I just purchased a used 94 Protege DX. I bought it for my wife to drive. I have always liked Mazda's, as I am an avid 93 Twin Turbo RX7 owner. I am quite impressed with the power of the little 1.8SOHC. I am going through the car to iron out any problems. It has 141k and runs great. I have a few questions that I hope someone can answer for me. I find the handling quite sponge-like. I know the shocks are history, but feel that even with new shocks, the car may be too softly sprung. Perhaps a swaybar and or strut tower bar may be what the car needs. Granted, I mainly drive a RX7 with coilovers and a much more refined suspension, but I am trying to improve the handling of my Protege somewhat. I also am having a problem with the seat belt retractors. One is stuck forward and one back. I checked the fuse, but cannot see any obvious reason they don't work. They don't appear to even trying to move. I have a Haynes manual but the only reference I see is to a Retractor Control Unit. I have no clue as to where it is located or even if this is a common point of failure on these cars. I see the is a TSB from Mazda for 1997 addressing the retractors. I would like to find a replacement airbox. I would like to find some good sources of aftermarket upgrade parts for this car. Can someone help steer me in the right direction?
Thanks, Rick

 

Hello Rick and welcome to the clup, and our little happy home away from home. If you will look through the 2nd Gen sections of the forum I am sure you will either find what you are looking for....OR other 2nd gen owners that are more than willing to help you out. Our regional sections tend to be more for show/event announcements and get together coordination.....

Again..Welcome to the club.

 

Your '94 is a 1st gen, not a 2nd gen as Sir Nuke mentioned above.
do a search on anthing that your interested in.........it has most likely been discussed already.

as for websites:

www.corksport.com
www.nopionline.com
www.barelylegaltransplants.com