Mazda3 Replacement

Non-repair car talk
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kevm14
Posts: 15200
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: Mazda3 Replacement

Post by kevm14 »

kevm14 wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2020 7:23 am There is less mileage dynamic range between like this, a GTO, the MS3 and even the Camaro V6 when you look at the ratings. Maybe fuel economy is not really a driver here. Side note, everything is going to want premium fuel. Like everything we're talking about. Camaro LFX probably runs the best on 87 but I believe still prefers premium. Would have to look into that.
Dug this up:
Now there is evidence that the ECM in the previous LFX 3.6L V6 to suggest that using premium with provide a bit more performance if it is used regularly. A fellow on another forum who does programming for GM ECM stated that the LFX V6 will adjust and create or use a different internal tuning table for air/fuel ratio. It will not result in higher MPG necessarily. . . just a bit more gusto off the line and in passing gear.

However, he stated it would take 3 or more tank fills to purge out the lower 89 octane fuel and driving with the 91 octane to obtain this result. And if you returned to 89 octane ethanol blend, it would soon revert to the lower performance operating table in the ECM.

This is still not a night an day difference. Using 91 non ethanol in the LFX V6 just gave a bit more kick. I tried in in our other vehicle and it seemed to support what the fellow stated.
I switched over to 91 on my 2016 Equinox with the LFX V6 and noticed a small performance difference but mostly noticed less soot on the dual chrome exhaust tips. If the exhaust tips are staying cleaner, then so should the inside of the engine?
bill25
Posts: 2583
Joined: Thu Oct 31, 2013 2:20 pm

Re: Mazda3 Replacement

Post by bill25 »

I need to look into this a LOT more, but the Mazda3 replacement might be... the Mazda3.

Just found some very interesting stuff.

https://kugelkomponents.com/focus-v-8/

These guys sell a rear bolt in subframe for the focus, and assuming the mazda3 should be "close enough..." that accepts a Ford 8.8 rear end that supposedly fits and doesn't need to be cut.

They also sell a front engine cradle kit that accepts a Ford 4.6 or 5.0.
You can get adapters for the 4.6 to an LS engine. Here is one example:
https://uprproducts.com/ls-mustang-swap ... or-mounts/


What is cool about this is it is almost all bolt on.

Need to look at possibility of 4wd.
kevm14
Posts: 15200
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: Mazda3 Replacement

Post by kevm14 »

You should look into it. I will have to check out the videos and stuff.

My feeling is AWD is not going to work out. And while I acknowledge the massive sleeper effect, you are adding hundreds of pounds and spending 5 figures on an old Mazda 3. Seems like you could buy something that is closer to your goals, saving time and money. I'm biased of course because that's literally what I just did. And FWIW, day 1, no regrets at all!
kevm14
Posts: 15200
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: Mazda3 Replacement

Post by kevm14 »

Apparently the internet has been talking about this for over 18 years.

https://www.fordforums.com/threads/ford ... ion.18082/
bill25
Posts: 2583
Joined: Thu Oct 31, 2013 2:20 pm

Re: Mazda3 Replacement

Post by bill25 »

This is apparently impossible to find, but here is some info:
https://www.riinspection.org/Pages/FAQ. ... generalfaq

Not a .gov site, so not totally sure about this.
Age: Motor vehicles 25 years old or older must undergo inspection for safety and emissions. However, these vehicles will not be failed if they do not pass emissions standards.
Vehicles with exchanged engines: These vehicles are inspected for emissions compliance based on the chassis model year of the vehicle. However, if the engine is newer than the chassis model year, the emissions inspection is based on the model year of the engine.
If you get a junkyard engine, how do you prove year? So I would need a 2010 or newer, and as long as it has all of it's stock emissions equipment, I am good???
kevm14
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Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: Mazda3 Replacement

Post by kevm14 »

You can run any engine as long as it meets 2009 standards. What I don't know is what that really means in the context of OBD-II. I don't know if there is a database that knows the VIN of the engine and compares that to the chassis VIN and then makes a compliance judgement.

If it just goes by plug in results there isn't much to do here. If you can program the engine ECM with your Mazda VIN and all the right systems are ready then I think you are done. They obviously don't actually measure emissions on OBD-II.
bill25
Posts: 2583
Joined: Thu Oct 31, 2013 2:20 pm

Re: Mazda3 Replacement

Post by bill25 »

I have to post the counter point -

https://www.automobilemag.com/news/ford-focus-v8/


Apparently, they used:
a 315-hp, OHV, 5.0-liter V-8, a Tremec T-5 manual transmission with a cable-actuated clutch, and a solid rear axle with an 8.8-inch ring gear.
Stats:
Focus V-8 delivered the power and the performance we expected. A run on one of DynoJet's dynamometers indicated 250 hp at the rear wheels, about what you'd expect from a Mustang 5.0. This Focus V-8 weighed only 2919 pounds, and the weight distribution was virtually identical to that of a front-wheel-drive Focus. It turned the quarter-mile in 14.9 seconds at 95 mph, and 60 mph came up in 6.1 seconds.

So all that to be slower than a MazdaSpeed3 (Yup got it) For my plans, I would be doing more HP than that, but good data. I don't see how this could be so slow considering the MazdaSpeed3 isn't lighter and has less power...
bill25
Posts: 2583
Joined: Thu Oct 31, 2013 2:20 pm

Re: Mazda3 Replacement

Post by bill25 »

Some good info on stout GM AWD pieces/parts.
https://engineswapdepot.com/?p=4520
4L80E transmission, NP149 transfer case with viscous coupling, a Typhoon 3.73 front differential, and 3.73 12-bolt rear differential. The Chevelle can reach 0-62 mph (0-100 kph) in 2.75 seconds and 50-75 mph in 1.01 seconds.
Something tells me the Typhoon front diff is expensive... The NP149 transfer case looks like about 900 for a reman.

Here is the compatibility list for that transfer case:
27 spline input shaft
-Fits the following with a 4L60E AWD Transmission:
*2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade/ ESV/ EXTV8 6.0L
*2004-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500
*2006 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
*2001-2007 GMC Sierra 1500 (includes Denali) V8 6.0L
*2001-2003 and 2005-2007 GMC Sierra 1500 HD
*2001-2006 GMC Yukon
*2001-2006 GMC Yukon XL 1500
kevm14
Posts: 15200
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: Mazda3 Replacement

Post by kevm14 »

I don't know how you will package the transfer case, front diff and make it all work with your front suspension.

The transfer case may end up under the front passenger seat. Or in it.
bill25
Posts: 2583
Joined: Thu Oct 31, 2013 2:20 pm

Re: Mazda3 Replacement

Post by bill25 »

Well, the S40 Volvo and a couple other Volvo models used this same chassis, and were available in AWD.
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