Replacing my msp engine. Which engines can I choose from?

Finding a used FS-DET for my MSP has been quite fruitless.
Quote for rebuilding my blown FS-DET is an arm and a leg.
Getting a used FS-DE and swapping the necessary FS-DET components (as described in this thread, and others like this one) from my blown FS-DET onto the FS-DE one seems like a more cost reasonable option.

So I’ve called around some automotive wreckers in search of an FS-DE engine, and they told me that the short block from FS-DET (for manual transmission) has a different part # then the one from the FS-DE that I’m trying to purchase (for automatic transmission – I’m having difficulty finding one from a manual car). They also said that the top block (did they mean engine ”head”?) is listed as different part # between FS-DE and FS-DET.

How concerned should I be with these two part # differences?

Or more specifically:

1.
If I get an FS-DE engine that came from an automatic transmission, will I be able to mount it in my MSP; will it couple with my existing transmission? I saw a post about the starter using 3-bolts to mount to the block on the FS-DET and only two on the FS-DE. Is that the only problem?

2:
What about this engine head part number difference between FS-DET and FS-DE that the auto-wreckers is claiming? Is this a concern?

Also, couple questions/concerns my mechanic had when he heard I wanted to give him an FS-DE (in stead of FS-DET) to replace the blown FS-DET in my MSP:

3: Will the Intake Manifold from the original FS-DET fit over the FS-DE?

4: Will the Exhaust Manifold from the original FS-DET fit over the FS-DE?


I’m about to go ahead and buy this FS-DE engine, but it would suck to have to buy it and find out that things don’t fit.

1. You are correct on the starter; it should word fine. You will need to pull the flex plate and put on a flywheel. The engine is internally balanced so there shouldn't be any difference on the crank pulley.

2. No clue. FS9 is the proper head code. It should be on all proteges with the FS or FP engines and on late model 626's (Note: the cam is different on the FP engine but the cam gears are the same. The cam gears are different on the 626 but cams are the same. I have been told that the cam sensor, crank pulley and crank sensor on the 626 are different but I haven't confirmed it yet.)

3. Yes

4. Yes

Make sure the block says FS and the head FS9. If the exhaust manifold is on the engine and you can't see the FS then make sure it has a coil on plug setup and not remote coils (that would be a 626 engine or an FP engine.) Of course if it is still in the car you can just look at the headlights and coil packs to make sure it is an FS engine.

Also, take a look at a pic of the 1.6L valve cover/coil packs so that you can tell the difference.

Plenty of people have used manual and automatic FS-DE's from proteges and 626s in there mazdaspeeds. This thread looks pretty complete on what you would need to swap. Let us know how it goes!
 
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I took a look at the used FS-DE engine (from an automatic 2003 protege) I'm about to buy. The head says FS9. The block says FS. So I'm good (exact same markings are on my blown FS-DET).

My mechanic says he'll drill/tap the extra whole on the FS-DE block to accommodate the starter from the blown FS-DET. All other components from the FS-DET to FS-DE which need to be moved he'll do too. It's looking good here too.

One problem:

I just discovered the Exhaust Manifold on my blown FS-DET is cracked. Do I need to get a new Exhaust Manifold, or can I reuse the one that's on the FS-DE I'm about to buy (it does come with one)? Mind you, I will be putting my original turbo on the FS-DE engine; so, will the turbo fit onto the FS-DE Exhaust Manifold? I'm guessing that it won't. Will it?

If the Exhaust Manifold is the same on the FS-DET as it is on FS-DE, then I don't need to buy a new manifold; I'll just leave the one that's on the FS-DE engine I'm buying. But if the Exhaust Manifolds aren't the same, and I have to get a new one, it has been suggested that I might want to get an after-market one (something with better flow). Anybody know of any place to buy a decent after-market Exhaust Manifold that won't cost too much?
 
more than likely,if it is from an autotragic tranny, it has a header setup so it won't mate with the flange on the turbo. you would have to reuse the exhaust manifold from your blown motor or search for a thunder manifold. That is the cheapest one unless you want to dish out the cash for the steedspeed manifold....ooor you could just try welding the crack on the stock exhaust manifold.
 
i would patch up the crack. seems to work for alot of people on here. not completely sure on that as im not turbo, or msp for that matter.
 
more than likely,if it is from an autotragic tranny, it has a header setup so it won't mate with the flange on the turbo. you would have to reuse the exhaust manifold from your blown motor or search for a thunder manifold. That is the cheapest one unless you want to dish out the cash for the steedspeed manifold....ooor you could just try welding the crack on the stock exhaust manifold.

I'm not having luck finding this "thunder manifold". I keep coming up with post, but no manufacturer's website. Any clue where I can buy this manifold?
 
Protephile is the vendor for thunder. PM him to see what the turn around time for the header. If not re-weld the stock one.
 
One more thing about the starter. I swapped out the original motor for a 626 automatic and swapped everything over from my engine, which also included the plate behind the flexplate/flywheel. This allowed the starter to bolt right in with no other modifications required.
 
+1 Using the starter from you car should not require any modification.

I would have someone weld the crack in your stock manifold. Some have relief cut the flange to try and prevent it from cracking.
 
...This thread looks pretty complete on what you would need to swap. Let us know how it goes!

I forgot to revisit this thread and provide feedback, until now.

The swap was completed about a month or so ago. All is well. Thanks to all who helped me out in this thread. You got me back on the road, and with a smile on my face.

I am forever indebted

Cheers !
 
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