Interchangable Parts

Cosmas · Post by **Cosmas** » July 1st, 2005, 12:11 am

I've often seen other users talk about the Ford Probe in these forums and using parts off of it and the like. But I wonder if anyone has ever nailed down any proof that the cars are identical. I'm actually in the process of rebuilding my sunroof and I would love to attain a moonroof replacement. If I could use something from another vehicle identical to the mx3 it would be fantastic. Since most imports are arguably similar, how does the mx3 hold up? Thanks. -C.

georgechicken · Post by **georgechicken** » July 1st, 2005, 7:49 am

The cars are far from identical. They're more like cousins.

The motor and transmissions are interchangable (with the k-series motor--1.8 or 2.5 liter v-6 and manual transmission), but still not the same. I'm guessing that you're probably somewhat new to these forums, since there have been many (several hundred easily) 2.5 liter v-6 motors from the probe, mx-6, millennia, and 626 (and their non us-spec equals) easily swapped into the mx-3. I've done over 10 of these myself, and have several more in the works. Several members have swapped the 2.0 liter japanese v-6 into their mx-3's as well (including moderator Barry Clark... into a car that I bought and had for 2 weeks before selling it and it later winding up in his driveway). I've personally swapped the mx-3's 1.8 v6 into a 92 323 (that had a 1.6 SOHC 4-cyl). The mx-3 shares a VERY similar chassis with the ford escord, mercury tracer, mazda protege, mazda 323, and god knows what else. The mx-6, probe GT, millennia, and 626 are all built on VERY similar platforms, but fairly different ones than the mx-3's family. I'm currently deciphering the differences between the 2.5 and 1.8 v6 automatic transmissions for a possible fall swap for another list member. It'll bolt up, but that's the main similarity between them.
Take some time and search through this forum's archives for whatever topic floats your boat, and you'll find an assload of info on about every topic you could dream of, including the interchangable parts between cars. you may also check out http://www.mx6.com , http://www.probetalk.com , and other mazda specific sites (the ford probe was built and designed by Mazda, by the way, so yes, it's a Mazda beneath the skin, just like the mazda pickup, tribute, navajo, 3, and 6 were all brainchilds of Ford). Good luck!

Daniel

EDIT:
Damn, I almost forgot... I'm almost certain (someone affirm or correct me), but you're not going to find a replacement for the sunroof from any other car than the mx-3... You may find a part or two that you need elsewhere, but I can't sware to where... you may want to check the protege(early to mid 90's models), and possibly like-year escort/tracer models. I cant recall many 323's with them, but that's worth a go.
How do they hold up? i'm far from the longest running (extremely far from it), but my 92 GS model (w/sunroof, power everything) is holding up quite well... bought it in november 2003 from the original owner with 120k miles, and I'll turn 224k on my way back to nashville this weekend. I've owned 7 mx-3's now. Will continue to buy more (still have 1 running and 3 parts cars) as needed.

PATDIESEL · Post by **PATDIESEL** » July 1st, 2005, 9:16 am

The MX-3, Protoge, 323, Mercury Tracer, and Ford Escort 90-9? are the exact same chasis. The Ford Probe, MX-6 are the same chasis. We can use tons of parts from all those cars, but mostly only engine stuff. suspension wise we can only use MX-3 parts and some Escort suspension parts with a slight modification to the strut to make it fit the MX-3. However, like chicken said you need to decide what you are looking to replace and then do some research to see if you can use a part from another car. As for sunroofs, the MX-3 is the only one you can get to fit the Mx-3 as far as I know. I don't think I've ever heard of anyone trying to get a sunroof from another car to fit the MX-3.. So if you try one from another car let us know how it went. Good luck.

georgechicken · Post by **georgechicken** » July 2nd, 2005, 2:03 am

Hey Pat, to clarify, I said those cars shared similar chassis because the mx-3 and 323 are actually a bit different... The radiator support on the 323 is welded in a bit closer to the firewall than is the mx-3. These cars were all built on B-series chassis, but this included the BF, BG, and some others... I found a site with a great explanation of the different cars in this lineup, but I can't recall immediately where it was.. maybe mazdaclub.com or protegeclub.com or a similar site... There are some other EXTREMELY informative sites out there regarding the sibling and cousin cars to the MX-3, and I encourage anyone planning on some heavy modifying to learn as much about the other cars in the family first. good luck!

Daniel

PATDIESEL · Post by **PATDIESEL** » July 3rd, 2005, 1:44 am

Thanks for the correction George, I'll take a look around and see if I can further educate myself. As far as I know they are the same, but with any car there that shares a chasis, there will be minor differences.

ScooterBovine · Post by **ScooterBovine** » July 3rd, 2005, 1:56 pm

Nashville isn't terribly too far from Florence, KY. Think I can come visit you for a while to do my swap, Chicken?

Spinkx79 · Post by **Spinkx79** » July 4th, 2005, 1:27 pm

You can put practically any sun/moon roof you want. Mazda does not put them in, they send them away to have it installed by someone else.

I know cause when i bought mine i had 2 options (theres another recent post about this) $1000 for sunroof or air. I chose air.

I have been dooin a little looking around aswell, i found a local company that does it. I havent checked them out yet i just got the info in Friday.

These guys offer 3:

Popup glass = $379
Top Slider Hard Sunshade = $949 <<I think this is the one everyone has
Inside Slider w hard Sunshade = $1099
All CAD $

g/l

jschrauwen · Post by **jschrauwen** » July 4th, 2005, 3:55 pm

If possible I would like to replace the solid sunroof with a glass one.