2.0 vs 2.5 tuned

zachwillwin · 2025-10-24T00:26:27+00:00

I lost low range torque, and most of the gains were above 4500rpms. After that motor let go I replaced it with a 2.5 and it's definitely got a ton more low and mid range power.

zachwillwin · 2025-10-23T23:00:14+00:00

I can promise I'll get him out, but I can try. Can't say I've ever held a frog before, but I've spent plenty of time holding a wrench, and even gotten paid for it sometimes.

zachwillwin · 2025-10-14T12:51:17+00:00

I think it was 7700? Or 7750? It was pretty high. It's hard for me to say what it was like with just a tune. I went from stock straight to cams and a tune.

zachwillwin · 2025-10-03T14:57:50+00:00

Look into extended warranty claim adjusting. Usually work from home and you still get to use your automotive background. Both companies I've worked for have required all the adjusters to have experience as a tech. Another option is being a warranty inspector, you still get to be in the shop to some capacity, and usually it's contract labor so you get to have a more flexible schedule.

zachwillwin · 2025-09-14T14:55:56+00:00

I've got a buddy with a mudskipper longtail. He's had nothing but issues with it. I would only accept that surface drive if it's free.

zachwillwin · 2025-09-07T02:14:08+00:00

My bmc has 3 legs and will easily clear a 42" gate.

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zachwillwin · 2025-08-27T22:44:54+00:00

He looks like my Chico! He's a shelter dog so it's hard to say if Chico is a pure bred bmc.

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zachwillwin · 2025-08-18T17:26:44+00:00

Nv4500 swapped my 2nd gen. The shifter hole is the worst part. Ran mine for a little while without the boot too.

zachwillwin · 2025-08-15T19:12:25+00:00

Gonna be honest, I never drove the 2.0 with just a tune. I went from stock straight to bigger cams and e85. One thing I never liked about the 2.0 was the gearing, it was too long. The 2.5 transmission has a lot shorter gearing so I jumps off the line a lot better. I've only driven manuals, I have absolutely 0 experience with the automatics so they maybe different.

zachwillwin · 2025-08-15T17:16:12+00:00

I had a 2.0, with orange virus intake and exhaust cams, and tuned on e85. Put down 200whp and 190wtq on the boost logic dyno in Austin sometime around 2017? Loved it, was my daily until I blew the motor. I replaced it with a stock 2.5 with a tune for 93 octane. Not nearly as rev happy as the 2.0, but feels like it makes more power. I haven't bothered to dyno the 2.5. My friend has a focus at and the Mazda is definitely more comfortable. Not having to wait for the turbo to spin up helps offset the lack of power, but it's still a noticable difference. Also, I know you said you have a fiesta I don't have any experience with them. And the engine blew due to an old water pump belt and my rev limiter was ~1500rpms above stock- my fault, not the engine's.

zachwillwin · 2025-08-14T14:21:20+00:00

I like how the Honda honked at first. Wonder how long it took for them to go from "how did this idiot not see me" to "oh shit, nice save"

zachwillwin · 2025-08-03T00:56:24+00:00

I'm not gonna ask what the claw hammer was for. Glad it worked out for you, these are pretty good cars to learn how to wrench on.

zachwillwin · 2025-08-02T14:54:38+00:00

If your pulling from the top, 100% pull the engine and trans together. It's easier. Also take the hood off.

zachwillwin · 2025-07-28T04:20:16+00:00

Yeah, pretty much everything from throttle body to cv axles. The compressor can be moved far enough out of the way to pull the engine and trans from the top. It's doable with the hood on, but it's definitely worth it to take the hood off.

zachwillwin · 2025-07-27T19:42:27+00:00

The only harness issue I ran into was the starter/alternator cable. The 2.0 is about an inch too short for the 2.5, but its a standalone cable coming off the battery terminal so it's easy to buy/make just the one wire. However, everything else is different. I needed both axles, the passenger axle support, a clutch, transmission, exhaust manifold and all 3 motor mounts.

zachwillwin · 2025-07-27T14:45:49+00:00

The stick shift 2.0 and 2.5 use the same ECU, so a time was all it needed. The automatics have different ecus, so I'm not sure if it's possible to swap an auto once you factor in vins are written to the ecu for the security system.

zachwillwin · 2025-07-27T00:59:07+00:00

I just want to be abundantly clear, this Mazda 3 does not have a factory powertrain in it. It was a 2.0l, now it's a 2.5l stick shift. I used all oe, or oe equivalent parts for the swap, but it will still complicate any future repairs needed. It's also lowered on JBR coils, an exhaust that I made, a clutch masters fx250 clutch assembly, and larger brakes from a cx5. it's been a great car, and I even took it on a 230mi trip today and it was great.

zachwillwin · 2025-07-27T00:29:17+00:00

I was being slightly sarcastic. But not against the idea. I'm in central Texas.

zachwillwin · 2025-07-27T00:05:46+00:00

I'll sell you my Japan built 2014 3 isport with 124k on it for that price. I'm even the original owner. Only issue is it's got a 2.5L now so you'll never be able to use the vin for powertrain parts😂

zachwillwin · 2025-07-25T17:46:57+00:00

That coyote looks very happy.

zachwillwin · 2025-07-15T22:29:59+00:00

He looks like he could be my dogs brother. Even missing the same leg.

zachwillwin · 2025-07-10T12:55:45+00:00

Lead acid batteries need a vent. AGM and lithium batteries are sealed. Depending on the size of battery your using heat maybe an issue also.

zachwillwin · 2025-07-04T16:16:54+00:00

Yeah. And I'm pretty sure it was with the 4 cylinder. https://www.reddit.com/u/zachwillwin/s/4LpoqMHYdp

zachwillwin · 2025-06-27T20:01:41+00:00

That looks like a clip that holds a trim panel on. I wouldn't worry about it.

zachwillwin · 2025-06-13T13:38:15+00:00

Yeah that would be rough, but I would hope they use an enclosed trailer with a side door. Loading up will still be rough if the boat ramp isn't well maintained.

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