I own a 2000 Pro Lx 1.6L, and I'm alittle disappointed because all that you guys seem to talk about are your 1.8L and 2.0L engines! I need some support here. I'm really getting into import tuning, but the protege with a 1.6L engine is far from a tuner car. Does anyone know of engine upgrades for a 1.6L? Does anyone know when import car magazine will start recognizing the capability of the protege and start making parts and such for us?! Just want some reassurance.

 

bro..i know how you feel..but be assured that the 1.6l also has plenty of potential. There are quite a few people on this board who have 1.6's and many of them are "do it yourself" types who can be a good source of help..now and in the future as more parts become available.

for example i was thinking of importing an injen cai but after seeing the custom work BIG BEN did on his CAI (im not sure where the link is anymore) i'm probably going to do something similar!!

I'm in Australia and all the bodykits here for the 323's are shitty
so guess what..i'm probably going to get one custom made.

but you've got a point. if anyone else has heard anything on the grapevine about upcoming parts for the baby 1.6l..let us know!

 

Hey,

I would say that if you want more power you should probably just put in a new engine. If you like playing around with stuff then get a CAI and minor mods but really, there will not be any parts for that motor. Why? Because there will never be any demand. No demand because most people who wanted power when they bought their car would have gone with one of the larger motor options. So, your left with a few people who didn't realize when they bought the car that they would need more horse power.

At any rate, it would be good for a 2000 to drop in an FS-ZE engine or something (if that fits). It sure would rip.

BlueP5

 

although i haven't decided if i plan on keeping the car or buying something more powerful later...if i do decide to modify mine i would probably go with a turbo setup..it'll cost me about $10000 Aus which is about $5000 US...which should cover
-complete turbo kit
-front mounted intercooler
-engine mgtment
-clutch upgrade
-labour

believe me the 78kw standard can easily be taken out to 115-120kw from this setup.

as an SP20 here costs $30000AUS
and i payed roughly $22000AUS for my Pro the cost of this setup will in itself pay for itself..when you consider an SP20 has 98kw
anywayz these are my --ghetto maths--

advantage--the car will be original..there are simply no other people here who would turbo a 1.6 protege (there are a few SP20T though..these are the P5 shape..NOT the sedan)

disadvantage--other costs..i.e brake upgrades, insurance yada dada

believe me the 1.6l is not to far off the 1.8l in terms of performance..and if Injen made CAI for the 1.6 first..your argument that no companies will produce parts for these does not stack up..

i certainly would rather go the turbo rather than do a FS-ZE conversion which arguably could be similar in costs to the turbo install.

 

you would tell your insurance company you turbo'd it?

 

after its engineered..!!

then its off to find an insurance broker who would insure the car with all the mods.

in fact there are about 5 such companies in Sydney who specialise in this..eg.."youngandcool" or "shannons"

i guess i probably would try and get some sort of insurance from these guys..$30000 is a lot of money to be throwing away..

 

bump..