Mazda K engine

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Mazda K engine
Manufacturer	Mazda
Production	1992–2002
Successor	Mazda AJ engine
Class	60° DOHC V6
Engine	1.8 L (1845 cc) 2.0 L (1995 cc) 2.3 L 2.5 L (2497 cc)
Related	Suzuki H engine
Similar	Chrysler LH engine GM 54° V6 Nissan VQ engine Nissan VE engine Toyota VZ engine

The Mazda K family is a 60° V6 automobile engine, ranging from a tiny 1.8 L for the Mazda MX-3 to 2.0, 2.3 (in the Mazda Millenia) to 2.5 (for the Mazda MX-6, Mazda 626, Mazda Millenia, early Mazda MPV, and Ford Probe). All are short stroke DOHC engines and were designed to be as compact as possible for short-hood front-wheel drive applications.

A Variable Resonance Induction System (VRIS) was used on the K8, KF, and KL, optimizing torque production over the entire rev band. The K8, KF, and KL engines all had a 7,000 rpm redline. The KJ-ZEM Miller cycle engine had a 6,000 rpm redline, but was only available mated with an automatic transmission.

The Mazda K series was co-developed with Suzuki, with Mazda reportedly handling the bulk of the design. The early 2.0 L Suzuki H20A and Mazda KF are similar in design, but the two engine families diverged after this. Suzuki focused on building ever-larger torque-producing engines for their SUV lineup, while Mazda focused on high technology and power output. The later Suzuki and Mazda engines do not share many components at all.

1 K8
2 KF
3 KJ-ZEM
4 KL
5 See also

[edit] 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-3). It was a DOHC 4-valve design with VRIS and a 75 mm 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:

[edit] KF

2.0 L KF - 1995 cc (78x69.6 mm) - The 2.0 L KF-ZE engine produced 160 hp (119 kW) and 132 ft.lbf (180 Nm). The Lantis variant produced 170 hp and 140 ft·lbf.

Applications:

1992-1993 Eunos 500, 160 hp 180 Nm
1993-2002 Eunos 800
1993-1999 Xedos 6
1993-2002 Xedos 9
1993-1996 Mazda Lantis

[edit] KJ-ZEM

The 2.3 L KJ-ZEM is one of Mazda's most technologically advanced engines. It employs the "Miller cycle" which uses a supercharger to decrease compression losses and increase power. 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:

[edit] 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 (often incorrectly called the KL-03) was the worldwide version, with 164-170 hp in various applications.

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:

KL-DE
- 1993-1997 Mazda MX-6 LS
- 1993-1997 Ford Probe GT
- 1993-2002 Mazda 626 ES, LX (after 1994)
- 1995-2002 Mazda Millenia L
KL-ZE
- 1997 Mazda Capella Wagon
- 1993+ Mazda MX-6 Mystere (Japan)
- 1993+ Mazda MS-8 (Japan)
- 1993+ Mazda Eunos 600/800 (Japan)