1994 mazda mx-3 auto to mtx swap vs replacing auto???? help!

[xephorce]

ok so final got to a point where i can do something to my 1994 Mazda MX-3 rs, my automatic tranny is shot. this was the 3rd tranny in 8 years... 1st problem, i cant find a complete parts list for a mtx swap. need that list so i can account for the total price... 2nd problem, even if i wanted to replace the auto tranny i cant find one closer then 500 miles away from my zip code 63701... that's a lot of driving and work for something that may be broken or brake soon after installation...

Big Question i am trying to answer is it cheaper to find a used automatic tranny and replace mine or just swap to a mtx... if its gona cost the same i'll go mtx all day... from what i have found out the mtx is longer lived, lasting about 150 to 200 thousand miles... i posted about this in the past but that post is way old and gone.... lol

as of right now i can get a reasonably priced atx in reasonable condition for about $700 to $800 + SHIPPING shipping is a money hog... if i go mtx i think its about 20 or so parts to swap from atx to mtx. most of these parts are not very heavy, shipping would be doable. i can find the mtx local, from my research many escort's and Protege's have same mtx or compatible mtx? cost of the mtx is about $200 locally and 30 day guarantee.

here's what my brain tells me it will cost to do ether atx replacement or swap to mtx.

atx to atx doing all work myself------ cost about $800 to $1,000. don't think luck can help with this one lol the atx for the MX-3 sucks and is hard to find.

atx to mtx doing all work myself----- cost about $600 to $800. maybe less if lucky. luck being i find a whole MX-3 5 speed for sale for cheap and just swap its parts to my car, mine has a new suspension on it lol.

thanks everyone for reading my post. sorry for the length.



willing to buy car from someone Preferable Mazda mx-3 1994 (must be 5 speed) 4 cylinder...
would consider buying a GS 5 speed also.

[xephorce]

yo found my old post lol idk why it was not showing up earlier lol lost of good info there.

[Nd4SpdSe]

1st problem, i cant find a complete parts list for a mtx swap

http://www.mx-3.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=41847

[xephorce]

thanks man that helps me check my other sources.. one thing i dont think i have to change my starter on a mx-3 atx to mtx swap,, one thing though, that link u posted is for a mx-6 not a 3 lol but the closely related in terms of parts and work done in the swap.

thank u again

[Redline322]

The list is just about the same whether you swap in a v6 or a 4 cyl. You'll need the obvious things like clutch assembly, trans, axles, pedal assembly, shifter linkage, the center console and you can reuse your old flywheel but it might be a good idea to have it resurfaced. I'm not sure if the 4 cyl starter is the same, but v6 ones are different, so check on that. The 4 cyl mtx from the mx3, 323 and protege are all basically the same, so you can get parts from any of those, although the axles might be mx3 specific due to the wider track. You'll also need a slave cylinder and check your master cylinder to see if it has a secondary reserve built in, if thats the case there should be a plugged off hose, that goes to the slave, if not, you'll need an mtx master too. Then you need the clutch line that goes from the slave cylinder to the actuator on the trans. You can either try to find a decent 5 speed harness or just modify your atx harness for your starter interlock switch and for your reverse lights to work. It might seem like alot of work, but in reality you should be able to get the mechanicals in place within a day. If you have a decent junk yard around, you should be able to get most of your parts under $500 and an oem clutch kit will cost around $100. Most of the steps for physically swapping the trans is the same as the atx, support your engine, drop your crossmember, disconnect your axles, align your clutch instead of the torque converter and bolt back up. The benefits will be well worth the effort with better fuel mileage, reliability and performance.