I am in the process of buying a new car in the next summer. I am currently saving up for all the mods. My choice would be either a Spec V or MP3.


suspension
I know that the suspension system on the MP3 and Spec V are very similar. However, MP3 packs the after market stuff while the Spec V is a straight-from-factory performance parts with no aftermarket apperance. I personally like the rims on the MP3 over the ones on the Spec V.

Engine
The Spec V packs with way more torque than the MP3. There are lots of aftermarket parts for this car too. However, I know the MP3 will have more potential since it has a lower compression ratio for boost.

transmission
The MP3 transmission is nice! Its smooth. But the Spec V comes with a 6 speed with a not so great shift feel


Quality
I want you guys to convince me to buy the MP3 over the Spec V. As far as price goes, I know MP3 costs more, but its not by a lot! I know the Protege's quality will be slightly better than teh Spec V.

My questions:



If I happen to boost the MP3, do you think I will need suspension modification to handle the newfound power?

Does the MP3 use polyurthane for its bushings? Is the Mp3's engine mount made of polyurthane?

What are some cheap ways to modify the MP3? Are there many aftermarket parts for the MP3 engine?

Last but not least, will the MP3 be available next July?

Thanks!

 

I owned a '93 Sentra SE-R and a '95 200SX SE-R, both purchased new. In my opinion, the only thing Nissan has improved with the car has been the chassis rigidity. The 200SX SE-R was definitely stiffer and quieter than the Sentra, but the suspension, interior and exterior looks all declined. The '93 Sentra had great supportive front seats, which I haven't seen since. The SR20DE engine in both cars was great, but so far the new die cast QR25DE hasn't gotten the best reviews. It is brand new, so there isn't much known about it yet, let alone parts. Being that it is die cast and has an open deck, it won't be as strong as the SR20DE. Comparing the cars directly: I think the Sentra has a slight power advantage stock. The Sentra has a slight braking advantage stock. The Mazda has a slight handling advantage stock. The Mazda looks better inside and out by a wide margin. There aren't a lot of aftermarket parts for either car yet, but they will be coming soon. I think the power and braking can be improved in the Mazda easier than the handling, interior, and exterior of the Sentra can be. The Sentra has an old Chrysler minivan rear suspension, and has never had much compression travel. The suspension will be tricky to improve or lower. The MP3 with a turbocharged SR20 would be perfect...

 

Buy the nissan if you want the power. Buy the mp3 if you want the handling. Just remember no anti-lock on the mp3.

I checked both out, and stayed with my protege. mp3 was way too much money for no more power. I like the handling of my car, and dont want a rougher ride, so that leaves the mp3 out (maybe this year more power??? ).
AS for the nissan, I find the quality, fit, and looks not anywhere near as good as the mazda.

 

Nissan generally built good quality car. The Sentra is an exception! This might be because its built in Mexico. Other Nissans built in Japan has exceptional quality!

I want to know if the MP3 uses the K&N filter described by Racing beat.

Also, I want to knwo the wheel horse power of the MP3. Dyno graph would be cool.


I want to further improve the handling of the MP3 by installing Prothane bushing...is it possible? Are there any more handling upgrade for the Protege that I can use for the MP3?

 

Is the MP3 a good car for NOS? If performance mod isn't widely availabe, NOS is the only effective mod for serious performance gain. Will the MP3 engine handle it?

Will the MP3 engine mount be able to handling the NOS power?

Do people make clutch for MP3s?

 

I've got a 9lbs aluminum flywheel, Clutchmasters stage 1 clutch, and ZEX N2O kit that I'll be installing on my Protege. I'm also probably going to get the Quaife limited slip differential from Mazda Motorsports also. I think it should handle it just fine.

 

Everything I have read so far says that the MP3 lacks power for how nice the chassis is. I can pretty much vouch for that...I don't think the MP3 really needs much to improve the handling, urethane bushings probably will help some.

On the power end of it I the Nissan has more, but as mentioned before, the SCC article pretty much tunred me off to the SE-R.

I was contemplating the same question, SE-R v. MP3, I went with the MP3 becuase the car felt better over-all.

 

You got the Clutchmasters Clutch? I did not know they had one out yet. Kool! Will this fit a MP3? I want to get a stronger clutch for N02 applications.