MSP Build: Little Update. - TriStateTuners.com :: Home of Tristate Auto Enthusiast

03.5MSP · 11-19-2009, 03:37 PM

Marko's Mazdaspeed Protege

--Background--
I bought the car back in 2005 with 25k on it, and for a good deal at the time. I was always a fan of the MSP form the day it came out and always knew I would own one. I couldn't be happier that I bought it and still have it today. Its different and unique in more ways than I ever thought imaginable, and that's why I like it.

--Leave it alone--
I couldn't. Even though the MSP is an awesome car to start of with, I knew there was things I could improve on. I started doing basic stuff like FMIC, and exhaust. Later on I realized the drawbacks and downfalls of the stock ECU so I upgraded to a Microtech EMS and also did some fueling upgrades. Gauges and some interior bits were also in order to make things a little nicer. Suspension was also not left forgotten and things were upgraded and replaced to stiffer aftermarket parts. Next inline will be getting the engine done as well as turbo upgrades.

--The Goal--
The MSP build is focused on it being a fun/quick track car, but with the ability to still be street driven if I want. I don't really care much about straight line speed and max power, but rather a very well balanced car.

--Current Engine Mods--
-AEM CAI
-Perrin FMIC
-Greddy Type S BOV
-Stock Intake Manifold Ported and VICS/VTCS Removed
-MAM Exhaust Manifold
-Corksport S-Pipe
-Apex Motorsports Downpipe
-Greddy SP2 Catback
-Jay's Racing Fuel Rail-NI
-Seimens 550cc Injectors
-Walbro 255lph Pump
-Aeromotive Fuel Press Regulator-NI
-Microtech LT10 EMS
-J&S Safeguard with Bosch Knock Sensor
-Inegral Performance 268/268 Cams
-Kasmankk Adjustable Cam gears
-Focus Adjustable Cam gears
-AWR/Ron Davis Radiator with Fan Shroud
-Samco Coolant Hoses
-Stant Lower Temp T-stat

--Current Drivetrain Mods--
-OEM Differential- Welded
-Neo Trans Fluid
-AWR Front and Rear Motor Mounts
-AWR Driver & Passanger MM Inserts
-RRacing Motor Mount Inserts
-Kartboy Short Shifter
-Kartboy Shifter Bushings
-Kartboy Exhaust hangers
-Corksport Shifter Bushings
-Corksport 3rd Link Shifter Bushings
-Stoptech Slotted Rotors
-Hawk HPS Brake Pads
-Goodridge SS Brake Lines
-H&R 15mm Wheel Spacers

--Current Suspension Mods--
-AWR Coilovers w/Bilstein Shocks
-AWR Front Camber Plates
-AWR Rear Strut Mounts
-AWR Adjustable Endlinks
-TSSFAB Adjustable Rear Link Kit
-GT-Spec Trunk Cage
-GT-Spec Lower Tie Brace-NI
-GT-Spec Lower 4 Point Brace-NI
-Corksport Front Strut Bar
-Pedders Front Control Arm Bushings-NI
-Pedders Trailing Arm Bushings-NI

--Current Misc--
-Greddy Profec II- EBC
-Apexi Turbo Timer
-Defi Boost,EGT, Water Temp, Oil Temp & Oil Press Gauges
-J&S Safeguard Knock/Retard Gauge
-AEM Wideband

--Future/In the Works--
-more to come-

Some Pics

CleanNeon98 · 11-19-2009, 03:38 PM

LGT Killer

03.5MSP · 11-19-2009, 03:50 PM

And some more pics.

Also got a Perrin FMIC cause the stock smic was heat soaking like a mother.

I also went to RT Tuning to get the Microtech tuned. We went with a pretty conservative tune, mainly because I didn't want to push it too much. That and the fact that it was running so rich you couldn't rev past 4.5k. So much of the 2 hours of tuning was spent leaning out the fuel curves and making them look more presentable.

Also got a few new gauges. etc...

Some random pics:

It was eventually going to happened.. My oem LSD took a **** so I replaced with a new OEM welded LSD... The thing I didnt know was that I would have to replace it again after like 6 months, because IMPO bent me over without KY, and said come again.

03.5MSP · 11-19-2009, 03:52 PM

MOAR pic please!!

I use to work for Circuit City and they used my car for a weekend as a demo car, so I got to drive around with bass for a week.

I also did a bunch of other stuff along the way, such as custom Integral 268/268 cams, that were never installed because we needed to grind a part of the head to make the clerances right, and I was broke and couldn't afford to take the head off to do so... Plus if Im going to take the head off might as well do internals and other work as well.

The newest mods to the car are AWR Coilovers, and new brakes.

OBEEWON · 11-19-2009, 04:31 PM

I like these. Wish they were AWD tho.

disturbedfan121 · 11-19-2009, 05:13 PM

nice man, i just picked up an 03 Spicy oragne mica for a daily, i wish it was a 03.5 lol

car is looking good

caldwell · 11-19-2009, 07:28 PM

i would buy one of these if i could find one in my area...

what kinda numbers were you putting down stock, and what you putting down currently ???

03.5MSP · 11-19-2009, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caldwell

i would buy one of these if i could find one in my area...

what kinda numbers were you putting down stock, and what you putting down currently ???

Stock they put down like 140-145whp. Currently I have no idea what im putting down. I would assume somewhere in the 200whp range. I waiting to do a few more things over the winter before I get it retuned in the spring.

03.5MSP · 11-19-2009, 09:08 PM

I actually picked the car up today from LIP and RT Tuning. The coils were getting aligned and the front DG motorsports lip painted.

TalonTsi97 · 11-19-2009, 11:10 PM

I miss my MSP everyday, good to see you still own yours. I met you once or twice in NE philly when i had mine (Ti grey, powdercoated black racing harts). Yours ran strong then, and it wasn't like mine wasn't modded, so i'm sure yours moves pretty well now.

856jersey · 11-19-2009, 11:20 PM

lol at the pic with your back wheel sticking up in the air, that always happens to me when ill pull into my driveway at an angle like that because of my coilovers, except i have AWD and my tire spines

03.5MSP · 11-20-2009, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TalonTsi97

I miss my MSP everyday, good to see you still own yours. I met you once or twice in NE philly when i had mine (Ti grey, powdercoated black racing harts). Yours ran strong then, and it wasn't like mine wasn't modded, so i'm sure yours moves pretty well now.

Yeah I remember, we did like that one roll. Good times.. What you driving now??

TalonTsi97 · 11-20-2009, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 03.5MSP

Yeah I remember, we did like that one roll. Good times.. What you driving now??

mazda 626, had to keep it in the family. Yea we had one roll and played around little more but i couldn't hang lol

miss that car

justinlansdale · 11-20-2009, 01:54 AM

aw man....my twin. ;-)

too bad you're quicker. you'll probably be doing numbers in the 220+ range, considering i dyno'd 210whp with less work than you.
nice car though! we should do some photos soon!

justinlansdale · 11-20-2009, 01:55 AM

ps...you should post pictures up of your new stance, i heard the car looks amazing on the new suspension setup!

03.5MSP · 11-20-2009, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justinlansdale

ps...you should post pictures up of your new stance, i heard the car looks amazing on the new suspension setup!

Were you at RT the other day?? I thought you were but I could actually believe that I saw justinlansdale in person.. lol Actually i wasn't sure if it was you, so I did say anything. I'm down for some photos too.

Stanic · 12-02-2009, 07:31 PM

pics coming soon

Asif22 · 12-03-2009, 10:35 AM

This car looks pretty sweet. Good tasteful mods. I like it!

boostedfury · 12-03-2009, 10:43 AM

love these cars...very nice man and post some updated stance pics!!

03.5MSP · 12-05-2009, 06:36 PM

As I mentioned earlier I got the AWR coils installed and aligned. I knew the ride was going to be a little stiff for a daily, before I even got the coils, but they aren't that bad. As of right now I need endlinks, because my stock endlinks are too short in the rear and a bit long in the front. So I ordered the AWR endlinks, which should be getting here sometime next week. Once they come in, Ill be taking the car back to RT to measure and spec everything and adjust the endlinks as needed.

As far as pics, that might have a wait a bit, cause its not a daily anymore. But Ill try my best to at-least post pics of the stance.

11-19-2009, 03:37 PM	#1
03.5MSP Tri-State Addict Join Date: May 2005 Location: Hatboro Member #404 My Ride: 2003 Protege iTrader: (0)	MSP Build: Little Update. Marko's Mazdaspeed Protege --Background-- I bought the car back in 2005 with 25k on it, and for a good deal at the time. I was always a fan of the MSP form the day it came out and always knew I would own one. I couldn't be happier that I bought it and still have it today. Its different and unique in more ways than I ever thought imaginable, and that's why I like it. --Leave it alone-- I couldn't. Even though the MSP is an awesome car to start of with, I knew there was things I could improve on. I started doing basic stuff like FMIC, and exhaust. Later on I realized the drawbacks and downfalls of the stock ECU so I upgraded to a Microtech EMS and also did some fueling upgrades. Gauges and some interior bits were also in order to make things a little nicer. Suspension was also not left forgotten and things were upgraded and replaced to stiffer aftermarket parts. Next inline will be getting the engine done as well as turbo upgrades. --The Goal-- The MSP build is focused on it being a fun/quick track car, but with the ability to still be street driven if I want. I don't really care much about straight line speed and max power, but rather a very well balanced car. --Current Engine Mods-- -AEM CAI -Perrin FMIC -Greddy Type S BOV -Stock Intake Manifold Ported and VICS/VTCS Removed -MAM Exhaust Manifold -Corksport S-Pipe -Apex Motorsports Downpipe -Greddy SP2 Catback -Jay's Racing Fuel Rail-NI -Seimens 550cc Injectors -Walbro 255lph Pump -Aeromotive Fuel Press Regulator-NI -Microtech LT10 EMS -J&S Safeguard with Bosch Knock Sensor -Inegral Performance 268/268 Cams -Kasmankk Adjustable Cam gears -Focus Adjustable Cam gears -AWR/Ron Davis Radiator with Fan Shroud -Samco Coolant Hoses -Stant Lower Temp T-stat --Current Drivetrain Mods-- -OEM Differential- Welded -Neo Trans Fluid -AWR Front and Rear Motor Mounts -AWR Driver & Passanger MM Inserts -RRacing Motor Mount Inserts -Kartboy Short Shifter -Kartboy Shifter Bushings -Kartboy Exhaust hangers -Corksport Shifter Bushings -Corksport 3rd Link Shifter Bushings -Stoptech Slotted Rotors -Hawk HPS Brake Pads -Goodridge SS Brake Lines -H&R 15mm Wheel Spacers --Current Suspension Mods-- -AWR Coilovers w/Bilstein Shocks -AWR Front Camber Plates -AWR Rear Strut Mounts -AWR Adjustable Endlinks -TSSFAB Adjustable Rear Link Kit -GT-Spec Trunk Cage -GT-Spec Lower Tie Brace-NI -GT-Spec Lower 4 Point Brace-NI -Corksport Front Strut Bar -Pedders Front Control Arm Bushings-NI -Pedders Trailing Arm Bushings-NI --Current Misc-- -Greddy Profec II- EBC -Apexi Turbo Timer -Defi Boost,EGT, Water Temp, Oil Temp & Oil Press Gauges -J&S Safeguard Knock/Retard Gauge -AEM Wideband --Future/In the Works-- -more to come- Some Pics Last edited by 03.5MSP; 09-04-2012 at 11:09 PM.

11-19-2009, 03:38 PM	#2
CleanNeon98 TST Ruined My Life! Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Philadelphia Member #2029 My Ride: "Honey Badger" Turbo Miata iTrader: (8)	LGT Killer __________________ 2004 MAZDASPEED MX-5 : 328whp / 308wtq / 2500lbs 2012 Toyota Prius 2 : Daily Driver

11-19-2009, 03:50 PM	#3
03.5MSP Tri-State Addict Join Date: May 2005 Location: Hatboro Member #404 My Ride: 2003 Protege iTrader: (0)	And some more pics. Also got a Perrin FMIC cause the stock smic was heat soaking like a mother. I also went to RT Tuning to get the Microtech tuned. We went with a pretty conservative tune, mainly because I didn't want to push it too much. That and the fact that it was running so rich you couldn't rev past 4.5k. So much of the 2 hours of tuning was spent leaning out the fuel curves and making them look more presentable. Also got a few new gauges. etc... Some random pics: It was eventually going to happened.. My oem LSD took a **** so I replaced with a new OEM welded LSD... The thing I didnt know was that I would have to replace it again after like 6 months, because IMPO bent me over without KY, and said come again. Last edited by 03.5MSP; 11-27-2011 at 01:36 AM.

11-19-2009, 03:52 PM	#4
03.5MSP Tri-State Addict Join Date: May 2005 Location: Hatboro Member #404 My Ride: 2003 Protege iTrader: (0)	MOAR pic please!! I use to work for Circuit City and they used my car for a weekend as a demo car, so I got to drive around with bass for a week. I also did a bunch of other stuff along the way, such as custom Integral 268/268 cams, that were never installed because we needed to grind a part of the head to make the clerances right, and I was broke and couldn't afford to take the head off to do so... Plus if Im going to take the head off might as well do internals and other work as well. The newest mods to the car are AWR Coilovers, and new brakes. Last edited by 03.5MSP; 11-19-2009 at 08:48 PM.

11-19-2009, 04:31 PM	#5
OBEEWON Tri-State Post Whore Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Hightened State of Emergency Member #1315 My Ride: Lansdale Local iTrader: (1)	I like these. Wish they were AWD tho. __________________ E .· \' ' ·. F To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures.

11-19-2009, 05:13 PM	#6
disturbedfan121 Tri-State Addict Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: CNJ Member #3604 My Ride: 2010 GG EVO X iTrader: (7)	nice man, i just picked up an 03 Spicy oragne mica for a daily, i wish it was a 03.5 lol car is looking good __________________ '90 Miata - 14psi 250whp 227tq ---Dead and parted To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures. '03 MSP-7psi - SOLD.......'93 Sc300 5spd - SOLD '98 BMW Z3 - SOLD.......'92 miata turbo -Traded '10 Evo X- Traded in for .....'14 Jetta TDI 6spd man....... '99 miata NB shell Project....'96 Impreza w/v.1 STi swap

11-19-2009, 07:28 PM	#7
caldwell Tri-State Addict Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Prospect Park PA ( DELCO ) Member #8072 My Ride: 2012 Dodge Ram iTrader: (0)	i would buy one of these if i could find one in my area... what kinda numbers were you putting down stock, and what you putting down currently ??? __________________ opposite of stanced, and fitted... what am i doing here ???

11-19-2009, 09:08 PM	#9
03.5MSP Tri-State Addict Join Date: May 2005 Location: Hatboro Member #404 My Ride: 2003 Protege iTrader: (0)	I actually picked the car up today from LIP and RT Tuning. The coils were getting aligned and the front DG motorsports lip painted.

11-19-2009, 11:10 PM	#10
TalonTsi97 TST Ruined My Life! Join Date: Jan 2005 Member #136 My Ride: 1997 Eagle Talon iTrader: (21)	I miss my MSP everyday, good to see you still own yours. I met you once or twice in NE philly when i had mine (Ti grey, powdercoated black racing harts). Yours ran strong then, and it wasn't like mine wasn't modded, so i'm sure yours moves pretty well now. __________________ 1997 Eagle Talon Tsi To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures. Updated weekly with Dyno, Track, AutoX, Street, and Event videos. Big updates coming soon! To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures.

11-19-2009, 11:20 PM	#11
856jersey Tri-State Post Whore Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Philadelphia Member #11382 My Ride: 81 VW Rabbit Pickup & 91 MX-5 Special Edition iTrader: (5)	lol at the pic with your back wheel sticking up in the air, that always happens to me when ill pull into my driveway at an angle like that because of my coilovers, except i have AWD and my tire spines

11-20-2009, 01:54 AM	#14
justinlansdale Tri-State Post Whore Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Montgomeryville, PA Member #4286 My Ride: old BMW & obnoxious bike(s) iTrader: (5)	aw man....my twin. ;-) too bad you're quicker. you'll probably be doing numbers in the 220+ range, considering i dyno'd 210whp with less work than you. nice car though! we should do some photos soon! __________________ // To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures.

11-20-2009, 01:55 AM	#15
justinlansdale Tri-State Post Whore Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Montgomeryville, PA Member #4286 My Ride: old BMW & obnoxious bike(s) iTrader: (5)	ps...you should post pictures up of your new stance, i heard the car looks amazing on the new suspension setup! __________________ // To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures.

12-02-2009, 07:31 PM	#17
Stanic Tri-State Aficionado Join Date: May 2005 Location: Philadelphia Member #426 My Ride: 04 VW Golf iTrader: (0)	pics coming soon

12-03-2009, 10:35 AM	#18
Asif22 Tri-State Addict Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: U.S.A. Member #5682 My Ride: 2008 Honda S2000 CR iTrader: (0)	This car looks pretty sweet. Good tasteful mods. I like it! __________________ uhhhh y0

12-03-2009, 10:43 AM	#19
boostedfury Tri-State Post Whore Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Secane, PA Member #1389 My Ride: 99 Z51 Corvette & 2003 Explorer XLT iTrader: (2)	love these cars...very nice man and post some updated stance pics!! __________________ Dante's 2005 SRT 4 New Best: 13.10 @110.84mph-11/21/09 ATCO Best Trap: 115.07 mph-11/6/09 Cecil To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures.

12-05-2009, 06:36 PM	#20
03.5MSP Tri-State Addict Join Date: May 2005 Location: Hatboro Member #404 My Ride: 2003 Protege iTrader: (0)	As I mentioned earlier I got the AWR coils installed and aligned. I knew the ride was going to be a little stiff for a daily, before I even got the coils, but they aren't that bad. As of right now I need endlinks, because my stock endlinks are too short in the rear and a bit long in the front. So I ordered the AWR endlinks, which should be getting here sometime next week. Once they come in, Ill be taking the car back to RT to measure and spec everything and adjust the endlinks as needed. As far as pics, that might have a wait a bit, cause its not a daily anymore. But Ill try my best to at-least post pics of the stance.

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