I have a FD3 automatic. I am replacing the motor. I have a used manual motor I am going to install. I am keeping the automatic for now. Can I do the swap with out exchanging the FRONT counter weights. I know all about he rear counter weights. I will just swap the automatic flex plate and counter weight to the manual no problem. I just wonder about the front counter weights. I researched mazda part #s and they are different, but so are the excentric shafts. Figure that one out I have never heard anyone talk about that. Both engines are 93 modles.

Thanks Terry7

 

about the counterweights, you're probably better off changing them, but the engine will live as long as you are mindful of the imbalance. i ran a 13BE like that for a year. however, if you abuse it and break it, you'll have to live with your decision. fair?

i think a bigger concern should be the pilot bearing removal from the manual engine. am i right?

 

Well I will change it instead I won't do anything half way. Do it right the first time is always my moto. Thanks for the input. I'm not sure about the pilot bearing, because I don't know how the automatic mates to the engine. I guess I thought the torque converter took care of that and that the automatic didn't need the pilot bearing.

 

as far as i know it doesn't need it, that's why i was saying i think you need to remove it from the manual engine before you try to mate the tranny to it.