Just got a 2007 Mazda 3 Hatch 2.3L 5 speed for cheap since it has the dreaded knock. Not my first Mazda, my first car back in 95 was a 626 5sp with a 2.0. Then about 5 years ago I had a 2003 Protege5 2.0 5sp, 250k on it when it finally developed the same knock.
Car is in good shape, 115k on it, but the motor is on its last leg. At first I was going to just do a direct used oem swap into it off of eBay but...
I've looked through the 2.3 to 2.5 threads and the list on tonygun's post of compatible engines.
2010-2012 seems to be the magic years for a donor. My question about the newer 13+ motors, are they an easy transplant or not worth it.
So far I think other than the engine, I'll need a 6 or cx7 intake manifold and throttle body.
Any suggestions are welcomed. This will be my first time doing a engine swap and I want to make it as trouble free as possible.
Thanks for the advice in advance. I'm handy enough but I'll have a friend who is a proficient mechanic. I just want to be well versed in what to look for and expect.
Located in Southern Illinois so I'm probably looking at buying a motor shipped to me, any suggestions other than eBay and lkq?
I PM'd you about your questions. The adapter plate is only needed if you retain the original intake and T/body setup. You probably know that from reading through the various threads. The later 2.5's are the way to go as they are cheap and have low mileage. You can go as high as 2018. Possibly 2019 but they are probably not around yet. The procedure is the same for both newer and older engines except for the VVT connector and the need to get the Mazda valve cover to seal around the later VVT's. Addressed that in my thread. Not a big deal.
Just bought a 2012 ford 2.5 with 84k on it. Going to pick it up this weekend. Under $240 w/tax!
I also just ordered a adapter and gasket from 2008 Milan.
I'm thinking of picking up 2 engine stands from HF, hopefully making the part swap a little easier.
Thanks for all the advice and help, I'm sure I'll still have questions once I dig in...
Let's start a list.
Things to change over from 2.3L to 2.5L.
1. Oil pan
2. Oil pick up tube
3. Timing chain cover
4. Crankshaft pulley
5. Entire belt tensioner assembly with pulley
6. Water pump pulley
7. Valve cover
8. Pilot bushing, (I got a new one with the new clutch kit) if you have a manual tranny
9. Spark plugs ( Use Mazda spark plugs, trust me!)
10. Use entire Mazda ignition components
11. Intake manifold with adapter plate
12. Oil pressure sensor
13. Head water cooling block ( You can get a new o-ring from Autozone. Part Number: 35833)
14. PCV valve with hose
15. Thermostat housing and gasket
16. Oil dipstick
17. Crankshaft sensor
18. Camshaft sensor
19. VVT solenoid connector
Things to use from Ford engine
1. VVT solenoid ( Variable Valve Timing )
2. VVT rubber bushing (May have to modify valve cover...maybe. Have a look.)
These are just off the top of my head and may not be everything. A good place to start, though. Please feel free to add on. I do like a current list with the newer engine swaps.
I am not a professional mechanic, but an experienced wrencher. These are the things that I changed over given the info obtained from various threads. Good luck!
The intake cams should be the same.
You will have to splice on the VVT solenoid connector from the Ford engine into the Mazda wiring harness.
My 2.5L engine came with the spin on oil filter set up, unlike the Mazda cartridge ( stupid, IMO), so I kept the spin on set up.
Rent the crankshaft, camshaft timing tools and watch the videos by Baxrok2 on Youtube. A must if this is your first time doing the timing on these engines. I wished I had seen it first.
By some white electrical tape and a sharpie and label everything in whatever manner makes sense to you, as you disassemble the 2.3L. Take as many pictures as you can. It will help with the reassembly.
Read the threads, watch the videos. They all help. Good luck!
Well, I just got my car all done, no CEL, had a local buddy do it for me. He didn't have any problems, it all went smoothly. A bit more expensive than I thought it would be but that's usually the way it goes for me. I'd planned on doing a lot of it myself but just got a new job so I recruited him to throw it in.
I blew up #4 cylinder right as I drove it over there a couple weeks ago. Shattered the entire piston off the cam, miraculously it still ran even with 2 big holes in the block.
Time will tell how it is long term, but as of now it runs fantastic compared to the gimped 2.3.
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