We have put together this guide to help you make informed decisions about buying a Mazda MX-3 and modding it.
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The first thing to do is to decide what your future plans are for your MX-3. This is particularly important with the MX-3 because you will need to buy a different year or model depending on your plans.
The first decision you have to make is what kind of power you want to get out of your MX3. In this area you have 4 realistic choices and one extreme choice:
1. Stock 1.6 Inline 4
B6 The straight-4 was available in two versions, an 88hp SOHC B6-ME unit which powered 1992 and 1993 models, or a 106hp DOHC/16-valve B6-D unit which was found in 1994 and later models.
If your after performance go for one of the other options. If its your end goal to own a 1.6 then your either a woman, 17 and after the cheaper group 13 insurance or really not bothered about fast cars and just want to build a show car.
2. Stock 1.8 V6
K8 It produced 130 hp in UK 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.
This is a good choice if your not after a seriously fast car, but want something that's fun to drive and handles well. A good starting point if you're looking to build a show car that's not crap to drive.
There are performance mods you can do to get more out of this nice little V6 but if it's bang for bucks you're after go for the KLZE.
3. KLDE and KLZE 2.5 V6 Engine swap
The 2.5 L KL family includes the Japan-only KL-ZE, which produced 197 hp and 165 ft.lbf (224 Nm). Another variant, the KL-DE (often incorrectly called the KL03) was the worldwide version, with 164-170 hp in various applications.
The KL series engines are built out of the same block as the stock 1.8 V6 which makes for a relatively easy swap.
The KLZE is the Japanese version of the UK's KLDE engine and features different internals which push it up to 197 bhp.
This engine swap is the best way to get a big bang for your money in the UK.
4. B6T / BPT
B6T 1.6 power and torque outputs varied across markets due to emission and fuel standards, but the Japanese version of the B6T was the most powerful, producing 147 hp and 137 ft·lbf (186 N·m)
BPT 1.8 is a turbocharged and intercooled variant of the BP. It produced 179 hp and 174 ft·lbf (237 N·m) of torque.
BPD. It is commonly known as the 'big turbo' variant as it utilised a much larger IHI RHF6CB turbocharger. The BPT was used as the basis for the engine, with changes such as sodium filled exhaust valves, larger (and front mounted) intercooler, bigger fuel injectors and stronger engine internals helping to up the performance of the engine to produce 206 hp and 184 ft·lbf (250 N·m). This engine was designed to power Mazda to a world rally championship win, and was thus used in the limited production Mazda Familia GT-R (2200 built) and GTAe (300 built). I have never heard of anyone getting hold of one of these, but I bet they are expensive and because nobody has done the swap who knows what could happen. The KLZE swap is probably a better choice.
If you like Turbos then this is definitely the easiest and cheapest way to get a Turbo into an MX3. It is a much more involved swap than the KLZE. Because of this and the fact that finding a BPT in the UK is a real rarity, this swap has never been completed in the UK (as far as we know). It is, however, a very popular swap in the USA.
5. KLZE - Turbo 2.5 V6
If you're loaded, mental or into building drag cars then check out this extreme conversion. It has never been done in the UK, costs loads and has been said to put out in excess of 300 hp. It involves fabricating a turbo for the KLZE engine and uprating other internals to cope with and utilise the new power.
This is still a very rare conversion because you've got to have plenty of spare cash and really know your shit when it comes to custom fabrication and turbos. Especially when you think that for the same money you could get a Scooby, Supra or Skyline that would outstrip it.
Please choose an engine to continue:
1. Stock 1.6 Inline 4 - 106 hp
2. Stock 1.8 V6 - 130 hp
3. KLDE and KLZE 2.5 V6 Engine swap - 197 hp
4. B6T / BPT - 147 hp / 179 hp
5. KLZE - Turbo 2.5 V6 - estimated 300+ hp |
