Engine Mazda KF-ZE

The Mazda KF-ZE 2.0-liter V6 gasoline engine was produced in Japan from 1991 to 1999 and was installed on Asian versions of such popular models as Efini, Eunos, Lantis and MX-6. The derated version of this unit with the KF-DE index is known from the Xedos 9 sedan.

The K-engine family includes: K8‑DE, K8‑ZE, KF‑DE, KJ‑ZEM, KL‑DE, KL‑G4, KL‑ZE.

The engine was installed on:

  • Mazda Cronos GE in 1991 – 1995;
  • Mazda Efini MS-6 GE in 1991 – 1994;
  • Mazda Efini MS-8 MB in 1992 – 1998;
  • Mazda Eunos 500 CA in 1992 – 1999;
  • Mazda Lantis CB in 1993 – 1997;
  • Mazda MX-6 GE in 1991 – 1997.

Specifications

Production years 1991-1999
Displacement, cc 1995
Fuel system distributed injection
Power output, hp 160 – 170
Torque output, Nm 180 – 190
Cylinder block aluminum V6
Block head aluminum 24v
Cylinder bore, mm 78
Piston stroke, mm 69.6
Compression ratio 10.0
Features DOHC, VRIS
Hydraulic lifters yes
Timing drive belt
Phase regulator no
Turbocharging no
Recommended engine oil 5W-30
Engine oil capacity, liter 4.0
Fuel type petrol
Euro standards EURO 3
Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Mazda Efini MS-8 1996)
— city
— highway
— combined
12.7
7.9
9.7
Engine lifespan, km ~275 000
Weight, kg 175 (with attachments)

Disadvantages of the Mazda KF-ZE engine

  • The motors of this series are considered reliable, but the aluminum block is afraid of overheating;
  • Owners often complain about oil consumption, sometimes it reaches a liter per 1000 km;
  • At high mileage, lubricant can also ooze from under the valve covers here;
  • The timing belt lasts about 80,000 km, but when it breaks, the valves usually do not bend;
  • From cheap lubrication, hydraulic lifters can fail already by 50 – 70 thousand km.

1 thought on “Engine Mazda KF-ZE”

  1. My Mazda MX6 is fitted with the 2 litre KFZE engine. It has been raced in virtually stock condition from 257000 km to 283000 km and still running strong. The key is regular oil changes for reliability.

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