Mazda Project

[kirkcummins]

Since i need a new engine to replace my 1.8 FP-DE, i am now looking at the possibility of converting my R4 (4WD, 1.8L, a/t) into a 4WD 2.0 turbo charged with standard transmission.
i have been looking around and found out that the transmission from the 92-on GTR/GTX all fit the JDM 4WD BJ 1.8 and 2.0. (yippee). i am now excited at the thought of doing this conversion and having some heavy horsepower through all 4 wheel.
right now i am in the research stage trying to see if i can source all the parts i will need
imagine an "EVO" BJ
i would appreciate any thoughts, suggestions or ideas

[TStarGermany]

if you can find reliable information and cheap parts, why not... although the 1.8l might be a good base for a turbo setup as well :ß

[Craig]

You could just put the whole steup from the GTR in and that should do the trick.

[kirkcummins]

i am not sure if by whole set up u mean engine and drivetrain. The only setup i can use from the GTR is transmision and maybe the rear LSD, but finding that transmission seems to be alittle difficult

[protege]

Alot of people have the thought, now where is the one that is actually going to do this :)

Too bad you don´t have the sedan then it would be a real competitor for the scoobs and evo´s :p

[Craig]

How come you cant use the 1.8 BPT. Just need some new engine mounts.

[kirkcummins]

Too many modifications. My car is a 2000 model PFL R4 (4WD, 1.8L, a/t) originally from the JDM. i am thinking that i would have to do a lot of modifications to the electrical harness ECU etc to fit the 1.8BPT and lord knows what else. If I am wrong and anyone can correct me please do, i am purely speculating based on the difference in the age ranges. If u can shed soem more light or give some more thoughts i wpould really appeciate it.

As far as the sedan is concerned i prefer the look of the hatch

[kirkcummins]

just an update. My motor finally gave which was a good and bad thing. Bad because i have no ride but good because i have started my project. I have a USDM MSP engine on it way to the tropics with my name on it.
So far my mods list include FMIC, greddy RS BOV, E manage blue, custom intercooler and intake piping and custom 2.5 inch exhaust with hiflow cat. I am using Prosport boost and oil pressure guages in a double din pod. I was thinking of a boost controller but my mechanic advised me to stay with the stock boost for now on the automatic tranny. If anyone can tell me how that tranny might handle 180+ hp i would really appreciate it.
i am still looking for a GTR/GTX gearbox to complete the project. i will post some pics when its completed

[protege]

nice man.

All the best with the project and keep us updated with pics ;)
4wd + msp engine :D
So how much did you end up paying for the engine?
shipping must be killer?

[TheMAN]

the tranny should be able to handle the power fine... your tranny is basically an updated version of the GT-X tranny from back in the days... it's the "same' thing but updated, so don't go with those older ones! it also has the viscous center diff like the GT-X/GT-R tranny

only thing better is the GT-R's 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears which are cyro treated from the factory... but the gears haven't been known to be weak on the GT-X anyway, it's the case that's weak... this has been improved over the years on this 4WD tranny

you can get the rear LSD for the GT-X, it is the same rear end

you should consider upgrading the clutch also... your tranny uses the same clutch as the P5, but you can adapt the ones meant for the MSP to it

[kirkcummins]

the engine and shipping from the US to here in barbados was less than $1000. Got the engine at a bargain from a totalled MSP
nice man.

All the best with the project and keep us updated with pics ;)
4wd + msp engine :D
So how much did you end up paying for the engine?
shipping must be killer?

[kirkcummins]

the tranny should be able to handle the power fine... your tranny is basically an updated version of the GT-X tranny from back in the days... it's the "same' thing but updated, so don't go with those older ones! it also has the viscous center diff like the GT-X/GT-R tranny

only thing better is the GT-R's 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears which are cyro treated from the factory... but the gears haven't been known to be weak on the GT-X anyway, it's the case that's weak... this has been improved over the years on this 4WD tranny

you can get the rear LSD for the GT-X, it is the same rear end

you should consider upgrading the clutch also... your tranny uses the same clutch as the P5, but you can adapt the ones meant for the MSP to it

The problem with the rear LSD for the GT-X, is finding one

[TheMAN]

what makes it so hard? you can get the factory viscous unit off a 89-93 miata (which is the exact same thing as the GT-R)... you WILL need its output shafts to make it work
or you can get an aftermarket unit that will either use the stock output shafts or use the GT-R/miata output shafts

there's plenty still available!

[kirkcummins]

what makes it so hard? you can get the factory viscous unit off a 89-93 miata (which is the exact same thing as the GT-R)... you WILL need its output shafts to make it work
or you can get an aftermarket unit that will either use the stock output shafts or use the GT-R/miata output shafts

there's plenty still available!

thanks again for then great info. what i meant by finding one was in terms of availability. bear in mind that i live in Barbados and finding parts are not as easy for me as maybe in your area. everything i have sourced so far has been in the US, which for me means international shipping ($$$) and duties when i get it (more $$$$). but i will though look around here to see what i can come up with