MS3 w/ MS6's AWD Tranny

aww heck I just found this thread :x but feel free to discuss anyway, I don't think it would be as big a job as everyone makes it out to be.

http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=64652.0

...you know the AWD system for the speed6 isn't all the great right? if going though all that trouble, i'd look for a setup that is a bit stronger in design. i don't think a stock ecu will ever handle the swap, so it would all have to be custom anyhow.

Could you elaborate more on the MS6 AWD system I do not know much about it. Plus, could you not do a ECU swap as well?

Does the focus have an AWD version? I worked in a body shop for awhile and while i was there we had a project on a Pontiac Vibe (which i believe is basically the same as hatch focus chasis)-- we cut it down the middle and re-attached a new rear-end. Well, we discovered that there are/were 2 versions- a FWD version, and a RWD/AWD version. At any rate, all the chasis were the same and already had a drive-shaft channel to the rear. The Mazda 3 dosn't have that channel down the center which means we would need HEAVY modification, or we would have a dangerously low hanging drive-shaft.

[quote author=Zorminster link=topic=65398.msg1122466#msg1122466 date=1167258640]
Does the focus have an AWD version? I worked in a body shop for awhile and while i was there we had a project on a Pontiac Vibe (which i believe is basically the same as hatch focus chasis)-- we cut it down the middle and re-attached a new rear-end. Well, we discovered that there are/were 2 versions- a FWD version, and a RWD/AWD version. At any rate, all the chasis were the same and already had a drive-shaft channel to the rear. The Mazda 3 dosn't have that channel down the center which means we would need HEAVY modification, or we would have a dangerously low hanging drive-shaft.
[/quote]

You can get AWD in the Euro version. So there wan't a channel under the MS3? :shock:
hmm interesting b/c it has the same chassis as the new Euro spec Focus which comes with AWD.

[quote author=Zorminster link=topic=65398.msg1122466#msg1122466 date=1167258640]
Does the focus have an AWD version? I worked in a body shop for awhile and while i was there we had a project on a Pontiac Vibe (which i believe is basically the same as hatch focus chasis)-- we cut it down the middle and re-attached a new rear-end. Well, we discovered that there are/were 2 versions- a FWD version, and a RWD/AWD version. At any rate, all the chasis were the same and already had a drive-shaft channel to the rear. The Mazda 3 dosn't have that channel down the center which means we would need HEAVY modification, or we would have a dangerously low hanging drive-shaft.
[/quote]

why would pontiac, which is owned by gm, use a focus platform, which is owned by ford motor company? they aren't the same.

[quote author=Turk link=topic=65398.msg1122487#msg1122487 date=1167259734]
You can get AWD in the Euro version.
[/quote]

no you can't!!

@ the415 i'm not saying its the exact same chasis- im saying that they are so incredibly similar its unbelieveable- thats all.

It's kinda strange how the mazda3 does not have a bump down the middle of the cabin for a driveshaft.. since the JDM has an 4WD option I would expect this to be a possibility.

THERE IS NO AWD OPTION FOR THE MS3 IN JAPAN!!!!!!!

I don't know where you're getting that info from.. but on the mazda site for axela 20F, it says "4WD" under kudou houshiki.

http://www.axela.mazda.co.jp/swf/contents/7_spec/pdf/equipment.pdf

yes and that's a 2.0 non turbo engine.

here it is in english: http://www.mazda.com/publicity/release/2006/200606/060606.html

lol then why did you say "THERE IS NO AWD OPTION FOR THE MS3 IN JAPAN!!!!!!!"?

oh i thought you were saying the jdm ms3. my bad.

oh i see i see

You two almost made me blow milk out my nose. Funny!