Couple of questions about 1990 Mazda 323

[WaOnFiRe]

Hello all, I'm new here!

I might buy a 1990 Mazda 323 tomorow. The engine is a stock 1.6L 4-cyl with a 4 speed automatic transmission. Since these cars seem to be pretty light, a motor swap would work good I think right?

What would be an easy swap for this car?

I've heard that the 1.8L SOHC from a Protege between 90 and 94 would be the easisest and cheapest way to bolt-on some performance. Is it true?

With this swap, do you think I have to change the wiring too and other stuff? Or just the engine and computer would do the trick?

Would I get more performance by switching my automatic transmission for another one from an Escort GT or Protege LX/GT?

I know I could buy a turbo motor from some 323 and V6 from MX3, but it would cost too much for me so I'm looking for an economical way of having a little more power.

I may only do a good tune up too, what you guys recommend for spark plug brand and model for Mazda vehicules? I know GM is ACDelco, my Plymouth Champion... But what do you guys recommend for Mazda in these years? For the other tune up parts, do I use Mazda brand or something else or anything?

Thanks in advance!

See ya!

 

[MazKid]

In order:
1. Motor swaps are very common in 323s. Most people use the BP DOHC 1.8L, though apparently it's harder to find in some parts so people use the B8, which is the SOHC version.

2. Easy swaps include the BP, B8, B6T, DOHC B6(not a great improvement of power though), BPT(180hp or 210hp). Harder swaps include the K8(1.8L V6), KL(2.5L V6), KL-ZE(200hp). I've also heard of FS 2.0L turbo 323s, there's one in Puerto Rico that runs mid 10s if I remember correctly.

3. Yeah, the B8 is cheap and easy to find(any non-LX '90-94 Protege has it). I can get the BP for basically the same price, so you might be able to as well.

4. If I remember correctly, all you need is the ecu, the wireing should be the same.

5. Meh, if you're looking for performance, you're going to have to ditch the automatic and swap in a 5 speed. Even doing that with the stock B6 will give you a huge performance upgrade in basically every aspect.

6. Mazda's spark plug brand is NGK. They're great, and they're the only thing I will ever use. Champion is pretty crappy, and whatever you do, STAY AWAY FROM BOSCHE. Bosche is garbage.

7. I use only Mazda parts for tuneups, though I'd suggest a K&N airfilter, cone(you need an adapter though) or drop-in panel.

Hope that helps.

 

[WaOnFiRe]

Hello my friends, do you know what? I called the guy back, and it's a 92 1.8L SOHC in it right now! Is it any better than the stock 1.6L SOHC and DOHC that you talked about?

Is it worth it to go from the 1.8L SOHC in it right now to a 1.8L DOHC or it's not worth the trouble?

What can I do after the tune up with regular NGK spark plugs and Mazda's parts to get a little more performance? Should I get a Protege LX/GT automatic transmission? Will it make a difference? An automatic would be easier in my case right? I just need to buy the correct automatic transmission, I put it in, and it'll be all ok or I need something else?

Any other cost-efefctive "upgrades"?

Thanks!!

 

[jeffmsp]

get a gtx turbo motor and a aftermarket clutch.

 

[mazdaboy1974]

In order:
1. Motor swaps are very common in 323s. Most people use the BP DOHC 1.8L, though apparently it's harder to find in some parts so people use the B8, which is the SOHC version.

This is the catagory i fell in. When my B6 gave out in 03 I tried to swap out everything from a 94 probe se ( the dumb thing i did was left all the wiring and dashboard and flywheel when i moved out of my house (pissed) )I searched for a bp to swap but no luck but in 05 I finally came across a 94 protege DX B8 that ran better than it looked but one slight problem the tranny was busted so i was stuck with the manual tranny and spent the last year hunting down the nessary copoents to get it roadworthy. Mine should be back on the road this WED ( I hope) Instead of trying to figure out what switches to jump on the ATX wiring i am pulling wiring and ECU from a MTX protege DX This whole thing would had been easier if i just kept the orignal wiring that way all i would had changed was the motor and ECU .

 

[Captain KRM P5]

thats a sad looking wreck (the gray one) up there