Advice, or a finger in the right direction?

[infa28]

Hi,
Not knowing the first thing about cars, I'm having trouble finding advice on what to do with my Mazda..

The engine is blown and I'm trying to find a new (1st Option), or reconditioned one.

I have a '97 323Astina (2L V6 Hardtop) - but would like to get a better performing engine (more power, and fuel efficient), instead of having the same engine installed again.

Any ideas on where to look, or a suitable engine that I can start asking around for?

Thanks guys!

[Nate]

The jap spec 2Lt has more power but i seriously suggest you have a chat to 'boostedbatman' about a 2.5Lt transplant ;)

welcome to the forums!!

[skippy]

options are
2.0 Aus spec kf-?? what you had (?? 01 or 03 I think)
2.0 Jap spec kf-ze about another 15-20KW
2.5 aus spec kl-03 about another 15-20KW (626, mx6 etc)
2.5 jap spec KL-ZE the best of best, 160kw yeahhhaaaa,

If you want fuel econ you could look at the k8-??, 1.8l V6 but no power increase there,

they are all fairly similar as they are built on the same block, but yeah they have their differences. quite a few have done the jap spec kf-ze,

The KLs do need some work to fit due to intake runner I think it is, but a lot more after market support then the KFs,

And where are you dude?

[skippy]

FYI as I recall a KL-ZE goes for about 2500, as I recall.

[Nate]

not if you know where to get them ;)

just ring around the import yards and ask if they have any mazda 2.5L V6's around. dont say anything about jap spec or how much power or engine codes ... just ask if it has the square intake runners;)

[infa28]

Thanks everyone for your help!! I'll take your advice and start searching around for something. The car broke down on the way to Newcastle from Syd so is up there ATM... will see what I can find.
Cheers!