Mazda / Ford relationship & Mazda3 parts sharing thread

[wongpres]

Seeing that there's currently two threads on this, and who knows how many threads before it - I'm going to break a moderator rule here by making a sticky without first getting Antoine or Enry's permission. I want to sort this out once and for all, and by making it a sticky, all new users can find this thread without posting the question again.

Ford's involvement in Mazda

- Ford owns 33.4% of Mazda's shares. Under Japanese law, anyone with over 33% gets controlling share (obviously the law is much more complicated than this, but this is the jist of it). Therefore, Ford controls Mazda.

Mazda3 platform sharing

- Mazda3's platform was a joint-development with Ford of Europe, Mazda, and Volvo. This platform is for the following cars: Mazda3, new Volvo S40/V50, Ford Focus C-Max (not avail. in N. America), and the flagship vehicle - the next-gen euro-Ford Focus (this vehicle will be introduced later this year and will not be coming to N. America anytime soon - the re-styled N. American '05 Focus stays with the old platform).
- Each company was the lead for their main strength. So Ford of Europe was the lead for driving dynamics (the current-gen euro-Focus is nothing short of awesome), Volvo the structurals and safety, and Mazda for the powertrains and exhaust systems (Japanese-reliability and technology).
- The individual brands could then add their own brand-specific stuff on top of the common platform (e.g. steels of different strengths for additional safety on the Volvo, and 3 additional tranny-area cross-members on the Mazda to further reduce body-flex)
- In the end, 42% of the Mazda3's parts are shared with its siblings. This means that 58% of the Mazda3 is all Mazda, with the other 42% being co-developed.
- None of the shared components can be seen, heard, or felt by the typical consumer
- So what are examples of things the Mazda3 gained from this platform sharing?
- control-blade rear-suspension is simply awesome (it performs better and is cheaper to manufacture than the one Mazda developed for the Mazda6)
- Mazda3's largest brakes are larger than those on the Mazda6
- Crash-protection will be excellent

Mazda3 engines

- Rule #1. Never go by the marketing names for engine families. For example, the '05 N. American Focus will have an engine called the Duratec 23. This goes along with the Duratec 35 that's currently in development, and the Duratec 30 (the one that is the basis for the Mazda6 3.0l). Aside from the marketing names, these engines have nothing in common (Note: the Duratec 30 is currently called the Duratec 3.0, the names I've used above are the names Ford will use in the upcoming 1-2 years).
- Recognizing the need to develop a strong 4-cylinder engine family to compete against the ones from Honda and others, Ford assigned Mazda to develop the engine family. Ford gave Mazda the basic block, some intellectual property (e.g. Cosworth casting process), some money, and told Mazda to come back with a state-of-the-art engine family with a streamlined manufacturing process that can be manufactured at plants around the world. These engines would be shared by Ford, Mazda, and whoever else in the Ford family with the need for it.
- Mazda did this and developed a 4-cylinder engine family in the following displacements: 1.8, 2.0, 2.3. Even though the Mazda3 1.6l is often referred to as a MZR, it's actually part of a smaller engine family (remember my rule #1).
- Similar to the platform sharing above, the 4-cylinder engine family that Mazda gave is the basic family - it is then up to the brand to add stuff to it (e.g. PZEV for the 2.3l N. American Focus, SVT for Mazda's 1.8 and 2.3). To further re-inforce my point, notice that Mazda doesn't have a PZEV 2.3l.
- This engine family is currently being manufactured at:
- Chihuahua, Mexico (for N. American Focus, N. American Mazda6 2.3l, Ford Ranger)
- Hiroshima, Japan (for Mazda3, Japanese-assembled Mazda6)
- Valencia, Spain (honestly, I don't think Valencia is making this engine family at the moment, but I'm not sure, and I do know for sure that this plant can build this engine family)
- here's a technical press release about the 4-cylinder engine family (if the link doesn't originally work, try refreshing):
http://www.carseverything.com/content/previews/mazda/article/1346.3/

Hopefully this clears up a lot of misconceptions of the Mazda3.

Apr 18, 2005 edit:

A thread has come up concerning Mazda3 assembly locations.
Current Mazda3 assembly facilities:

- Hofu plant 1 & 2 in Hofu, Japan, and Ujina plant 2 in Hiroshima. (June 28, 2005 edit: Hofu 2 and Ujina 2 production added to meet demand)
- Ford Lio Ho plant, Taiwan. Mazda3 assembly from knock-down kits
- Ford Motor Company Philippines plant, Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines. Mazda3 assembly from knock-down kits

The Philippines & Taiwan plants combined assemble a total of roughly 1000 Mazda3 units per month for a selected few local markets around southeast Asia. Mazda3 for all other worldwide markets are assembled from Japan.

[Mazda3]

Thanks wongpres, great post!
Saved me the trouble of having to produce all the info myself. This sticky will save numerous arguments and BS posts is this form.

Nice work(thumb)

[Micah]

excellent post

[tonkabui]

too bad we don't get the volvo's T5 in the mazda3. i'd sell my p5 in a heartbeat. actually, i'd sell it in about 48... gotta think about it for a minute.

[TheMirror]

Yes, brilliant! This 'engine family genesis' issue is one that should be a sticky for ever and ever.
A few links over to the Focus boards wouldn't hurt either. After all, they're our step-children.....(smash).

[AzMz3]

Yes, brilliant! This 'engine family genesis' issue is one that should be a sticky for ever and ever.
A few links over to the Focus boards wouldn't hurt either. After all, they're our step-children.....(smash).


Actually most of them are already knew that. The word is A ford guy will call the 2.3L a Duratec and a Mazda guy will call it a MZR. I keep an eye on the Focus boards to see when new parts are coming out for the 2.3L.
So since I'm a Mazda guy now its a MZR to me...LOL

--Herb--

[Mazda3]

:rolleyes:

[Levitron]

Wow, very nice post. Thanks wongpres!

[goldwing2000]

Just discovered another Ford part: the brake booster. That's added to the ignition coils and wiring harnesses.

I have yet to find any Volvo stickers on anything. Still looking, though.

I did find some Lear wiring connectors, though (the main plug into the underhood PDC).

[BlueMonsta]

wow... as long as the mazda doesnt share the same ignition system as the ford its coo

[goldwing2000]

wow... as long as the mazda doesnt share the same ignition system as the ford its coo

They're the same coils. What else is there? Just the ECU.

[tkhawaii]

Wongpres - thank you for all the wonderful information. I am a new owner of a M3-5 door. Loving it so far. I hope to see performance parts for this 2.3 shortly.

[seanmcsean]

essentially what mazda does now is they develop the chasis for the new models, and then ford picks them up and makes them into fords volvos etc. The sole purpose of the mazda 3 was to develop a new focus/s40 chasis.

[Mazda3]

essentially what mazda does now is they develop the chasis for the new models, and then ford picks them up and makes them into fords volvos etc. The sole purpose of the mazda 3 was to develop a new focus/s40 chasis.
Just to set the record straight. Only the European Focus will be built on the same chasis, the North American Focus is the same crap its always been. Although I'm sure the Ford salesman will try and tell you different.

[BlueMonsta]

Just to set the record straight. Only the European Focus will be built on the same chasis, the North American Focus is the same crap its always been. Although I'm sure the Ford salesman will try and tell you different.
as long as mazda 3 is 100% mazda made...
watever... lol

[ashutoshsm]

Woo Hoo! Nice info - thanks! Good to have it visible/sticky because every single board has numerous BS threads, speculation and questions about this.

Now repeat after me ... "I love my MZR 2.3. ... I love my MZR 2.3. ... I love my MZR 2.3. ..." :)

[Silver Bull3t]

(uhm)
....Any idea if the underdrive pulleys available for the 2.3L Duratec are applicable to the 2.3vvt??... Doesn't look like it would be a problem, but I'm still pretty much a tuning newb.


http://www.newedgeperformance.com/foccenunpuls.html
http://www.focussport.com/udp.htm
http://www.escortfocus.com/html/ford_focus.html
http://www.modernperformance.com/ford/onfocus.shtml

[yac2727]

(uhm)
....Any idea if the underdrive pulleys available for the 2.3L Duratec are applicable to the 2.3vvt??... Doesn't look like it would be a problem, but I'm still pretty much a tuning newb.

http://www.newedgeperformance.com/foccenunpuls.html
http://www.focussport.com/udp.htm
http://www.escortfocus.com/html/ford_focus.html
http://www.modernperformance.com/ford/onfocus.shtml

No they will not fit. Sorry. Not even close. (stash)

[Silver Bull3t]

Thanks.. (bang)

[AzMz3]

You know this for sure?

---Herb---

[yac2727]

You know this for sure?

---Herb---
110% sure. Different bolt patterns on engine. I certainly wish though. (sad1)

[tkhawaii]

Bummer deal - I want to do a few engine tricks without getting too rad and the underdrive option offered a lot. Lighter weight, spin easier and quicker, less drag - some good ram air, bigger Throttle Body, maybe a subtle catback with a syphon style muffler for scavanging air on the top end to aid exhaust discharge yet, back pressure on the low rpm to enhance torque and drivability... that's all I want.... dang.
Too early, too soon... (coffee)

[Silver Bull3t]

Bummer deal - I want to do a few engine tricks without getting too rad and the underdrive option offered a lot. Lighter weight, spin easier and quicker, less drag - some good ram air, bigger Throttle Body, maybe a subtle catback with a syphon style muffler for scavanging air on the top end to aid exhaust discharge yet, back pressure on the low rpm to enhance torque and drivability... that's all I want.... dang.
Too early, too soon... (coffee)


Yeah, I'm going the same route, nothing too wild...but with all the necessary mods that make the difference performance wise. (Goin' for looks is fine, just not my bag anymore). (sssh)

Can't wait 'till more upgrades/mods. are available.....I just got off the "low washer light" thread and they mentioned heated mirrors for the 3 in Canada.......(not an option in the States).
..............boy I'd love to get my hands on those for my s.

If any of our brothers up north know how to get a hold of these aftermarket.. PLEASE LET US ALL KNOW!!! (poke)

T.G.I.F.F!!!! (beer)

[tkhawaii]

Yeah, I'm going the same route, nothing too wild...but with all the necessary mods that make the difference performance wise. (Goin' for looks is fine, just not my bag anymore). (sssh)

Can't wait 'till more upgrades/mods. are available.....I just got off the "low washer light" thread and they mentioned heated mirrors for the 3 in Canada.......(not an option in the States).
..............boy I'd love to get my hands on those for my s.

If any of our brothers up north know how to get a hold of these aftermarket.. PLEASE LET US ALL KNOW!!! (poke)

T.G.I.F.F!!!! (beer)


Heated mirrors? Whoa - I guess I don't need them here unless I want to dry my swim shorts...LOL. I feel you on the mods - just little stuff you know? - to enhance engine performance and driveability. I still get a kick about the 17" rims not being good enough for normal driving for most folks... I suppose we can all go rad and put rubber bands around 22" rims.... nah... just a thought. Heh! (cheers)

[mcstark]

You M3 guys enjoy you're displacement...and the new engine. When I was a Focus forum member, there were a couple posts about the PZEV engine taking very nicely to mods. One vendor had it up to 180whp with very minor changes.

That's my one disappointment with the P5 2-liter...it's then end of the road and there's not much more power to squeek out of it -- without a significant investment, that is.

[p5sundevil]

ok since it was mentioned in the other thread ill mention it here, what info is there on a 2.3l mz3 engine swap into a 3rd gen p5 or other pro? basically are the mounts in the same places, trannie fit?(seems like it would being a g35 model compared to our g15)\

how would the car handle the ecu swap with all the gauges and electronics....

seems to be a small interest in this swap since the 2.3l engine seems to be very kind towards aftermarket work.

[FrozenLava]

when i picked up my 3 the dealership told me heated mirrors wont be available until late summer up here in northern ontario... could be sooner i suppose.

[goldwing2000]

Just found another Ford part. The rear upper control arm:

http://home.comcast.net/~goldwing2000/arm.JPG

This is a close-up of the outboard end:

http://home.comcast.net/~goldwing2000/arm2.JPG

I removed it so I could modify it and regain some rear camber...

... but that's another story. ;)

[AzMz3]

I think the list would be shorter if you were to look for parts labled Mazda...lol
Almost every part you touch or see is FoMoCo... (headbang)

--Herb--

[goldwing2000]

I'm beginning to agree with you. I was crawling around under there yesterday fixing the rear camber and everything that had an ID on it had a FoMoCo ID.

[Touch of Grey]

Being new to a real car...all of this is kinda confusing...what is my engine called? i know its the 2.3...but besides that what am i supposed to say? lol

[goldwing2000]

Being new to a real car...all of this is kinda confusing...what is my engine called? i know its the 2.3...but besides that what am i supposed to say? lol

2.3 MZR is the official title. You can read all about it here:
http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=perEngineMZR23

[three]

Bummer deal - I want to do a few engine tricks without getting too rad and the underdrive option offered a lot. Lighter weight, spin easier and quicker, less drag - some good ram air, bigger Throttle Body, maybe a subtle catback with a syphon style muffler for scavanging air on the top end to aid exhaust discharge yet, back pressure on the low rpm to enhance torque and drivability... that's all I want.... dang.
Too early, too soon... (coffee)



There are some underdrive pulleys just go to www.shaneracing.com/Mazda3_Parts.html they have a little bit for the 3.

[jflo]

i <3 u wongpres

[J dragon]

Great post....Basically Ford walked up to Mazda and said..."you are our Bitch now go make us an engine better than ours, and we use it and call it a ford engine!!"...Relieves all my doubt

[NegatiZE]

Excellent post!!! +Rep points

[BC3I]

ok so does anyone know if the piston/rods made for the 2.0L Duratec focus engine will work on the 2.0L Mazda 3 Duratec?????i talked to Marcy Motorsports and they said yes but they don't sell rods and a custom set would go for around $700....help please?

[Amemiya]

Ford uses the 2.3 liter engine in its Fusion.

[jhowey]

Keep in mind a lot of the parts will have a ford sticker on it, but were never produced for any fords, if any one has any doubts, message me with the mazda part number and ill cross it over and find out if ford ever even used this part in any of their north american vehicles.

[goldwing2000]

North America isn't the only place that Ford makes vehicles... :rolleyes:

Of course it doesn't share parts with N.A. vehicles. That's why the window sticker says "U.S. / Canadian Parts Content: 0%"

Whether or not the part is on a Ford doesn't change the fact that it was made by Ford. And just because the part isn't on a N.A. Ford, doesn't mean it's not on a European, South American or Asian Ford.

[BKK Jack]

Just to set the record straight. Only the European Focus will be built on the same chasis, the North American Focus is the same crap its always been. Although I'm sure the Ford salesman will try and tell you different.

And why, praytell, is that. Living in Thailand, I have seen the new euro-Focus at car shows and dealerships, and it appears to be very nice. Why do NA Ford execs in particular, and U.S. auto execs in general, continue to try to force SUVs and crap cars down our throats?

End of rhetoric. Mazda 3s Touring on the way!

[dcomiskey]

Don't have time to read, but (some of) the electricals are apparently Ford. I was tapping my sat radio power into the aux DC plug in the armrest and the harness/plug said Ford on it.

[MSpeedRacer]

so all 2.3 ford parts fit the 2.3mzr? like...cossworth cams, intake manifold, etc...

[GirlieGurl]

so all 2.3 ford parts fit the 2.3mzr? like...cossworth cams, intake manifold, etc...

Hm. That's interesting. Because if Fusion parts did fit that would be great. I knew I did something right when I bought the 3 over the fusion. ;)

[rodney]

i have a mazdaspeed3 and when i was doing an oil change and exhaust work, on the side of the block it says FoMoCo. and also noticed it on the front two callipers (FoMoCo)just incase you dont know this it stands for Ford Motor Company.WTF!(bang)

[robsSpeed3]

My dipstick on 08 MS3 says FoMoCo....

[MSpeedRacer]

Idk what everyones deal is, i dont care if it says ford or not its still a nice car and i have nothing on ford. My last car (escort zx2) is still runnign stronger than a honda (and faster hehe) at almost 250k mind that this car has had the piss beaten out of it since about 60k

And if you dont know the zx2 is also on a mazda chassis (BG seires)

[chaos4]

Idk what everyones deal is, i dont care if it says ford or not its still a nice car and i have nothing on ford. My last car (escort zx2) is still running stronger than a honda (and faster hehe) at almost 250k mind that this car has had the piss beaten out of it since about 60k

And if you dont know the zx2 is also on a mazda chassis (BG seires)

+1. The MS# is a great car. Who gives a toot if it has some nice European developed parts from Ford and Volvo? (huh) Not I!

[MS3.MAN]

Mazda3 platform sharing

- Mazda3's platform was a joint-development with Ford of Europe, Mazda, and Volvo. This platform is for the following cars: Mazda3, new Volvo S40/V50, Ford Focus C-Max (not avail. in N. America), and the flagship vehicle - the next-gen euro-Ford Focus (this vehicle will be introduced later this year and will not be coming to N. America anytime soon - the re-styled N. American '05 Focus stays with the old platform).
- Each company was the lead for their main strength. So Ford of Europe was the lead for driving dynamics (the current-gen euro-Focus is nothing short of awesome), Volvo the structurals and safety, and Mazda for the powertrains and exhaust systems (Japanese-reliability and technology).
- The individual brands could then add their own brand-specific stuff on top of the common platform (e.g. steels of different strengths for additional safety on the Volvo, and 3 additional tranny-area cross-members on the Mazda to further reduce body-flex)
- In the end, 42% of the Mazda3's parts are shared with its siblings. This means that 58% of the Mazda3 is all Mazda, with the other 42% being co-developed.
- None of the shared components can be seen, heard, or felt by the typical consumer
- So what are examples of things the Mazda3 gained from this platform sharing?
- control-blade rear-suspension is simply awesome (it performs better and is cheaper to manufacture than the one Mazda developed for the Mazda6)
- Mazda3's largest brakes are larger than those on the Mazda6
- Crash-protection will be excellent
Hi wongpres,

I would like to buy a Mazdaspeed3. However, the IIHS has rated the Mazda3 seats as marginal (http://www.iihs.org/ratings/head_restraints/headrestraints.aspx?mazda). I would appreciate it if you could assist me in positively answering the following two questions:

1. Since the Mazda3 is built on the Ford C1 platform (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_C1_platform), the same platform used for the Volvo C30 / C70 / S40 & V50, are any of these Volvo WHIPS-equipped seats (http://www.iihs.org/ratings/head_restraints/headrestraints.aspx?volvo) interchangeable with the Mazdaspeed3 front seats? Is the seat mount bolt pattern the same?
2. Per Wikipedia, "the safety and electrical components are shared" among the Ford C1 platform models. If this is correct, shouldn't the Mazda3 control module be compatible with either the Mazda3 or Volvo seat, its weight sensor, and its built-in side air bag? Is the Volvo WHIPS-equipped seat fully compatible with all safety systems in the MS3?

Thanks!!

[techspeak]

Ford, throughout this whole new deal of a successful global vehicle, has gotted WAY too cocky by stamping everything as FoMoCo, like theyre trying to convince everyone that Ford themself could possibly be responsible a reliable car with excellent driving dynamic. No one's buying it. When Ford engineers a car, it's something like the Tempo/Topaz, or the 500 (does anyone even remember that POS). Ford has known for years that any car they could possibly release as a HIT would have to be totally centered around other automakers engineering skills. Thats why the Fusion is remembered, and the 500 is not. Thats why the Explorer is still 1990 Technology, and the crown/vic grand marquis also.. Those cars are ideal examples of FORD's attempt at 100% engineering responsibility... pieces of shit. So while Mazda and Volvo may have to benefit from some funds thrown in their direction by a brain dead lawyer father, Ford's image and reputation has the most to gain from this partnership.

[racerboy777]

Awesome, now I know! I still got the Heart of a MAZDA! YAY!

[davens]

I read recently that Ford quietly sold (or planned to sell) their controlling interest of Mazda...from like 34% down to 13-15%. And this was prior to the auto bailout $hit in front of congress.
They still plan to maintain "strategic" relationships, whatever that means.

[techspeak]

I read recently that Ford quietly sold (or planned to sell) their controlling interest of Mazda...from like 34% down to 13-15%. And this was prior to the auto bailout $hit in front of congress.
They still plan to maintain "strategic" relationships, whatever that means.

corporately, Ford is like the whore of babylon...

[splitthebreak]

- here's a technical press release about the 4-cylinder engine family (if the link doesn't originally work, try refreshing):
http://www.carseverything.com/content/previews/mazda/article/1346.3/




does anyone have an updated link to this article? or at least the actual name of the article so i can google it?

[goldwing2000]

does anyone have an updated link to this article? or at least the actual name of the article so i can google it?

Dude... that article is six years old! Let it die in peace!

[splitthebreak]

lol. no rest for the wicked. did the engines change at all between 04 model and the 06 (mine)? i didnt think they did....

[goldwing2000]

lol. no rest for the wicked. did the engines change at all between 04 model and the 06 (mine)? i didnt think they did....

No, the engines didn't change until the new model for 2010. The only difference was the introduction of the DISI turbo-charged model but even that uses the same base 2.3L block.

[R-X-R]

My dipstick on 08 MS3 says FoMoCo....

shit!! i would definatly grind that off (fuoops)

[hfb1995]

I am waking this thread from the grave i know....
I have been Googling my eyes and the web for the last 30 hours trying to find a crankshaft that will work with my mazda 3 2.3 vvt and i came up with nothing.....
I'm not looking for performance parts just OEM or reman
please help or point to the right direction to look