I have searched some and didn't really find my answer.

I have a 79 that is in need of a engine or a Rebuild. What differences are there in the 79's 12a engine as compared to other (later) 12a's ?... I have heard that the EGR and number of port (4 vs 6) or something like that is difference as comparted to a later 12a (80 or 81+)?

I live in California and need to pass the dawg Smog test, so I most likely will need to be able to swap in a like block/engine. What years are the same as my 79 12a?

Yes I know that you might say that I should do a 13b swap, but I am not really after that right now... just want to either find a good used engine (cheaper route) or have mine rebuild (more costly route). I understand that my Housing might be shot with the amount of miles (155k+), which is why I am considering a good used one.

And yes there is lot of threads and information on the 13b swap, so I will read up on the and consider it.

Thanks for the help..

 

All 12A housings are the same except from 81 up they changed the thermal bypass. If you use 79 on an earlier model they need to be modified.Find out more about it at www.pineappleracing.com

 

Thanks Joey! I was wondering about the same thing

 

So.. If I fould a 79 or 80, they would swap in ok with no problem with the smoq connecting up.

Is there any alternative to using or swapping a 81+ block and to be able connect to the Thermal Bypass?

thanks.

 

good info here..

http://www.mazdatrix.com/eng12aid.htm

 

Hey Allnight.. thanks. good info.. this answered a few of my question...

Still looking for options to reubild or get a replacement.... Don't really want to spend too much..

 

Do you know that 79 80 can be modified and make them perform like 81 85 21a

 

yes, I have read that they can perform very well, but the cost is not what I want to invest in at this time, I am looking to just keep it stock and start to restore the body and interior. And maybe a few mod to the engine.

anyone have a spare 79/80 non-egr engine ?

I have heard that I should be looking for spare parts anyway and that it might take two engine to rebuild one ??? due to worn out rotors and housings !?

 

where in ca are you?

 

I am Concord....