topic Re: Another Mechanic Question in Community Spirit

Another Mechanic Question

rabbitearbandicoot — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 05:34:30 GMT

As I freely admit, I don't understand engines with computer control - in fact I am 'dangerous' around these vehicles. It's probably simple but - just one of those things I have never looked into.

wiki says: "The Mazda MX-3 is a four-seat kammback coupé first introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1991.[2] The MX-3 was marketed as the Mazda MX-3 Precidia in Canada, the Eunos 30X in Australia, and as the Eunos Presso, Autozam AZ-3 and Mazda AZ-3 in Japan........... The most common engine swap for MX-3 GS owners with the V6 engine is a 2.5 L V6, either a North American-spec KL-DE 168 hp (125 kW), found most commonly in the 1993-1997 Ford Probe GT, the 1993-1997 Mazda MX-6 LS, or the 1993-2002 Mazda 626 LX or ES, or the Japanese-spec KL-ZE 200 hp (149 kW), found in such vehicles as the Efini MS-8, Xedos 9, & Eunos 800."

I have a Mazda Eunos 30X. It has a 1.8 lt V6 engine - K8-DE. I understand from reading the above and various blogs etc, that you can swap in a 2.5 lt - from a Mazda MX6 - called a KL-DE or a KL-03 from a Telstra TX Ghia, or a KL-G4 from a later model 98-2002 626 ES,LX.

Question: Swapping the engine is OK - it bolts straight in - you can even use the 30X gearbox - if I can get a whole engine with inlets, exhaust etc but what about the computer? As I understand it, the computer would drive the engine management system plus all the other internals like brakes, fuel pumps, air bags etc. Would I have to swap the computer.

Does anyone know of places that do this sort of upgrade? With a Holden or Falcon there are stacks of places.

Re: Another Mechanic Question

colic2bullsgirlore — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 05:48:36 GMT

You willl need the ECU (computer) as well. Get the loom to the ECU from the wrecker iof possible as well.

Reserach your current fuel pump flow/pressure and possibly a brake upgrade. Checks with your states rego requirements

first... and not at the pointy end.....much cheaper than the other option and less tears.

Mazda enthusiast forums is the best place for this infio.

Most of the ideas are helpful and the sticky engineering/tech section helps to guide you not to make all the mistakes others

have already

Re: Another Mechanic Question

colic2bullsgirlore — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 06:37:31 GMT

As an example.......

in NSW you would require (at least) an engineering certificate, a brake upgrade and an emissions test. ( I believe that you will have to pass the emission test for the engine that had the strictest standards)

A Hot rod recently cost $2800 for its engineering certificate plus the cartage ($600) to the Engineering

workshop and return...

http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/roads/safety-rules/standards/vsi-06-light-vehicle-modifications.pdf

The examples of modifications ‘requiring’ or ‘not requiring’ certification provided in the following tables do not cover all situations.

It is recommended that before undertaking any modification/s to your vehicle, you seek advice regarding the impact they may have on your vehicle’s continuing compliance with ADRs and the Regulation.

If you have any doubt about whether or not your intended vehicle modification/s may require certification, you should contact RMS Technical Enquiries or a VSCCS licensed certifier for more information

– see page 18 for contact details.

Significant modifications requiring certification

ENGINE

Item Modification

1An engine that is not of an original family of engine for the series of models, or any engine more than 20% larger than the largestoriginal optional engine for that series.

Examples requiring certification:

•Replacement of 2.0 litre Honda engine with 2.0 litre Mitsubishi engine.

•Replacement of 2.0 litre engine with an engine capacity greater than 2.4 litres.

page 4

Note:
If non-original components such as camshafts, carburettors or engine control modules (ECM) are fitted in an ADR

emissions complying vehicle, it must be demonstrated that emission levels are retained.

Tip:
To confirm vehicle emissions are within acceptable standards certifiers may require RMS emissions testing.

These are conducted free of charge at RMS Heavy Vehicle

Inspection Station (HVIS) Botany or Penrith – contact the RMS HVIS on 1300 364 847 to make a booking.

Alternatively, a 4 or 5 gas analyser test may be conducted at a vehicle repairer.

Re: Another Mechanic Question

2106greencat — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 07:06:47 GMT

Re: Another Mechanic Question

joz*garage — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 07:17:54 GMT

why do you want to upgrade...is the 1.8 ltr not enough power?

do you have a 2.5 ltr engine lying around?

Re: Another Mechanic Question

this-one-time-at-bandcamp — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 08:53:09 GMT

Do vehicles have to be inspected on a regular basis in Australia? Here in Oregon, while we don't have mechanical or safety inspections, vehicles newer than 20 years old have to have a smog inspection. But, only in two areas........the Portland tri-county area, and Medford and environs.

Re: Another Mechanic Question

2106greencat — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 09:16:13 GMT

Hey band

If you want to sell a vehicle in Aus, you need what they call a Safety Certificate. Unless you cancel the rego and sell as is.

So if I wanted to sell an almost brand new Holden that I had owned for 3 months I would need to get a SC for it, so registration can be transferred to the new owner.

But if I had a car I bought (say a Kingswood) back in 1985, so long as I register it each year, I can drive it forever, and there are no checks to make sure it is still a road worthy vehicle -

if you think that sounds like it doesn't make sence, then you have my vote!

Re: Another Mechanic Question

joz*garage — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 09:42:38 GMT

@2106greencat wrote:

shouldnt that be a mazda emblem?!

yes ford do like to give the illusion some mazda models are their own

but i dont blame them really.. after all they do have a reputation for being pieces of junk

Re: Another Mechanic Question

rabbitearbandicoot — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 09:43:03 GMT

wiki: "The most common engine swap for MX-3 GS owners with the V6 engine is a 2.5 L V6".

This is exactly what I want to do with my MX-3 GS / Eunos 30X - So, having read the NSW regulations, it's not OK there - I guess this means it's OK in USA? I'll have to read the Queensland regs.

Yes, the 1.8 is a bit s-l-o-w. And, No, I don't have a 2.5 laying around.

Re: Another Mechanic Question

colic2bullsgirlore — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 18:40:05 GMT

In NSW light vehicles over 5 years old including motor cycles require a safety "E" check every 12 months. The checks

include a physical inspection of the vehicles suspension, steering braking, safety and motive power systems and for cars a

brake test whereby an inertia measuring device assesses the braking distance and characteristics from 40kms to a dead

stop.

Some Australian states require a safety certificate pre sale however in NSW that is not the case.

The day before yesterday I wrote a pre purchase inspection report on a 2013 Iveco daily (light truck) with 465000 kms on the

clock...it is a death trap.

The cabin mounts have all but cracked off the chassis to the point whereby the rhs front wheel is rubbing on the cabin under

the wheel arch,,,

Re: Another Mechanic Question

colic2bullsgirlore — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 18:52:56 GMT

In Queensland for the mods you are contemplating you will need to adhere to the new national code and the vehicle will need a mod plate ( be engineered)

page 6

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/Safety/Vehicle%20standards%20and%20modifications/Vehicle%20modifications/Light%20vehicle%20modifications/NCOP/4sectionlaengine.pdf

FAQ section below

http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Safety/Vehicle-standards-and-modifications/Vehicle-modifications/Frequently-asked-questions-vehicle-standards-and-modifications.aspx#replaceengine

Re: Another Mechanic Question

softail-joanie — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 20:18:52 GMT

Yes, the 1.8 is a bit s-l-o-w. And, No, I don't have a 2.5 laying around.

My dad has a Mazda 626, i think it's a 2001 or 2002, i know it's a 4cyl. He took it to a garage, they put new shafts in it, didn't fix the problem, they said it was the transmission bad, dad went and bought a 2007 Honda Fit and parked the Mazda. it's still drivable, but something clicks or strips in the transmission (auto) when he accelerates hard. Drive it easy, no problem, but theres hills around here.

He spent more having that POS fixed at a garage i believe was ripping him off, than another car would have cost. I gave 750 for my Nova couple years ago, put new tires and altanator on it, drive it every day trips to Columbus, i just have to add oil where it leaks. I think it needs the pan re sealed, but I would want to put in a new oil pump while at it.

I wouldn't mess with it if it still runs ok. 1.8 is plenty, tune it up or rebuild. I wish i would have left my Ranger alone, Took out the 4cyl with plans to put a v8 in it, gas shot up to around 3 dollars a gallon, now I want my 4cyl and 5 speed back, it had less than 20,000 miles.. The Mustang GT engine I have to put in it has over 150,000 miles. Though it's had some proformance work done to it, just means it will get that much worse gas millage.

Re: Another Mechanic Question

vicr3000 — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 20:23:30 GMT

Interesting discussion.

1.8 litre.

I still remember coming out from the UK where we had a Ford Grenada Estate (Station wagon - rare in the UK)

in about 1.5 litre 4 cyl.

Come to Aus, hardly anything less than 2.4 litre and most 3 ltr and above 6's !

(Apart from the every family had a Corolla or Celica )

Re: Another Mechanic Question

this-one-time-at-bandcamp — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 20:33:07 GMT

While Joanie is correct in the other thread about the Chevy Sprint getting 50+ MPG, the chiropractic bills from sitting in those horrible seats would more than offset the gas savings. And that little 3-cylinder Suzuki motor was a death trap getting onto a freeway.......

After my heart attack in 1987, I looked for a trouble-free car for the war department, since the odds were that I wouldn't be around to repair it. Tried out the Sprint, tried out the Escort............went with the Spectrum (Isuzu)......much more comfortable than the Sprint, much quieter than the rattly Escort......and 40 MPG was nothing to sneeze over.

Here it is 28 years later, and my pride and joy is a SAAB 9-3 with the v-6 turbo. 31 mpg, and goes like a rocket.........plus every creature comfort except an automatic butt-wiper.

Re: Another Mechanic Question

vicr3000 — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 20:35:48 GMT

Escorts !

I had one of them ! LOL

It was a gutless wonder.

Re: Another Mechanic Question

2106greencat — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 03:57:19 GMT

In New Zealand - a lot of years ago so don't take this as gospel now - a vehicle had to be inpsected and repaired to meet roadworthy standard every 12 months - it was called a Warrant of Fitness - but we did not have to have registration the way you did here in Oz back then.

So long as you displayed the current WOF on the windscreen (like a rego sticker here) that was it, so basically it only cost you whatever repairs were necessary to keep the WOF up to date each year, rather than a new rego cert each year at whatever cost per state.

When you think about it, it was a more sensible way of doing it, like I said earlier, if I keep reregistering my vehicle, it could be falling apart and still I would get the new rego sticker, in NZ, if it was deemed unroadworthy at the yearly renewal time, you had to fix it before you got the WOF sticker.

More safe cars on the road that way IMO

Re: Another Mechanic Question

wilk1149 — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 10:39:41 GMT

If there is an illogical way to do something the Australian governments will do it

Re: Another Mechanic Question

the_hawk* — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 22:11:09 GMT

@vicr3000 wrote:

Interesting discussion.

1.8 litre.

I still remember coming out from the UK where we had a Ford Grenada Estate (Station wagon - rare in the UK)
in about 1.5 litre 4 cyl.

Come to Aus, hardly anything less than 2.4 litre and most 3 ltr and above 6's !

(Apart from the every family had a Corolla or Celica )

LOL my bike has a 1.8l enginge