Mazda Protege 1999 1.6L manual Noobie questions
 

Hey guys this is my first post, basically I have some confusion about a few things.

I read the post about where to start on upgrading while keeping it naturally aspirated. My main question is about the ecu. I keep reading about this mp3 reflashing, I understand what th ecu is, and what reflashing is, but what the hell is the MP3 part? Is this a special unit that comes with the 2001 protege model? Is the one on my 1999 not flash-re-programmable? Does this mean I have to buy the 2001 mp3 version? Also can I do the flashing myself? I am pretty tech savvy, and would need some certain software (Recommendations appreciated). I am a do-it-yourself kinda guy and would like to learn about ecu stuff on this car. Turbo charging seems like a lot of work and money, so I'd like to stay away from it. I just wanna do the headers, intake and exhaust work myself.

Thanks!
Nikita

One more Thing!
 

Also, I was looking at the cost of some of these upgrades and I think for 10 whp gain it really isn't worth it. However, I do want to get a short shifter and would like to make the little guy more fun to drive. Anyone know how to improve throttle response? Is it all ecu or is there some mechanical thing I can do/buy.

Thanks again!