3.73 is an automatic only gear IIRC. And if you find a 2005+ transmission, it will have a 3.82 final drive instead of the 2003-2004 final drive of 3.41.

 

would a 05+ trans bolt up to my 04 2.3?

 

Yes, they're the same block.

If you can't find an 05+ transmission, you can always buy the 3.82 final drive and replace the 3.41 with it, I have one for sale right now in the buy/sell/trade forums right now.

If you wait a few months I may have a complete 2004 MTX75 from the 2.3L duratec for sale, and I'd be willing to throw in the 3.82 (you'd need to do the work to install it) as I'm currently researching swapping in the Mazdaspeed3 6-speed manual transmission.

cheers,

-- michael

 

Yeah, I have been reading up on yer research. I cant afford a trans right now, just preparing for the future ya know. How much do you want for the mtx75, if things work right. I am currently working in a import salvage yard and hopeing that some day soon I see a ms3 come in on a flatbed, that would just make my day!!!