Built motor DD and cold weather starting??

So I missed the boat on a new OEM long block from Mazda. So the next logical thing to do is build the motor.

I've been trying to read up and research this as much as I can and there is a wealth of knowledge here. I know that I want to run a 4032 piston as my HP goals are not crazy and I want this motor to last.

My main question is who here is driving a built motor in the winter and what are your experiences? I am in Chicago so my concerns are warm up times on cold days.

 

For what it’s worth, I used the Manley Platinum pistons (2618) and I’ve not noticed any issues. The car warms up pretty quickly, probably faster than my Audi A3 and my daughter’s Mini Cooper. I’m in southeast PA and it’s not full winter yet, but I’ve had some evenings in the 20’s and days in the 40’s.

My starter on the other hand does not like the cold weather at all

 

Appreciate the input I've read your posts on your build and I have similar goals for the car. It being my DD I need it to function as such and not a pain in the ass race car.

 

I’ve never driven a stock MS6 that is working right, so I can’t compare as far as a DD is concerned. After getting the Freektune OTS+ I’d say it’s a little twitchy sometimes. More so than Cobb’s OTS tunes. Feels sort of race car like. It’s comfortable enough for my taste though.

 

Yeah I'm mid tune with PD and honestly car feels better than ever. Makes good power but I'm using a LOT of oil. Cyl #4 is the culprit so it's motor time.

 

i use mine as a daily drives perfect. 4032 mahle foged pistons, manley H beam rods, balancer delete, CST4 turbo PD tuned.

 

Hey Chris thanks for the reply, I am planning on the same rods and pistons although I am keeping my balance shaft assembly. I see you are from CT so I know it gets cold there.

 

Yes sir. my only concern was the small battery i put in because of the intake. no problems though starts right up.

 

Hey Chris, what oil pump did you run on that build? A Mazda or an Ecoboost?

 

Warm up shouldn't be any different on built vs stock motor. I see -43f in the winter and daily drive no issues now I do have a block heater for those temps. Now I know @JohnnyTightlips drives his built engine in the winter too.

 

Awafrican, thanks for the reply. Yeah I current have a block heater that I use in the morning. Unfortunately at work I'll have to start cold in the afternoon.

I don't think I've seen -43 here in Chicago but single digits are common for at least a week or two in the winter.

 

Tldr: you're probably not cold enough to truly worry.

For those that want more: so when I was in ontario the coldest I recall seeing was -25f, -1f was more common and I never even used the block heater didnt even have it installed, just idle for a couple of mins then go esp when 14f or warmer. I usualy dont even bother pluggin in the block heater until -4.
-14f or below you bet your ass I'm plugged in now that I have one. Look as long as she turns over, let it idle a little, then just drive slowly no boost, casual acceleration wouldn't be running higher than 3500rpm and you're probably fine, at least thats how I've been running my car for the last 8 years, if you're idling lots in the winter just make sure you're staying ontop of the oil changes, speaking of which I need to do that.

 

Again, thanks for your reply this is what I was looking for. I use my block heater a lot even though I'm in the garage.

I like having a warm motor right away in the morning. Also I'm sure it's better to error on the safe side of things. After all this is a lot of money to throw at a car and I'd like to make it last as long as I can.

The other thing I'm doing with this motor is Oil Temp and Pressure gauges, again probably overkill but I'd like actual numbers so I know it's ok to start having fun

 

Oh probably over kill but you're right warmer is better, oil pressure and temp will give you a much better indication.

I just assume I can't really have fun in the winter lol, if your coolant temp had been 177 for 5-10mins blocks should be warmed through and you're good.
Key on the built engine will be doing the engine break-in to get the rings to set right

 

Yeah that's the hot topic to research. I also drastically limit the fun in the winter as I run snows and I really don't want to murder them any faster than they already wear!

I was talking to Jordan@Overspeed about getting a motor through him but the timing will not work out. He's moving his shop and my engine is on borrowed time. Awesome guy though tons of knowledge. I'm sure he'd be a great resource for that information.