I ran a search and didn't find anything to answer my question. And before I shell out $150 or so for the shop manual, I was wondering how specific it is? For example, if I wanted to install high compression pistons and everything that goes with it and cams, etc. would the manual have step-by-step instructions for the installations, or merely an in-depth look at the engine and the parts? Thanks for replies.

 

The best answer is probably to go down to the dealer and look at it yourself. What might be detailed for one person (me) might not be detailed enough for another (you).
Maybe somebody can post pics of that section.

 

I've been down to my dealer a couple times inquiring about prices for the various manuals, but they have none in stock.

 

Give me an example of what you're looking for and I'll post a photo of what the book has detailed.

 

Just a page or 2 of the high compression pistons installation would be great. I intend to save up over summer and work a lot of the engine next autumn. Thanks for taking your time, greatly appreciated.

PS - If there is no section on HC, other engine modding installs would work, too.

 

I don't have the shop manual for this vehicle, so you might not want to take me too seriously.

But usually, the shop manuals give instructions for putting the car back in its stock form. It will tell you how to put pistons in, but it won't tell you anything specific to high compression pistons, because stock Proteges in North America don't come with high compression pistons. (At least I don't think they do.)

And even though the instructions are usually pretty complete, they assume that the audience for the book is made up of auto mechanics. They might tell you to do something like "check the piston for out-of-round to a tolerance of <blah>". They'll assume you know what that means, have the tools to do it, and know how to do it.

 

I DO have the shop manual, and always find them useful, if for nothing else than finding jacking points, and taking stuff apart without breaking them. As noted in a previous post, factory manuals assume a high level of mechanical competence. Also, model-specific tools are often mentioned. As far as mods go, forget it. You will find NOTHING mentioned about tuning or modifications, only textbook style facts about diagnosis, disassembly, and re-assembly. However, the manaul is useful to have so you get the assembly steps right, even if you are not installing stock pistons. By the way, dealers generally never carry shop manuals in stock. Even the big mail/phone/internet dealers usually have to special order.

 

So when I start getting parts for the engine, you all agree it would be best to spend the $150 or so on the shop manual? Or is it just as useful to get the Haynes for $20 or so?

 

The Protege shop manual has detailed and specific steps and procedures for everything from removing the back seats to disassembling the engine. It also lists special tools required, and torque specs for every bolt. You will definitely want one for reference when doing engine work.

 

Spend the money! You will not regret it.

 

Sounds like my next paycheck will go towards the shop manual then. Do you guys think I should pay the extra $65 for the electrical/wiring diagram book, too? How useful is that?

 

I have it... Just in case

 

I was also looking for a shop manual and called the dealer where I bought my car and he said it was only $85 CAN but would be 2-3 weeks before I get it as they have to order them in. He said they might even have to make another print run in which case it would be longer. The factory one has to be better than a Hayne or Chilton. I have both for my last cars and they never seem to have the diagrams you need. Good luck. I think $150 is steep you might want to shop around a bit.

 

You sure that's the shop manual and not the owner's manual? I do plan to call other dealers and scour the web, though. Wish me luck!

 

The Haynes and (even worse) Chilton's manuals aren't very specific... usually they cover a wide range of models. In fact, the Chilton's book for mine covers just about every piston model that mazda offers