Kia Sportage FE3 vs. Mazda FE3?

[JohnZX2]

Ok, I've been doing more research, but I think I'm more confused then I was before, lol.

I was set on a F2T swap into my 99 Escort. But I read that 95-03 Kia Sportages in the US came with the FE3 (which is a better engine). I checked and junkyards around me are full of them. Now, I have read alot of conflicting information. Some say that the Kia FE3 is just as strong as the Mazda, and others have claimed that build quality is inferior to the original and that the bottom end is weaker. I also read that it has a 8 bolt crank and would need cranks swapped out to bolt up to a non-turbo F2 transmission.

My goal is a "budget" ~250whp motor. I know I could buy a imported FE3 for ~$1000, but that extra cost could be spent getting the F2T to my hp goals. However, if I can get a good condition FE3 out of the yard for $150, I would swap that and boost it based on it being a stronger engine.

[FE3-323]

^ IF you can find a 5spd Kia FE3- PULL IT!!!!! be sure to take the clutch & flywheel. you can use it in a G series transmission from what i've seen. so long as you have the flywheel.

the bottom ends are built just as strong. there are only minor differences in the blocks-to which aren't dangerously important to worry about. (i have both engines)
the heads however don't "ALWAYS" have the best castings. its a chance you'll have to take.
Search for one with a tubular exhaust manifold. If you can't find one- i can sell you a flange so you can make a turbo manifold.
I also sell FE3 forged rods & fidanzda adjustable cam gears. just a FYI.

-Ryan

[JohnZX2]

^ IF you can find a 5spd Kia FE3- PULL IT!!!!! be sure to take the clutch & flywheel. you can use it in a G series transmission from what i've seen. so long as you have the flywheel.

the bottom ends are built just as strong. there are only minor differences in the blocks-to which aren't dangerously important to worry about. (i have both engines)
the heads however don't "ALWAYS" have the best castings. its a chance you'll have to take.
Search for one with a tubular exhaust manifold. If you can't find one- i can sell you a flange so you can make a turbo manifold.
I also sell FE3 forged rods & fidanzda adjustable cam gears. just a FYI.

-Ryan

Thats great news! Looks like this is officially a "FE3 into Escort" project now!

[Mazda_Powered]

It requires some modification to fit, but the RWD FE3 will fit in like Ryan said. You can run a BP clutch kit on the FE3 flywheel, and possible the larger KL friction disk (225mm vs 215mm) if it has the surface area for it.

Ryan sells the front engine mount as you already may know lol, other than that you'll have to do something about the passengers side engine bracket...I know you use the MX-3 GS engine bay bracket/mount but as for the engine side to receive the MX-3 stuff...not sure.

Then it's coolant routing, and wiring lol...

[FE3-323]

1 freeze plug is needed for sure
F2 engine mount side bracket (belt-side) [bolt a mx3 v6 mount to it]
there is a thermostat housing that does bolt right onto the FE3. i think its off a toyota of some sorts (the guy doesn't remember) either that or weld some aluminum pipeto the blockoff plate used on the normal T-stat side.

[monoxidechild]

there is a thermostat housing that does bolt right onto the FE3. i think its off a toyota of some sorts

its been a LONG time since i messed with my spare Kia head. but im pretty sure a normal mazda f2 t-stat housing fit fine once i drilled out the holes a tad larger.

personally ill stick with my mazda fe3's. just so much less work. and they can be found for about $700 shipped pretty often. and that way you dont have to source a intake manifold, or all the FWD specific things you need that you would have to source if you used the Kia version.

[Mazda_Powered]

Ya I guess the throttle body would be pointing at the rad support lol, much like the old BF 323 sohcs...hood clearance would be my concern.

[JohnZX2]

It requires some modification to fit, but the RWD FE3 will fit in like Ryan said. You can run a BP clutch kit on the FE3 flywheel, and possible the larger KL friction disk (225mm vs 215mm) if it has the surface area for it.

Ryan sells the front engine mount as you already may know lol, other than that you'll have to do something about the passengers side engine bracket...I know you use the MX-3 GS engine bay bracket/mount but as for the engine side to receive the MX-3 stuff...not sure.

Then it's coolant routing, and wiring lol...

I've already bought a front trans mount bracket from him . The wiring I'm not so much worried about, just a matter of pulling the complete engine and dash harness from the Kia and putting it in the Escort (I already have all of the Escort wiring out). I'll also prolly end up making a custom gauge cluster, like this one, http://steve.baneon.org/misc/Project...s_Test_Fit.jpg

The PS and AC were deleted a long time ago, so that one less thing I'll have to worry about. As for the coolant, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Ya I guess the throttle body would be pointing at the rad support lol, much like the old BF 323 sohcs...hood clearance would be my concern.

I was looking at that and the Kia intake manifold may work, depends on if I have hood clearance like you said (I guess a hood scoop would solve the clearance issue tho).

I'm gonna have to do/buy a little at a time, but when finished it'll be one hell of a sleeper.

[Turpro]

Just remember the comp numbers are different between kia and mazda. Mazda its 10:1. Mazda is 170hp and kia is 145hp

[josh95mx]

^^ yep, here is a good link that I used when I was looking into swapping the FE3 into my 8 http://www.solomiata.com/FE3.html

[Mazda_Powered]

I'd feel more comfortable boosting the lower c/r FE3 anyways lol. I can't wait to see progress pictures tho...when should I expect some? haha

[JohnZX2]

^^ yep, here is a good link that I used when I was looking into swapping the FE3 into my 8 http://www.solomiata.com/FE3.html

Thanks for that link, that info helps ALOT.

I'd feel more comfortable boosting the lower c/r FE3 anyways lol. I can't wait to see progress pictures tho...when should I expect some? haha

If you want actual progress pics, then no time soon, lol. But I'll start a build thread later today.

Ryan, just got the bracket in today, looks awesome! Thanks alot.

[Mazda_Powered]

sweet lol sounds good man

[JohnZX2]

Build log up; http://www.wihandyman.com/forum/show...121#post729121