MX-3.com

I have got new Pacesetter MX-6 headers on my 323 with a KLZE in it. (It is bassically a 1994 Mazda MX-3 GS V6 mechanically) I say "new" cause looks like Pacesetter changed them over the years. Anyway the rear header has a clearance problem with the frame. The header flange is resting right on the frame. I saw somebody here cut the ball and socket flange right off of the end of the header and use a braided flex coupler. I am looking for pictures and ideas. Oddly the MX-6 headers and MX-3 exhaust system were not a bolt-on to my V6 323

This is old news, the Pace Setter headers only bolt in without issues for MX-6s and Probes.

What mr friendly meant to say(If only) was that you will need to modify them to make it work. If you look into FowlJesse's worklog, I believe he used the ball and socket in his install, even though it's an MX-3 vs. a 323.

His worklog is very descriptive, and should at least give you a starting point to work with. I know little about 323s, but I've a strong hunch you'll need to do a fair bit of work to make it fit. Should be worth it though!

I've got a few pics in the middle of this page: http://www.mx-3.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.ph ... &start=255

Mooneggs wrote:I've got a few pics in the middle of this page: http://www.mx-3.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.ph ... &start=255

Ya you have the older style Pacesetters. Mine have a ball and socket design.

Mine have to be adjusted as well, will take a few weeks/months before this happens though, keep us updated with pictures

MrMazda92 wrote:What mr friendly meant to say(If only) was that you will need to modify them to make it work. If you look into FowlJesse's worklog, I believe he used the ball and socket in his install, even though it's an MX-3 vs. a 323.

His worklog is very descriptive, and should at least give you a starting point to work with. I know little about 323s, but I've a strong hunch you'll need to do a fair bit of work to make it fit. Should be worth it though!

A 323 is very similar to a MX-3. My car is effectively a MX-3( mechanically). Every mechanical part and all the suspension are off a MX-3 GS

I knew they were similar, but are all of the underbody measurements the same? I didn't think they would be, granted it was an assumption... If they are, disregard my previous statement

IMACHU2 wrote:

Mooneggs wrote:I've got a few pics in the middle of this page: http://www.mx-3.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.ph ... &start=255

Ya you have the older style Pacesetters. Mine have a ball and socket design.

Whats your "Y" pipe look like??... I am not sure what headers are in my 323 with its KL swap but I could get pictures...

MrMazda92 wrote:I knew they were similar, but are all of the underbody measurements the same? I didn't think they would be, granted it was an assumption... If they are, disregard my previous statement

The MX-3 and 323 have a very similar floor. So much so that the front and rear cross members are interchangeable. The MX-3 V6 is 15mm? wider in track width and has larger front brakes and rear disc brakes. (323's have rear drum brakes). The 323 never came with a V6, but because of the similarities between the two cars the MX-3 engine and transmission bolt right into a 323. The Mx-3 has a longer front end though, so a 323 needs a custom rad with the V6. My car has a MX-3 engine and chassis wiring harness, gauge cluster, front and rear suspension, brakes and transmission

crazycanadian wrote:

IMACHU2 wrote:

Mooneggs wrote:I've got a few pics in the middle of this page: http://www.mx-3.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.ph ... &start=255

Ya you have the older style Pacesetters. Mine have a ball and socket design.

Whats your "Y" pipe look like??... I am not sure what headers are in my 323 with its KL swap but I could get pictures...

Don't worry about it. I can figure it out, I just like seeing how other people solve problems, because sometimes it gives you a fresh outlook on it. Like a "I never thought of doing it that way" moment.

IMACHU2 wrote:

MrMazda92 wrote:I knew they were similar, but are all of the underbody measurements the same? I didn't think they would be, granted it was an assumption... If they are, disregard my previous statement

The MX-3 and 323 have a very similar floor. So much so that the front and rear cross members are interchangeable. The MX-3 V6 is 15mm? wider in track width and has larger front brakes and rear disc brakes. (323's have rear drum brakes). The 323 never came with a V6, but because of the similarities between the two cars the MX-3 engine and transmission bolt right into a 323. The Mx-3 has a longer front end though, so a 323 needs a custom rad with the V6. My car has a MX-3 engine and chassis wiring harness, gauge cluster, front and rear suspension, brakes and transmission

Oh I knew some of that ;D I've spent a few hours perusing your work log, trust me.

IMACHU2 wrote:Don't worry about it. I can figure it out, I just like seeing how other people solve problems, because sometimes it gives you a fresh outlook on it. Like a "I never thought of doing it that way" moment.

Ok... I know with the headers in my car the collector for the Y pipe was hitting the frame.. all that was done was to lengthen the y pipe to push it back further...

crazycanadian wrote:

IMACHU2 wrote:Don't worry about it. I can figure it out, I just like seeing how other people solve problems, because sometimes it gives you a fresh outlook on it. Like a "I never thought of doing it that way" moment.

Ok... I know with the headers in my car the collector for the Y pipe was hitting the frame.. all that was done was to lengthen the y pipe to push it back further...

Yep that was my idea too. Just going to cut the collector off the header and move it back 3-4"

FWIW, modifying the headers may drastically change their flow characteristics. I'd rather notch (and box) the frame, where the headers are touching.