Burnt Rubber Soul Racing

07/11/2024

Hi. Here's a quick video showing the 626 after we finished up the Ecotec swap! Leaving for Autobahn CC 24 Hours of Lemons race tomorrow.

Hi. Short video of the completed Ecotec engine swap with AR5 transmission in our 1981 Mazda 626.

06/29/2024

More work finished on the M626 drivetrain swap — exhaust is finished, wiring is finished, and sippy cup holder has been installed. Sounds pretty good!

Still lots to do, but the main items of the swap are basically done. Race is in 12 days. Also -- video of the first time starting linked in the comments.

06/10/2024

626 re-engining update!! Brett has been doing most of the fabbing, while MJ helps with cutting, banging and wrenching. Lots of work completed on the stuffing a new drivetrain ( GM Ecotec engine mated to AR5 trans ) into the 626:
-- cutting out old engine mounts and fabbing new mounts
-- fabbed up a new angled trans mount
-- new custom made driveshaft installed
-- mounted new drive by wire gas pedal
-- routed and mounted ecu
-- new radiator mounts fabbed and radiator installed
-- trans tunnel altered for new shifter location
-- fuel pressure gauge installed
-- remote clutch reservoir mounted
-- worn steering components replaced

More work to come, but the main items are exhaust header modifications ( currently hits the steering arm at 3/4 lock ), fuel system routing, battery relocation and wiring of all new components, possible hood mods ( which would mean hood scoop addition! ), cooling hose routing, clutch master cylinder installation, and trans cooler installation. Lots of small jobs too -- tach, clock, brakes, fluid changes, belts, etc. Hopefully we'll be ready for Autobahn on July 12th!

04/29/2024

Re-engining the 626 starts soon. In the meantime, added a new ( used ) clock to the ever-growing gauge selections. That makes it 11 gauges now. Which one to get next?

03/21/2024

It’s been a while since we posted any updates, but the garage is cold, we’re kinda lazy, and we’ve also been occupied with a friend’s Lemons car.

So, we finally did something — checked the fit of the new engine’s oil pan. It looks like it should fit nicely, as the crossmember and steering arm fit into the cutout while clearing the front sway bar. More to come in a month or so!

12/18/2023

Since we’ll soon be upgrading the engine in the M626, maybe we should update the grille as well?

Maybe, but perhaps we should use an E36 grille instead of the current G20 model. 🤷🏻‍♂️

12/04/2023

No hoodscoop?! No spoiler?!?!

What the hell is goin’ on ‘round here?!?

11/05/2023

It’s out! Now the fun begins. Eventually.

11/05/2023

Everything is disconnected from the engine and trans, chain is bolted on, and they’re ready to come out tomorrow. Amazing at how easily all the nuts/bolts were to remove — the only bolts that broke were the ones holding the heat shield to the exhaust manifold.

Progress!

10/29/2023

V8? Engine crane? M626!?!?

Hmmmm.......