Not really. They are two different gearboxes, so you'd have to do a swap. Don't know how practical that is, or if it's even worth it.

Most LX owners would like a taller 5th (and perhaps 4th), to cut down on cruise RPM.

BTW, the 5th gear wasn't so short when the speed limit was 55mph.

 

What speed limit?

 

lx came with H rated tires and top speed on those is 135 mph so if stock car wouldgo over 135. Mazda would have to instal difrent tires from factory that are rated for higher speeds.

 

So whats the top speed you have seen?

 

Some of us having been driving long enough to remember the 55mph National Speed limit that was repealed in about 1993-94. Some places now allow 75mph cruising, legally. And if you're not doing 85+ in those, you become a mobile chicane.

My Protege has seen 120+, but I've never actually seen what its top speed was new. The one time I did, the road had a rise that I couldn't see over, so I lifted (just in case there was a turn on the other side), only to find out it was straight for another mile or so.

With the big fat tires I have now, top speed is likely only about 115 or so.

And HR rated tires are good for 130 mph (actually, 210 kph, or 130.52 mph), since it's a European specification.

 

I took my ca to above 140 acording too speedo and my friend on a ZX-6R but cant tell the exact speed.I had around 6500 rpms in 5th and that is a readline from gtx motor but it rev limiter is at 7100 rpms.I wish i had a 160 mph speedo

 

my n/a 90 G1 has seen 140mph, maybe more...which at the time i was following a turbo G1. That was the only time i ever took it to the limit for top speed, but never hit the limiter. Don't recall the rpms...the windows vibrated and the car felt stable, but kinda light...wish i could do it under controlled circumstances, what a rush!!

 

..I am so old I remember the 60 MPH speed limit before the 55 MPH national speed limit imposed by Jimmy Carter. It was imposed to save fuel. Ironically my '76 Corolla at that time got better highway mileage at about 63 MPH than it did at 55 MPH.

In the very early seventies Montana had NO SPEED LIMIT AT ALL and most interstates were marked for 70 MPH.

I have seen 110 on the '92 I am driving now. But at that speed the car is pulling hard and wants more speed. I may have the chance to make a top end run this fall. If so I will post a speed.

As far as gearing goes, I feel that first gear is two short (too high numerical ratio). At the time I bought the car I compared it to the Mitsubishi Galant which I remember had a very tall first gear. The Galant wanted to stall off the line, but would pull to 40+ MPH or so in first.

If I stand on the Protege in 1st it tops out at around 30 MPH, too short. Make 1st gear useless once the car is rolling. Fifth gear on the other hand, I agree, with most posters here is also too short not allowing low enough revs at 65 MPH. On the other hand the ratio gives pretty snappy top gear acceleration at 65 -70 MPH.

Old Proteges still surprise an awful lot of other drivers. Its a plain looking little car and I bought mine in boring beige for stealth reasons.

 

My car is missing 5th gear so I can only use 4, but i was going down the highway at 60 in 4th with cruise on only tach'in 4500.
Erick

 

i highest ive gotten my car was about 130 or so, i agree, the car felt stable as pete. Ive driven other cars, hondas mercurys chevyies, and none of them felt as stable as my pro. Nothing but my rear view mirror was rattaling. The dx is annoying yo me because it revs up so frikin fast, on base here were the speed limit is 20, it takes me like no time to get to 30mph. While im thinking about it, why in all hell hasnt someone made a turbo or supercharger for this engine?

 

Speaking of rearview mirrors, does everybody's drivier's side mirror shake like it's mounted in rubber or something. Over rough roads it's shaking like crazy, and at speed it vibrates something fierce. Iv'e tightened the screws, added foam inside the housing, and it has little effect.

The passenger side mirror is as solid as a rock. Both have been this way since about 30,000 miles.

The 323 GTX Turbo exhaust manifold will fit this engine. Surely someone has gotten all the parts from a GTX and installed it on the Protege.

Here's the manifold:

 

Yep, mine has done it since new. Even had it replaced under warranty and it still shook. Seems like i remember seeing a TSB about this problem....but i haven't read it.

 

Although this is off topic -

Thats was the most complaints agianst the 1st gen protege's, were the driver side mirrors. Mine is like that.


Earl