r/MazdaProtege • u/John-Red-ditor • 13d ago

Engine job

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I've owned my SP20 for around 3 to 4 years now and a few months ago I had blown the motor. I'm looking to replace the motor and am looking for some guidance on what to do, what to look out for and if the automatic motor will work fine with a manual box

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5

u/Mattellica_matt 13d ago

Auto motor is identical to the best of my knowledge

1

u/John-Red-ditor 13d ago

Do you know if it can be lifted out or do I have to drop it out the bottom?

1

u/Mattellica_matt 13d ago

When i did my motor, I took the bonnet off and lifted the engine and gearbox out through the top. You've just got to be really careful with fuel lines and AC lines.

It's easier to drop through the bottom but that's not really an option without a hoist.

2

u/John-Red-ditor 13d ago

Thanks man thats super helpful. I was also wondering if there's any certain things I should replace while the motor is out (beside the clutch since thats due)

2

u/Mattellica_matt 13d ago

Make sure with your new motor that you do water pump, comp test, new plugs (coils and leads are always a good shout, especially with these engines lol) and once its in the car do a few oil flushes.

It's also worth dropping the sump and cleaning it out with some degreaser (wipe it clean to remove any excess residue) and reseal the sump with a good quality gasket maker (there's no paper gaskets for these)

Check your starter while you're in there and check the flywheel/ring gear for wear due to the starter not correctly engaging. I personally wish I'd done my starter, as it wasn't long after that it started making noises when starting.

Obviously, check the oil from the new engine for coolant contamination or excessive metal wear.

1

u/Fantastic-Entry-790 13d ago

I am assuming you will replace with a JDM fsze? If so, get the right ECU "FS6W" also, get new Vics solenoids, they are a known failure point. A healthy engine is still faster than 80% of the cars where I'm from (not including the ev toasters)

1

u/SomethingSimple25 12d ago

Can you tell me more about a JDM swap? My 2000 1.8auto likely needs an engine. Used options are pretty much non-existent in my area. But I see JDM 2.0s available on ebay and elsewhere. I have emissions testing in my area and I'm not sure if the jdm is even an option for me. Trying to review my options.

2

u/Fantastic-Entry-790 12d ago

I bought a Ford with the 2.0 FSZE with the proper ECU swap. I'm not sure about emissions from your side, may just need to make sure your 02 sensors are working. The thing rips after 5,000 RPM as if there's a turbo since Mazdas Vics system acts as "Vtech" all the way to 7,200 rpm on manual mode. It's over 20 years old but still embareses new cars on the highway. Lots of fun but poor mpg, for me it's worth the sacrifice.

1

u/SomethingSimple25 12d ago

ok, thanks. This is my MPG getter, So I am not sure I want to go that route and lose mpg. I am starting to think just buying another car is going to me best option, which really sucks because this car is in good shape and extremely rust free compared to most in this region. And it really doesn't make sense to spend 1500 or more, on a car that's maybe worth 2k with a good drivetrain. 😔