KLZE vs. KLDE - Practical Considerations

[TsiMiata]

There are only a few engine parts for the ZE that are hard to get. That's the cams and the pistons. Everyother piece is identical to that found on the us spec millenia.

[Gro Harlem]

The way I see it, you might as well get the KLZE either way.

The ONLY downside to the KLZE is the increased probabilty that you will fail emissions. But quite a few people here have been able to pass emissions with their EGR removed in the past so it isn't a huge concern.

In terms of having a shortage of parts, thats total crap too. The only parts that are impossible to get stateside from the dealer or parts stores are the pistons, intake manifold and camshafts. Everything else is available at a parts store.

Such parts that are identical between KL-ZE and KL-DE include:
Valve cover gaskets, exhaust manifold gaskets, throttle body gaskets, intake manifold gaskets (you have to buy millenia ones, they are square, probe ones aren't), head gaskets, valve retainers,springs,etc. timing belt sprockets, tensioners and all that crap, HLA's are the same as well.


The ONLY thing to consider when you are doing any K-series swap is to BE SURE TO replace the friction gear springs in each of the camshafts to ensure it doesn't have a horrible knocking sound at idle. They can eventually evolve into a loud tapping that is obnoxious (but doesn't actaully affect anything but the sound of the engine). Also worth noting is the failure-prone timing belt tensioner which is also expensive to replace. Getting a brand new one is good insurance to ensure your engine won't sound like a peice of crap. DOing all of this stuff when the engine is out of the car is WAY easier.

The FGS parts were recalled by mazda & revised and are available from the dealer for about 30-40 dollars for both camshafts. The TBT (timing belt tensioner) is about 100-140 dollars depending on where you get it.

As for the performance aspects of the KLZE, keep in mind it was meant for high-octane fuel. Even our stateside 93-octane garbage is too crappy for this engine, sice japanese fuel is much better quality and has a higher octane rating than anything offered at our pumps. Using the lower octane fuel won't decrease its life, but will affect its performance. The failure-prone distributor on the K8 that you have to swap is one thing that can't be avoided on either KLDE or KLZE swap.

[TsiMiata]

Originally posted by Gro Harlem:
As for the performance aspects of the KLZE, keep in mind it was meant for high-octane fuel. Even our stateside 93-octane garbage is too crappy for this engine, sice japanese fuel is much better quality and has a higher octane rating than anything offered at our pumps. Using the lower octane fuel won't decrease its life, but will affect its performance. The failure-prone distributor on the K8 that you have to swap is one thing that can't be avoided on either KLDE or KLZE swap.

I run 91 when I can get, 93 usually. The motor runs fine with it. The japanese octane rating system is different from ours. Their fuel is slightly higher octane. Just not as much as it seems on the surface though. 10:1 compression isn't all that high really anyway.