Engine compatibility

[goldenmean]

hello everyone. well my festiva engine finally died on me i have a 1988 festiva and the piston rings are gone and getting major oil blow by head gasket is also gone so i would like to do a swap out among other repairs to build my beloved "dragon" back to life.my question is what year engines are compatible with this year and can a automatic engine be swapped in to a manual (my mechanic buddy says yes). the vin # starts with a k fyi.any info and suggestions will be greatly appreciated.i am looking to do an entire makeover on the "dragon" and i will try to post pics throughout the process.thank you everyone.

[bhearts]

Most 4 cylinder Mazda Ford from 89 to 94 including miata engines

[TorqueEffect]

Easiest upgrade would be the B6 motor from a 80s Mercury Tracer, or any Mazda 323 (excluding GT and GTX). Heck it will even run on the stock engine ECU and VAF, but only recommended as a temporary solution. the ECU from a 80s Tracer, or 323 will not work in the Festy without rewiring. If you plan on using a B6, use a ECU and VAF from a 90s 323, that will hook perfectly up to the stock harness.

[goldenmean]

how about an engine from a 91 festiva?

[Damkid]

All year festiva engines have the same block/heads, the carb'd ones had mechanical lifters where the newer EFI ones had hydraulic ones... Carb'd engines had a mechanical fuel pump on the back of the head, the EFI ones had a block off plate there... So there's minor differences but the bare block/heads are all the same

[goldenmean]

ok thanks guys. now is there a way i can tell the condition of the manual transmission in there now? i was going to put in new pressure plate and cluth anyway with the engine swap. The transmission did not seem to be that bad while i drove it but i did kinda put a beating on it. It was my everyday driver.

[1990new]

how about an engine from a 91 festiva?

Here a couple of links that will give you a lot more info that could come in handy.
If the engine is from an automatic, you will need to use your old fly wheel and
if it's from an EFI car, everything from your carb car that attaches to the head.
The crank pulleys are also different on the newer engines but should work with
you current alternator and a/c if so equipped. I assume you do not have power steering.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Festiva

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_B_engine