CX7 to 4x4 Pro?

[Rivet]

Has anyone looked in the possibility of swapping a cx7 "L3T" into a protege? Seems like it would be a natural fit, however I haven't even looked under the hood of CX7; I'm just throwing it out there to see what the thoughts are.

[atomicEGT]

aren't those auto-only?

[Cloud_Strife]

I read the VVT and other components on that engine have a high failure rate, doesn't seem dependable.

[1st Gen]

I'm having trouble finding "L3T" on Wikipedia. Are you talking about the MZR engine for a 1990 ish 4wd Protege?

[KAinjection]

Yes the LF, L3 and L5 are the MZR engine.

I already attempted this swap and the only reason I backed out was not wanting to spend a boatload of money on all the stuff I wanted to do to the car. I had the mounting figured out and only had wiring left to do.

[1st Gen]

Wouldn't wiring be the hardest part with this engine? We all saw the guy with the ITB on his MZR/323 swap a while back. Pretty bad ass.

[KAinjection]

Yes wiring is the hardest part in some ways. Depends how you want to go. Use all stock harness and ECU and then deal with a DBW throttle and only a NC Miata ECU can be made to work due to immobilizer issues, or use a aftermarket ECU and ditch the DBW throttle for a Focus cable throttle. Still need a custom header although a re-flanged K20/K24 swap header will work, civic radiator if you plan to use the stock intake manifold.