world). The OEM manifold from Mazda is $250 and you can find a used for for around $200 as well.

If you're not into rolling your own turbo setup, there is the 323 GTX which also has the benefit of being all-wheel drive, but they are difficult to find, especially in good shape. But then if you do find one, it's not going to be "cheap", comparatively.

Whizbang · Postby **Whizbang** » Sun Dec 11, 2011 9:14

i was considering making a front drive version of a GTX for a daily. But the later protege has four doors and is a good looking car in my opinion. The appeal to the old 323 though is cost. They are nearly free! Im just sure where i can find information on compatibility. I know the 323 is easy enough since many had a 1.6 or 1.8 BP engine. The last year proteges though im not sure what can be done.

This is also assuming i don't get silly and just buy more Rx7s....

jamiel · Postby **jamiel** » Sun Dec 11, 2011 9:14

the "BJ" Protege (99-03) with the FS-DE doesn't really have an "idea" swap. The KL series V6 fit with a bunch of work. A BP is possible, but again, a bunch of work. Best bang/buck for a BJ/ FS-DE is a turbo- the BJ Mazdaspeed protege is the same FS-DE, so the parts bolt right on. Unfortunately, the FS-DE internals are only strong enough for stock boost pressures.

The "BG" Protege/ 323 are a neat platform. I may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure no 323s had the "BP" motor (1.8 DOHC), only the B6 (1.6 SOHC) or B8 (1.8 SOHC). A BP is a great swap into a BG 323. KL V6's fit too....

Finding a cancer-free BG will take some looking, watch the rockers and rear strut towers.
The BP motor only came in the Protege LX (DX was a B8) and 91-94 Escort GT. The BP has tremendously strong internals and a bunch of little touches that make it an excellent motor to turbo. It's also strong and fun stock.
I loved my 91 Protege LX- Chickenwafer's now, liked my 90 Protege DX- B8 was not near as fun, no rear disks, white paint suffered from that lame early 90's paint peeling issue (the LX had better paint), and love my current 03 Protege 5 (BJ Protege)

719_protege · Postby **719_protege** » Sun Dec 11, 2011 9:14

i have a 2003 mazdaspeed protege and i love it. it is a very fun car to drive, and contrary to popular belief, if you tune and modify it correctly it can be pretty quick ( like a stock block stock turbo that can pull a lenght on a 11 wrx or a 07 sti

)...
there is a huge protege community on mazdas247.com if you wanna check that out too

chromal · Postby **chromal** » Mon Dec 12, 2011 9:14

I think the Protege5 wagons are sweet. There's someone around here with a very clean-looking yellow one I've seen up close (5MT)- I'm quite envious of it.

Whizbang · Postby **Whizbang** » Mon Dec 12, 2011 9:14

i would enjoy an mazdaspeed but i would have to see where they are falling price point wise. I wouldn't rule out a generic version of the BJ era. But im still partial to my old cars like the BG which have the benefit of being near free.

MazdaMark · Postby **MazdaMark** » Thu Mar 08, 2012 9:14

Whizbang wrote:i was considering making a front drive version of a GTX for a daily. But the later protege has four doors and is a good looking car in my opinion. The appeal to the old 323 though is cost. They are nearly free! Im just sure where i can find information on compatibility. I know the 323 is easy enough since many had a 1.6 or 1.8 BP engine. The last year proteges though im not sure what can be done.

This is also assuming i don't get silly and just buy more Rx7s....

I had a 1989 Mercury Tracer with the Mercury Capri XR2 driveline in it. This is all Mazda 323 and the prior generation to what your looking at.. But...! I can say that this was one of the most fun sleepers I have ever had.

Not one person ever seemed to pay attention to the way this car sounded, or have a clue at the GTX wheels I ran.

Sounds like a fun project to me!

Mark

tsx_guy · Postby **tsx_guy** » Thu Mar 08, 2012 9:14

thread revival!

G-Man · Postby **G-Man** » Fri Mar 09, 2012 9:14

I got my wife a 2002 Protege5 which became my daily driver when she got a 2007 Rav4.

I loved the exterior looks and interior setup of the Protege5 a ton - a great functional car. But it was an automatic which was awful so I sold it. A 5-speed would be great and I'd still have it.

A 2003 Mazdazpeed (Turbo) Protege5, especially in yellow, would be unspeakably awesome.

jamiel · Postby **jamiel** » Sat Mar 10, 2012 9:14

G-Man wrote:A 2003 Mazdazpeed (Turbo) Protege5, especially in yellow, would be unspeakably awesome.

turboing mine is something I'd love to do. It's not yellow, but it's a manual

Considering getting a Protege or 323

Considering getting a Protege or 323

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