Swapping suspension From 323f bg..??

[DeadMaker]

Ok guys a question to ask..
My previous car is a mazda 323f bg 1.6 1992 model with carburator system.Not injection.In a few days i will withdraw it from the road.
So is there any part from the suspension or from the engine which i can swap it to mx3 b6d?The apex lowering springs (which i had install them about two years ago)do they fit in mx3?

Thank you

[hotsiit]

Brought to you by Clubprotege.com:

323f (that is the 5 door hatchback? also know as astina? Either way, if its a "bg" chassis, suspensions should be swappable with the "ec" chassis)

This guide covers the various suspension parts that interchange between the following models:

* 1991-present Ford Escort
* 1997-present Ford ZX2
* 1991-present Mercury Tracer
* 1990-1994 Mazda Protege
* 1990-1994 Mazda 323
* 1992-1996 Mazda MX3

First of all....the 1990-1994 Protege and 323 are basically the same car, using the same chassis and unibody. The 1991-1996 Escorts and the 1997-present escorts and ZX2's use the SAME chassis as the Protege/323 (known as the BG chassis). Thus most every suspension part will interchange with a few minor exceptions. The Mazda MX-3 uses the same unibody as the Protege/323/ZX2/Escort/Tracer hence why so many suspension parts interchange. The MX-3, however uses a different chassis known as the "EC" chassis. The main differences between this chassis and the BG chassis is the different swaybar design that uses droplinks instead of endlinks. The control arms and trailing arms are of a different design and the rear disc brakes on GS models use different style calipers.

Strut Tower Bars-
It is easiest to find MX3 strut tower bars on ebay or online. All MX3 strut tower bars fit the 90-94 Protege, 2nd gen escort, 323, and the 3rd gen Escort and ZX2. The 3rd gens may require some re-location of various brackets as there are more systems (like ABS) and stuff. The rear bar does fit, but require trimming of your trunk interior to fit in the 97+ Escort sedan or ZX2 hatchback.

Tie Bars-
Front Tie bars will fit all models listed, with the exception of the MX3. The MX3 rear tie bar fits all models listed, with the exception of the 97+ Escort/ZX2. The rear control arm links are ~2.5" shorter on the 97+ Escort/ZX2. However, there are rear tie bars for the 97+ Escort/ZX2, so all models are covered for rear tie bars.

Swaybars-
All front swaybars interchange between the Protege/323/Escort/ZX2, as do the rear bars. The MX3's bars WILL NOT fit any of these models. This is because they utilize horizontally mounted droplinks rather than the vertically mounted endlinks found on BG chassis cars.

Bushings-
Control arm, Trailing arm, and swaybar frame/endlink kits will interchange between the Protege/323/Escort/ZX2, and possibly the MX-3 (no one has tested them). Shift stabilizer bushings are the same between all Protege's, 323's, MX3's and 2nd gen Escorts and Tracers (1991-1996). The 97+ Escort and ZX2 use larger in diameter bushings which will not fit.

Motor Mounts-
The engine mounts for the Protege, 323, 1991-1996 Escort & Tracer, and 4 cylinder MX-3 RS are the same. The 97+ Escort and ZX2 may use the same mounts, but no one has yet to test this. The #1 and #2 lower transmission mounts for the ZX2 will interchange as the Protege/323/2nd gen Escort&Tracer and MX-3 RS however. (this has been tested). Since the MX-3 GS uses a V6, none of the enigne mounts are the same and will not interchange with the exception of the #4 mount located under the battery tray (upper transmission mount).

Struts-
All MX3, Protege, 323, ZX2, and Escort struts will fit one another, but the ZX2 SR (and all 3rd gens) use a larger diameter strut shaft (20mm vs 22mm)So you will need to use ZX2 thrust bearings (also known as strut bearings) if you want to use the ZX2 SR Tokicos. These are easiy modified into the MX3, Protege, 323 or 2nd gen Escorts upper perch. Although, to avoid any modifications, get a set of any 97+ Escort/ZX2 upper perches for this mod. Please note that the ZX2 SR struts are .5" shorter in legnth.

Springs & Coilovers-
All springs will interchange but each spring is designed with the cars weight in mind. The MX3 and Zx2 are close to each other in curb weight, but are heavier than the Protege/323/EGT.

Coilovers seem to fit, but Let it be known that most won't fit the ZX2 SR Tokico struts without having to mill or bore out the top hats to fit down over the larger SR shaft (which is too fat to slip the sleeve over). All other struts will accept the coilovers fine.

Strut Mounts-
All strut mounts are identical for all of the forementioned cars (Protege, 323, Tracer, Escort, ZX2 and MX3).

[DeadMaker]

Yes it is the hatchback..
So as i understand the apex spring will not work cause mx3 is more heavy than 323,right?
Can ZX2 SR struts work with 1.8''drop?(H&R springs red color)
Thank you

[Evo_Spec]

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[DeadMaker]

I have read this page.It says..

What are good springs to use with these ZX2 struts?

Eibach Pro Kit Lowering Springs (1.3"F, 1.0"R) and Suspension Techniques (1.3"F, 1.3"R) seems to be the most popular.
But it doesn't say if these struts can handle 1.8''lowering