2007 Mazda 3 Engine Replacement

The first generation of the Mazda 3 is a great little compact car that came in either the 2.0l or 2.3l version of Mazda MZR engine. This engine, called the MZR by Mazda, is also licensed by Ford and used as some of their Duratec engines in certain model Fords.

​While the engines are typically very reliable, this one suffered a major failure due to an unfortunate off-road excursion. The impact destroyed the bottom of the engine to the point where it made more sense financially to replace the motor instead of rebuilding it.

So with the engine ruined, several motor mounts broken, a broken CV axle, a broken A/C compressor, and a list of other impact related problems, its time to pull this engine out and get the car running again. Follow along with the gallery.

Time to fire it up, and see how it runs.

While it's a shame that the off-road impact occurred, this new better used motor has about half the mileage of the old one. Along with the other new components installed, this repair should keep the car running for a good while.