Mazda 3 rwd conversion

[Ninjatation]

Sorry if there is already a thread, but I was wondering if an Rx-8 drive-train would fit in a 2008 Mazda 3 sedan. If not would it be possible to get one from a Ford Focus or something.

A kit would be easier but I haven't found any yet.

Any help would be nice, thanks.

 

[BrianM3GS]

I'm sure this is way too obscure for there to be a kit, but with enough work anything is possible as custom work.

Two big challenges with any RWD conversion of the Mazda3 body that I can think of:

1. The 3 has no transmission tunnel, because it has a transverse engine/transaxle; that likely means serious floor and firewall modification.
2. The 3 is not available in a RWD or AWD version, so the driveshaft tunnel and final drive space might be a challenge... and the fuel tank is in the way.

My guess is that an RX-8 engine and transmission will also be substantially heavier than the stock Mazda3 drivetrain, which has implications for front suspension and handling, but that's likely manageable.

If not would it be possible to get one from a Ford Focus or something.

I'm not sure what is intended here. A Focus is front wheel drive, so would not be a source for rear-wheel-drive conversion. If the idea is a Focus drivetrain as a closer-to-stock replacement for a Mazda3 drivetrain, then yes they're pretty close (the 3 and the Focus are based on the same platform design), but there are so many Mazda3's out there that it seems easier to find direct-swap parts than to adapt to whatever differences the Focus parts might have.

 

[joeyfc3s]

Have not seen any mazda 3s yet but down in puerto rico are several 13brew 13b cosmo swapped protege 5s.Im not talking about full tube frame chassis race cars(they have a bunch of those 2)but actual street legal rwd p5s.The use a toyota corolla front end suspension steering setup and mount the engine behind the front axle like any rotary power vehicule.For trans the cut the floor and build a tunnel out of aluminum and is atached 2 the floor with quick disconect bolts.Most of them use the stronger turbo 2 trans.For the rear end you just used a ladder bar suspension with a ford rear end.Easy and cheap setup not to mention strong rear setup.

 

[GrasshopperCO]

I'm sure this is way too obscure for there to be a kit, but with enough work anything is possible as custom work.

Two big challenges with any RWD conversion of the Mazda3 body that I can think of:

1. The 3 has no transmission tunnel, because it has a transverse engine/transaxle; that likely means serious floor and firewall modification.
2. The 3 is not available in a RWD or AWD version, so the driveshaft tunnel and final drive space might be a challenge... and the fuel tank is in the way.

My guess is that an RX-8 engine and transmission will also be substantially heavier than the stock Mazda3 drivetrain, which has implications for front suspension and handling, but that's likely manageable.


I'm not sure what is intended here. A Focus is front wheel drive, so would not be a source for rear-wheel-drive conversion. If the idea is a Focus drivetrain as a closer-to-stock replacement for a Mazda3 drivetrain, then yes they're pretty close (the 3 and the Focus are based on the same platform design), but there are so many Mazda3's out there that it seems easier to find direct-swap parts than to adapt to whatever differences the Focus parts might have.

Have to say I agree here. Unless you're well skilled at doing this sort of thing, the parts and labor needed to get it done with outweigh any potential benefit, in my mind, of making the 3 RWD. For the money it would take to do a custom job, I'd rather just buy a RWD car.

I seriously doubt there's a lot out there for this sort of swap - I know it's FWD, but the 3 is one of the best-driving FWD cars around. I guess I can't see a practical application in doing this. It'd almost be better to just find an RX-8 drivetrain and put a 3's body on it...but again, why would you do that when you can just have the RX-8?

 

[Ninjatation]

Alright, I assumed it wouldn't be worth it. Thanks for the help guys!