Upgrade Your Ride: Finding Mazda MX6 Parts Car Equivalents for Performance and Style

The Mazda MX6, a sporty coupe known for its sleek design and engaging driving experience, has a dedicated following. However, sourcing specific aftermarket upgrades can sometimes be challenging. Savvy MX6 enthusiasts have discovered a wealth of compatible parts from other car models, often referred to as “parts car” swaps, offering performance enhancements and unique customization options without breaking the bank. This guide compiles a list of proven parts car upgrades for your Mazda MX6, based on real-world modifications and community knowledge, to help you enhance your ride.

Performance Enhancements with Parts Car Swaps

Improving your MX6’s performance doesn’t always require expensive, custom-made parts. By strategically utilizing components from other vehicles, you can achieve noticeable gains in power, handling, and braking.

Turbocharger and Induction Upgrades

Compressor Housing/Wheel Upgrade: For MX6 models equipped with the IHI turbocharger, the compressor housing and wheel from a 1987-1988 Ford Thunderbird Turbocoupe (IHI turbo model only) can be adapted. This larger unit increases airflow, leading to more power at the same boost levels compared to the stock component. Modification Required: An adapter plate for the compressor housing and a silicone reducer to connect it to the intercooler piping are necessary for proper installation.

Alt Text: 1987-1988 Ford Thunderbird Turbocoupe IHI Turbocharger, a donor part for Mazda MX6 compressor housing upgrade.

Upper Intercooler Pipe (Charge Pipe): The upper intercooler pipe from an Isuzu Impulse Turbo (XX-XX year range) can replace the stock MX6 pipe. This swap is particularly beneficial as it allows the use of a more affordable and readily available garbage disposal rubber boot instead of the expensive OEM throttle body boot. Modification Required: A short section of metal tubing and a rubber hose will be needed to bridge the gap and ensure proper fitment to the throttle body.

Fuel System Enhancements

440cc Injectors: For those seeking significant power increases requiring more fuel, 440cc injectors from a 1987-1992 Supra Turbo are a viable upgrade. Modification Required: Models from 1988-1989 Supra Turbos might need 90+ injector clips for compatibility. Proper engine management tuning is crucial to effectively control these larger injectors.

Alt Text: 440cc injectors from a 1987-1992 Toyota Supra Turbo, a performance fuel system upgrade option for Mazda MX6.

330cc Injectors: A more moderate fuel upgrade can be achieved with 330cc injectors from a 1990-1992 Mazda MX6/Probe GT. These injectors provide a bump in fuel capacity without necessitating complex engine management modifications for basic setups. Modification Required: Injector clips will need to be swapped to match the MX6 wiring harness.
Fuel Filter Upgrade: Improving fuel flow is essential for performance. A fuel filter from an Isuzu Rodeo (Part number FRAM G7393, XX-XX year range) offers enhanced flow compared to the original MX6 filter. Modification Required: None. The filter may “float” slightly in the engine bay, leaving the coil bracket area empty, which does not affect functionality.

Handling and Suspension Improvements

Front Struts/Springs: Lowering the ride height and improving handling can be achieved using front struts and springs from a 1993-1994 Mazda MX6 LS/Probe GT. This direct swap offers an easy way to upgrade the front suspension and opens up a wider range of aftermarket suspension options designed for these later models. Modification Required: None for the front. Note that the rear struts and springs from these models are not compatible with the first-generation MX6.

Alt Text: Comparison of Mazda MX6 and Ford Probe front struts, highlighting compatibility for suspension upgrades.

Rear Strut Tower Bar: For improved chassis rigidity and handling, a rear strut tower bar from a 1990+ Mazda MX6 GT can be installed on 1988-1989 MX6 GT models that did not originally come with this feature. Modification Required: None. It’s a direct bolt-on upgrade.
Rear Sway Bar Upgrade: Reducing body roll in corners can be enhanced by swapping the stock 16mm rear sway bar with the 18mm rear sway bar from a 1989-1992 Ford Probe GT. This stiffer sway bar improves handling responsiveness. Modification Required: None. It’s a direct replacement.

Braking System Enhancement

Front Brake Calipers (Dual Piston): For improved braking performance, consider front brake calipers from a 1994-1999 Subaru Legacy (likely 1996 model specifically, confirm year). These dual-piston calipers offer more even clamping force across the brake pads compared to the stock single-piston units, enhancing braking feel and power. Modification Required: None. They bolt directly onto the MX6 stock bracket, retaining the use of stock brake pads. The Subaru caliper slider pins are longer, so swapping them with the MX6 pins is recommended.

Alt Text: Dual-piston front brake calipers from a Subaru Legacy, a potential brake upgrade for Mazda MX6 using stock brackets.

Interior and Convenience Upgrades

Beyond performance, parts car sources can also provide interior and convenience upgrades to enhance the MX6’s cabin.

Stainless Steel Clutch Line: Improve clutch feel and responsiveness with a stainless steel clutch line from a 1993-1997 Mazda MX6 LS/Probe GT. The stainless steel construction prevents expansion under pressure, resulting in a more direct and consistent clutch pedal feel. Modification Required: None. Direct replacement.
Cupholders: A practical addition often missed in the MX6 is cupholders. Cupholders from a 1992-1995 Ford Taurus can be retrofitted into MX6 models with an open “bay” under the CD player. Modification Required: Requires an open bay under the CD player for installation.
Inside Door Handles: For a subtle interior styling change, inside door handles from a 1989-1995 Mazda MPV offer a monochrome look, eliminating the chrome found on the stock MX6 handles. Modification Required: None. Direct swap.
Dash Switches: Adding a unique, stock-looking switch can be achieved with a dash switch from a 1988-1991 Mazda 929. These switches, possibly for features like heated mirrors, can add a touch of luxury or provide a different aesthetic. Modification Required: None. Direct swap, but functionality will depend on the specific switch and MX6 wiring.
Passenger Under-seat Tray/Slider Drawer: Maximize storage space by replacing the factory subwoofer box under the passenger seat with a slider drawer from a 1989-1992 Ford Probe GT. This provides convenient storage for items. Modification Required: Mounts in the same location for models without the factory sub. No drilling needed. Requires both brackets and the drawer itself. Not compatible with DX seats.

Cosmetic and Miscellaneous Upgrades

“MX-6 GT” Trunk Badge: For a unique badge modification, the “GT” emblem from a Mitsubishi 3000GT (any year) can be carefully peeled off and applied to the MX6 trunk to create an “MX-6 GT” badge. Modification Required: Careful removal and application of the 3000GT “GT” emblem.
Shift Knob: Personalize your interior with a shift knob from various models. Mitsubishi shift knobs and others found in junkyards or online marketplaces can be compatible. Modification Required: Varies depending on the shift knob.
Aluminum RX-7 Scissor Jack & Space Saver Spare Tire: Reduce weight and improve trunk aesthetics with lightweight components from the Mazda RX-7. An aluminum scissor jack from an RX-7 is significantly lighter than the stock MX6 jack. Similarly, an aluminum 16×5 5-lug space saver spare tire from various RX-7 models (RX-7 Convertible, 87-91 RX-7 Turbo, 89-90 RX-7 GTUs) is lighter and visually more appealing than the stock steel spare. Modification Required: None. Direct fit replacements.
RX-7 Fuel Pressure Regulator: A fuel pressure regulator from a 1989-1991 RX-7 can be used. It may offer a slightly higher base fuel pressure. Modification Required: Requires a longer fuel line due to a shorter outlet on the RX-7 regulator.
2G PGT/MX6 LS KL Spark Plug Wire Holders: Clean up the engine bay wiring with spark plug wire holders from a 2nd generation Probe GT/MX6 LS with the KL engine. These holders mount on the intake manifold and keep plug wires elevated for a tidier appearance. Modification Required: A small notch needs to be cut to fit the nub on the MX6 valve cover.
Volvo Turbo Pressure Switch (3-4 PSI): For advanced modifications involving auxiliary injectors or nitrous oxide, a 3-4 PSI pressure switch from older non-intercooled Volvo Turbos can be used to trigger these systems at a set boost level. Modification Required: Wiring and integration into the desired system.
Mazda 929 Master Cylinder Reservoir: Upgrade to a larger and better-shaped master cylinder reservoir from a 1988-1991 Mazda 929. The master cylinder itself is essentially the same. Modification Required: None. Direct swap, ensure brake lines are compatible based on ABS or non-ABS models. The reservoir can be swapped separately if desired.

Conclusion

Exploring parts car options opens up a world of possibilities for enhancing your Mazda MX6. These swaps, proven by the MX6 community, offer cost-effective ways to improve performance, style, and convenience. Remember to always verify compatibility and perform modifications safely. With a bit of research and resourcefulness, you can leverage “Mazda Mx6 Parts Car” knowledge to build a truly unique and personalized MX6. Always consult repair manuals and online communities for detailed guidance and ensure safe installation practices when undertaking any automotive modifications.