hello everyone! i just got a 2001 mazda protege LX, only 21,000 miles on it. really nice car inside and out, fun to drive, really exceptional handling! just got a new spoiler for it so it looks nice. but im really dissapointed in its power. it has the 1.6 L engine in it. and im not looking to spend alot of money, but i was kinda looking a few things to change to increase the HP somewhat, and preferably keeping it and just a few hundred dollors. if anyone has any suggestions on what i could do, id greatly apreciate it. and i was looking at installing ram air intake, which is cheap and increases around 20 HP which is nice, but i cant find it for a 1.6 engine, if anyone knows where i could find that, that would help also. Later

 

do you think you will get 20 hp from a piece of tubing??? more than likely not. look into the WOMP supercharger kit, or a turbo kit from hiBoost/wagner. save your pennies and do it right: either of these kits WILL more than double your horsepower. no questions.

 

Welcome, and yes, what he said^^

 

RAI would probably get you maybe (read, maybe) 3-5 hp, max.

 

if you are looking for anything from turboing to just decals try corksport.com or protegegarage.com(talk to ken he will help you out). Other places to look or talk to is Roddimus Prime. If you look at any thread you will probably bump into one of his posts. Another guy that has helped me out is FC3s boy. both of which are vendors and should help you w/your power needs. and w/the rai statement, it won't happen in this lifetime. welcome to the board. you should find everything you need here

 

heh, just dont get a 10 dollar "powerchip" from ebay.

 

thanx guys for the suggestions, the supercharger would be nice, but im not sure if i have the funds for that, do you know how much they run? and i was looking into gettin a computer chip, not an ebay one tho, but does anyone know where i could get one for my protege, i looked alot and havn't found one. and has anyone had the computer chip and noticed much of a difference? thanx again

 

new chip = halfax = 1000$

 

If you open her up at both ends: Intake and exhaust. You will be more likely to feel a little bit(3-5hp) more power. My brother claims that with his huge exhaust he can feel more power in the higher RPM range. I had a performance cat on my Jeep and I could feel the power difference, especially in the winter(cold air intake). A turbo or supercharger is a big step and expense so if your new at this kind of thing I would go with the intake and exhaust.

 

but all shiny intake tube/fartpipe exhaust does is make him look like a ricer.

 

Well for a kid that doesn't know much about turbo/super chargers, I think it's a bit too much to suggest to him. Intake & exhaust are cheaper and easier to install. I'm technically challenged and I installed my intake myself. My father helped with the exhaust & cat(needed a air gun to get the skid plate off).

 

I'd recommend the wagner header, outa everything i've done far and away the best increase in perfomance and driving enjoyment, although the B&M is a close second.

 

I agree about the intake & exhaust.
I have them myself and don't feel that I've 'riced' my car too much, esp. in comparison to what I've seen.
Honestly, Don, I wish I had the money to run out & buy a turbo right now, but I can't. I don't know if I ever will. I'm sure a lot of us are in the same boat.
Meanwhile, it's fun to tinker and add on what I can, when I can.
And, to be clear on this, if it does make me a ricer, then, well, who cares?
I will then hold title as the oldest damn Ricer in Western PA, and I'm proud!

 

wagner header is better than teh OBX? im looking on doing a CAI and full exhaust.

 

thanx guys, i have been looking into intake and not to sure abuot exaust yet. im also taking a look into gettin a new header too, so thanx for the suggestions. also does anyone know of any good places to find rims. im havin troubles finding 14's.