Keeping it all in the Familia, Mazda Familia

Wagons are probably the most underestimated and least appreciated cars in the world of wheel fitment. They are often immediately relegated to being soccer mom cars or the designated grocery getter. This is definitely not the case with Chris’ Mazda. The first encounter I ever had with this car was at Wekfest SF in 2010. I remember spying this wagon hanging among the many showstoppers (Rocking a set of Volk GTP’s at the time) but little did I know that this thing is Chris’ daily driver. Chris keeps this thing in immaculate condition and it really shows how he is a detail oriented man. Just look at the clean contrast between the powdercoated white centers of the Blitz wheels to the sharp silver paint.


Chances are you’ve never seen a Mazda wagon like this and that isn’t surprising to us at Carsxhype. Chris bought this car used in 2007 and transformed it bit-by-bit into the beauty that you now see before your eyes!

Chris had the goal of giving the car a clean appearance while still maintaining aggressive lines. I can safely say he has exceeded his goal. However, it's not only what you can see on the outside that makes this car so impressive but also what’s on the inside.

17×8 Blitz Type-01′s shoehorned underneath those fenders!

Starting from the outside, it has gone under a complete transformation with an ’03 Protege 5 Exterior accentuated by a sprinkling of JDM goodies such as the JDM tailights and badges. Just lurking behind the lower grille is a set of Yellow PIAA HID fogs that can really light up the night. Like I told you, this man is into details.

Hiding under that hood is a new motor that Chris swapped in himself (I’m telling you this guy is a perfectionist in a good way of course) but upgraded with a Perrin fuel rail, Mishimoto radiator, MP3 ECU and Intake manifold, Engine harness wire tuck and much more! There is a whole list of mods at the end of this article that show you how much has gone into this whole car.

If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area keep your eyes peeled for Chris’ Wagon roaming the streets. You will definitely have to look twice and pick your jaw up off the floor after it passes by.

Here’s a final shot of that mean Mazda face! Rawr!

Modification List:

In terms of fitment mods:
Rolled fenders front, roll and small pull in rear
Camber: -2 front, -2.6 rear
2003 Mazda Protege5 Exterior
Mazdaspeed Front Bumper
Mazdaspeed 03.5 Front lip
JDP Replica Front Spoiler
iSport Wing Lip (molded)
Tint – 50% front, 35% rear
WeatherTech Window Visors
JDM Familia Sport20 Taillights
JDM Familia Emblem
VG Shark Fin Antenna
Mazda6 Wagon Rear Wiper
DDM Tuning 6000K 55W HID Kit
PIAA 1500XT Fog Light Housing
DDM Tuning 3000K 35W HID Kit
Laminx Yellow Film (fogs)
CDM Headlight Blackout

Interior:
Mazdaspeed Floor Mats
Mazdaspeed Door Sills
Mazdaspeed Pedal Set
Carbon Fiber and Brushed Aluminum vinyl
Monster Knobs Shift Knob
Redline Goods Shift Boot
LED Lighting

Electronics/Stereo:
Kenwood DNX8120 with iPod Adapter
Eclipse XA4000 4-channel Amplifier
Eclipse XA1000 Mono Amplifier
Polk Audio SR6500 Components
Polk Audio DXi Midbasses
Stereo Integrity BM mkiii in custom stealth spare tire enclosure
Monster Cable Wiring
Dynamat & RAAMmat Sound Deadening
Optima Red top battery
JL Audio fuse blocks

Wheels/Tires/Suspension:
Blitz Racing Type-01 17×8 +30f, +35r
Falken Ziex-912 205/40/17
BC Racing BR-Type Coilovers
GT-Spec Trailing Arms
Carbing Front/Rear Strut Tower Bars
Racing Beat Rear Sway Bar
Whiteline Sway Bar Lateral Locks

Engine/Performance:
Mazda MP3 ECU
Mazda MP3 Intake Manifold
Perrin Fuel Rail
Outlaw Engineering Thermal Spacers
AWR Deep Sump Oil Pan
Intake Snorkel Delete
Nology Hotwires with Custom Mount
Mishimoto Aluminum Radiator
SPAL Slim Fans
Samco Urban Camo Coolant Hoses
Racing Beat Catback Exhaust
Corksport J-Pipe
Corksport Exhaust Hangers
AWR Side Motor Mount Inserts
Corksport Front/Rear Motor Mount Inserts
Medieval Air Diversion Panel
Black Wrinkle Valve Cover
Tein Hood Dampers
Mild Engine Harness Wire Tuck

Transmission/Drivetrain:
Mazdaspeed 16lb Flywheel
Mazdaspeed LSD (welded)
Exedy Clutch
NSN Motorsports 5th Gear Upgrade
Kartboy Short Shifter & Shifter Bushings

Achievements
Mazdas247.com Mazda of the Month – February 2010 and February 2011
Mazfest 2010 – Best Display/Longest Traveled

Words: Michael Klonoff
Photos: Lorenz Mabutas, Levi Daniels

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