New to Mazda.

[Andrew Wells]

I might have went in over my head with this but couldn't miss the chance to get a Mazda MX3 RS. Yes it is not the v6 but, I am looking into what the differences in the transmissions from the IL4 to the V6. I have a nice '94 MX6 that is at my work. I believe it is a FS series motor. Which is way off I know. anyways just wanting to see what anyone thought on the car and what might be needed to get the V6 version in my RS series car.

Oh! Also, I am Andrew and from Tennessee. Hoping to find help on how to find parts in "country as it gets" Tennessee.

Thanks guys!

[KriswithaK]

Where in TN? I got a couple mx-3's, Chattanooga area

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[Andrew Wells]

I am 1 hour south from nashville on I-65. I am more wondering if I can change the RS to a GS (IL4 to V6). I like the K series a little better unless you can tell me what makes the IL4 better?
Also, Thanks for the reply :D

[MazdaNoob]

motor, trans, harness, axles, subframe, engine mounts , power steering lines , rad , rad hoses... best bet is pick up a v6 scrapped car for parts . there are a few you need to swap over .. or you can BP 1.8 swap the car . much easier

[Andrew Wells]

Yeah.. I understand that. Well... being I have this one for cheap. What is the best engine (B- Series) to get for the buck? I need something I am able to get near and not order online.. I like seeing what I am buying lol.
Also, Added pics of the car on my profile. Hope that helps for what it looks like.

[KriswithaK]

Really, boost makes the I4 better... And mileage. Do you have the DOHC or SOHC? The SOHC is really easy to swap to a 1.8l BP. The DOHC is a bit more complicated with the wiring, depends on how well you do modifying harnesses.
If you want a v6 mx3 its cheapest to buy a GS unless there is something great about the current car and body.

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[Andrew Wells]

I have the SOHC. So If it is easy for the 1.8L BP then might think about it. The toughness of the swap isn't really much the problem. I am more worried about the ability to get the engine itself.

[Andrew Wells]

So have the Protege now and it has the IL4 1.8 Will that swap over? I think it is a B8 motor instead of the BP. But i have heard B8 is a BP but just IL4. Trying to figure all the terms and swap-ability that the B engine has. I have the transmission of the Protege if I need it.

[me109]

Welcome to clubprotege.

B8 is SOHC, BP is DOHC. The BP would get my vote for best starting point for a budget build. You can find one in a 90-94 Protege LX, 91-95 Escort GT, 94-97 Sephia (GS I think), and a few others. The Kia has a slightly stronger transmission.

With that you could do the swap and be done with it, or enjoy the extra power while you collect parts for a DIY turbo package. Boosted BPs range from really fun to quite impressive.

Do the research and figure out which direction you want to take it.

[Andrew Wells]

okay. I understand it is SOHC. but can the swap be done with the SOHC engine? I have the engine in hands just want to know if it can be done.

[me109]

Yes it can. They are almost the same engine. Wiring may be different (easier), but I don't know enough about the MX-3 wiring to say for sure.

[Andrew Wells]

Sweet, Thanks. I will give it a try and see how it fairs.

[Dijadoit]

I thought the Mx3-RS come with a DOHC 1.6; if so, a DOHC 1.8 shouldn't be too much of a problem.