Taylor_Matt - 95 MX3 BP Engine Swap

[taylor_matt]

I finally got started with my BP engine swap and a work log. I bought the MX3 in september, and as you can see form the pictures, it's previous owner didn't treat her very well. So there is some work to be done.
Feel free to send any suggestions or tips my way. thanks

So here's what have so far:

-1995 MX-3 1.6 dohc 4cyl.
-BP engine 1.8 dohc 4cyl. (from The General)
-BP tranny, ecu, harness
-Wrap around spoiler (from recognize)
-Rear RSX lip (also from recognize)
-Slim visors and catch can (from fowljesse)

Here's what I still need:

-Short shifter
-Exhaust system
-Air intake system
-Front sway Bar and links
-Front and rear strut bars
-Rims
-Sound system (amp and speakers)
-Front seats
-Front brake rotors and pads

Over view of car-









Now let the work begin...

BP Engine






removing the old engine


where did it go?

[93SOHC]

Ive seen worse, lol. Make sure you clean up that engine bay. Can't wait to watch your progress

[taylor_matt]

Yeah, actually i just finished up cleaning, sanding, and painting the bay yesturday.
I almost have the engine in, just trying to kook everything up. I think i might have a problem with the wiring...
I was thinking about using the old harness instead of the bp one, but i'm not sure if thats better or worse.
Any suggestions any one?

[mx-3_4evr]

Do megasquirt for the ECU! Also are you using the BP tranny?

[taylor_matt]

Yes i am using the bp tranny, why?

[93SOHC]

what kinda troubles are you having with the BP harness?

[taylor_matt]

Well i've been told to use the old one and not the bp harness. I'm in the middle of trying to use the older one but olot of connections don;t match. PLus i'm wondering if i need to swap the ecu's as well.
To tell you the truth, I hate electronics and am not that sure of what i'm doing lol.

[93SOHC]

pretty sure you need a bp ECU. I haven't done a BP swap in an mx3 but I have in a protege DX sohc. I just modded my stock harness too fit. You may wanna sign up over at clubprotege.com as well. There is a wealth of bp info there.

[mx3optidrive]

For your car, being a 95 like mine, you need to swap out the harness for the BP's or a harness from a SOHC MX-3 and a wire to it. The stock 95 harness will not work to properly run this motor.

If you are going to turbo the motor, you would be better off getting a Megasquirt, or whatever you decide to go with, now and have that run the engine until you get the turbo on it.

[taylor_matt]

For your car, being a 95 like mine, you need to swap out the harness for the BP's or a harness from a SOHC MX-3 and a wire to it. The stock 95 harness will not work to properly run this motor.

If you are going to turbo the motor, you would be better off getting a Megasquirt, or whatever you decide to go with, now and have that run the engine until you get the turbo on it.

really? So even tho i pretty much have it all wired with the stock harness, it won;t run properly?

[94drumx3]

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mike is def your man to go to for any problems (hope its alright to volunteer ya like that mike).
i had problems with the wiring myself, couldn't quite get it right.

[taylor_matt]

I know it seems like its taking me forever to complete this swap but when your living the life of a jobless student, it really does take awhile. (especially when its your first swap)
Nevertheless, i have made some progress...
The engine is bolted down and secured MINUS the front mount. For some odd reason in didn't quite line up, so I'm in the middle of customizing it to fit perfectly.
I have most of the wiring figured out except for a few lonely connections which for now, seem to have to place to go. I replaced the old harness with the BP harness, and i also used the BP ECU. (it would have been a nightmare if hadn't)










I noticed that other BPs have some sort of guard plate between the timing belt and head, and mine doesn't. Just wondering how necessary it is to have the guard?

[Evo_Spec]

it's not completely necessary but if any rocks find it's way into the gears and belt, you might be in for some trouble, i might be able to get you one, i saw a bp at the junkyard yesterday, i could try and get the piece if you really want it, but i am lazy =P, just let me know and we can work something out

[taylor_matt]

pm sent