B6D swap price tag and other questions

[Gomez]

I really want to do this swap because it is pretty much everything I could ask for in a swap. BP would be nice but they are hard to come by here. SOHC b6 just seems a little anemic for the trouble. I don't know jack squat about turbo so B6T is out.

So that leaves me with the B6D that I already have. I like it because it has a p/s pump and reservoir on it already and i have the Festiva p/s rack to go with it. The DOHC bumps power up to 100ish. Lots of potential for upgrades.

There are no real thorough write ups on this swap. I am extremely scared I won't be able to finish once started.

If I do find a BP cheap enough I know there will be a little more physical work but there will be lots less electrical questions because of Matts quality write up. If this happens What do you guys think this is worth with the ecu and p/s rack as well?

Should I keep searching for info and attempt the B6D swap with what little I can find?

Thanks for ANY help I can get. Oh yeah if you're interested pm me about it.

[Safety Guy]

FWIW I have the same questions you do. I have not run across a definitive answer as to how to get a B6DE swap to run correctly with no problems. I have heard that those who have done it have had problems.

FWIW, I would come and help you out with it, but that's not saying much since electrical stuff ain't my strong area.

I think the best way to solve this would be to have the donor car (Miata or Capri) right there with all related parts and wiring to look at and swap over. Careful examination of shop manuals and wiring charts should help overcome any obstacles. Just theory, mind you.

As far as the B6 goes, it should be able to be built to around 100 to 110 hp, but I don't want my first engine build to be entirely performance based. I need to do a simpler rebuild first, which is why I think I'll be doing an "mpg" B3 or B6 sometime soon. Basically, freshening up the engine block internals with some very mild porting work up top and some special add on parts.

I can understand the lure of the B6 DOHC, and I don't see why it should be any more problematic than a BP.

Karl

Karl

[TominMO]

The B6 is the simplest swap possible for Festys. With a cat delete (if you don't have emissions tests on cars this old) and bumping up the ignition timing (and using premium to avoid detonation), you would probably have ~90 HP, and keep more MPGs.

[blkfordsedan]

Gomez, don't forget about the possibility of a 16V SOHC B8(B8ME) swap. They were more common than the B6D, rated at 103hp, better torque curve than the B6D, and from what I hear, easier to install than the wider DOHC engines.

I've been told that a B8 will almost run with a BP swap. In addition, I've also read posts from people that have done both a B6 (SOHC) and a B6D (DOHC) swap that the B6 SOHC seemed to pull harder and was a better swap overall. I'm sure the higher RPM of the torque peak for the DOHC is the reason.

Had I not found a good used B6, I would have gone the B8ME route. I had a Protege' with a B8ME/auto and it had impressive acceleration and made 34 mpg. I'm sure in a lighter Festy with a 5-speed it would be a handfull and still get upper 30's for mileage.

[Gomez]

Welp. I guess it sounds like I am going to go BP. Just have to put myself on the "wait to find one" waiting list. I guess that in the meantime I will keep looking for more info on the DOHC B6.

[Festiva_Fred]

This write up Chris Rummel did a while back on the B6T may help you out, he goes over the wiring in it. http://www.fordfestiva.com/members/C...new_page_1.htm

[GenevaDirt]

This write up Chris Rummel did a while back on the B6T may help you out, he goes over the wiring in it. http://www.fordfestiva.com/members/C...new_page_1.htm

thanks for posting that...I will be using it soon....hehehe