[VANDAMMAGE022]

After trying to get some information about swapping a good 2.3 from an 05 into my 06. I have slowly come to the realization that indeed the ford 2.5 swap is the way to go... Thanks alot Gary_L and Datsun1600! :argh 1: Damn you! With your logical conclusions and such... So that being said.. Drop some knowledge boys; links to good builds, parts lists, what parts are compatible, what can and cant be used. Oh. and maybe if anyone has links to some aftermarket stuff for the 2.5 specifically on tuning, im in CA so... Any good tuners out there or e-tunes. I think im going to limit it to a tune CAI and an exhaust... for now. OH and i have an 05 3 in my driveway that im considering parting out, not sure if i want to go through disassembling the thing, so throwing out some feelers to see if i should put in the classifieds on here.
THANKS,
Vandammage

 

[Datsun1600]

Here are some forums and web sites that have some useful information, and maybe some non-useful information as well.

Mazda 6 and Ford Fusion 2.3L Engine Swap | Happy Wrenching
Information on the oil sending unit (oil pressure sensor?) - cannot use the Ford sensor even though it looks identical. Also good info on the timing cover - due to oil passages present in the 04-05 engine that are not present in the 06 and later Mazda engines nor the Ford engines, you have extra work to do with an 05 engine.

From mazda3forums.com here are two important threads. One is very, very long. I can help distill this down to the basics. I read each of these TWICE before attempting the swap. Lots of folks claim they read these threads and then ask very basic questions that were covered in them. I took notes when I read them. Lots of notes.
Technical / Model / Performance > Powertrain 2004-2009 Mazda3 > 04 2.3L swap to 2.5L successful
Technical / Model / Performance > Powertrain 2004-2009 Mazda3 > How To: Mazda/Ford 2.5L Swap

Most of the folks that participated in these threads are no longer on that forum. :-(

Here's another good one created by TRIPWIRE.
2006 Mazda 3 - 2.5L Ford Fusion Engine Swap

Make sure you download the free Mazda factory shop manual (super necessary!), and don't bother wasting money on a Chilton's or other repair guide.

When you source an engine, buy one with the correct VVT solenoid to match your current engine (either "oval" or "rectangular").
VVT solenoid (L3K9-14-420A) $24.81 - Keep the Ford solenoid - this is the rectangular solenoid valve in the top of the timing cover. I'll post later about other valves and sensors and solenoids.

 

[VANDAMMAGE022]

Thanks for all the info Datsun, I will have a good look through all of these forums. It seems like I should find all the pertinent info.

 

[Datsun1600]

Hey, no problem. There are so many paths to take from fully using the Ford engine as-is, to converting it to a 2.5L Mazda engine (what I did), to using as many 2.3L engine parts to make the 2.5L Ford engine work. There are adaptors for the throttle body, ways of defeating sensors to not throw engine codes, etc.

I went for "full Mazda 2.5L" and bought a 2.5L IM and TB to make it a smooth and seamless swap. Just let us know which route you'd like to take. I can provide all the cost details too.

 

[Gary_L]

Hey, I was just looking out for you. Had I known far ahead of time when working on my car, I would have made room for a swap. That may still happen down the road.

Meanwhile, please take time to document your swap. And, as always, PICS!!

I'm still interested in parts from the donor vehicle if that's still an option.

 

[Datsun1600]

We need to get rickkari on this thread, and he can link to his swap thread.

 

[rickkari]

We need to get rickkari on this thread, and he can link to his swap thread.

Did somebody tag me? Ha Ha. Here is the link to my thread and it has links to the other threads including Datsun1600's posts and Tonyguns' posts also. Read through. There is a lot of good information and options explained.

https://www.mazda3forums.com/799-introductions/757746-2004-mazda-3-2-3-2-5-swap-progress.html

I recently did a 2.5 swap on my bosses' son's 2007 Mazda 6. I went the intake adapter setup with the stock intake using the adapter I originally bought for my Mazda 3 swap just to keep it simple. I believe it ran better than my 2.5 swap using the Fusion intake that I did on my '04 3. I personally believe if i did it again I would do the adapter and keep the stock 2.3 intake. The Mazda 6 ran that good. Just my thoughts from doing 2 of them. The 2.5 Mazda intake utilizing the IMRC components may run better. My thought is that my '04 still attempted to use the IMRC components which I hooked up as stated in my thread to keep off the light, but didn't do anything as the Ford intake didn't have them. I think it may have affected low speed torque by not having the runners being tuned by the ECU to optimize power that the system is designed to do. That is why the 2.5 Mazda intake with the IMRC may be the best option.

Datsun1600? Your thoughts?

 

[Datsun1600]

Did somebody tag me? Ha Ha. Here is the link to my thread and it has links to the other threads including Datsun1600's posts and Tonyguns' posts also. Read through. There is a lot of good information and options explained.

https://www.mazda3forums.com/799-introductions/757746-2004-mazda-3-2-3-2-5-swap-progress.html

I recently did a 2.5 swap on my bosses' son's 2007 Mazda 6. I went the intake adapter setup with the stock intake using the adapter I originally bought for my Mazda 3 swap just to keep it simple. I believe it ran better than my 2.5 swap using the Fusion intake that I did on my '04 3. I personally believe if i did it again I would do the adapter and keep the stock 2.3 intake. The Mazda 6 ran that good. Just my thoughts from doing 2 of them. The 2.5 Mazda intake utilizing the IMRC components may run better. My thought is that my '04 still attempted to use the IMRC components which I hooked up as stated in my thread to keep off the light, but didn't do anything as the Ford intake didn't have them. I think it may have affected low speed torque by not having the runners being tuned by the ECU to optimize power that the system is designed to do. That is why the 2.5 Mazda intake with the IMRC may be the best option.

Datsun1600? Your thoughts?

I knew you didn't want to miss out on all the fun!

I only did one conversion, to my daughter's car which was originally a 2.0L, and it is faster than my son's 2.3L. Both cars are '07 Mazda3. Using a Mazda 2.5L IM and Mazda 2.5L TB make the engine just perfect at both high and low end. The torque in the mountains of Colorado is very noticeable. No CEL. No issues after 16k miles.

My way wasn't the cheapest, but it sure was pretty straightforward. Only real modification is to the one vacuum actuator. Cannot use the one from the 2.5L IM because it throws a CEL even though it works perfectly.

2.5L Mazda Manifold $165, Shipping $35. Unknown donor car, unk mileage. Looked very good.
eBay/LKQ online
Intake Manifold (2.5L) L538-13-100C Fits 3S 2.5L 10-13; 5S/T/GT 2.5L 12-15; 6i 2.5L 09-13; CX-7 S/T/SV 2.5L 10-12

2012 Mazda CX-7 Throttle Body Assembly (2.5L engine) 14k miles. $65.
eBay/usedautoparts.com
Throttle Body (2.5L) L502-13-640B Fits 3S 2.5L 10-13; 5S/T/GT 2.5L 12-15; 6i 2.5L 09-13; CX-7 S/T/SV 2.5L 10-12

 

[rickkari]

Thanks for all the info Datsun, I will have a good look through all of these forums. It seems like I should find all the pertinent info.

I just read through the other thread where Gary and Datsun strong armed you into the 2.5 swap. They should be lawyers. HaHa.

I saw that you are wanting to do a 2.5 swap that is built for power. My next project desire would be doing a 2.5 swap in a '06 and up 2.3 5 speed automatic(so kids could drive it) 3 hatchback with a turbo kit installed. I recently joined the Turbo'd Mazdas- For Dummies Facebook page by DRTuned Racing which is for Mazda 3 L engine turbo owners and want to be turbo owners. Many of the members on there have turbo'd their N/A 3's. A lot of good advice and direction on there. Maybe you have seen it. Just thought I would throw that out there for ya.

 

[VANDAMMAGE022]

Thanks alot guys. Just got back onto the thread its been a crazy week. Thanks for the info datsun_1600 and rickkari. I will read through it all tonight. Just got a line on a 2.5 from a 15 fusion with around 60k for $200, and it's local so no shipping or busting a mission to pick it up. I was hoping to keep the investment to a minimum for now. On looking at the motor, I believe the car solenoid connections are different, so any info on if that needs to be swapped over or maybe the plug changed. Would be good, if that's in the other threads no worries, like I said haven't gotten time to read through all the linked info yet. Really looking forward to getting into the swap. Pictures to come.

 

[rickkari]

Thanks alot guys. Just got back onto the thread its been a crazy week. Thanks for the info datsun_1600 and rickkari. I will read through it all tonight. Just got a line on a 2.5 from a 15 fusion with around 60k for $200, and it's local so no shipping or busting a mission to pick it up. I was hoping to keep the investment to a minimum for now. On looking at the motor, I believe the car solenoid connections are different, so any info on if that needs to be swapped over or maybe the plug changed. Would be good, if that's in the other threads no worries, like I said haven't gotten time to read through all the linked info yet. Really looking forward to getting into the swap. Pictures to come.

The connector issue is addressed in my thread. Easy solution, especially if your engine comes with the harness. If not, RockAuto has it.

 

[VANDAMMAGE022]

Hey guys,

Been trying to read through all the attached threads, swear im doing a research paper. I was looking through this thread, and found an attachment from strangeduck, i cant open it since im not apart of that forum, but i cant seem to join it. Any one know if they are or arent accepting new members. And if there is a possibility one of yall has it saved/could send it to me, or can let me know if i can find a way to join?

 

[4runner08]

I just finished the 2.3-2.5 swap! It was a blast. Can’t wait to read about how yours goes. Anyone else end up with a pile of unused bolts ?

 

[Datsun1600]

Hey guys,

Been trying to read through all the attached threads, swear im doing a research paper. I was looking through this thread, and found an attachment from strangeduck, i cant open it since im not apart of that forum, but i cant seem to join it. Any one know if they are or arent accepting new members. And if there is a possibility one of yall has it saved/could send it to me, or can let me know if i can find a way to join?

Not sure why you can't join. I'm a member there, but don't post any longer. I downloaded the spreadsheet for you. PM me with your email and I can send it. Sorry that I didn't see your post until now.

 

[Datsun1600]

I just finished the 2.3-2.5 swap! It was a blast. Can’t wait to read about how yours goes. Anyone else end up with a pile of unused bolts ?

LOL, the old left-over bucket of bolts issue. I used to run into that a lot, but now that I'm older I'm smarter. Or maybe dumber and have to take more precautions when I work on cars.

For a big project like an engine swap I get myself a bunch of ziplock plastic sandwich bags, a couple of small boxes, and a sharpee. Each time I remove a component I drop the bolts and or nuts into a sandwich bag and label is something like "Mazda thermostat" or "Ford intake manifold". Yep, a separate bag for every single part on the engine or suspension or whatever I have to remove to get the engine and tranny out. The re-assembly process is SO much easier. If I remove seven bolts from an assembly and one of them is longer (or shorter) than the others I note on the bag in which location that bolt was used.

I label one box Mazda and one box Ford and start putting the engine component into the respective box as I take stuff apart. The sandwich bags also go into boxes. I ordered so much from Amazon that I had a lot of nice little boxes to use for the project.

And for newbees, here is one more tip. Every single hose or cable or tube or electrical connector that you disconnect in the engine bay, label both ends (label the piece you took off AND the place where it connects). You don't even need to know the name of the part. Just wrap the end with tape and label it A. And where you disconnected it, put on another piece of tape and label that A. When reassembling, A goes to A, B goes to B, etc. Super easy.

 

[wayne bravo]

datsun 1600 is a powerful vehicle I have experience with it even my friend some time use it for car towing service in nyc, thanks for your information.