It doesn't use the same tranny, it uses the same gearset
IN the trans. The ZX-2 SR trans components are actually 4.11:1 which is the same ratio as the Mx-6/626, but uses better syncros, and because of the age of the car, they'll have lower miles when found. It uses a totally different motor and i doubt that the trans will be bolt-up, an adapter plate would be needed (see tehbrookzorz for what it takes to mount a trans to a motor that it wasn't designed for).
One question which someone asked which I thought the same thing (parents having an Escape themselves) that AWD was auto only, but it seems that the Tribute may of some in 5spd. Also, as a correction, the AWD in the Escape is NOT full-time. When I go home I can post a pic of my parents owners manual.
The ZX2 uses the same engine as the 4cyl Escape/Tribute, but what's neglected is that as far as I've read and looked into, that AWD was V6 option only (and again, automatic only), but a quick looks, seems that I've learned something new:
http://halifax.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicle ... Z312785233
The ZX2 is on a similar chassis than the Mx-3, using the same chassis as the 323/Protege that is the Mx-3's very close cousin. People have done KLZE swaps into them, and even one or two few Zetecs into mx-3's.
In later threads he reports that he couldn't keep his ZX2 rear subframe and will have to use that from the Tributes. It answers one of my questions as I was reading it; the Tribute is on the Mazda 626 platform, not a bolt in job.
(cardomain:
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3814244/1 ... 8142444027)
Apparently even a 4WD MT Tribute exists too! (
http://www.samarins.com/reviews/tribute2.html), but information is scarse, on many sites like this (
http://www.new-cars.com/2003/ford/ford- ... specs.html) they don't mention a "Duratec MT", unless they're just listing the Zetec as the lightest with manual, and the Duratec with automatic would be the heaviest. Just finished reading the 2003 Tributes owners manual and there's no indication of a 4WD 5spd, so I don't know...
Weird, this guy is from Ontario
Final verdict:
- Swap to a Ztec 4cyl and Tribute Subframe for AWD - "V6 AWD Possiblity" : No
- AWD 4cyl Escape/Tribute trans bolt to a Mazda K-series not likely feasible - "V6 AWD Possiblity" : No
- Swap V6 and AWD from Escape/Tribute, haven't seen a Duratec 3.0L in a Mx-3/323 yet - "V6 AWD Possiblity" Maybe, but may be automatic only.
* Swapping with the AWD system from a 323/Protege would be easier since it seems you'd have to go the 4cyl route anyway
That's my $0.02
Personally, always wanted to make a v6 MazdaSpeed6 like it was prototyped with a twin-turbo KLZE back in the day, but it would use the 3.0L V6 Duratec that both comes in the Mazda6 and the Tribute/Escape, it would all just depends if the Mazda6 CD3 platform accepts the trans and rear end from the CD2 of the Tribute/Escape. Also, depends if an AWD Duratec with a manual transmission actually exists...