Mazda and Ford Crankshaft

Who on here has used a Ford crankshaft instead of the Mazdas MZR crankshaft?

 

Don’t think anyone on here has but on Facebook a few have. They’re the same. The ecoboost crank works in our blocks with our rods and pistons. No issues. Equally as strong.

 

Which one though? Is it the 2 liter or the 2.3 liter or i think i heard the 2.5liter ecoboost? Does it wnd up changing displacement?

 

2.3 ecoboost
I am using one in my motor. Motor seems fine, just can't figure out p0192 code.

 

Is the Ecoboost crank keyed and if so did you just use a Ecoboost balancer pulley?

 

I don't believe so, and the crank pulley is the stock mzr

 

Nice teardown video of another engine family member. Definitely not a keyed crank in the teardown. But nice to see similarities.

 

The eco boost isn’t keyed. I have one in my motor. It’s a lot lighter than the Mazda crank so if you’re doing a balance shaft delete you should get your rotating assembly balanced, that’s what I did anyway

 

Does that mean its not forged or just a better designed and built crank?
Can you post the part number?

Also is there a diff between the 2.0 and the 2.3 ecoboost cranks?

 

I believe it’s still a forged crank. And you will want the 2.3 from the Mustang or focus rs. The reason it’s lighter is because the counterweights are thinner.

 

So the 2.3 ecoboost is essentually a non keyed, forged, lighter, cheaper crank.
This is of course great for anyone looking for a replacement and not having to pay a lot (part number would he useful, if available), though the cost of balancing may be somewhat of an offset. Then again i wouldnt mind keeping the balance shafts for a daily.

Overall though, when looking for a keyed crank, Im not sure how much weight matters to most, but the keying is kind of a big deal. Can anyone confirm a part number for a keyed ecoboost/alternative crank that will bolt on?

 

I would 100% not dick with a balance shaft if you are rebuilding a motor , it is not worth it and will cause more issues. You can get rid of most vibes by just keeping the OEM PMM/ softer Damond mounts.

 

^this

If the engine is properly balanced, piston, rods all weigh the same, then you really don't need a balance shaft. Engines are mass produced so the companies that build/assemble them aren't checking parts weight when they go together. They add the balance shafts because of this.

 

A balance shaft is unrelated to the balancing of engine components. It's purpose is to counteract the natural harmonic resonances of an online four cylinder. I agree to not dick around with reinstalling it especially when you have changed the crank bit that is mostly because it's a pain in the dick to adjust the shims and get the gear lash correct. And does anyone even know if the gear on the Mazda balance shaft will mate to the one on the Ford crankshaft?

 

Correct. Unbalanced components create more vibration. I deleted the balance shafts on my Station 2.6L SOHC engine and felt a buzz/vibration afterwards. Once I rebuilt the engine with new bearings, rings and balanced the components the buzz went away or at least diminished to the point of not being noticable. I was running the same 70 duro mounts both times.

Another question is removing the balance shaft gear on the crankshaft for extra weight savings. Is it a molded part of the crank or something that's pressed on?

 

That's not what I'm saying weight balance of the components is like 1% of the equation the rest is piston configuration and overall weight of the components. The overall weight is why most 2.0 and smaller motors don't bother with balance shafts

I believe on the mazda crank the gear is just pressed on and can be removed by cutting it

 

It can be removed from the Ford crank too.
Just curious but why are you worried about the crank being keyed? If done properly you don’t need the crank keyed unless you’re shooting for the moon maybe.

 

When I was rebuilding my engine I went to the Mazda dealer and spoke with the mechanic about the balance shaft. He had never reinstalled one and had no idea

 

A keyed crank is a happy crank. Much easier to align properly. Not keying it is a mazda/ford/volvo derp move.

ANYWAY

Anyone got the part number for a keyed crank? I know its a searchable thing but if someone already used one, it would be cool to be sure and not have to hope for the best when ordering one.

I understand the balance shaft harmonics and requirement for a properly balanced engine. Its a valid point, but for someone just using stock stuff, it may be cost effective to keep it instead of sending the engine out for balancing. And yeah, i wish we had a 2l turbo in this car too.

 

Again balancing the rotating assembly is unrelated to the function of the balance shaft.