1998 Protege engine needed

[mazdanewby]

Need to replace the engine in my 98 Protege. It is a 1.5 auto and has a rod knocking. It has 130k on it and still looks great. Was wondering about BP engine swap but couldn't find any definite answers after many hours of searching for 96-98 Protege specific swaps. I know about the Escort GT and Tracer LTS, etc but was interested in replacing the engine with easiest direct swap possible. Any upgrades in power will be a plus but don't care if the 1.5 is just replaced with another 1.5. Just need to get the car going. I am experienced in engine swaps of all kinds, except Mazda, and don't mind complicated as long as I can get clear and concise information regarding all aspects.

 

[irishkev90]

I'm a member on another mazda forum where BP swaps are popular. I haven't done it myself, but just from reading what others did I know you will need the wiring harness and ecu for the BP, along with the actual engine of course. Motor mounts I'm not sure if they're different or not. If you need to find an engine, BP or Z5, I suggest junkyards first because it would be much cheaper. If you're into power upgrades I would go with the BP. If you need more specific information I can try to find it for you.

 

[mazdanewby]

Thanks Irishkev90. I think I will give the BP swap a try as those engines are plentiful which increases my chance to find a decent one. The downside is that most of the 98 and older engines are high mileage and junk yard motors can be a gamble not to mention a ticking time bomb. Most engines advertised out of the car around here remarkably have only 50-90K miles whiles those still attached to the odometer have 130k plus!? I have another question I have regarding transmissions. Is it safe to assume that engines in the B family should match bellhousings of other B family engines? I realize that OBD1 and OBD2 engines/transmissions may have electronic differences but does a auto trans bellhousing pattern from a 1.8L fit a 1.5L or 1.3L also? Thanks again in advance for your help!

 

[irishkev90]

I'm not sure if you're staying automatic or not, and I couldn't find any information on automatic transmission swaps, but as far as I know for manual transmissions, there's the G-series and the F-series transmissions. G-series is stronger and I think has lower gear ratios. If you want the G-series you would have to find a 1995 Protege ES as they are the only 2nd gens to come with a G-series transmission. All other models came with the F-series, but either transmission should bolt directly onto the BP. Obviously if you're going from automatic to manual you'll need all the clutch stuff, linkages, etc. But I'm sure you already know that.

If you really want to stay automatic, however, I could try and dig up some information on it. Though, don't take this as a final answer, I'd think any automatic transmission from 95-98 should work, though I could be wrong.

 

[mazdanewby]

I am going to stay with automatic. My hope is to find a low mileage car with a severe accident and good drive train. No performance other than stock as my college freshman daughter needs only enough power to get into traffic when merging on the interstate. Thanks again

 

[irishkev90]

Ohhh, okay. I'll see what I can dig up.

 

[irishkev90]

It seems that my thoughts have been confirmed. The Z5 automatic transmission should bolt onto the BP with no problems. I'll let you know if anybody says different though.