Your guide has been a fantastic resource for me. I actually did this swap the other way around, at least brand wise. I have a 2008 Ford Fusion 2.3, and I got a motor out of a 2009 Mazda 6 2.5 As far as what I paid, I only paid $740 for the car, so I was eager to penny pinch. I tallied everything up to around $370 for the whole swap. Now, granted, I have a nearly fully stocked shop, and the only tool I had to buy was the special timing tool. $200 for the engine at a local u-pull yard $18 for the exhaust manifold gasket $25 for the valve cover gasket $12 for a pilot bearing $42 for 4 Bosch Iridium spark plugs $7 for a Motomaster oil filter $24 for 8.8L of 5w20 semi-synthetic that was on sale $14 for 5L of 80w90 gear oil (You are supposed to use 75w90, but that was going to be almost $100 for the same amount) $8 for 3.78L of -40 antifreeze concentrate $15 for the timing tool off amazon about $5 for misc bolts/nuts/washers, and a pack of Skittles from Canadian Tire. Now, I also got lucky, as when I bought my vehicle it had already had a bunch of recent work done to it, including a complete transmission service, and a clutch that was less than 10,000km's old, which eliminated my need to put in axle seals, new cv axles, etc. The vehicle I got the engine out of was also lucky. It was rather low mileage, also with recent service, and I knew the reason it was in the yard was because the previous owner had pirouetted into a ditch during a recent snow storm, not because of a mechanical issue. Following your timing guide was invaluable, especially the part where you explained what the previous person probably did wrong, as I could see myself easily replicating that mistake. The only issue I ran into was the throttle body on the 2.5 did not want to cooperate with my PCM, and the old throttle body didn't fit. So I drilled through the rivets that hold the plastic cover on (I don't recommend this, as it is a great way to turn a functioning throttle body into a non-functioning one). The actuator, the gear reduction, and the return spring are the most obvious components inside the cover. I found out the cover itself is the TPS (throttle position sensor), so I swapped the old cover onto the new throttle and it works perfectly now.
I have a 2019 premium level Mazda 3 with a manual transmission, leather and sun roof. I bought it new on the lot for $25,000 because no one wanted a manual transmission. I get 42 plus mpg with it and my wife gets only 38 because of the way she drives. Strangely, it has the a similar engine to my 2010 Ford Ranger 5 speed which certainly has a lot less hp and torque. I find these engines to be fantastic performers. I still don't understand why there is no keyway to hold the crank pulley in position. It seems that would make things a lot simpler with no drawbacks in manufacturing costs.
$62 for a real seal? Wow, prices are getting crazy. Tools you can keep forever or maybe sell them so that's not too bad actually. Another very complete and well thought out video.
Hey I just found your channel, I just got an 05 Mazda3, so I am hoping to not have all the problems that you have had, but with that being said... wouldn't it have been a lot easier to get a long block from rockauto?
I couldn't agree with you more! Just want to say, thanks a lot for posting this series. And especially for posting this price/cost video. I feel like that's an often ignored aspect of any DIY car maintenance/repair work here on UA-cam. I want to attempt an engine swap this summer and your videos have really inspired me to do so. Though, in all honesty, I don't think I would've installed the bigger engine... But that's just me! Also, your son is really lucky to have a dad like you! Have a great Sunday!
Great breakdown! Time is money... what did you have to do to "make time" for this project? Some people think that doing things themselves will save them money, but it ends up being more than they bargained for. A couple days at a shop will "cost" more, but the "turn-around time" is what makes it cost effective.
Thomas EXOVCDS I completely agree with you about the time to swap yourself vs having it done. This is my 16yr old sons car so there was no pressure to rush. I took a couple of days off from work but otherwise it was after work and weekends. In my details video I tell people that if they just want to get their cars back on the road quickly then this isn't the swap for them given how involved it is.
Thomas EXOVCDS I also tell them that I feel it's definitely possible to do a direct 2.3 to 2.3 swap in a weekend. (if a suitable engine can be found) But then to your point, you could probably do it in a day, so people have to weigh the cost vs time dilemma.
People sometimes forget or don't expect to run into issues... having space & tools is the main thing. No disrespect was intended... was just a bit of info (for people reading) to get them thinking about "is it worth it" to DIY. You obviously did a great job!
Thomas EXOVCDS No worries. You are 100% right! In my Details video I talk a fair bit about taking into careful consideration the matter of what happens if problems occur and if they can handle it and most importantly what they would be willing to do to have it fixed if they even can! I'm currently trying to help two people on a particular forum to get their botched swaps fixed up! So, it's a real issue!! One guy was lamenting both the time it's taken and the money he's spent, so your comments are dead on.
I think you did the right thing in changing all the parts listed. This will ensure no surprised after having the engine installed. Also, more likely the motor will run smoother and last longer. Lastly, I had no idea that a 2.5L motor from a From Fusion would be a direct fit on a 2005 Mazda 3. Did you feel any power difference?
I keep forgetting that during 2005 Mazda was part of the Ford Company. I am planning on doing either a motor rebuild on my 2005 Mazda 3 SP23 or Mazdaspeed 3 motor swap which I heard can be a nightmare.
Yup, not a good idea to do a Speed swap. Go to Mazda3Forums.com for all of the details on the different swaps. If it can be done, those guys have done it!
I have a Mercury Milan (fancy ford fusion) I4 and I been having on mind to swap the engine to get a little more power on my daily, do you think a CX-7 engine could fit in it?
If you mean the CX-7 turbo engine, the cost of the Mazda engine would be very high. It probably would fit, but I don't know of anyone who has done that swap. I suggest that you go to the Ford Fusion forums and ask people there. If anyone has done it they would know.
Hi, I'm considering doing this swap into my 2006 3 with a 2 liter gen 1 engine, I was wondering if I replaced it with a Mazda engine instead of a ford one, would it be any easier? also I don't necessarily need to go with a 2.5 would it be easier with a gen 2 2 liter again Mazda not ford. I basically want to just replace then engine and it is easier and cheaper to get a gen 2 then a gen 1 engine now. Most of the swaps I've seen written up have used the ford engine, so my biggest question is would need to crack into the engine and replace a bunch of various things if I just went with a 2 liter or 2.5 mazda engine from the get go?
Rumnhammer Yes, if you do an engine swap using another Mazda engine it's much easier as I point out in my Details, Blah, Blah, Blah video. The downside is the cost. Mazda engines are more expensive. So, that's the trade-off, time/simplicity vs money. If you get an engine out of the same gen you shouldn't have to change anything. You'll have to do your homework though and make sure you have all the details worked out first.
guessing you were ok with the connectors and using the 2.3 ecu as well? Yes I would rather pay more for the Mazda engine and not have to swap the oil pan etc etc. Also did your 2.5 bolt up to the 5 speed in your car? I haven't had a chance to watch the videos all the way through so I'll watch the blah blah blah. probably have a few more questions after that as well.
Rumnhammer Correct. No connector or PCM changes. Direct bolt up to the 5 speed manual. If new engine is auto you have to put in a pilot bearing. Pull engine out and plug in the new. Join Mazda3Forums and read through the swap threads for all the details. Lots of info available there. I read through hundreds of thread pages to prepare for my swap and advise you to as well. It really helps!
I did buy a throttle body adapter kit. It allowed me to mount the 2.3 TB to the 2.5 intake manifold. I believe the kit cost around $125. I purchased it off of a Mazda3Forums member who also sells them on eBay. I'm a bit rusty on this now but I believe that if you get the TB off of a Mazda 2.5 you don't need the adapter kit. However, you'd need to verify that by going to the forums and reading through the posts.
Baxrok2 I was planning on buying his, I was just making sure you didn't have a magic solution. I'm trying to do this as cheep as possible, we just did a ton of maintenance on the car including a new clutch. Then the car ate 3 quarts of oil in a week and spun a bearing. But your video series is amazing. thankyou so much, I have read through every forum I can find, and watched all of your videos, and it looks like we should be able to get the whole swap done for under $600
$600, that is great. Removing the cost of the clutch and other parts you've replaced over time helps. Document and post what you've done so others can see how you did it so inexpensively. Thanks!
It just occurred to me that there is an alternative to the TB adapter. That is the intake manifold adapter. You can keep the 2.3 intake manifold on the 2.5 if you use the intake adapter. They sell for around $60 I believe. I actually have one that I've been meaning to sell. If you're interested in it let me know. I'd sell it for $50.
Baxrok2 unfortunately the car has had intake manifold codes for a long time, from before we bought the car, so I would actually have to get a different manifold either way. and I know the 2.5 manifold is supposed to give you less issues anyway
I want to swap an engine out of 2008 2.3L Mazda cx7 with turbo any optional engine suggestions? Want to go with maybe a Honda engine... Input anyone? Don't want a Ford engine
Matthew Canfield Yeah, another guy did one for around $500. I did a lot more than I had to but that's just the way I am. lol Glad you saved some bucks!
Baxrok2 i found the engine for 500 on ebay from a 2011 ford fusion with 78k miles on it. And after that all i really needed was an adapter plate to fit my 2.0 intake on there but looking here soon to find a 2.5 mazda throttle body for the ford 2.5 intake.
Matthew Canfield Yeah, I should have just bought a 2.5 TB from the start and skipped the adapter. Would have been cheaper and probably run better too! I paid $750 for my 2011 Fusion engine with 58kmi on it.
Your guide has been a fantastic resource for me. I actually did this swap the other way around, at least brand wise. I have a 2008 Ford Fusion 2.3, and I got a motor out of a 2009 Mazda 6 2.5
As far as what I paid, I only paid $740 for the car, so I was eager to penny pinch. I tallied everything up to around $370 for the whole swap. Now, granted, I have a nearly fully stocked shop, and the only tool I had to buy was the special timing tool.
$200 for the engine at a local u-pull yard
$18 for the exhaust manifold gasket
$25 for the valve cover gasket
$12 for a pilot bearing
$42 for 4 Bosch Iridium spark plugs
$7 for a Motomaster oil filter
$24 for 8.8L of 5w20 semi-synthetic that was on sale
$14 for 5L of 80w90 gear oil (You are supposed to use 75w90, but that was going to be almost $100 for the same amount)
$8 for 3.78L of -40 antifreeze concentrate
$15 for the timing tool off amazon
about $5 for misc bolts/nuts/washers, and a pack of Skittles from Canadian Tire.
Now, I also got lucky, as when I bought my vehicle it had already had a bunch of recent work done to it, including a complete transmission service, and a clutch that was less than 10,000km's old, which eliminated my need to put in axle seals, new cv axles, etc. The vehicle I got the engine out of was also lucky. It was rather low mileage, also with recent service, and I knew the reason it was in the yard was because the previous owner had pirouetted into a ditch during a recent snow storm, not because of a mechanical issue.
Following your timing guide was invaluable, especially the part where you explained what the previous person probably did wrong, as I could see myself easily replicating that mistake. The only issue I ran into was the throttle body on the 2.5 did not want to cooperate with my PCM, and the old throttle body didn't fit. So I drilled through the rivets that hold the plastic cover on (I don't recommend this, as it is a great way to turn a functioning throttle body into a non-functioning one). The actuator, the gear reduction, and the return spring are the most obvious components inside the cover. I found out the cover itself is the TPS (throttle position sensor), so I swapped the old cover onto the new throttle and it works perfectly now.
Very impressive. Congrats!
I have a 2019 premium level Mazda 3 with a manual transmission, leather and sun roof. I bought it new on the lot for $25,000 because no one wanted a manual transmission. I get 42 plus mpg with it and my wife gets only 38 because of the way she drives. Strangely, it has the a similar engine to my 2010 Ford Ranger 5 speed which certainly has a lot less hp and torque. I find these engines to be fantastic performers. I still don't understand why there is no keyway to hold the crank pulley in position. It seems that would make things a lot simpler with no drawbacks in manufacturing costs.
$62 for a real seal? Wow, prices are getting crazy. Tools you can keep forever or maybe sell them so that's not too bad actually. Another very complete and well thought out video.
wyattoneable Well, to be honest, it's not your typical seal, but yeah big bucks. Keeping the tools for sure. lol
Hey I just found your channel, I just got an 05 Mazda3, so I am hoping to not have all the problems that you have had, but with that being said... wouldn't it have been a lot easier to get a long block from rockauto?
Easier yes, but considerably more expensive. I got a used 2011 engine with 55,000 miles on it for $750.
Hahaha, "I can't stand oil leaks!" Speak the truth!! :)
I will do just about anything to stop a leak! Three cars - no leaks. (well, none that I know of that is!)
I couldn't agree with you more! Just want to say, thanks a lot for posting this series. And especially for posting this price/cost video. I feel like that's an often ignored aspect of any DIY car maintenance/repair work here on UA-cam. I want to attempt an engine swap this summer and your videos have really inspired me to do so. Though, in all honesty, I don't think I would've installed the bigger engine... But that's just me! Also, your son is really lucky to have a dad like you! Have a great Sunday!
Excellent! Make some videos of your swap too. Thanks for your very kind compliments and for following the swap!
Great breakdown! Time is money... what did you have to do to "make time" for this project? Some people think that doing things themselves will save them money, but it ends up being more than they bargained for. A couple days at a shop will "cost" more, but the "turn-around time" is what makes it cost effective.
Thomas EXOVCDS I completely agree with you about the time to swap yourself vs having it done. This is my 16yr old sons car so there was no pressure to rush. I took a couple of days off from work but otherwise it was after work and weekends. In my details video I tell people that if they just want to get their cars back on the road quickly then this isn't the swap for them given how involved it is.
Thomas EXOVCDS I also tell them that I feel it's definitely possible to do a direct 2.3 to 2.3 swap in a weekend. (if a suitable engine can be found) But then to your point, you could probably do it in a day, so people have to weigh the cost vs time dilemma.
People sometimes forget or don't expect to run into issues... having space & tools is the main thing. No disrespect was intended... was just a bit of info (for people reading) to get them thinking about "is it worth it" to DIY. You obviously did a great job!
Thomas EXOVCDS No worries. You are 100% right! In my Details video I talk a fair bit about taking into careful consideration the matter of what happens if problems occur and if they can handle it and most importantly what they would be willing to do to have it fixed if they even can! I'm currently trying to help two people on a particular forum to get their botched swaps fixed up! So, it's a real issue!! One guy was lamenting both the time it's taken and the money he's spent, so your comments are dead on.
My swap only ran 1200
I think you did the right thing in changing all the parts listed. This will ensure no surprised after having the engine installed. Also, more likely the motor will run smoother and last longer. Lastly, I had no idea that a 2.5L motor from a From Fusion would be a direct fit on a 2005 Mazda 3. Did you feel any power difference?
Carlos Somchai Thanks. The only power gain feeling was likely due to the fact that the old engine was so worn out! lol
Yeah!! Plus not much more displacement between the two. Another question....Is the Fusion motor a chain timing belt motor also?
Yes, chain. Virtually identical engines except for some changes to the cylinder head.
I keep forgetting that during 2005 Mazda was part of the Ford Company. I am planning on doing either a motor rebuild on my 2005 Mazda 3 SP23 or Mazdaspeed 3 motor swap which I heard can be a nightmare.
Yup, not a good idea to do a Speed swap. Go to Mazda3Forums.com for all of the details on the different swaps. If it can be done, those guys have done it!
I have a Mercury Milan (fancy ford fusion) I4 and I been having on mind to swap the engine to get a little more power on my daily, do you think a CX-7 engine could fit in it?
If you mean the CX-7 turbo engine, the cost of the Mazda engine would be very high. It probably would fit, but I don't know of anyone who has done that swap. I suggest that you go to the Ford Fusion forums and ask people there. If anyone has done it they would know.
Hi, I'm considering doing this swap into my 2006 3 with a 2 liter gen 1 engine, I was wondering if I replaced it with a Mazda engine instead of a ford one, would it be any easier? also I don't necessarily need to go with a 2.5 would it be easier with a gen 2 2 liter again Mazda not ford. I basically want to just replace then engine and it is easier and cheaper to get a gen 2 then a gen 1 engine now. Most of the swaps I've seen written up have used the ford engine, so my biggest question is would need to crack into the engine and replace a bunch of various things if I just went with a 2 liter or 2.5 mazda engine from the get go?
Rumnhammer Yes, if you do an engine swap using another Mazda engine it's much easier as I point out in my Details, Blah, Blah, Blah video. The downside is the cost. Mazda engines are more expensive. So, that's the trade-off, time/simplicity vs money. If you get an engine out of the same gen you shouldn't have to change anything. You'll have to do your homework though and make sure you have all the details worked out first.
guessing you were ok with the connectors and using the 2.3 ecu as well? Yes I would rather pay more for the Mazda engine and not have to swap the oil pan etc etc. Also did your 2.5 bolt up to the 5 speed in your car?
I haven't had a chance to watch the videos all the way through so I'll watch the blah blah blah. probably have a few more questions after that as well.
Rumnhammer Correct. No connector or PCM changes. Direct bolt up to the 5 speed manual. If new engine is auto you have to put in a pilot bearing. Pull engine out and plug in the new. Join Mazda3Forums and read through the swap threads for all the details. Lots of info available there. I read through hundreds of thread pages to prepare for my swap and advise you to as well. It really helps!
I noticed you didn't mention a throttle body adapter, how did you end up doing that?
I did buy a throttle body adapter kit. It allowed me to mount the 2.3 TB to the 2.5 intake manifold. I believe the kit cost around $125. I purchased it off of a Mazda3Forums member who also sells them on eBay. I'm a bit rusty on this now but I believe that if you get the TB off of a Mazda 2.5 you don't need the adapter kit. However, you'd need to verify that by going to the forums and reading through the posts.
Baxrok2 I was planning on buying his, I was just making sure you didn't have a magic solution. I'm trying to do this as cheep as possible, we just did a ton of maintenance on the car including a new clutch. Then the car ate 3 quarts of oil in a week and spun a bearing. But your video series is amazing. thankyou so much, I have read through every forum I can find, and watched all of your videos, and it looks like we should be able to get the whole swap done for under $600
$600, that is great. Removing the cost of the clutch and other parts you've replaced over time helps. Document and post what you've done so others can see how you did it so inexpensively. Thanks!
It just occurred to me that there is an alternative to the TB adapter. That is the intake manifold adapter. You can keep the 2.3 intake manifold on the 2.5 if you use the intake adapter. They sell for around $60 I believe. I actually have one that I've been meaning to sell. If you're interested in it let me know. I'd sell it for $50.
Baxrok2 unfortunately the car has had intake manifold codes for a long time, from before we bought the car, so I would actually have to get a different manifold either way. and I know the 2.5 manifold is supposed to give you less issues anyway
I want to swap an engine out of 2008 2.3L Mazda cx7 with turbo any optional engine suggestions? Want to go with maybe a Honda engine... Input anyone? Don't want a Ford engine
Thats steep i got mine in and running for less than 1000
Matthew Canfield Yeah, another guy did one for around $500. I did a lot more than I had to but that's just the way I am. lol Glad you saved some bucks!
Baxrok2 i found the engine for 500 on ebay from a 2011 ford fusion with 78k miles on it. And after that all i really needed was an adapter plate to fit my 2.0 intake on there but looking here soon to find a 2.5 mazda throttle body for the ford 2.5 intake.
Matthew Canfield Yeah, I should have just bought a 2.5 TB from the start and skipped the adapter. Would have been cheaper and probably run better too! I paid $750 for my 2011 Fusion engine with 58kmi on it.
Where did you guys find engines? Only ones I could find was from jasper.
For 6k fresh off the line