TeamCapri

Tech, Repairs, Upgrades => Non-Capri Usable Car Parts => Topic started by: CapriProject on February 28, 2011, 05:09:00 PM

Title: 1991 Mazda 323 Auto Trans swap??
Post by: CapriProject on February 28, 2011, 05:09:00 PM

Like a bad cold I keep coming back... A local salvage yard has an automatic out of a 1991 Mazda 323 (FWD) with a 1.6 engine.  Would that be a clean swap for my 5-speed? Will it require some different elactronic control unit to work in the Capri? (no I'm not turning it up-side down)

Title: 1991 Mazda 323 Auto Trans swap??
Post by: CapriProject on March 01, 2011, 01:14:00 PM

Any confirmation as to the 'swapability' of the 323's auto trans?

Title: 1991 Mazda 323 Auto Trans swap??
Post by: CapriProject on March 02, 2011, 01:44:00 PM

Any confirmation as to the 'swapability' of the 323's auto trans?

Title: 1991 Mazda 323 Auto Trans swap??
Post by: Heavensheros on March 02, 2011, 05:06:00 PM

well the mazda 323 used the same engine as ours so it will bolt up but i dont know if it will fit everywhere else, its beyond my knowledge

Title: 1991 Mazda 323 Auto Trans swap??
Post by: CapriProject on March 02, 2011, 05:12:00 PM

Does the auto trans (in both the Capri & 323) require a different ECU than the 5-speed trans?

Title: 1991 Mazda 323 Auto Trans swap??
Post by: CapriProject on March 03, 2011, 04:40:00 PM

Does the auto trans (in both the Capri & 323) require a different ECU than the Capri with the 5-speed trans? The ECU in the stock 5-speed Capri, will it work with the automatic Trans out of a 1991 Mazda 323? If not what do I need to change so I can swap over to the auto trans?

Title: 1991 Mazda 323 Auto Trans swap??
Post by: CapriTypeR on March 03, 2011, 05:07:00 PM

In a Capri, an automatic and a n/a 5 speed use the same ECU.

Title: 1991 Mazda 323 Auto Trans swap??
Post by: CapriProject on March 03, 2011, 05:14:00 PM

Thank you very much for the reply...  That's what I've been hoping to hear is the case. Looks like I'll go get an auto trans out of a 323. (Local salvage yards didn't have a Capri with an auto trans)

Title: 1991 Mazda 323 Auto Trans swap??
Post by: Rocketman on March 04, 2011, 02:32:00 AM

The 91 323 is a BG chassis. I dont know if the axles are the same, especially the outer CV splines.

Don't even think the 323 uses the same trans:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_F-4EAT_transmission (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_F-4EAT_transmission)

Title: 1991 Mazda 323 Auto Trans swap??
Post by: CapriProject on March 04, 2011, 04:44:00 AM

So much for the 'easy-swap' idea. I also see there where it says "electronically controlled automatic transmission" does that mean it does require connection to the ECU to work? I've given-up on the 'true rear engine' plan & now accept it needs to be mid-engine (RWD). The auto trans eliminates the 5-speed shift linkage 'nightmare' but now getting a auto trans donor is in question.

Title: 1991 Mazda 323 Auto Trans swap??
Post by: Rocketman on March 04, 2011, 05:01:00 AM

I think the automatic has its own seperate computer for the transmission. I've never really messed with any automatic capris. I do know it has an extra wiring harness for all the trans controls.

The shift linkage isn't a nightmare, to be perfectly honest I think you're over-thinking it. Here's a pic of a rod-style linkage Honda transmission, converted to mid-rear.

 (http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae94/zimsplat/RWD%20CRX%20v2%202010/100_1394.jpg)

Flipped 180*, added a u-joint. I'll be doing this on my mid-rear swap.

I *highly* recommend reading his build thread. It shows simple solutions to every problem you might encounter.
http://www.honda-tech.com/showthread.php?t=2609439 (http://www.honda-tech.com/showthread.php?t=2609439)

-Rocket

Title: 1991 Mazda 323 Auto Trans swap??
Post by: Rocketman on March 04, 2011, 05:09:00 AM

I should say: The linkage connection above, is *exactly* how the Capri transmission is setup.

Title: 1991 Mazda 323 Auto Trans swap??
Post by: CapriProject on March 04, 2011, 11:33:00 AM

Rocketman, Wow...picture to show how & everything... THANKS SO MUCH !!  Yes, I was over-thinking it. Back & forth movement I could see but the rotation needed for the neutral area of the 'H' pattern was throwing me. Again thanks.

Title: 1991 Mazda 323 Auto Trans swap??
Post by: Chicken on March 28, 2011, 06:41:00 AM

You have to use a Pre-90 Mazda BF 323 or the Capri Electronic.  

The BF Mazda uses a govoner control system, unlike the Capri. But they do seem to run 100,000 miles longer.

The BG Mazda 4-speed auto uses the same control as the Capri but the transmission is a different series. The inner CVs from the Capri should work.

Finding a shop who is willing to rebuild your box is the best bet.  Many are leary of it for good reason.  The Auto Transmission can run 140 HP through it for about 80k.  Most of these barely last to 80k and there are several "to be replaced" parts from service bullitens.  Bubba Joe shops jump on them as just any transmission on a job order.  Shops with well earned pride know what these are.

(gone now) I JUST saw a rebuilt one and I kissed my stars that I had no use for the troublesome little beast.  Take the chance to go stick if you want to do the amount of work involved in a R/R.

The F series tranny uses the same shafts, its super light, and if your not into drag racing it can hold 150hp reliably. The 4-speed F series stick is geared out for gravel.  You would have to get a 4-speed from an older BF 323.  Mazda had synchro issues back then ...kinda.

Honestly.