MX-3.com

I'm based in the UK.

Hi Guys,
I have been looking around for about a year now for a project. I came across the MX3 and liked it alot, then I saw one kitted up and fell in love. So I have decided that I am going to bite the bullet and buy one this summer and do a KLZE J-spec Conversion.

I'm Just doing my research now so that I can get all the parts together.


CAN YOU HELP ME OUT WITH A FEW QUESTIONS TO GET ME STARTED

1. Is there any particular model / year MX3 that I should get?


Thats it for now, I'll wait until I get the answers I want before asking the next Question. Instead of just asking you a whole bunch of stuff.

Thanks,
Daryl

I would say use the faq everything is there and the swap is WAY WAY tooo easy compared to other cars. You spend an average of 1500 with parts if you do it... other cars you can spend over 3000 show us how it goes and the faqs are SO SO informative. Check em out.

From What I have found out I want a 1994+ 1.8L V6

I guess the answer is that I should just get the newest MX3 I can afford, there does not seem to have been any major changes throught the range.


Unless you guys Know any better.

*edit*

I'm all for making life easier

So what I'm after is a ( 92, 93, or 94) -
GS
1.8 V6
OBD I


And a 93 GS SE (Special Edition) If I can find one.


Thanks for your help.

92 gs 1.8 v6

QUESTION NUMBER 2

I HAVE HAD A LOOK AT A FEW DIFFERENT SWAP GUIDES AND THEY ARE ALL USING DIFFERENT SETUPS:

I am trying to keep the swap as cheap as possible.

Time for question number 2 then.

------------------------------------------------------------

2. What parts do I definately NEED for the swap to be possible?


used mx6 gearbox
used mx6 clutch assembly
used mx6 air flow meter (VAF)


I'm just after a base set of parts that will achieve the swap and have everything working properly.

--- see next post for different parts lists I have found ---

Moray MacDearmid


PARTS - NEW

KLZE

Millennia inlet manifold & gaskets

KL47 throttle body

reprogrammed ECU

626 2.5 air flow meter (VAF)

new mx3 gaskets for the throttle body & ex-manifolds

K&N Hi-flo mx3 replacement air filter

used mx6 gearbox

new mx6 clutch assembly

new circlip for retaining the passenger side drive shaft


PARTS - SWAPED FROM OLD

Power steering pump
alternator,
starter,
EGR,
distributor & leads & plugs,
exhaust manifolds,
Throttle Position Indication Sensor,
fuel filter & bracket,
hoses for radiator,
hoses for heater,
hoses for fuel,
engine mount,
flywheel,
gearbox mounts (3),
gearbox sensors (3),
stud that holds gearlever to gearbox (original too short),
hydraulic pipe and cylinder for clutch,
accessory belts,

-------------------------------------------------------

Luc St. Pierre

PARTS - NEW

# distributor O-ring (1)
# Cotter pins for Tie rod ends (2)
# Self-locking nuts for downpipe (6)
# Downpipe Gaskets (2)
# Exhaust manifold gaskets (2)
# Drive shaft clip (1)
# Vacuum tubing (a few ft)

I had to buy a VAF from a junk yard



PARTS - SWAPED FROM OLD

I used the water outlet pipe from my 1.8L
I decided to try the 1.8's manifold on the 2.5 and the were fitting wonderfully!
I simply swapped wy 1.8's EGR valve on the 2.5
keep the 1.8's flywheel
kept my stock clutch


-------------------------------------------------------

mx3man

I would suggest filling your motor mounts with urethane

You're also going to need a higher performance clutch

All of them are good, but if you want to keep the clutch to a stock feel, I would suggest the Centerforce Dual-Friction. The pedal is still relatively soft but it holds the power well. If you're going to the track every other weekend and dont mind a stiffer pedal, go for the ACT clutches.

you can keep your stock 17lb MX3 flywheel, but you will need it to be resurfaced so it doesnt chew up your new 500$ clutch

You'll also need an ECU

There are a few options for the ECU as well. The two 'klze' ecu's are the KL31 and the KL36. If you're going with an auto tranny you have to go KL36, if it is manual either one will do.

You can also get your ECU re-mapped with the KL31 specs into your stock K8 (1.8L V6) ECU. This has historically been not that good, and the people I know who did this ended up buying a real ZE ecu. You CAN keep your K8 ecu but you will need to swap over your stock K8 intake manifold onto the ZE. I say you can because it works but you run terribly rich (too much gas in the mixture)

You dont need to change your VAF sensor, as the stock K8 one (code: JE50) will work fine with a KLZE and a KL31 or 36.

Keep in mind that the mx3, mx6, 626 and Probe GT trannies are all the same. The only difference is the mx3 and Probe GT trannies have 4.388 final drive ratio while the 626 and mx6 trannies have 4.11 final drive. This means that the mx6 and 626 run about 400rpm lower in 5th gear. Strength/durabilitywise... they're the same.

The mx6 and probe flywheels weigh 21lbs while the mx3 one weighs 17lbs. Obviously you want tpo go with the lighter flywheel so the stock mx3 one is the best choice. It just needs to be resurfaced before re-installing. A machine shop will do that for 40-50$.

The millennia manifold IS the curved neck one. You need to use the curveneck manifold to have it fit bolt on. The longneck (in the other link you posted) will require some fitting with the Master cylinder and the battery will need to be re-located.

For the clutch, go for the MX6 one... I *THINK* they're a couple milimeters bigger and fit fine.

I bought a Fidanza for an MX6, but one for an MX3 is virtually the same.

-------------------------------------------------------

anonamous

A Bully (who are Canadian and based in Ottawa) Stage 2 Mx-6 clutch was installed

The Mx-6 clutch is actually 10mm larger in diameter than the Mx3 clutch, giving more surface to grip on, and with no price difference between the two, why not?

The Mx-3's flywheel was resurfaced and used with no problems matting to the Mx-6 clutch.

And when installing a new clutch, remember that to not resurface the flywheel will void the warranty on most new clutches, and that there is a 1000km break-in period, so take it easy that first 1000kms

Stock transmission can easily withstand the 200hp of the KLZE

As for the transmission, some people will swap their stock Mx-3 4.388:1 ratio transmission for one from a Mazda Mx-6 or 626, both having a 4.111:1 for a higher top speed and better highway gas mileage, the 626 having a taller 5th gear to further increase gas mileage.

The stock 1.5" exhaust could be used a temporary measure with a 2.5l engine swap, but it is not recommended

2. What parts do I definately NEED for the swap to be possible?

You basically use the K8 parts. Your only swapping the block. You probably should swap for a ZE curved neck IM, Mx6/626 tranny, KL31 ECU.

For choice of year, consider the following.

pre '94: No sun roof, honeycomb/hubcapped rims, different dash, better seats, ugly tweed, none wrap around wing (GS)

post '94: Sun roof, 5 spoke rims (on GS), wrap around wing (GS), nicer dash (round vents) black/green material on door panels, less comfortable seats.

The PERFEct model would be the 93 SE. It has nice seats, all leather, heated seats and some other stuff i forgot.

As for the KLZE parts, what mx3man wrote says it all. For reused parts, refer to Moray macdearmids info. Also, defantly fill your mounts. Very easy.

Actually, most pre 94 models came with sun roofs too.

the 92 GS parts car im gonna try n get has a sunroof

the 92 GS parts car im gonna try n get has a sunroof

Isnt this where Yoda is supposed to show up and say "Do or do not.. there is no try"

And my 92 GS also has a power sunroof.

Cheers

Tunes67