My brother is in the shoehorn-a-V8-into-whatever camp. He thinks it's the perfect engine for any car, lol. He's done it and doesn't mind shortening drive shafts, repositioning motor mounts, etc.
Engine Swap Idea -- Let's Brainstorm
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Here are three pictures to show what the turbo looks like on an off the engine. The first picture is a Reman Ecoboost engine showing the turbo with heatshield in place. It's on the exhaust manifold side of the engine. The 2nd pic shows an engine with the turbo removed; there is a single exhaust port (with red plug installed) instead of the normal four separate ports. The 3rd pic is of a turbo facing the direction as it would be bolted to the engine.
Any ideas as to how the Mazda exhaust would mate up with the Ecoboost engine? Another issue I see is with the engine mount. The top of the timing cover has three threaded rods instead of just two. That would mean a non-Mazda motor mount situation.
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Here is a list of potential pitfalls related to the 2.0L Ecoboost engine that must be overcome in order to make this swap possible in an '06-'09 Gen1 Mazda3. I will edit this list as people come up with additional legit hurdles and possible solutions.
1. Ti-VCT vs. S-VCT. The Ecoboost uses Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing while the MZR uses Sequential Valve Timing. There are two camshaft position sensors with the Ecoboost while only one with the MZR. See picture. Solution requires: Ford wiring harness...others?
2. Exhaust manifold. The Ecoboost has a special manifold (of sorts) for combining 4 exhaust ports into 1 before routing the exhaust through the turbo. The resulting exhaust would have to be similar to any Ford vehicle using an Ecoboost engine. Solution requires: Custom pipe to extend from turbo to Mazda exhaust. Probably would need to include the O2 sensor.
3. Engine management. In all likelihood the Mazda ECU is incompatible with the Ecoboost engine. This isn't a show-stopper since there are various websites where professionals and enthusiasts have put Ecoboost engines into a variety of older cars (one example is 'project ugly horse' which uses an older mustang). Solution requires: M-6017-20T control pack or similar, about $1600. https://performanceparts.ford.com/part/M-6017-20T
4. Motor mounts. Two studs for the Mazda PSMM (part of the timing cover) and three studs for the Ford PSMM (mounting base is bolted on to the timing cover). See picture. Solution requires: Adapting Ford PSMM to the Mazda frame, or customizing a mount for the Mazda PSMM to the Ford timing cover.
4. We can talk about small stuff like where to mount the intercooler? Which oil pan to use? Do you need to find a new home for the A/C compressor? And on and on. But I find those to be small things that require ingenuity. Large things require spending money, but it's money that may be well worth it for a killer project.
1. Ti-VCT vs. S-VCT. The Ecoboost uses Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing while the MZR uses Sequential Valve Timing. There are two camshaft position sensors with the Ecoboost while only one with the MZR. See picture. Solution requires: Ford wiring harness...others?
2. Exhaust manifold. The Ecoboost has a special manifold (of sorts) for combining 4 exhaust ports into 1 before routing the exhaust through the turbo. The resulting exhaust would have to be similar to any Ford vehicle using an Ecoboost engine. Solution requires: Custom pipe to extend from turbo to Mazda exhaust. Probably would need to include the O2 sensor.
3. Engine management. In all likelihood the Mazda ECU is incompatible with the Ecoboost engine. This isn't a show-stopper since there are various websites where professionals and enthusiasts have put Ecoboost engines into a variety of older cars (one example is 'project ugly horse' which uses an older mustang). Solution requires: M-6017-20T control pack or similar, about $1600. https://performanceparts.ford.com/part/M-6017-20T
4. Motor mounts. Two studs for the Mazda PSMM (part of the timing cover) and three studs for the Ford PSMM (mounting base is bolted on to the timing cover). See picture. Solution requires: Adapting Ford PSMM to the Mazda frame, or customizing a mount for the Mazda PSMM to the Ford timing cover.
4. We can talk about small stuff like where to mount the intercooler? Which oil pan to use? Do you need to find a new home for the A/C compressor? And on and on. But I find those to be small things that require ingenuity. Large things require spending money, but it's money that may be well worth it for a killer project.
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Performance parts for Gen1 Mazda 3 from SRMotorsports. This could be used when transforming a 2.5L Duratec to a Mazda engine for use on the Mazda 3.
Stock pulleys weigh 8.2 lbs.....our SR power pulleys only weigh 2.1 lbs !
Dyno sheet with our NEW Underdrive Power Pulleys on it.
The Project Mazda3 picked up 9+ Horsepower with them. Fits 2004-2009 Mazda3.
On sale for $299, down from $749. Nice colors. I don't know if the price-to-power ratio is very good, but if you got some money and want to add some bling to your engine build project, then go for it.
Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 Underdrive Power Pulley Parts. Mazdaspeed 3 and Mazda 3 Performance Parts.
Stock pulleys weigh 8.2 lbs.....our SR power pulleys only weigh 2.1 lbs !
Dyno sheet with our NEW Underdrive Power Pulleys on it.
The Project Mazda3 picked up 9+ Horsepower with them. Fits 2004-2009 Mazda3.
On sale for $299, down from $749. Nice colors. I don't know if the price-to-power ratio is very good, but if you got some money and want to add some bling to your engine build project, then go for it.
Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 Underdrive Power Pulley Parts. Mazdaspeed 3 and Mazda 3 Performance Parts.
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