DOHC B6 Information

[reddragon]

I'm still curious as to why the fixture/machining hole (tunnel) under the alternator mount would be different between blocks. Will see if I can get a hold of an inspection camera and explore it further.

The intake manifold twists away from the front of motor, so probably suits a RHD vehicle better due to helping with brake booster/master cylinder clearance.

[Advancedynamix]

They are common enough to find here locally, just not as common as the earlier style engine.
The head design is superior to the early b6d head, but the intake manifold on the mx3 is too bulky to easily fit in a Festiva with the stock engine location. Also, the lack of a block vent port is a downside, though the added oil return passages make up of some of the issue. Nothing beats a nice big block vent.
For some reason, modern automotive engineers have ditched block ventilation in an attempt at "cleaner burning" engines. This makes no sense to me, as a well ventilated block aids in ring seal and reduces leaks in worn engines. The engines I've built with proper air oil separators run better and use less oil. I think this is a case of follow the leader without question.
In the early part of this century, we saw many examples of engines (particularly turbo/supercharged engines) with oil consumption issues that were directly related to the PCV system on these modern engines. Several manufacturers, including Toyota and Mazda, have had continuous ring sealing issues which have led to heavy oil consumption as low as 50k miles. It's pretty easy to see why, when you know the basics of ring design and function and you take a close look at the restrictive crankcase ventilation on these engines.
The fight for "low emission" often seems like it's counterproductive when you look at the big picture.

[reddragon]

It's probably safe to assume that is what I'm working with. Over here they also came in 1994 - 1998 KJ/KL lasers, and probably mazda 323.

Wikipedia suggests Columbia or Venezuela to source these in the Northern Hemisphere. Well, perhaps not quite Northern Hemisphere, but it's still just a road trip. .

[Advancedynamix]

Yes. It's similar to the B5 DOHC. We didn't get the B5DE here in the U.S., but my assumption is that the MX3 engine is just a 1.6 version of that engine. It's the predecessor to the Z series engines and is an evolution engine between the 2. Here in the U.S. it's very rare, as it only came in a few years of the base model mx3.

[reddragon]

Is the distributer on the late gen MX3 mounted to the exhaust side of head?

[Advancedynamix]

Here, you can see the block vent bung. It's just below and to the right of where the oil filter mounts.
This block is a b6ze from a Japanese importer. It is identical to the b6t block in every way. The b6d Capri blocks are also identical here in the U.S.
The only b6 DOHC block that doesn't have this port is the late generation block from an MX3 here in the U.S., but that engine may have come in other cars in Australia. The head is different as well on that engine. There are extra oil return ports in the block and head.

[reddragon]

The block pictured doesn't seem to have it. I also have a B6T block which does have it, so I know the area it should be. The hole I mention in above photo, it is different between the two blocks. On the B6T, that hole is just a hole. The one pictured, it is much deeper, it's more like a tunnel than a hole. After an inch, it bends 90 degrees and goes into the block - I can poke a six inch piece of wire in it. I believe its a B6ZE block, but it's a factory FWD version out of an Australian Ford Laser.

If I was to blow air into that hole, and feel it vent out through oil pan pipe or cam cover holes, could it be used as a vent?

[Advancedynamix]

The bung on the oil pan is the return port for oil to drain into the pan from the separator.

[Dragonhealer]

^ no, that's one of the fixture holes for machining the block. Look just to the rear of the alternator, 18mm pipe sticking out horizontally, that is the block vent which is blanked off with a rubber cap in USD Miata

[reddragon]

Yeah, I block that one off on my setups too. That is the pipe that has led to a lot of B6T drivers thinking that they blew their turbo, when actually they just had blow by that blew oil into the turbo from the valve cover.

Is this the vent location, the hole on underside of alternator mount?

[fastivaca]

wow okay, that sounds more my speed. I'll look into finding a B6 engine. I just want a daily driver with a little more hp than the stock fuel injected b3. It is a little under powered in my opinion. thanks

The B6 swap is well worth it. I ran mine for quite a while and thought that this is the engine that the Festiva should have come with in the first place. Check out this page for info on that car. Unfortunately that is no more, it rusted way too much but was replaced with a B6T Festiva!

I ran mine with the B6 computer, VAF meter, intake and exhaust manifolds. It will run quite nicely with the stock B3 versions though, making the swap even more straightforward. Bottom line... you won't be disappointed.

Cheers

[Airportcar]

wow okay, that sounds more my speed. I'll look into finding a B6 engine. I just want a daily driver with a little more hp than the stock fuel injected b3. It is a little under powered in my opinion. thanks

[FestYboy]

^ if the donor car is auto, swap the entire drivetrain, that way you'll have an overdrive gear.

Then again, since this is your first ever, a standard b6 would be the easiest route as it doesn't require any special mounts: it's a direct replacement.

[Airportcar]

hi guys I pretty new the the forum. I have questions about swapping in a B6D into 89 festiva auto. I'm looking at a buying a mazda mx3 for the engine and ECU and matting it to my auto Festiva. Is there a thread here you all know of that can help me along? This will be my first engine swap ever, just looking to be pointed in the right direction. thanks all

[Advancedynamix]

Also notice there is no pipe on the front of the cam cover as compared to the usdm cover.

Yeah, I block that one off on my setups too. That is the pipe that has led to a lot of B6T drivers thinking that they blew their turbo, when actually they just had blow by that blew oil into the turbo from the valve cover.