Tired 2000 Protege lx getting Speed3 swap

[Easter Bunny]

I think it's just a matter of time and determination for you to get it done.

 

[mazdas4me]

I think it's just a matter of time and determination for you to get it done.

Time is non-issue because I am disabled and home all day, every day.
My problem since my Son/best friend was killed in 2015, I have been struggling severe depression. It took my health, and generally took all motivation away. Had Thyroid Cancer & Thyroids removed in May this year. I have been trying to stay positive, and definitely staying busy. Determination is for sure there too!

This project makes sense in many ways...

1) The Protege was both my Son's first car. Bought for my oldest that has passed, then given to my younger son when my oldest bought his Datsun 510.
2) More exciting and challenging over the original Mazda3 Hatch swap I had started.
3) Makes more sense because I have another Speed3 already, and really don't need 2 of them.
4) Turning one of Mazdas slowest cars into one of the fastest U.S. Mazda production cars released.
5) No one has done it. (as far as I know)
6) Imagine losing to a Protege.
7) Keeping me busy and something positive to show(hopefully)
8) Protege will be safer with added abs, tc, dsc, and the additional 4 air bags.
9) Protege won't be able to be stolen by breaking into car, and busting out lock cylinder, it will have the Speed3 theft prevention.

Another couple days and I will have a spot cleared for Protege to be stripped down to bare body.

 

[mazdas4me]

I just thought about radiator hose orientation on radiators. Checked them, and they are almost in same place. I originally had planned on buying a 2 row all aluminum radiator, with matching shroud and fans to fit Protege. After measuring, I am sure the Speed3 radiator, shroud, fans, and a/c condenser will fit in Protege with minimal modification. Less $ I need to spend on the project.

I thought for sure the radiator hoses would be on opposite sides, glad they weren't!

Everything just wants to fit.

Anyone think of anything I might need to consider, measure, or check that might prevent this from happening? A lot going on, I am sure to overlook something.

 

[mazdas4me]

I just thought about radiator hose orientation on radiators. Checked them, and they are almost in same place. I originally had planned on buying a 2 row all aluminum radiator, with matching shroud and fans to fit Protege. After measuring, I am sure the Speed3 radiator, shroud, fans, and a/c condenser will fit in Protege with minimal modification. Less $ I need to spend on the project.

I thought for sure the radiator hoses would be on opposite sides, glad they weren't!

Everything just wants to fit.

 

[Mauro_Penguin]

What about fuel line and engine mount orientation, isnt the Protege engine facing opposite of the MS3 engine?

What about heater hoses? I know it's not a deal breaker, but if you are looking to keep everything as functional as possible, I would check the orientation of those too.

 

[mazdas4me]

What about fuel line and engine mount orientation, isnt the Protege engine facing opposite of the MS3 engine?

What about heater hoses? I know it's not a deal breaker, but if you are looking to keep everything as functional as possible, I would check the orientation of those too.

Engine orientation same, but wouldn't matter. I'm using firewall, and complete dash out of speed, so heater hoses will line up like OEM. Fuel lines, and fuel tank will be swapped over from speed also.

Remember, all speed everything is being used on the protege body.

It's going to be a pretty slick swap, if you can call it a swap. More like a merge...

 

[mazdas4me]

The seam sealer arrived today. This was the cheapest I could find. I bought 2 tubes @ $12 each. Going to rain here for a week or so, plus Turkey day. I probably won't be updating thread for a week or so.

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone!

 

[automaticonlyspeed3]

OLD PROJECT BUMP... its been 6 years.. any update on this thing?
was it ever completed? scrapped?

anybody ever hear what happened?