KL Swaps...

[Anthony Thomas]

Okay I have seen a few 3rd Proteges with the KLDE or KLZE engine, I have seen 1st gen Protege with a KL swap. I've seen a few 2nd gen Escorts with the KL swap, but how come I haven't found a BHA (2nd gen) Protege KL swap?

It can't be any harder. I know the first gen Protege requires most of the front clip from a MX3. I know with a 3rd gen its basically a bolt-on affair but for some minor things.

So what's needed for a BHA swap?

This is not pie-in-the-sky, snotty nose teenager/20something asking so I expect to be treated like like the late 30's/early 40's adult that I am.

People that absolutely have no idea should refrain from clicking the reply button, the last thing I want is to wade through a whole bunch of you "can't do that", "just swap in a GTR motor" or some other off-topic discussion.

I want a confirmation before I start setting aside budget for such a project.

Thanks

[M323GTR]

Wow bro wrong forum for that everybody gets treated with lots of respect here this isnt no honda forum

[atomicEGT]

Wow bro wrong forum for that everybody gets treated with lots of respect here this isnt no honda forum

lolololol

=====

what year BHA are we talking about? pre-96, should be mostly the same as a 1st gen. after all, they came with a BP like the first gens, so what you'd do with mounts/etc should be the same. anything OBDII would be more like a 3rd gen, wiring-wise.

[Anthony Thomas]

I retract that, maybe I misunderstood on first read. I think you mean this isn't a Honda forum like 8th gen? Okay I get that and yes its refreshing to come to a forum where you're NOT treated like some sort of stepchild.

[irishkev90]

I've wanted to do this swap since I learned about the KL! Engine bay might be a little tighter, but it will fit. And as atomic said, mounts and such should be close to the BG swaps and wiring (if OBDII) should be like a third gen swap. I think it's completely doable, but the BH gets no love from anyone which is probably why no one has tried.

What are your goals for the swap?

HTC Droid DNA

[Anthony Thomas]

I found a '98 LX 5 Speed for $2000 so that would be an OBD-II car.

Thanks so you think I would need a MX3 K-member? I know that's required for 1st gen Protege/2nd gen Escorts. Maybe getting a 3rd gen would be better since MX3 cars are getting increasingly harder to find.

[Anthony Thomas]

If I mentioned them out loud that might be considered a bit ambitious for somebody that just joined a forum. But having said that, I have my eye on a few low cost (under $5K) projects.

The goal is to get the most in terms of looks, handling, power for under $5K while still getting at least 30mpg and attracting the least amount of attention from 5Oh. If I choose to do a Mazda, I will disclose everything.

[CODY004WD]

I say do it. I personally have no experience with a BH, but if it's even 1/4 as simple as a bg swap, I'd say it's worth the effort. My wagon was crazy fun, and I'm gathering stuff to do an even crazier KL swap in my hatch.

The first time you run through all the VRIS stages of a KL, in any vehicle lighter than the motor originally came equipped in, you'll be hooked. 5 grand will give you plenty of room to touch on tires, suspension and brakes enough to compliment the KL, and still have room for some various other upgrades as well. You can build a well balanced vehicle for that budget.

With a base price of $2000 for a vehicle that you are planning an engine swap for, I'd be really picky about body, paint and interior... I'd personally try to find something with broken engine or trans for less, unless planning to drive it while gathering parts, as is the case with my hatch.

[1st Gen]

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/3725940801.html

This would be a nice KLZE swap project, or a good donor car.

[FE3-323]

google: KF-ZE mazda protege

the smaller KF series are/were more commonly dropped into the bha overseas. im sure due to clearance & availability.

[Turpro]

Even if you had to make some parts, slapping a kl into a 2nd gen shouldnt cost 5k. I say just go for it. Might make people want the 2nd gen more.

[Mazda_Powered]

I've seen a few pics of KL swapped BHAs but never saved any of them...so it's possibly. I say why not? Although I'd just skip that step and get a GE chassis 626 lol, a few lbs heavier and already ready to rock!