Mazda K engine
Encyclopedia
The Mazda
K-series automobile
engine is a short stroke, 60° V6 24-valve with belt-driven DOHC and aluminum-alloy cylinder heads and block. Their displacements range from a tiny 1.8 L to 2.5 L. They all use a 27-degree DOHC valvetrain with directly actuated hydraulic (HLA) bucket lifters. The K-series also feature a highly-rigid, all-aluminum split-crankcase engine block design with 4 & 6 bolts for each main journal, internally balanced forged crankshaft with long, lightweight forged carbon steel connecting rods. They were designed to be as compact as possible for short-hood front-wheel drive
applications.
A unique innovation of the K-series is the introduction of Variable Resonance Induction System (VRIS). Based on the Helmholtz resonance
principle, the intake manifold is equipped with 3 chambers tuned to a specific resonant frequency. The computer dynamically switches between each resonant chamber to achieve the appropriate resonant frequency for the engine's RPM. This effect optimizes volumetric efficiency over a given RPM range to provide maximum torque over the entire RPM range. VRIS is used on the K8, KF, and KL but nearly all modern V6 engines are now using this technology.
The K-series all have a 7,000 RPM redline with 7500 RPM limiter, which given the engine design is conservative. The KJ-ZEM Miller cycle
engine had a 6,000 rpm redline, but was only available with an automatic transmission
.
The Mazda K-series was conceptualized and co-developed with Suzuki
in which Mazda handled the bulk of the engineering with valuable input from Porsche
. The early 2.0 L Suzuki H20A and Mazda KF share the same bore, stroke and displacement but the similarities end there. The Suzuki uses a timing chain, configured for RWD and as a result is physically larger. Suzuki focused on building ever-larger torque
-producing engines for their SUV lineup, while Mazda focused on high-technology and power
output. The Suzuki and Mazda engines do not share any components at all.
). It was a DOHC 4-valve design with VRIS and a 75 mm (3 in) bore and 69.6 mm stroke. It produced 130 hp in US trim (sometimes referred to as "K8-DE"), and 135 hp in Japanese trim (the "K8-ZE") on introduction in 1991 and 144 hp (108 kW) and 115 ft·lbf (157 Nm) at its best.
Applications:
Applications:
" which uses a supercharger
to increase compression efficiency by decreasing the compression losses (i.e., flywheel energy used to compress the intake charge in the cylinder); and thereby increasing the net power output of the four-stroke cycle. It was used in the T-platform cars. The supercharger used is the twin-screw type with electronic boost control. Power output was 217 hp (162 kW) and 210 ft.lbf. The KJ-ZEM was on the Ward's 10 Best Engines
list for 1995 through 1998.
Applications:
In 1998 a revised version of the KL known as the KL-G4 was used in the 626. It featured solid lifters, a cast crankshaft to reduce rotating mass and a reworked intake system. The distributor was replaced with a Ford EDIS coil-pack ignition.
Mazda introduced a key technology with these engines, known as the Variable Resonance Induction System (VRIS)
. A series of two butterfly valves coupled with electronically controlled actuators varied the volume and length of a resonant chamber attached to the intake manifold, producing 4 resonant frequencies. The valves actuate at particular engine frequencies (i.e. RPMs) to produce optimal torque/horsepower output at any given engine speed.
Applications:
Mazda
is a Japanese automotive manufacturer based in Fuchū, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.In 2007, Mazda produced almost 1.3 million vehicles for global sales...
K-series automobile
Automobile
An automobile, autocar, motor car or car is a wheeled motor vehicle used for transporting passengers, which also carries its own engine or motor...
engine is a short stroke, 60° V6 24-valve with belt-driven DOHC and aluminum-alloy cylinder heads and block. Their displacements range from a tiny 1.8 L to 2.5 L. They all use a 27-degree DOHC valvetrain with directly actuated hydraulic (HLA) bucket lifters. The K-series also feature a highly-rigid, all-aluminum split-crankcase engine block design with 4 & 6 bolts for each main journal, internally balanced forged crankshaft with long, lightweight forged carbon steel connecting rods. They were designed to be as compact as possible for short-hood front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive is a form of engine/transmission layout used in motor vehicles, where the engine drives the front wheels only. Most modern front-wheel drive vehicles feature a transverse engine, rather than the conventional longitudinal engine arrangement generally found in rear-wheel drive and...
applications.
A unique innovation of the K-series is the introduction of Variable Resonance Induction System (VRIS). Based on the Helmholtz resonance
Helmholtz resonance
Helmholtz resonance is the phenomenon of air resonance in a cavity, such as when one blows across the top of an empty bottle. The name comes from a device created in the 1850s by Hermann von Helmholtz, the "Helmholtz resonator", which he, the author of the classic study of acoustic science, used to...
principle, the intake manifold is equipped with 3 chambers tuned to a specific resonant frequency. The computer dynamically switches between each resonant chamber to achieve the appropriate resonant frequency for the engine's RPM. This effect optimizes volumetric efficiency over a given RPM range to provide maximum torque over the entire RPM range. VRIS is used on the K8, KF, and KL but nearly all modern V6 engines are now using this technology.
The K-series all have a 7,000 RPM redline with 7500 RPM limiter, which given the engine design is conservative. The KJ-ZEM Miller cycle
Miller cycle
In engineering, the Miller cycle is a combustion process used in a type of four-stroke internal combustion engine. The Miller cycle was patented by Ralph Miller, an American engineer, in the 1940s.- Overview :...
engine had a 6,000 rpm redline, but was only available with an automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
.
The Mazda K-series was conceptualized and co-developed with Suzuki
Suzuki
is a Japanese multinational corporation headquartered in Hamamatsu, Japan that specializes in manufacturing compact automobiles and 4x4 vehicles, a full range of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles , outboard marine engines, wheelchairs and a variety of other small internal combustion engines...
in which Mazda handled the bulk of the engineering with valuable input from Porsche
. The early 2.0 L Suzuki H20A and Mazda KF share the same bore, stroke and displacement but the similarities end there. The Suzuki uses a timing chain, configured for RWD and as a result is physically larger. Suzuki focused on building ever-larger torque
Torque
Torque, moment or moment of force , is the tendency of a force to rotate an object about an axis, fulcrum, or pivot. Just as a force is a push or a pull, a torque can be thought of as a twist....
-producing engines for their SUV lineup, while Mazda focused on high-technology and power
Power (physics)
In physics, power is the rate at which energy is transferred, used, or transformed. For example, the rate at which a light bulb transforms electrical energy into heat and light is measured in watts—the more wattage, the more power, or equivalently the more electrical energy is used per unit...
output. The Suzuki and Mazda engines do not share any components at all.
K8
The 1.8 L (1845 cc) K8 is among the smallest production V6 engines ever; and also the first K-series engine to be used in a Mazda car (in the Mazda MX-3Mazda MX-3
The Mazda MX-3 is a four-seat hatchback coupé first introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1991. The MX-3 was marketed as the Mazda MX-3 Precidia in Canada, the Eunos 30X in Australia, and as the Eunos Presso, Autozam AZ-3 and Mazda AZ-3 in Japan.The MX-3 is quite popular for modification...
). It was a DOHC 4-valve design with VRIS and a 75 mm (3 in) bore and 69.6 mm stroke. It produced 130 hp in US trim (sometimes referred to as "K8-DE"), and 135 hp in Japanese trim (the "K8-ZE") on introduction in 1991 and 144 hp (108 kW) and 115 ft·lbf (157 Nm) at its best.
Applications:
- Mazda MX-3Mazda MX-3The Mazda MX-3 is a four-seat hatchback coupé first introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1991. The MX-3 was marketed as the Mazda MX-3 Precidia in Canada, the Eunos 30X in Australia, and as the Eunos Presso, Autozam AZ-3 and Mazda AZ-3 in Japan.The MX-3 is quite popular for modification...
- Eunos 500Eunos 500The Eunos 500 was a luxury car from Mazda's Eunos marque. The 500 was first shown to the public at the 1991 Tokyo Motor Show, and Japanest launch followed soon in early 1992....
KF
- 2.0 L KF - 1995 cc (78x69.6 mm) - The 2.0 L KF engine was available in various states of tune. The KF-DE produced 140 hp and 132 ft.lbf and later on 144 hp and 132 ft.lbf. The JDM version KF-ZE engine produced 160 hp and 132 ft.lbf. The Lantis Type R variant produced 170 hp and 140 ft.lbf.
Applications:
- 1991-1997 Mazda Mx-6Mazda MX-6The first generation MX-6 appeared in 1988 and lasted until 1992 in the United States. In some markets the model years were from 1987 to 1991. It was based on a series of futuristic sports compact concept cars of the early 1980s...
- 1992-1993 Eunos 500Eunos 500The Eunos 500 was a luxury car from Mazda's Eunos marque. The 500 was first shown to the public at the 1991 Tokyo Motor Show, and Japanest launch followed soon in early 1992....
, 160 hp 180 newton metre - 1993-2002 Eunos 800
- 1992-1998 Efini MS-8Efini MS-8The Efini MS-8 was a luxury car produced by Mazda and sold through the Efini marque from March 1992 through 1995. The car is a replacement to the Mazda Persona and Eunos 300....
- 1993-1999 Xedos 6Xedos 6The Mazda Xedos 6 was a European-market luxury car based on the Mazda CA platform also used by the Mazda Capella. Identical to the Japan-market Eunos 500, it was produced for model years 1993 through 1999 and was available in two versions, the 1.6i and 2.0 V6.Despite the very similar appearance to...
- 1993-2002 Xedos 9
- 1993-1996 Mazda LantisMazda LantisThe Mazda Lantis was a series of two cars sold in Japan from 1993 to 1996. In the rest of the world it was also known as 323F, Astina, Allegro Hatchback or Artis Hatchback....
- 1994-1996 Mazda 323f V6 GLX
- 1996-1998 Mazda 323f ZXi
KJ-ZEM
The 2.3 L (80.30 mm bore 74.20 mm stroke, 2255 cc) KJ-ZEM is one of Mazda's most technologically advanced engines. It employs the "Miller cycleMiller cycle
In engineering, the Miller cycle is a combustion process used in a type of four-stroke internal combustion engine. The Miller cycle was patented by Ralph Miller, an American engineer, in the 1940s.- Overview :...
" which uses a supercharger
Supercharger
A supercharger is an air compressor used for forced induction of an internal combustion engine.The greater mass flow-rate provides more oxygen to support combustion than would be available in a naturally aspirated engine, which allows more fuel to be burned and more work to be done per cycle,...
to increase compression efficiency by decreasing the compression losses (i.e., flywheel energy used to compress the intake charge in the cylinder); and thereby increasing the net power output of the four-stroke cycle. It was used in the T-platform cars. The supercharger used is the twin-screw type with electronic boost control. Power output was 217 hp (162 kW) and 210 ft.lbf. The KJ-ZEM was on the Ward's 10 Best Engines
Ward's 10 Best Engines
Ward's 10 Best Engines is an annual list of the ten "best" automobile engines available in the U.S. market, that are selected by Ward's AutoWorld magazine. The list was started in 1994, and has been drawn every year since then....
list for 1995 through 1998.
Applications:
- Mazda MilleniaMazda MilleniaThe Mazda Millenia is an automobile which was manufactured by Mazda in Japan from 1993 to 2003.The Millenia was originally planned as the second of three models for Mazda’s proposed luxury brand Amati...
- Eunos 800
- Mazda Xedos 9
KL
The 2.5 L (2497 cc) KL family uses an 84.5 mm bore and 74.2 mm stroke. It includes the Japan-only KL-ZE, which produced 199 hp (149 kW) and 165 ft·lbf (224 Nm). Another variant, the KL-DE (also known as the KL-03 outside the USA, and fitted to 2.5 litre Ford Probes) was the worldwide version, with 164-174 hp in various applications.In 1998 a revised version of the KL known as the KL-G4 was used in the 626. It featured solid lifters, a cast crankshaft to reduce rotating mass and a reworked intake system. The distributor was replaced with a Ford EDIS coil-pack ignition.
Mazda introduced a key technology with these engines, known as the Variable Resonance Induction System (VRIS)
Variable Length Intake Manifold
In internal combustion engines, a variable length intake manifold , or variable intake manifold is an automobile internal combustion engine manifold technology...
. A series of two butterfly valves coupled with electronically controlled actuators varied the volume and length of a resonant chamber attached to the intake manifold, producing 4 resonant frequencies. The valves actuate at particular engine frequencies (i.e. RPMs) to produce optimal torque/horsepower output at any given engine speed.
Applications:
- KL-DE
- 1993-1997 Mazda MX-6Mazda MX-6The first generation MX-6 appeared in 1988 and lasted until 1992 in the United States. In some markets the model years were from 1987 to 1991. It was based on a series of futuristic sports compact concept cars of the early 1980s...
GT (E and J spec) - 1993-1997 Mazda MX-6Mazda MX-6The first generation MX-6 appeared in 1988 and lasted until 1992 in the United States. In some markets the model years were from 1987 to 1991. It was based on a series of futuristic sports compact concept cars of the early 1980s...
LS (A spec) - 1993-1997 Ford ProbeFord ProbeThe Ford Probe was a coupé based on the Mazda GD platform, and powered by a 2.2 L SOHC 4 cylinder Mazda F2 engine.The first generation Probe appeared in 1988 and lasted until 1992 in the United States. In some markets the model years were from 1987 to 1991...
GT - 1992-1995 Ford TelstarFord TelstarThe Ford Telstar is an automobile that was sold by the Ford Motor Company in Asia, Australasia and Africa, comparable in size to the European Ford Sierra and the American Ford Tempo. It has been progressively replaced by the Ford Mondeo....
TX5 Ghia, TX5 Ghia 4ws - 1993-1997 Mazda 626Mazda 626The Mazda 626 is an automobile that was produced by Mazda for the export market. It was based on the Japan-market Mazda Capella. The 626 replaced the 616/618 and RX-2 in 1979 and was sold through 2002, when the new Mazda6 took over as Mazda's large family car...
ES, LX (after 1994) - 1995-2002 Mazda MilleniaMazda MilleniaThe Mazda Millenia is an automobile which was manufactured by Mazda in Japan from 1993 to 2003.The Millenia was originally planned as the second of three models for Mazda’s proposed luxury brand Amati...
L
- 1993-1997 Mazda MX-6
- KL-ZE
- 1997 Mazda CapellaMazda CapellaThe second generation rear-wheel drive Capella was available between 1978 and 1982, in both sedan and coupe forms. It was known on export markets as the Mazda 626, with the exception of the United Kingdom, where it was called the Mazda Montrose, the name was changed to honour the local Mazda...
Wagon - 1993+ Mazda 626 Jspec Sedan
- 1993+ Mazda MX-6 Jspec
- 1993+ Mazda MS-8 (Japan)
- 1993+ Mazda Eunos 600/800 (Japan)
- 1997 Mazda Capella
- KL-G4
- 1998-2002 Mazda 626Mazda 626The Mazda 626 is an automobile that was produced by Mazda for the export market. It was based on the Japan-market Mazda Capella. The 626 replaced the 616/618 and RX-2 in 1979 and was sold through 2002, when the new Mazda6 took over as Mazda's large family car...
ES, LX
- 1998-2002 Mazda 626
External links
- Mazda New Lightweight and Compact V6 Engines SAE article 920677
- http://www.mx6.com MX6.com Forums
- http://forums.probetalk.com ProbeTalk Forums
- http://fpdrivers.org/forum Ford Probe Drivers [PL Owners]
- MX6OC UK MX6 Owners Club
- http://www.mx-3.com Your complete source on the Mazda MX-3
- uk-mx3.com - UK Mazda MX-3 Community.
- http://members.aol.com/solomiata/MX5Engine.html
- http://www.mx6.de www.mx6.de German / Austrian Forum
- Comparitive information on various K-Series engines
- http://www.ukpoc.co.uk UK Probe Owners Club
- http://www.fordprobestore.co.uk Suppliers of Parts for Ford Probe and Mazda cars with K series engines.
- http://www.clubdelprobemexico.com Club del Probe MX-6 Mexico Forum