hey guys, i've popped in from time to time so figured maybe i could get some questions answered. i have an 01 protege mp3 with a 2.0. well it has a rod knocking so i am looking for a used mp3 motor until i can build my current motor to turbo it. i have been told several things and im not sure what the truth is. is the 2.0 in the mp3 different than the 2.0 in the regular protege? i know that mazda has seperate part numbers for the two engines and that the 8th digit of the vin is a 7 or 8 on my car vs a 5 or 6 on the regular protege. i have also been told that the only difference is the intake manifold. is this true? i cant find the mp3 engine anywhere. can anyone help me out ? can i use the regular 2.0 and just swap manifolds? i need someone with more info to answer these questions for me. i'd really appreciate it. i miss driving my car. thanks--Eric

 

wow. i really expected SOMEONE to respond with some sort of answer......

 

Cant help with your problem, but a hello and welcome from me.

 

The turbocharged engines have forged connecting rods, necessary for the extra strain placed on them from the boost pressures. The factory rods are not all that strong either, so I would recommend finding an aftermarket supplier for them.
Other than that, I'm at somewhat of a loss to answer your other questions as well, but am sure the engine/VIN ID would be different.
Anyway, Welcome aboard, Eric!!

 

yeah im experiencing the weak connecting rods as we speak. i'm a fabricator at an import tuner shop in gilbert az. i plan on running all forged internals when i build the new motor im just trying to find an mp3 motor for the time being. i miss driving my car. it still runs but its a ticking time bomb lol. and my truck is a gas hog. im gonna have to go talk to a mazda tech and see if he can answer my question . thanks for at least respondin g guys i was starting to get discouraged.

 

Hello all. I am new to this as well. Eaguir72, I also used to look on here from time to time just for tips and such as I have an 83 rx7 and I had an MP3. I wish it had not happened but I killed one of the yellows in an unfortunate incident on the highway but the motor is still in good shape as it ran up until I put it in my yard and haven't started her for a good few months. That being said I have a motor and parts for an MP3 if you or anyone here is looking for something.