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So ill be on the hunt soon for a junkyard DE. I want to find one in reasonable shape. I wont ve rebuilding th whole thing but I will be replacing key components like all gaskets timing stuff and possibly oil pump. But when im hunting a few questions.

I know I need ro find an OBD1 engine as my mx3 is 92. And I know I need the air sensor matching the engine. But what vehicles should I look for with the best engine. I know the probe gts have it and the mx6. Are there any luxary type vehicles that only come in automatic that carry this engine. At least thatll be a good start. Itll prolly be in better shape since its prolly owned by an older person. And auto means it wont spend alot of time in the higher rpm.

You're quite the active new member eh

Well:

1 It's just the wiring looms and ECU's that matter mostly. If you have a 92/3 car, get a 92/3 ECU. The VAF for all KLDE are the KL02 so that doesn't matter. Don't over think it too much though, chips can be made to suit the loom+engine etc.

2. Your auto theory is somewhat correct but just shine a torch inside the oil cap and see how black/golden/silver it looks in there, it's a quick way to see the service history without tearing it down. Silver = awesome. Light gold = really good. Golden = ok. Golden brown = getting old. Black/Borwn = stay away!

3. Over here we have mazda 626 and ford telstar that also have the KLDE in it. Alternatively, you can get a Mazda Millenia engine that has the curve neck. Using the ecu off that requires more work though, you can just run it with a KLDE ecu and VAF though.

4. Don't bother with the oil pump IMO. All the failures I've read about here have been from people changing them to aftermarket ones!

Mazda Millenia. the KL only came in automatic. (Don't ask about the 2.3l KJ engine. Just don't. Do.Not). Plus it will have the droids you're look.. I mean, it'll have the intake manifold you'll want to use.

I can't see a junkyard DE with less than 200k on it where as a good JDM ZE probably hase less than 100k for sure. Up to you.

Well its all about my long term plans budget and acceptability. I will be boosting it for sure so I want the lower compression. I can go get a DE at the yard complete for round 200 and less. Where as for a ZE I have to hunt. Pay more money then hope its an actual ZE and find a curve neck to make it work.

SuperK wrote:Mazda Millenia. the KL only came in automatic. (Don't ask about the 2.3l KJ engine. Just don't. Do.Not). Plus it will have the droids you're look.. I mean, it'll have the intake manifold you'll want to use.

Yeah I know all about the KJ Miller Cycle...no intrest in it. Like the idea of it...and for those of u who are running boost its a pretty cool idea...I wont if the cam timing can be adjusted to work the same way being how we are non interferwnce engines. But itd only work on superchargers as u need the boost at low rpm...read up the Miller Cycle if you dont know about it...pretty cool.