njaremka

complete side note:

check out this link:
http://www.dlralt.com/installation_p...da_2000_Si.pdf

that is a dyno plot for a civic si that was tuned ONLY by adjusting the cam timing. pretty impressive, i think. maybe this will be incentive for someone to install adjustable gears, tune on a dyno, and let us know the settings.

njaremka

JustMe:

No, these cams will not fit the 1.8 engines. They are completely different from the 2.0 engines. For the 1.8 guys, you could try to get a set made for the Miata, as you share the same engine there.

JustMe

Another question then .... why it is said at corksport that these cams will fit 1.8 engine

njaremka

check out this link:
http://members.aol.com/solomiata/MX5Engine.html

it will explain all you ever wanted to know about mazda 4-cylinder engines. the 1.8 protege engine (prior to 1999) is the same as the 1.8 miata engine, with a few performance differences. only for the 1999-00 model year were the engines similar. however, i would still guess that the cams won't fit.

also, that page make note of the FS-ZE engine only having high comp pistons, intake cam, intake manifold, and re-tuned ECU. i would think then that if you installed the intake/exhaust cams, and returned the ECU, it would make for quite a performance jump.

Eric F

As Edwin said, the cams will interchange between the 2.0L J-spec FS-ZE, 2.0L US-spec FS-DE, and 1.8L US-spec FP-DE engines. The valve springs aren't really necessary unless you find a way around the US cars stock rev limiter. The stock FS-ZE engines also do not have the restricive primary cat right below the exhaust manifold that the US cars have, and won't make the full 170HP with it.

njaremka

ok, how hard is it to change out the cams? is it as simple as pull the old ones and install the new ones? or do you have to go through an alignment process?

thanks

Ambient

Ok tell me if this easy, if it is, go for it.


Take off your right front wheel. Take off lower splash gaurd. Take out plug wires. Remove spark plugs. Turn the crank until your motor is lined up at TDC. Remove the valve cover. Remove the cam gears from the camshafts, inherintly removing the timing belt. Using the correct loosen sequence remove the bolts from the 5 cam bearings on top of each camshaft. The number one cam bearing will be harder to remove than the others due to the use of RTV sealant. Install the cam gears(torque to factory spec) onto the new camshaft, make sure you use the stock gasket. Put assembly lube on each of the new camshaft lobes. Lining up the marks on the cam gears place them back into their correct setting (I or E). Put assembly lube on each of the removed cam bearings. Using the correct tightening sequence, replace all cam bearings but number 1 (They are numbered be sure not to mix them up) Put RTV sealant on the number 1 cam bearing for each camshaft. Be sure to tighten all cam bearings to factory torque specs. Loosen your tensioner pulley and replace the timing belt back onto the cam gears. Make sure your motor is still lined up at TDC on the crank and on the cam gears. Replace the valve cover(tightenin sequence and factory torque), plugs, wires, splash gaurd and wheel.

Start your car.

njaremka

i don't know, i've rebuilt an engine before with an 'in block' cam and it was much harder than that sounds. to do that you need a dial indicator to make sure the number one lobe is in the right degree with relation to the crank for proper opening. i was planning on ordering a service manual, so it doesn't sound like it would be a really BIG deal. have you done it yet? how long did it take you? is it that hard to get the timing belt on and off?

Ambient

The whole installation process is a breeze if you have some basic mechanic knowledge, and know how to follow simple directions. Getting the timing belt back on kicked me in the *** though. So be wary of that part...timing and everything else was easy.

MP3-Owner

How hard is it to do this kind of swap? I have never gotten into an engine this deep before and have no clue what kind of work is involved. I am very interested in doing these swaps but I would first like to have a little bit of understanding of the project first.
Thanks for any info.

mazdaspeedwest

the first thing is to get yourself a good repair manual or an FSM.

swapping cams is not all that hard, it's all right on top for easy access, but you'll need a timing light to get the timing correct, a new valve cover gasket, maybe new cam retainer bolts (not sure there) possibly new springs or lifters...although i think the Mazdaspeed cams are a drop in (same with the FS-ZE cams) and maybe a few other odds and ends. I'm just guessing here, but there may be a few differences between the 1st and 3rd gens...cams are very protege friendly and provide a good amount of power, again, not sure of the gains for the 3rd gen, but 1st gen engines respond real well.

MP3-Owner

Well, MazdaMotorSports says 12hp(at the crank I'm sure) with just the intake cam and they don't know about the exaust cam. So if I can do this myself in a weekend then I will do it.

Eric F

I merged these threads since the answer to your question was posted previously. Please use the search function before starting a new thread.
Changing the cam is doable by a fairly competent home mechanic with the right tools. Wayne describes the process quite well in an earlier post in this thread. The MazdaSpeed exhaust cam isn't likely to produce significant HP gains. I remember seeing somewhere that the Jspec special edition Sport 20 that the cam was developed for only produced about 5 more HP than the normal FS-ZE engine.

JustMe

Now has anyone allready installed cams???
I want to see some results

Cause i am thinking the same thing ... i need some 15hp -s to compete with BMW 325 and Golf Gti-s in Rally

But does these things fit in European 1.8 FP engine?
And is there anything else what is a must! change when cams are changed?

tester

That is exactly my question. Did anyone here actually put a mazdaspeed intake cam on their car (3rd gen)?? Did they personally have any problems installing it??? WHat did they notice for power increase???