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Ive been trying to get my parts together for my new engine yet no matter how hard I look, I can't find the Valve Cover. My current engine's Valve Cover will not fit due to the Distributor being located in the front of the engine as opposed to the rear (Firewall Side) Cam on the new engine. I've learned that the cover I am looking for came on early 323s and Mercury Capri's.

Here is a pic of the engine;





Any help in direction or purchase would be greatly appreciated.

Specifically what years 323 will fit?

Well, after a little more research, the only years I can guess at is 87 and 88 Generation 1 B6 323s, 91 to 94 Mercury Capri, and the Miata; though I'm still unsure of the years.

I'm starting to think that the head on the block isn't Mazda because there isn't any Mazda Cast Numbers which isn't any issue other than finding a cover. However, I researched all of the Kia Sephias and Rios but they are all Exhaust Cam Distributors. The only pics I found where the distributor was affixed to the intake Cam was 80s models 323s, unknown years Miatas and Mercury Capris.

I guess the only way to really know if one would fit is to make sure the engine is a B6 and that the Distributor affixes to the Intake Cam. I purchased a Valve Cover yesterday from a Mercury Capri B6 and it fits, of course that doesn't really tell me what Mazda Cover would fit and sadly, there is no "Mazda" on it... however, there is no "Ford" or "Mercury" either; just "DOHC" and "16 Valve"

Sorry this request is so vague. But I know you guys know your B6 engines and can help. Thanks

I've never seen a motor with the disty on the wrong side like that. Is it a RWD model engine?

It looks to me like a Miata engine.

No, its a FWD engine. If you do a google search for B6 Engines and click "Images" you will find most of the B6s with Intake Side Distis are on 323s, Miatas (FWD) and Capris. Intake Side Distis are also on many RWD Miatas but seeing as how I saw many pics showing both RWD and FWD, that probably shouldn't matter. The block however, is exactly like mine in my MX-3... at least visually.

Ryan wrote:I've never seen a motor with the disty on the wrong side like that. Is it a RWD model engine?

Ryan, just curious, what made you ask that?

The reason I ask is because it IS a RWD Engine.

Its okay though, the guys I got it from offered a complete refund including shipping due to their mistake in listing it as a MX-3 engine. Turns out the engine is in fact a 90-94 Miata B6. I'm sure there are a thousand mods to make this thing work but I neither have the time or the resources. Thanks guys. Believe it or not, the few posts in response helped me a great deal.

There have been a few successful transplants of RWD engines in FWD cars.

What was his alias... Limegreen mx-3

He has done it successfully. You could try PMing him.

turbo ric yo



I doubt many will get that one

That made me lol while lurking about

Some how, I felt you were going to be the only one to laugh at that one

That's alright... Live and learn right? I've got it on Craigslist now with already a few hits. Might be able to profit from it...