engine replacement.....
 

hey folks.... I'm getting ready to do an engine swap in my 1990 B2200. I've done this before in a Ford F150 with automatic trans... but the mazda has a standard 5 speed. Any tips or things I might want to look out for?

Pick a V-6 (not out of a small van, a/c mounted too high) of desired flavor, if automatic, put a shift kit in it, drop it in, make engine mounts [2600 mount pads are in right place to use for 4.3 (use car motor mounts) , I guess 2200 mounts would be in same place]. and transmission mount. I have not, but Ford distributor is in the front, which will make it easier. Can use same radiator, if metal, not the plastic one. Enough to chew on?

yeah...ill chew on that.. I'm good with making the mounts and such. and i'd like to stick with a standard shift.
but why would i do a 6 cyl instead of an 8? not enough room??
and would you look for a V6 or straight6? probably not enough room for a straight???

How about an FE-DOHC out of a 1st Gen Kia Sportage, I read somewhere that it has forged internals and is turbo capable. Look up FE3 swap on youtube, supposedly it bolts directly to the bell housing on the truck without modification. He posts a lot of info about it on Mazdatrucking.com