Well, I've been reading and searching here for several months and I've finally decided the path I'm going to take for my Protege - I'm going to turbocharge my existing motor. I've got Jess Dillow's list in hand, in fact, I'm already bidding on a couple of Starion FMIC's. I'm going to start buying the bits and pieces for the project over the next several months. I anticipate that in about 6-9 months that I will be purchasing a new car for use as my daily driver, possibly a Mazda6 or a used Millenia. This will give me plenty of time to find all the parts I need at affordable prices and research the project thoroughly, hence the reason I'm starting this thread. Here's a few of my reasons for going this way:

1. Cost - I want to do this project in the most cost effective manner possible. I'm not made of money, something I'm sure many of you can relate to. Now this doesn't mean I'm going to cheap out. Some of you who know me realize that I've spent some decent money trying to get a quality part (whatever it was), but still, cost is a large factor.

2. Labor - I want to do it myself. This of course stems from the cost reason, but I also want to make sure the job is done right. I'm a big proponent of the notion that "if you want the job done right, you've got to do it yourself".

3. Knowledge - I want to learn. Doing it myself achieves that goal. Right now I know just a few terms and concepts. When I'm done I hope to know volumes! Hopefully this thread will be of use to others as well.

So that's it! I look forward to any knowledge and insight that you guys can share with me and thank you in advance for it!

 

Ok, so here's my first question. While looking for a Walbro 255 ltr fuel pump, I'm noticing a lot of listings for different vehicle models. The only Mazda ones I've seen listed are for two different gens of the RX-7. Will one of these work? Anybody have a part number for one that will work in the 1st gen Pro?

 

http://www.autoperformanceengineerin...ml#application
thay have listing for protege

 

Sweet. If you are looking at Jesse Dillow's setup then I am assuming you'll be getting a VJ-20. Am I correct? What exactly will your setup be? So far, Starion intercooler and Walbro fuel pump.....

Will you be running a stand alone, GTX Ecu, or will you be using your stock Ecu like Jesse Dillow's setup?

I have been doing a lot of research on this too, but can't make up my mind yet. I know that if I start buying turbo parts my wallet will start getting lighter and lighter.

 

Congrats, dude! You have one of the nicest looking first gens for sure, it'll be awesome when you're done! I hate you!

In reply to Identity's post... I'm not trying to make decisions for you, but if you're trying to be as cost effective as possible without 'cheaping out'... I think the GTX ecu would be the way to go... Relatively inexpensive ($300-$400ish), and it's MEANT for a boosted engine... While a standalone would be much better, you'd have to spend at least double for a simliar solution...

But I dunno, I'm not a turbo expert

 

IdentityX - I know you've seen this list before because Darryl posted it once and you replied that all these parts would cost around $2000 .... omg, I'm starting to memorize old threads! I need a shrink!

Anyway here's the parts listing that Jess has:

--VJ-20 Turbo from a GTX imported from Japan http://www.corksport.com/ = $300
--Exhaust Manifold -from a GTX = $176 from Cork Sport
--Jacobs "Boost Master" timing controller -from Jacobs Electronics. = $245
--Fuel Management Unit (FMU) -from Cartech. = $200 #20005 rising rate fuel pressure regulator
--Starion/Conquest TSI intercooler = $120
--Mandrel Bends -from JC Whitney. I used a 5 -90 degree bends and 2 -45 degree bends in my setup YMMV
--Bosch BOV = $55
--Walbro 255 ltr./hr. fuel pump -from VE Petersen Company 1-800-537-6212 = $130
--Gauges: from Summit Racing. = about $300
Boost
Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT)
A/F ratio
Fuel Pressure
Oil Pressure
Water Temperature
--"Grainger" Valve to control boost. http://pages.cthome.net/gus/mike.html = $2
--Apexi S-AFC ($327) and GTX 330 cc injectors (about $150) can now safely run 10 psi
--4-wire TPS sensor to allow the S-AFC to work properly
Can also use: Pre 95 talon BOV (the all metal one) about 45.00 (used) 2" copper bends used for water pipe with radiator hose in various bends to connect the piping.


Funk - I'm no turbo expert either ... far from it! I've thought about the gtx ecu, but wouldn't I have to re-wire everything with the jdm harness? Sounds like a pita to me. What out of this list would the ecu replace? Would I be able to tune the setup above better than the gtx ecu, ie. higher boost?

 

yup that list is familiar, I have also been speaking with Jesse Dillow about the turbo set up also
bruce

 

That is the exact same questions that I have. If getting the GTX ecu can replace some of the more expensive parts like the FMU and the Apexi S-AFC then it will be a better alternative for those with limited funds. I know that I read somewhere that some of the parts on that list are not 'a must' for a good running setup, but that was a while ago and I can't recall the details.

 

Yea, I'm guessing the GTX ecu would replace the need for an AFC and the FMU. (How's that for a bunch of acronyms?) I'm assuming with those two items, you're still going to be running the ECU on your car? I don't think either of those units would totally replace the ECU, but I dunno?

 

The last generataion of RX-7 turbo fuel pump is the one that your after if you can't get the walbro. The RX-7 pump is a direct replacement to that of the Protege.
As far as using the GTX ECU. You wouldn't need the AFC, and Timing controller. I think you would still need the FMU because the N/A motor's FPR is not "boost aware" like the BPT motor.

For your build up, I think that you should probably go full aftermarket for the ECU. Something like SDS or Haltech and stay away from the piggybacks. Seeing as this will no longer be your daily driver, it will allow way more flexability on the components you choose plus you can "learn" and "play" with your setup. I would just keep an eye on Ebay since your not in a rush anyways.

Whatever way you go; Good Luck on the project!

 

Did anybody tried to use megasquirt in their turbo protege project?I think that should work.And that's cheap.But it's a lot of work to build it.
You can see infos here:
http://www.bgsoflex.com/megasquirt.html

 

A standalone is the way to go, but I am pretty sure that this is not "the most cost effective manner possible" as standalones are pretty expensive. As for the GTX ecu........ is the wiring harness a must or could the wires be spliced to fit with the existing LX harness? I know that the GTX harness is not a direct replacement and the wiring needs to be extended. Can anyone give a little more detailed info on that?

 

no need to extend the gtx harnes it can be put in to protege but it wont run in same place as protege harnes. the difrence is the 2 plugs that conect the interior harnes with ecu harnes,also fuel pump circut has to be modified.

 

The least expensive price I've seen on a gtx ecu and harness was from Braden at ~$500. If I could find a used Haltech down in the $600-$800 range then I might consider, but that's probably a dream. I still have the question about the tunabilty differences between the s-afc and gtx ecu. I seem to remember something about the gtx ecu being limited to ~5-8 lbs of boost, but I could go up towards 10 lbs with the s-afc.

 

The GTX ECU is limited to 15-16psi before boost cut. However the S-AFC is a way to remove the cut. If you need more boost!
I have heard of folks picking up the SDS systems on ebay for about $800