Maxx Mazda's 2011 Build Thread

[Maxx Mazda]

Washed the car and pulled it around front to snap some pics. Used my iPhone, but hope they satisfy the masses. Taken in front of the parent's new crib:



Is that an intercooler hiding in there?



Engine bay:

[treg50]

Great job. Beauty engine-bay. Any plans to dyno it?

Sorry if you've already mentioned, I prolly missed it wading through all those awesome pics.

[Maxx Mazda]

Of course a dyno is forthcoming once it's broken in. I put down 221WHP on 7psi with this setup a few years ago. Let's see what 30+ psi of boost does on 109 leaded gas.

[kvg]

30psi wow

You did a great job on you mazda

[cycosis]

Such a clean engine bay... gorgeous work

[lilmira]

Saw your car in the Oak a while ago. Looks shape.

[Tram Common]

Unreal man. Absolutely brilliant.

[Maxx Mazda]

Guys been awhile since an update. Car now has 3,000Km on the new engine, a few upgrades have been made. I'm currently running (a modest) 15psi, and this thing fucks right off. With al lthe upgrades done, 15psi feels like 22 did on the last build. I think it's mostly the head work and the cams. I've changed plugs once, and I'm now running Mobil1 15W-50 Synthetic now that the break-in is complete.

So, since the build was completed, I installed a new deck (unremarkable) re-did the fuel system (again) and completed the PCV system with the help of a second vented catch can thanks to forum member Signature Sound.

Here are a few pics of the various upgrades since the build.

Removed the intake side PCV nipple, and drilled and tapped for a -6AN fitting.



Drilled out the interior baffles as big as I could go for maximum flow:





A shot of the installed can with black fittings and line:





Although the stock 1:1 rising rate FPR is great, I broke mine trying to convert it to an AN fitting setup. Decided to say fuck it and go with an Aeromotive rising rate adjustable regulator. Mounted it to the firewall, and installed a pressure gauge. I realize that this gauge is a bit redundant (I have a liquid filled one right on the rail as well) but whatever. Ran -6 lines with all black fittings. The red accents on the line are a nice touch. The adapter for the perrin fuel rail was actually a spare oil feed fitting for a T4 style turbo that I had lying around. Bolted up perfectly, and the gasket worked like a charm.





Excuse the iPhone pics, but here is a shot of what I hope is the finished engine bay. 8 years in the making, and I think I can finally say that I'm happy with it:

[A790]

Sharp project! What are you anticipating for HP/TQ?

[Maxx Mazda]

Originally posted by A790
Sharp project! What are you anticipating for HP/TQ?

I'll get it on the dyno before the season is done. Right now on 15psi it will roast the tires in 2nd and the top of 3rd, making it utterly useless until you're moving pretty good already. If I had to make a conservative estimate, I'd say close to 350HP at that boost level.

[Maxx Mazda]

Limped it over to the shop without 3rd gear today, (my place is across town) and got it cleaned up. Jacked the car up, and put it on stands. Did a full engine shampoo and undercarriage wash (I get under there with a scrub brush, a creeper and a pressure washer.) Pressure washed all the door jambs, inside the rims, everything. You can eat off my suspension now.

Put the car down, washed thuroughly, clay barred, washed again, and 3 coats of Meguiar's NXT wax. Detailed the interior. I'm holding off on an oil change until I pull the trans next month, but tomorrow I'm adding some sta-bil and putting the cover on once it's parked in a back corner and jacked up and there it will sit until next year. Insurance is coming off this week.

Excuse the iPhone pics:



Not a bad shine for a 9 year old car huh?

[ekguy]

Jesus Christ that is one hot mazda. Good on ya for tackling a different project.

Always like updates on this thing.

[Maxx Mazda]

Originally posted by ekguy
Jesus Christ that is one hot mazda. Good on ya for tackling a different project.

Always like updates on this thing.

Thanks! The protege platform has proven REALLY fun and rewarding to build on. It's got a bit of a "cult following" but I'm surprised it hasn't caught on a little more.

[Maxx Mazda]

Couple pics of the interior detailed and ready for storage:











Picked up a cover for $19!

[Accord_tunerx]

jesus man! looks beautiful!

[Maxx Mazda]

Thanks! Wait until you guys see what's in store for this year...

[Offroad]

Nice build thread and cool ride

[Chester]

Any plans for seats?

[Maxx Mazda]

Not yet. One of the things I loved about the car when I bought it was the seats.

[Gibson]

It's really too bad that most of the Protege5s on the used market these days are rust buckets. They are great looking cars, very practical and fun to drive. I've always wanted one.