2003 Protege5 FSZE Engine swap issues and options?

[YellowP5]

Hello guys,

I was unaware of the differences between the engines so I installed a JDM motor with all the fittings swapped from the original engine.
I have a pinging problem.
Every sensor and coil has been changed. So what are my options at this point?

1. Is this pinging going to kill the engine?
2. All I want is to run the engine without pinging. I do not care for any extra power.
3. I also want it to run at 87 octane.

What are my options now?

 

[BenjiHoggi]

I'm not an expert and I would have to take some more time to find sources for you but I believe the JDM motors, even non ZEs run slightly different compression which can cause pinging. I've heard stories of people in your exact boat that had the same problem. Don't quote me but I believe they had to run higher octane fuel.

 

[YellowP5]

I'm not an expert and I would have to take some more time to find sources for you but I believe the JDM motors, even non ZEs run slightly different compression which can cause pinging. I've heard stories of people in your exact boat that had the same problem. Don't quote me but I believe they had to run higher octane fuel.

Thank you.
Yes, I have heard of that, I just want to confirm if this kills the engine or is just a nuisance. Keep the car or sell it.

 

[MuffinMan06]

Thank you.
Yes, I have heard of that, I just want to confirm if this kills the engine or is just a nuisance. Keep the car or sell it.

pinging puts a lot of shock through the internals and causes carbon build up. it is not good in the long run at all. last I checked the ZE runs over 10/1 compression which may necessitate retarded timing or higher octane. put a couple cans of seafoam in the tank and see if there could be carbon deposits in the engine causing the problem

 

[katapaltes]

I got a JDM FSDE replacement engine in my P5. I noticed pinging with 87 octane, especially if I accelerated going up a hill. It's $.30 extra to get 89 octane and another $.30 to get 93 octane here in Dallas. I can pay for the 93 octane because I don't drive much (I work from home and ride my bike everywhere possible). I installed an MP3 ECU (requires high octane) because I'm paying for 93 anyway... I do get slightly better fuel economy with the MP3 ECU and 93 than I did with the regular ECU and 87. You can find my posts and others on the subject in this forum.

 

[BenjiHoggi]

I got a JDM FSDE replacement engine in my P5. I noticed pinging with 87 octane, especially if I accelerated going up a hill. It's $.30 extra to get 89 octane and another $.30 to get 93 octane here in Dallas. I can pay for the 93 octane because I don't drive much (I work from home and ride my bike everywhere possible). I installed an MP3 ECU (requires high octane) because I'm paying for 93 anyway... I do get slightly better fuel economy with the MP3 ECU and 93 than I did with the regular ECU and 87. You can find my posts and others on the subject in this forum.

Cool cool. Considering your JDM replacement engine stories, I was thinking you were the right person to answer this question.

 

[katapaltes]

Thank you.
Yes, I have heard of that, I just want to confirm if this kills the engine or is just a nuisance. Keep the car or sell it.

I guess one question I'd have is whether high-octane gas actually fixes the pinging. If it does, then that's as sure a sign as I know that it needs higher-octane gas.

As I mentioned above, the three octane levels common in Dallas are 87, 89, and 93 (91 is not commonly available afaik). 89 and 93 octane cost $.30 and and $.60 extra per gallon, respectively. So I could pay an extra $.30 and get 89 octane (mid grade), or I can mix half a tank of 87 (regular) and half a tank of 93 (premium) and for that same $.30 extra, I can get 90 octane (if my math is good).

I don't know what state you're in, but if they sell 87/89/93 in your area and 89 (mid grade) pings, maybe you can try the above and see if 90 still pings? I still had pinging at 89 (mid grade), so I went to 93 (premium). I don't remember if I ever tried half-and-half. I get one or two better MPG than stock with 93 octane and my MP3 ECU, plus up to five more HP and a better power band supposedly.