"01 LX 2.0 5SPD - now about 75K on the clock.

I'm looking for a couple of things:

- The part number or a reasonably priced source for the stock Mazda 15" Aluminum wheels for my car. I believe they were standrd on the ES, but my LX 2.0 came with the cheap plastic caps that keep breaking when taken off. And, since the ES had four wheel discs and LX 2.0 only front discs, I don't suppose there would be any problem putting the ES wheels on the LX 2.0, would there?

- Also, if there is a replacement engine computer chip, I would be interested, especially if it fixes the rough running problem below 1500 RPM. If I gear down turning into a side street, it sometimes feels like it gasps when going below 1200-1500 or so. Then when you just touch the throttle, it wants to jump instead of smoothly starting to accelerate again. Pain in the *** and dealer was no help - said it was "functioning normally". Also it is very evident when idling along in slow traffic - can't feather the throttle worth a damn. It either wants to jump or nearly die.

This problem was evident when the car was brand new and is still a problem. No problems at all above about 1500, just below..

It would also be nice if the chip would give a few extra HP, but I'm really just looking for something to smooth out the throttle at low RPM.

- Also, there is a crackling (almost diesel sound) when you accelerate through 2000-2500 when it's cold. Doesn't happen when warm. I read somewhere that it was some sort of turbulence mechanism to agitate air in the intake air path (or something like that) to increase combustion and air-fuel mix. Supposedly, the noise is not detrimental to the engine. Does anybody know of a way to stop the noise without losing any benefit from the agitation?

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks!

 

Hi and welcome to the club.

let's see if I can help out a little bit.
1) a 2.0 liter Protege comes with 5 lug wheels(5x114.3). If your car has 4 lugs(4x100), look for a used set of Miata wheels. They're light and strong. Wheels from a civic will also fit, and there's plenty of nice ones to be found.
2) There is no chip for a protege. If someone trys to sell you one, run away. The only way to "fool" our ECU is with a complete piggy-back system...costing around 1500 bucks. I agree about the jerkiness; my P5 has it too. You'll get used to it and begin to control it a little better. Feather the clutch.
3)There is a TSB(technical service bulletin) about the cold-engine rattle. Ask your dealer about it.

Good luck and have fun!
-Natey