So I bought a 1991 1.6 Mazda Astina 323F (the one with pop-up headlights) and I'm thinking of doing a swap maybe one year down the road after getting all the vital stuff sorted out.

I'm looking at the B6T, but I have a few concerns.

1. Would it fit?
2. Is it carbureted? If not, will the wiring for injection cost a bomb?
3. Will JPJ decline the endorsement because of a stock turbo charged engine?
4. Is it even worth it?

Also, open topic for the Astina in general. Love the look and overall design of the car!

too late for that now
I understand, some people tell me the same thing like get a local car for better reliability yadda yadda heard it all before, the thing is I make poor financial choices to fulfill myself, and driving/repairing/restoring the Astina feels good so... No offense, but I'm looking for advice on the current rather than what should-have-been.

You can't imagine! After I got the car, started a lot of nostalgia-induced conversations with the elder generation.
My uncle's first car was a Lantis, absolutely loved it.
Was my father's dream car when he was younger (much younger)
One of my client's sister's first car and he would pinjam just to go out because of the pop-up lights

Not the most reliable or whatever, but absolutely charming to say the least. If can turn it into a sleeper... All the uncles flock to me sia

Thanks for the constructive feedback! Anyways not really something I'd do like next week, still open for suggestions.
What makes you say KF-ZE if maintenance not an issue?

BTW, not running on parents money don't worry. All the upgrades/restoration I tank the damage

Ah the Prelude...
3 months ago I've been browsing Mudah like a mad man.
First I wanted an AE92, over budget and plus restoration? I eat zapfan for every meal man.
Prelude also I watched closely. Maintenance too high according to some Honda kakis.
After a while of scrolling mindlessly, suddenly I saw 323 for the first time.

Love at first sight I tell ya, though its 27 y/o this year
Irresponsibe? Yes.
Fulfilling? Hell yes.
Money well spent? Maybe not

Haha too slow bro, I already "heart" it in the app
I hope don't get sold lah, now preparing for the big bill in April sia. Have to jimat2 for one year then can buy.
It's the one and only on Mudah some more, takut lah

Yup, on the JPJ TnC webpage (forgot where it went) Ford and Mazda is considered same same.
Though on Wikipedia, almost none of Ford's engine suitable for 323, newer Mazdas maybe can swap but not for mine.

Cheated as in buying secondhand car and tuning/modding/restoring?
Maybe just personal perspective but here is my very very rough plan:
Car (4k) + Important repairs (8k) + Aesthetics (in and outside, around 3-4k) [also sponsored by lou dao]

As opposed to the Preve I wanted, the moment I buy the car, 10k off market value.

Long run... If can take care I believe secondhand car much more eco, value already kosong

"Project ASTINA" is almost complete, "Project ASTINA : Phase 2" going into motion soon
Got myself a gray TE37 recently,

"JDM af"
-Honda kaki

The baker learns how to bake cake
The buyer knows where to buy cake

The "Financially Unwise Car Owners That Are Frowned Upon By The General Public Because The Car Is Fking Old"
FUCOTAFUBTGPBTCIFO Club

Yeah that's my main concern... The car came carbureted stock? If convert to ECU could be quite troublesome I think

BPT like don't even exist in Malaysia. Mudah no result, Google also come out discussions nia.
According to wiki, I only see European variants and Japanese versions that has slightly more power. No mention is the US or elsewhere in Asia so... Either I strike lottery and ship from overseas, or the lord and savior give me one plus extra cash for labor and JPJ on my birthday

Other than BPT and B6T, other options either Toyota or Honda VTEC engines.

Crap I just recalled, need to touch gear box if change to let's say, the B6T?

The K series engines has V6, but due to JPJ limitation and also realism, a bit overkill to get them. Not saying I wouldn't like a V6 or a V8

Oh ya 2.0 no problem, thanks for reminding! The KF model would be the best la but still.. Expensive, hard to find, and even harder to maintain.

Choppy?

Sir again you're missing the point here... I already have the car, this thread adheres to the topic I've initially set out on, not "Just bought Astina 323, was it a good idea?"
Maybe the mechanic you encounter sucks, I also see many before (mum's sis') and they just buat and in the end more problems, end up have to overhaul.
The mechanic I visit every time also say my car troublesome, but good thing is he enjoys fixing it because he always get common cars. The price he charge me also considered super reasonable, I won't say super cheap lah.
All in all... I understand why you don't agree with my choice, like I said before a lot of people also say money hole lah or bad choice what not.
Well let's just put it this way: I saved up for a car to get around, but I also wanted something that I actually like rather than full on 'reliable', no fun cussing at a 15 year old Iswara anyways

We have totally different views, I'm open to warnings or advice but my mind is already set on restoring the car. Expensive hobby as compared to collecting vape mods (?) or golf, but in essence it is still a hobby to me.
Some like sports, some like collecting, and some like to spend a fortune to restore old cars

kepala keras betul... bro, if I want financial advice I know who to ask ok, not on lowyat


Attached image(s)

Car went for cheap cuz owner had to go Australia ASAP, important repairs included gasket change, spark plugs, wheels and rims, ignition leads, gear bush lower arm bushings + ball joints, power steering hose, timing belt, AC belt, alternator belt, radiator hose, new set of HWL absorbers, brake pads, and steering (old one can snap in half easily)