B1800 1.8 VC code petrol engine is dead, need another piston engine to fit the g/box

[Mike D]

Anyone able to help? i\'ve got the head off the engine in my B1800 and all is not well, the engine is a VC code 1800 petrol (piston) 1769cc

I know the obvious choice is to go rotary but space is very tight in the engine bay due to the suspension sticking so far in...

So.. does anyone know what other mazda piston engines (not a V, i\'ve measured the one in my 323F and it just wont happen...) have the same bolt pattern for the gearbox as the VC code 1.8? i dont really want to have to change the box as its column change and has a bench seat...

Any help much appreciated guys  

Thanks,
Mike

*edit* its  1978 B1800*

[travellinbob]

Uhmmm, maybe an mx5 motor???   Hang on, I think there is a guy on here looking to convert his 929 sedan(piston variant of the rx4) so he might have an engine going spare?  I think his user name is ska.
 cheers,michael.

[Richard]

Mike - the obvious choices (but probably just as difficult to find   ) are:

616/Capella - but would be 1600cc

Better chances are:
626/Montrose - again 1600cc, or even better the tool eater
B1800 - the later floor shift model.
929 Estate -early ones 1800cc, later ones 2 litre

I could mention the 1800 saloon or the E1600 van but I think you\'d be wasting your time trying to find one of these :rollin

SKA\'s motor would be ideal - 2 litre as well:Thumbs-up but I think he said it was\'nt too healthy  

Worth measuring up,maybe, are the early B2000 pick ups/ E2000 vans or the first of the 626 front wheel drives which all shared the same motor. I know they have timing belts rather than chain and a load of pollution gear on them but the blocks may line up :3Confused.

What exactly is up with yours?

Rich

[apex_lt]

i have mazda 929 1977\' 1,8 engine and gearbox. if it helps.....

(i was looking for the same - mazda engine to fit old gearbox, didn\'t find anything)

[ska]

Hey yea, its a runner and im told its only done bout 50-60k.....my mechanic mates told me it wasnt worth the hassle....but then they plan having an rx7 twin turbo block in it so i think theyd tell me anything to get rid of it! It sounded healthy enough last time I turned her over which was last month before we started removing all the bits an bobs for taking it out. Your more than welcome to it if you want it, only problem being Im all the way up in Edinburgh!???

[Mike D]

Cheers for the replies gents,
   It looks like the rings have gone on mine, when i got it it was smoking loads, billowing the stuff out! i\'ve had the head off and it looks like someones been in before, theres pools of oil sat on top of the pistons, and the rad hose seems to have been leaking, and there\'s the rusty hue of radiator water allover the engine bay..
  I reckon it\'s been overheated, the folk who had it before have thought its cooked the head gasket, theyve been in and changed it, not solved the problem and flogged it on..
  This is where i\'m up to now!

Ska, is there any reason your mechanic thinks your engine isnt worth bothering with? have you had any trouble with it? or was a rotary planned all along?
  How much would you be after for it?

Thanks,
Mike :Thumbs-up

[ska]

I really reckon the only reason is cos they want something they know a little more about in it tbh as there was no problems with it that they brought to my attention. The long term plan is for the rotary, however as I\'ve not actually passed my test yet  :spank they reckon twin turbo might be a little excessive, so instead, and its not through choice but necessity for the next year or two its gonna have a vauxhall engine in it (I can hear the abuse I deserve already!  :p ) So not only is the montrose engine up but the 12A also if anyones interested let me know cos i dont just wanna scrap it, it should go to one of the old school faithful! If you let me know how much your willing to part with??!

Cheers,
Colin

[Ray]

Sorry to dig up an old thread, but did the pickup get sorted?..
I\'ve now got a 929 1800cc petrol engine believed to be a good runner, which should drop in.

[Mike D]

Ray, that would help loads! can you email me a phone number or email addy please to the address below?

v8cavalier@yahoo.co.uk

Cheers,
Mike