[StLDave]

I am helping a friend fix his 2003 Mazda 6, engine recently deceased. A few years back I swapped a 3.0 Taurus into my 1999 Contour SVT, so I was pleasantly suprised to see the Mazda 3.0 is a Duratec at heart. Local yard has a Mazda engine, but it is $1300. Fusion looks to be the way to go, cheaper and less miles. Just to clarify, the Taurus did not come with VVT but the 6 and Fusion both have it? If so, I will be sure to get the right engine for the swap. I don't feel like swapping heads and such.

Thanks for all the good info, have been reading a few threads on swaps, really helpful.

 

[StLDave]

Canyon, thanks for the info. I began this adventure reading your posts, honored to have your comments. Going to pick up an '06 Fusion with 26K on it today for $500. Hoping it is a smooth swap. You still believe in dropping the engine and trans out of the bottom? All gaskets are Mazda 2003 spec?

Thanks again!

 

[StLDave]

Looked on car-parts.com and found it across the river. Went to buy it and offered the guy $450, he took it. He said engine was sitting around for a few months, it is clean inside. Took it to my shop tonight, will get the car there in the next few days. Let the fun begin.

 

[StLDave]

Quick question, looking back at CR thread, did you need to change the front cover? I do not see mention of it. That means I do not have to pull the crank pulley?

Also, I will need to R&R the ATX, is there a good thread on that in here?

Thanks

 

[StLDave]

It is an 06 Fusion replacing an 03 Mazda. Front cover means pulling crank pulley etc. How much have you guys spent on gaskets for this?

 

[StLDave]

Autozone was crazy, like $50 for VC, 50 for front, it was going on $200 as I recall. Ouch! Need to look at Rock Auto, maybe they have a kit?

 

[StLDave]

An update, got the sub frame pulled out this weekend. What a PIA to pull exhaust to get at the last steering rack bolt. I notice CR still had pipes hooked up, how did you get he third bolt off with the heat shield still in place? Trying to get at the AC bolts. Need to also remove the trans cooler and the power streering lines before I drop the engine. Do you pull PS lines from the rack or the pump?

Will be dropping the engine soon, then transfering it all over to the Fusion block.

Getting closer!

 

[StLDave]

I couldn't get at the heat shield bolts without pulling the exhuast. a few twists and turns and curses and it was out.


I guess you pulled the PS pump to leave the lines attached?
Getting close, traveling this weekend, hope to have the engine out in a week or so.

THANKS

 

[StLDave]

Thanks, that answers this question!

 

[StLDave]

Engine is out, getting ready to swap stuff over from one long block to the other. Hope it goes back in quicker. Probably will as I will forget to reconnect half the stuff!!

 

[StLDave]

Quick question...hoping to get the new engine dressed in the old guys parts tomorrow. Do I need new studs for the exhaust manifold or do you just reuse the old ones?

Also, broke the thing that connects the heater hose to the intake manifold. Thought I saw one somewhere for $45??? Seems like a lot.

Also broke a connector on one of the coils. Will the Fusion coil work in its place?

Thanks, hope to get the engine back in the bay tomorrow.

 

[StLDave]

Made good progress yesterday, still a few things to do. One of my VVT solenoids was smacked, had to repair.

Need to know where to get a longer crank bolt. Looks like it needs to be a 12-1.50x70? Lowes does not carry. Autozone?

 

[StLDave]

CR, I was planning to use the Mazda pulley, so I should use the Fusion? I had to pull the old one off, I figued I needed to use the longer bolt to put the old one back on as it is an interference fit. I will try to see if it slips on...

Flipper, what is connection to intake for? What is impact of removing it. Not my car, so I really don't want to mod it. Already reused the exhaust studs, thanks. The plug is broken off the coil pack, really don't want to spend $30 to replace it is all.

Thanks for the input. Probably no work next weekend due to a wedding, but should get more done in two weeks.

 

[StLDave]

Thanks, will prob give it a shot. Must be small PVC? Add a couple of stubs to calmp to?

 

[StLDave]

Got things back together, about ready to put the engine back in. Just need to bolt the tranny back on.

My 2006 Fusion coils appear to look just like my 2003 Mazda 6. They fit, screw down and plug in. Guess I will give them a try before replacing the two that are damaged. Any thouhgts?