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Is swapping out the engine on this truck pretty straight forward nuts and bolts process?


juntjoo

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 27, 2018
Messages
97
City
Cape coral FL
Vehicle Year
2003
Transmission
Manual
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Do unto others...
If not, where does it get complicated?

Also, What engines are compatible? Or where can I check this, like is there a chart/guide somewhere?

And if anyone knows of any other engines not officially compatible but with minimal modifications can work?

And where do you guys/gals keep your eyes open for good deals on good used or even rebuilt engines?

Thanks
 
swapping what for what? 3.0 for 3.0? unbolt everything, label it all, lift out old 3.0, and place in "new" one. reverse the unbolting and bolt it all back up.
 
swapping what for what? 3.0 for 3.0? unbolt everything, label it all, lift out old 3.0, and place in "new" one. reverse the unbolting and bolt it all back up.
Yeah, if I could rent an engine crane for a day for $30 or whatever, and do it myself that'd save me like $1.5k or something. And would be a fun day or weekend. And what's the "v8 engine swap" under your name mean? You can swap the 3.0 for v8 you say? That sounds fun
 
My V8 swap is a 83 ranger with a 302. anything is possible, throw enough money into anything and it becomes reality. I haven't done any work like that to a Mazda, I am sure others have. I was asking you to be more concise with your questions about what you are wanting to do.

Fun weekend alright, I am guessing that is for a same engine in and out, and not a re-configuring.

cheers
 
Yeah, if I could rent an engine crane for a day for $30 or whatever, and do it myself that'd save me like $1.5k or something. And would be a fun day or weekend. And what's the "v8 engine swap" under your name mean? You can swap the 3.0 for v8 you say? That sounds fun

Buy a crane from harbor freight, sell/trade it when done.

MAABCO motors I believe sells rebuilt 3.0 and 4.0 short/long blocks with warranty.. but id check for local places first. Google things like rebuilt/reman motors near me, or engine suppliers near me etc etc

There may even be a machine shop local to you that could overhaul what you have relatively quickly.
 
Harbor Freight for an engine hoist. Buy it and sell when done will be cheaper in the long run and you wont be rushed. The first time engine swap will probably have some hiccups that will eat up your time.
The only engjne that fits easy is another 3.0.
 
My V8 swap is a 83 ranger with a 302. anything is possible, throw enough money into anything and it becomes reality. I haven't done any work like that to a Mazda, I am sure others have. I was asking you to be more concise with your questions about what you are wanting to do.

Fun weekend alright, I am guessing that is for a same engine in and out, and not a re-configuring.

cheers
Nice. How do you like it? Big difference? Might you have any videos on youtube or anywhere of this beast? IDK what the difference is in size, I'm assuming it's substantial otherwise you wouldn't have bothered.
 
Buy a crane from harbor freight, sell/trade it when done.

MAABCO motors I believe sells rebuilt 3.0 and 4.0 short/long blocks with warranty.. but id check for local places first. Google things like rebuilt/reman motors near me, or engine suppliers near me etc etc

There may even be a machine shop local to you that could overhaul what you have relatively quickly.
Why do you suggest buying then trading/selling it?

Thanks. I'll do some googling. I've seen prices on eBay and not cheap, but I imagine you'll save at least $100 on shipping if I find something local. In fact there's Ranger around the corner broken down all beat up in someone's yard, been there a while I've yet to inquire about.

Machine shop... there is a guy who does machine work. He also quoted me $1.5k to replace the engine. What do you suppose they charge for overhaul? Doesn't sound much cheaper but then again you end up with effectively a brand new engine no? And I'm talking just the short block. I'm sure my cylinder heads are fine.
 
Why do you suggest buying then trading/selling it?

Thanks. I'll do some googling. I've seen prices on eBay and not cheap, but I imagine you'll save at least $100 on shipping if I find something local. In fact there's Ranger around the corner broken down all beat up in someone's yard, been there a while I've yet to inquire about.

Machine shop... there is a guy who does machine work. He also quoted me $1.5k to replace the engine. What do you suppose they charge for overhaul? Doesn't sound much cheaper but then again you end up with effectively a brand new engine no? And I'm talking just the short block. I'm sure my cylinder heads are fine.

If you can't find a place to rent one then buying one for the meantime would be a good option. Keep it if you want.... who knows.. you may get bit by the bug lol.

No idea what they'd want for an overhaul... but after looking at MAABCO's website they offer 3.0 shortblocks to fit your truck for 800$.. upgrading to hyperutetic (spelling) pistons and moly rings would only run an extra 115$ and shipping is freight and about 300$ iirc.
 
If you can't find a place to rent one then buying one for the meantime would be a good option. Keep it if you want.... who knows.. you may get bit by the bug lol.

No idea what they'd want for an overhaul... but after looking at MAABCO's website they offer 3.0 shortblocks to fit your truck for 800$.. upgrading to hyperutetic (spelling) pistons and moly rings would only run an extra 115$ and shipping is freight and about 300$ iirc.

You're prolly right about getting bit by the bug.

That price aint that bad for a new engine. That upgrade you mention, that's above stock I presume? I shouldn't tempt myself. You can upgrade to the moon if you want.

I'm tempted though to get that crane. I've got another car and motorcycle and being able to replace an engine is a valuable basic skill. They have foldable cranes? I like tools and have a ton but not so much space, or... I don't like taking up a lot of space.
 
You're prolly right about getting bit by the bug.

That price aint that bad for a new engine. That upgrade you mention, that's above stock I presume? I shouldn't tempt myself. You can upgrade to the moon if you want.

I'm tempted though to get that crane. I've got another car and motorcycle and being able to replace an engine is a valuable basic skill. They have foldable cranes? I like tools and have a ton but not so much space, or... I don't like taking up a lot of space.
Just FYI there is ALOT more involved in a V8 swap then just ripping out the 3.0 and bolting in a 302.

Youre doing wireing work, changing/fabbing motormounts, changing trannys, changing driveshafts...

Your 3.0 is basically what youre stuck with, even a 4.0 is no where near a direct bolt in.

Swapping yours for another 3.0 isnt "hard" persay, but prepared for alot of work.
 
If not, where does it get complicated?

Also, What engines are compatible? Or where can I check this, like is there a chart/guide somewhere?

And if anyone knows of any other engines not officially compatible but with minimal modifications can work?

And where do you guys/gals keep your eyes open for good deals on good used or even rebuilt engines?

Thanks



Can you sort of 🤔.....maybe ......weld?

Have you ever used a grinder and cut off wheel?


If you are confident in those two things...and are surfing the internet....you got this ..
 
Nice! No other videos? I wanna see it on the drag strip.

nope, only vid so far. you won't see it on a drag strip, but could see it at a car show....

but this truck might see a drag strip....
 

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