2003 MSP Help with Replacing Engine.

[Scottdout]

Hello Guys, I new on the thread, My 03 MSP neegs a engine replacement, I have a used engine from a salavage yard, I changed out the Timmin belt, Water pump, Rod bearings,
Now I need to pull out the blown engine, I dont have any books or I cant find any on this model MSP. Do I have to pull the engine and trans out together down thru the bottom of the car, Or can the engine come out from the top of the engine bay? LOOKS like to me it must go out the bottom?
What is the correct way to attack this project?
Thanks
Scott.

 

[Macabe]

I pulled my entire swap at once and I pulled it up through the top

 

[Scottdout]

Thanks Macabe, So I should beable to spilt the engine from the trans (let the axles hooked up.. It just didnt really look like the is a lot of room, I will take a real close look again before I attack this engine swap.
Scott

 

[Spiced MSP]

I haven't pulled a motor yet, but yes what ^^^ said. It can be done from the top.

[/IMG]

 

[mazda3gboostin]

yeah take them both out it will make life ALOT easier

 

[Scottdout]

WOW, Now I got it, sure do appreicate the picture,, It is worth a thousand words..
Thanks a bunch.
Scott

 

[Macabe]

No you'll need to take the axles out and make sure to unplug all the connectors for the harness and all of the fuel/air lines. It'll help to have a buddy or two there just to make sure you don't catch on anything. Took Me about 3 hours to pull my motor the first time. Take your time there's no rush.

 

[Preferio]

I always pull mine from the bottom... I've had the engines out of my MSP and P5 at least 10 times... I also have a shop and lift of my own to use as I need it, so doing it in the driveway, going out the bottom may not be as easy of an option.

 

[Scottdout]

Thanks guys for all the reply's,
Man everytime I open that hood and take a look around at all the hose's, wires,lines ect... I just want to shut the hood and let somebody else change it out for me, I live in York Pa. wish you guys were close by.. But I have the shop to do it in and I know I can do it-I just got to put my mind to it. I can only pull it from the top, I do not have the car lift to do it from out the bottom
question on pulling the axles, I figure I must drain the oil from the trans,
DO THE AXLES JUST PULL FROM THE TRANS or need a special tool to remove them?
or is there any special tools that I may need?

 

[Macabe]

No special tools required but a breaker bar would be a great tool to have for the axle nuts. And yes the axles just pull out of the trans (half shaft is bolted to the block) just don't over do it when pulling them.

 

[Scottdout]

The breaker bar is not a problem or even a 3/4 drive inpact gun, but the half shaft is bolted to the block--not sure what you mean, Do I just pull the axles from the trans or do I unbolt the axle shaft from the trans?

(half shaft is bolted to the block) just don't over do it when pulling them.

 

[Macabe]

Get under the car and look at the axle for the passenger side. You'll see some bolts that go into the motor. I undid these bolts before pulling the axle out.

 

[kiamors]

yeah. It should come out the top. when you pull the axles out be careful, you might have to get the struts lose in order to get clearance on the axle to get it to come out. I can't remember exactly from when I did mine. it is way easier to lift the tans and motor out together than to try and separate them. plus it makes swapping the motor parts easier. depending on the motor (wether it is a MSP motor or regular protege motor) you might have to swap out the plate between the oil pan and motor, and the oil cooler and a few other things. remember to check a few times before you go to lift it out. I missed several things my first attempt and had to unbolt and unhook about 2 or 3 more times before I had it all.

also, what are you doing with your old engine? and what happened to it?

 

[Scottdout]

Thanks guys for all your help, Kiamors the engine is blowen, rods, crank is shot, bearings went out,
I am almost ready to do the swap, The engine I found is the MSP engine, I pulled the pan and spacer checked all the bearngs and they are very nice, So I am changing the timing belt and water pump, Also a new clutch, a couple hoses.
This engine came Without the turbo so I will need mine, and what ever i ned to change as I swap the engine.

 

[shane02pro5]

Mark all your plugs with tape labels to keep it organized... looks alot worse than it is just take your time and even take a few pics to reference when the new one goes in.

 

[kiamors]

I would say if you have the room you might want to keep it to take apart and forge later. if nothing else you can strip out the plate and maybe the head and sell it on here. we are always looking for parts. I would be interested in them since my old motor (which I am planning on forging) had the head messed up by a machine shop. long story short, if you have to have your head worked on make sure the machine shop knows that your valve stems have to be cut to match the old ones as it doesn't have your usual hydraulic lifters.

it isn't easy but it isn't hard either, if you have a spare car to drive just remember to take your time and label stuff. and take pictures of your vacuum routing before you start unhooking anything. Also if you haven't already now is a great time to change out your stock vacuum lines for good silicone lines.