As any vehicle owner likely knows, sometimes finding the right parts, especially when it comes to the performance realm can be difficult if your car is not one of the major models usually designated for such upgrades. Case in point, owning a Honda Civic provides you with an almost unlimited amount of possible products and upgrades for your car. However, we do not all own Honda Civics, and, for that reason, it is sometimes necessary to look around a bit and do some research before buying a particular product for your car. Today’s example comes from Mazda, and is the Protégé, a small, economical sedan.
Protégé owners tend to stride a fine line. One on hand, their cars are produced mainly for convenience and family. However, many are not aware that the Protégé provides an excellent opportunity for tuning as well. Even though we do not often think of the Protégé as a car worthy of tuning, the phenomenal handling and decent engine output of the vehicle places it as a prime target for those looking for a four door car that has some room for improvement. One such area is definitely the exhaust, as the stock system on the Protégé seems to be designed for nothing more than incredible quietness and a choke on the engine.
For those who do want to effectively modify their Protégé’s exhaust, one of the best products available can be found in the GReddy EVO2 cat back exhaust system. There are two different GReddy systems produced for the Protégé, being the EVO2 and the SP2. Although the price ranges are similar, which product you want depends on the gain you are looking for. Going for a more performance oriented approach, the EVO2 is the clear winner, and although it may not be the cheapest option on the market, it is definitely worth it for those who want the best from their car.
Unlike some exhaust systems, the EVO2 is designed to precisely fit the Protégé, and this can easily be seen in the ease of installation. An hour or two is all it takes to get the EVO2 on and functioning properly. However, as with any exhaust system, professional installation is recommended.
As soon as one starts the vehicle, the improvements are noticeable. From the first time the key is turned, the improved sound of the EVO2 is easy to notice. Although it does not roar, the sound is nicely improved, and the more aggressive growl of the system is easy to notice, even on start up. However, idle noise is not greatly effected, and the car still seems balanced even with the exhaust system installed. The tone is noticeably improved while driving, and most drivers will find themselves amazed that their Protégé really can sound like that. Of course, the goal of GReddy, which makes a large variety of tuning products, is not to produce a cheap or nasty sounding system, and this is easy to see while driving. While it is definitely a fair bit louder than stock, the tone is excellent overall. Traveling through the RPM range yields some impressive growl and a nicely aggressive sound, without sounding too loud or like the exhaust system has a hole in it.
Of course, sound is only one aspect of an exhaust system, and anyone considering this type of upgrade for their car is likely interested in performance gains as well. Luckily, the EVO2 has that area covered as well. While it will not turn the Protégé into a race car, the improved horsepower and torque (GReddy claims about 10% of each) can be felt. The gains the system provides can especially be felt through the mid-range of the RPMs, and although the top of end of the car is not effective (the Protégé has a fairly low redline), even off the line acceleration is improved. No, it will not make the Protégé a speed demon, but for a car that was already moderately quick, the EVO2 does nothing but improve the driving ability of the car.
Of course, the extra noise and slightly reduced gas mileage are definitely factors to consider before purchasing the EVO2. However, for those that want some better sound and better performance from their vehicle, the EVO2 may very well be one of the best cat-back exhaust systems available for the Protégé, and is well worth every penny of it’s price tag.
