'99 Protege LX 1.6L, starter modding
 

So I'm looking into installing a short ram intake on my '99 1.6L Protege LX - http://siteground207.com/~protegeg/product_info.php?cPath=21_31_45&products_id=81 - this one in particular, is there anything besides the kit that I need to get? How do I know if the mass air flow sensor is included? Are there cheaper kits, or any kits with better performance?

This is my first time really doing anything to the car, the only other thing I've done was get a K&N Air filter. oo; What else can I do to my car?

I'd also like to install some fog lights on the car, but I don't know really where to look for those. Would these be okay? http://siteground207.com/~protegeg/p...roducts_id=105

I've looked around, and saw that a 00+ Celica GT-S MAF is the way to go with a non-stock intake. I'm also looking at getting an ECU, are those for manuals only? I'm driving an automatic.

i wouldn't worry about getting a new MAF if you aren't going to turbocharge. a different MAF will net you probably less than 1 hp and you will spend a pretty decent chunk of change on that. the MAF only really makes a difference when you are going forced induction since there is only so much air a car can breathe naturally.

your best mod for your money is a header. it will net you the most power and make a difference in the sound of your car, even with stock exhaust. i always recommend intake, header, exhaust in that order. there is a sticky at the top titled "N/A theory." it is a really good read for when you have the time.

Sweet, thanks.
I'm guessing local auto part stores would be the best place to get these parts/items? I don't really have a way to buy online, other than sending a check in.

I'm looking at getting the AEM SRI from O'Reilly's, since I cant really find it anywhere else locally.

We've got autozone, advance auto parts, and oreilly's, and napa.

Also, do I HAVE to get the kits for the SRI? Or can I just get the parts and make one myself. I heard it was WAY cheaper that way.

if you were going to do that, i would just e-bay it for an intake. it is a lot cheaper and like i said, most intakes are the same.

Hey um i have a 2000 protege 1.6l too i have found it easy searching on ebay for you intake, and they have some nice obx headers you should check it out.

So I've decided to make my own intake set, since I can't find any local stores who carry it, and I'll be getting an 00+ Celica GT-S MAF. My question is, what diameter piping should I use to make it? Should I just take measurements on how much free space I have, or what? And what do I do with the snorkle on the front of the car that connects to the stock air filter? Also, are there any guides/instructions on making your own intake setup for these cars?
'99 Mazda Protege LX 1.6L

The reason local stores not having it is a problem, is because I can't order anything online. :[

making your own intake is just kind of a one-off thing. your best bet would be to look at installed pics online of some intakes and see what you want.

the rule of thumb for intakes is this; if you want more top-end response and better gains in a specific power band, go with something short and as straight as possible, pipe diameter of 3 inches. if you want the power gains to be a little less, but spread out over the power band, go with longer tubing that pulls from outside of the engine compartment. pipe diameter here could either be 2.5 or 3 inch. i would recommend 2.5 since the engine really isn't going to use all of that anyways.