I have a good friend of mine who is considering purchasing a 2003 MSP. It looks to be in very good shape and has some nice aftermarket add ons, but reading on the MSP forums I noticed what seems like a high number of engine failures at pretty low boost levels (9 PSI or around there). To me this seems really low. I also discovered that the main problem is very weak con-rods, and it beng a long-stroke engine. Does anyone on here know much about these cars? He wants it as a dily driver and from what I've read it doesn't seem like it'd be a safe bet. His other choice right now is a Cobalt SS which seem to be much more relaible and handles boost much better. I told him that'd probably be a better bet. Any thoughts?

protege's are slow...look badass though

my friend has a 5sp protege its not the speed, but it is quick, and they look good, but the ss is also very badass...tough call

They have what, 170bhp stock? I'm sure with a boost controler and a reflash they would be faster but I have heard about the engine failure. Personally, the Cobalt SS is really growing on me and with a few GM upgrades can have 250whp under factory warranty.

Yeah exactly my point. The top MSP's with built engines are barely cracking teh high 12's. The stock bottom end can only handle 8-10 psi in the MSP depending on who you talk to. The only thing I dont like about a Cobalt SS is the horrific rear spoiler. If that is optional, I would drive one. This kid isn't exactly car savvy, so I think a high maint. limited run car like the MSP would be a disaster in his hands, no offense to him.

Yeah exactly my point. The top MSP's with built engines are barely cracking teh high 12's. The stock bottom end can only handle 8-10 psi in the MSP depending on who you talk to. The only thing I dont like about a Cobalt SS is the horrific rear spoiler. If that is optional, I would drive one. This kid isn't exactly car savvy, so I think a high maint. limited run car like the MSP would be a disaster in his hands, no offense to him.

I hear you on the spoiler. If I ever get one, I would just find someone with a regular non-spoiler trunk and swap, no biggie. The looks and performance have been growing on me, esp since a friend got one with a few GM upgrades. Nice cars.

the cobalt ss/saturn RL's are good cars and you can get them up in HP and TQ quickly with a few upgrades. My friend has his RL up to almost 300whp but his 41 lbs injectors are maxed and he still has the stock exhaust on there. Good reliable cars.

MSP's I havent really ever heard/learned much about them so my info is biased.

MSP is a decent car...
too expensive, and not enough power to make it worthwhile though.

Nice Sparco interior dress-up items though... red-stitched gear knob and wheel...

My friend had one, and drove the piss out of it, so much so, that he had the rear fender liner replaced twice from hard-cornering and rubbing.

With that said, I'd suggest the Mazdaspeed MX-5.
a whole lot more power to the wheels... (the rear, not the front)
;)

With that said, I'd suggest the Mazdaspeed MX-5.
a whole lot more power to the wheels... (the rear, not the front)
;)

+1

and the BP engine can hold its boost

idk bout the mechanical/technical stuff, but they are sharp looking. idk, not my style usually, but i have always had a liking for them anyways. BUT, WHAT YOU SHOULD DO, is talk him into BUYING A FOCUS!

^I agree get him into a focus lol

I would go SS its new has more god given talent and wont throw a rod if he decides to boost it