Hello fellow tuners.
New to forums, but not new to tuning. I have a pretty good background with cars & the racing scene. My Dad rallye races as a hobby in Jamaica & my uncle owns a NASCAR racing team Belnavis Racing .
I've spent most of time under the DSM flag. I've owned 2 2nd Gen Mitsubishi Eclipses, and modified both. I've also had a 1993 Acura Integra. Mazda runs in the family though...my Dad had a 1st gen RHD drive that he swapped from an ATX to a 5 SPD and modded that. My Mom STILL has her 1989 RX-7 GTU....she bought it brand new....still runs like a bat outta hell. Now, I have crossed over and decided to pick up the MP5. I have a 2002 and unfortunately it's an automatic. Oh well, it's not like the regular auto shifter, it has the tiptronic shifter. Never owned an auto...but hey it's ok. Since I know this car won't be winning any races anytime soon, I'm going to go w/only bolt-on performance parts (CAI/E/H) and build up the car internally. I guess I've never really travelled the "show" route, so that's where I'll be going w/the V. Shoot, none of the other cars I've owned have had enough space. Well, if you all would like to offer some advice please do.
I have yet to snap a picture...but it's a white 02....but I'm thinking about 18s, maybe 19s....I have already checked out Rishies Recipe....so i know what I'll be getting into. Seems I have a head start since the MP5 and the DSM shares the same bolt pattern. Carbon fiber hood for sure and the front JDM splitter. I'm also considering doing the rebadging and going all out on the "Familia" conversion with the exterior. We'll see where that goes.
I'll attach a few of my old Eclipse.
Thanks in advance as I know I will constantly be on this site for resource and knowledge purposes!
Regards,
Phillip A. Belnavis

But just call me Phil....

 

Hey Phil, it's good to meet another Protege owner AND fellow alabamian. I'm inbetween Alabaster and Montevallo.

there's a lot of good info on this forum but it sounds like you already know a bit of our little niche! Good on you! If you need anything or have any questions do a quik search and then drop a post to see if we can help you out. We don't know it all but we'll help you figure out what we dont' know.

Did you have any performance goals for your 02?

 

Well...I'm not here by choice. I'm stationed at Maxwell AFB, in Montgomery.

As for performance....well, I'm going to keep it at a minimum....car is still under warranty....for the next 60k miles or 6 years...so.

Suspension:
Lowering Springs (had coil overs on both Eclipses). Dont want to jeopordize the great Mazda handling with going full race set-up.
KONI shocks
Front & rear tower bars
Wheels 18s or 19s

Engine:
Cold Air Intake
Exhaust
Headers

I have a garret T-3 turbo that I was going to install on another project car, but fell through. I'd have to get a turbo/exhaust manifold made, but I'm not sure if I want to get into that right now. I might re-convince my GF to let me install it on her 2003 Civic Ex...which is also modified by yours truly. She has intake, exhaust and some suspension work...she's under warranty also....and you know some girls w/their cars....they are just like us.

 

not to burst your bubble or anything but ANY modification you do to your car can and most likely will void your warranty. This is a BIG problem with mazda's. Dealers deny warranty claims for no reason at all so they'll be looking for reasons to not honor their warranty.

The rule thumb when it comes to modding a mazda is: If you can't afford to repair it DON'T MOD IT!!

 

That's insane....well I guess since I'll only be doing the simple bolt-ons, I should be good.

I've had my fair share w/the DSMs believe me...the tranny is WEAK! And I've blown 2 engines...one was hydrolocked (my non-turbo) and the other one blew the head....sucked. I've had both repaired and opted to get out while I could. The warranty issue is news to me though.

Alabaster, that's on the way to B-ham right?

 

yeah, it's about halfway between Clanton and B'ham....

mazda warranty = teh suxorz

 

True man...hopefully we'll up for a get2gether.

 

there's a very large meet in Pelham (just north of alabaster) at Oak Mountain State Park on 2-4, 2-5, and 2-6....lots of mazdas. you should plan on comin if you can.

 

Just say NO to 18s and 19s...especially if you are "not wanting to jeopardize the great Mazda handling"!!!!! They are heavy and you'll have to run rubberband tires on them! I know, because I put 18s on for show and it severely impacts my ability to drive my car in the customary manner. I feel like I have slugs on each corner of my vehicle

Anyway, if you are desperate for the bling, keep your stockies for everyday driving that's what I do. In fact, I'm so weird that I use the stock 16s for "inclement weather", 17s w/good rubber for track days, and 18s for show. I'm definitely spoiled, and not in that "left out overnight on the kitchen counter" kind of way.

Welcome to P-Club. Enjoy your stay. We will attempt to be kind and courteous to you...

Karen

 

yeah nothing larger than 17's going on my P5

 

I wondered how long it was going to be until someone mentioned that. I figured someone would say something about that. Post up a pic or 2 if you don't mind, I'm curious as to what your 17s & 18s look like.
Thanks much!
-Phil

 

my p5 with the 17" mp3 racing harts.

 

From 16" polished aluminum stockies with Toyo Proxes FZ4s 205/45/16:


to 17 X 7 Mille Miglia HT-3s with Toyo Proxes T1-S 205/40/17:


and rounding out the family are the 18 X 7.5 Teckademics Stigmatas with Federal SS-595s 205/35/18:

here is what they look like without center caps (front car):

 

p.s. Rod needs tint.

 

I'm still riding on my stockies (well, not for winter), but I have never seen a P5 or Pro with 18s or 19s that didn't look like total $h!t.
Welcome!