Mazda 323 brake swap possible?

[TominMO]

Is it possible to swap in the front brakes from a 1989 or earlier Mazda 323?

[nonamekid]

yes, it is possible, but i don't think it is a direct bolt up like the aspire. No one has documented the swap so we can't tell you of the difficulties involved. I have been wanting to try this for some time just have been too busy.

[festivaWES]

It bolts up. At the junkyard yesterday me and Marcus measured 2 3/16" center to center bolt on both cars in the yard. The lower spindle portion where it bolts to the control arm is the same size. I forgot to measure the tie rod measurement though, but I'm almost 99 percent sure it is the same.

festiva rotor is 8.5 inches versus the 9 inches on the 323. Only thing left to check on wheather or not the spline count on the hub and axles are the same...

[bhazard]

If you do 323 you might as well do capri, 10.2" rotor and it should all be the same measurements.

[festivaWES]

Yeah but with the 323 swap while still upgrading the front brakes you can retain 13" wheels.....can you still run a 13" with a capri swap?

And believe with the capri front swap you have to use a aspire LCA??? correct me if i am wrong.

[nonamekid]

It bolts up. At the junkyard yesterday me and Marcus measured 2 3/16" center to center bolt on both cars in the yard. The lower spindle portion where it bolts to the control arm is the same size. I forgot to measure the tie rod measurement though, but I'm almost 99 percent sure it is the same.

festiva rotor is 8.5 inches versus the 9 inches on the 323. Only thing left to check on wheather or not the spline count on the hub and axles are the same...

Spline count is the same.

[fastivaca]

That is very useful information. I have three sets of the Mazda alloys so have shied away from the Aspire brake swap. If this swap works I can keep the wheels wihle upgrading the brakes. Is the 323 rotor vented or solid?

Thanks for the info!

[Biglay5150]

It bolts up. At the junkyard yesterday me and Marcus measured 2 3/16" center to center bolt on both cars in the yard. The lower spindle portion where it bolts to the control arm is the same size. I forgot to measure the tie rod measurement though, but I'm almost 99 percent sure it is the same.

festiva rotor is 8.5 inches versus the 9 inches on the 323. Only thing left to check on wheather or not the spline count on the hub and axles are the same...

In order to do an F series trans swap you use the 323 axles. So as Nonamekid said the spline count is the same. But is it worth it are they bigger than Aspire rotors?

[festivaWES]

I think they are the same size, but I'm not 100% sure..

[nonamekid]

But is it worth it are they bigger than Aspire rotors?

Mazda 323 brakes
9.36", vented

Ford Aspire
9.25", vented

[festivaWES]

wow bigger! That and i think they are vented also.

[fastivaca]

Do we know whether the tie rod ends have to be changed?

[festivaWES]

I can find out, but it don't think so.

[fastivaca]

I just checked and the outer tie rod ends for the early 323's and the Festiva are one and the same. This swap is looking more doable all the time!

Here's the list of cars with the same application:

FORD FESTIVA GL (1991 - 1993)
FORD FESTIVA L (1988 - 1993)
FORD FESTIVA L PLUS 1990
FORD FESTIVA LX (1988 - 1992)
MAZDA 323 (1986 - 1989)
MERCURY CAPRI (1991 - 1994)
MERCURY CAPRI XR2 (1991 - 1994)
MERCURY TRACER (1987 - 1989)

Pick N Pull here I come.

[festivaWES]

I'm going to do the front 323's here in a couple of months. Good luck with your swap.