Stupid photobucket login is on maintenance, can't upload new photos. I got the engine stripped, ready to be placed on the engine stand soonish, then it will be entirely disassembled and the real fun begins. The flywheel was pretty rusted, as was the front of the engine. The back of the engine was pretty well oiled though.
Also, no H-box this time. This is an engine build, not a gearbox build. I'll just take it easy and if/when the box grenades, I will go looking for a Mazdaspeed 3 gearbox...
Here be the pics!
The flywheel looks pretty rusty! It would be okay with a bit of treatment, but it's not going back on this engine...
So does the block too, but the rust is superficial.
Sure enough, it does look like a Titanic salvage job, but a bit of brush and a chemical treatment should do wonders.
At least this side is well protected against the decay! Also, the oil cooler is the six ribs deep type, not at all a bad thing.
Here's where I called it a day. The engine's mostly stripped off it's exterior, next step is to bolt it on the engine stand and start with the internals. That will be a much more delicate job than the outside...