Like many automotive enthusiasts, my journey began with a vision – a vision centered around a blue Mazda Mazdaspeed Protege meticulously modified for autocross. After a year of dedicated work, an unfortunate incident sidelined my beloved blue machine. However, fate, and a healthy collection of Mazda-specific performance parts, had other plans. Unable to part ways with my stockpile of upgrades, I sought a new canvas, and that’s when a vibrant yellow Mazda Mazdaspeed Protege entered the picture. Its remarkably well-preserved condition for its age was an opportunity I couldn’t ignore, setting the stage for a new chapter in my Mazda modification journey.
My arsenal of parts, patiently waiting for a purpose, included high-performance K-Sport road racing coilovers, Whiteline control arm bushings for enhanced handling, and a rare 3″ downpipe designed to optimize exhaust flow. A Wilwood front brake kit, featuring large 4-piston calipers and 13″ rotors, promised significant braking improvements. Engine enhancements were also on deck with a Perrin fuel rail and custom-fabricated oil catch can and coolant overflow system. A pair of lightweight 17×8 -35 Enkei RPF1 wheels were ready to be mounted, alongside a collection of other essential performance components.
Currently, my focus is on fabricating a custom adjustable rear lateral and trailing link kit. Employing chromoly tubing and polyurethane rod ends for bushings, this upgrade aims to fine-tune the suspension geometry for optimal handling. Attention to detail extends to replacing the aging plastic wire loom with fire-retardant tech flex, ensuring durability and safety. To further enhance performance, I’m porting the intake manifold to maximize airflow and stripping the interior to reduce weight in preparation for racing seats. It’s a multi-faceted project, tackling numerous areas simultaneously to create a truly formidable Mazda Mazdaspeed Protege.
Looking to unlock more power from the engine, I’ve initiated discussions with several camshaft companies about custom billet blanks, exploring options for increased lift and duration. It’s clear that pushing the camshaft specifications too far will necessitate a transition to a full standalone ECU system. While that’s a future consideration, for now, I’ve opted for a piggyback ECU system from Split Second, offering air/fuel ratio control and valuable data logging capabilities. This intermediate step will allow me to experiment with engine tuning and gather data before committing to a more comprehensive ECU upgrade for my Mazda Mazdaspeed Protege.
Addressing another critical aspect of performance, I replaced the worn engine mounts with new mounts featuring a 95A durometer. The difference was immediately noticeable, highlighting the importance of even seemingly minor components in the overall performance and feel of the Mazda Mazdaspeed Protege.
This Mazda Mazdaspeed Protege project is an ongoing endeavor, a testament to the passion for automotive modification and the pursuit of enhanced performance. From suspension and braking to engine and chassis improvements, the goal is to create a well-rounded and potent machine that honors the Mazdaspeed legacy.
