Thanks man, hopefully I will see you at the next meet.

I think it was a VTCS screw that got into cylinder 1 and bounced around a bit(even though my car was made two months before the recall timeframe) so I'm getting another manifold and removing VTCS from it.

 

omg loose screw??? yikes dude. VTCS removal is a MUST

 

I've got a manifold for sale cheap (hint, hint).

For J-Protege, if you are using the RB sway bars then at some point you are going to experience the dreaded clunk from the bushings wearing. Solution is to buy the relocation brackets (clunk fix) from AXR. They're in Canada so shipping wouldn't be a hassle.

 

Oh, and while I haven't checked lately you used to be able to get the factory strut bar kit. It included brackets to relocate your cruise control etc. If you are interested I can dig out my info and get the part number so you can see if it's still available.

 

I have a stock strut bar (MSP) on it's way, and they seller said they were including the bracket, so I'm assuming thats the one you are reffering too (hopefully).

 

If it's off an MSP then it won't have the cruise brackets, it is probably the strut mounting brackets. There is some way to cut down the brackets to clear the cruise, I'm **** so I made sure to get the kit. I can send you a copy of the instructions as a .pdf file if you'd like.

 

you might need a bracket from a P5 if you have cruise control.. since the MSP didn't have cruise and that's where the cruise control cylinder of magic is mounted.

 

No doubt the AXR kit rocks, but Edwin "TheMAN" has reported no clunking with (copious?) use of Energy Suspension grease on the stock "E" bushings.

 

I thought the E bushings were the teflon ones that were not supposed to be lubed? interesting.

I still like my AXR because it does really stiffen up things back there a surprising amount.

 

OK, maybe I haven't gotten enough sleep or whatnot, but I'm confused with something here.

As some of you may know, I have a set of MSP springs. Now, someone is asking about the diameter of the springs.

Two of the springs have normal diameter from top to bottom (like a cylinder shape), and the other two have a changing diameter (like a cone).

Will that prevent these from fitting a normal strut, or an aftermarket one? Is there even a reason for them to be shaped like this?

 

Springs with the constant diameter are for the rear. Springs w/tapered diameter are for the front. This is normal.

 

Nope--other way around. The rears are tapered. Anyway, as long as they're going on a 3rd gen Pro, they'll fit.

Although I'm not sure the rear springs will fit tightly between the spring caps on a stock or aftermarket (non-MSP/MP3) strut. Those rear MSP springs are like an inch too short, as shown in the photos here.

 

My bad, I just did the springs on my Speed6 and I thought the Protege's were the same.

 

Oooo --what kind of springs on the 6? I just saw that RB has a killer $425 deal on springs and sways for the 6--yum.

 

Only problem is RB doesn't make stuff for the Speed6. I know a lot of people are using various springs designed for the regular 6 on their Speeds, but I want functional improvement and not just visual. I scored a set of RPM's pre-production springs. They have rates improved over stock with about a 1/2" drop. I think it looks perfect. When the first couple of people installed the test sets there were a lot of folks who said they wanted a larger drop in front, so RPM modified the length for their production sets. Then (of course) some people decided they did in fact prefer the drop of the pre-pros. RPM must have seen enough of a market because they are making more of these moderate drop springs.

I would like to get some sways at some point, but there aren't many choices right now. I did just install a set of GTSpec trailing arm braces I scored off eBay. Haven't pushed the car yet but every little bit helps.