MAZDA MX-3 - A BRIEF HISTORY
-
I have copy + pasted this and happily admit to plageurism but still very interesting
MAZDA MX-3
The Mazda MX-3 was a four-seat hatchback produced from September 1991 to 1998. It was based on the EC platform. 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 because of the range of performance engines which can be transplanted, such as the KL-ZE.
The MX-3 was available with an I4 engine, and the GS with a V6 engine. It is notable for having one of the lowest displacement V6 engines ever fitted to a production vehicle with its 1.8 L V6.
ENGINE
The MX-3 came with three engine options: a 1.5 L I4 (only found in the Autozam AZ-3), a 1.6 L I4 and a 1.8 L V6. The 1.6 L was available in two versions, an 88 hp (66 kW) SOHC/16-valve B6-ME unit which powered 1992 and 1993 models, or a 106 hp (79 kW) DOHC/16-valve B6-D unit which was found in 1994 and later models. The Japanese market DOHC/16-valve B5-ZE produced 115 hp (86 kW) and the most powerful DOHC 24-valve V6 K8-DE produced 135 hp (101 kW) and 130 hp in North American models. All were available with a 5-speed manual or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission, depending upon the market.
PERFORMANCE
The V6 MX-3 had a top speed of approximately 212 km/h (132 mph). The MX-3 GS could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 8.4 seconds, and could travel a quarter mile in 16.4 seconds. With a turning rate of 0.89 g (8.7 m/s²), its handling capabilities were one of the best in its class.
The V6 engine was impressive for the time, belonging to the Mazda K-series, which were used in a range of Mazda vehicles. These engines were designed to be smooth, very long lasting, and hold a high torque across the RPM range. These engines used a variable length intake manifold (VLIM), in order to provide optimal torque using intake resonance. Mazda called their system on the MX-3 the "Variable Resonance Induction System" (VRIS). This engine had a 7000 rpm redline, and a 7800 rpm fuel cutoff. It is rumored that Porsche designers helped to create the K series engine.[citation needed]
The MX-3 used Mazda's proprietary Twin-Trapezoidal Link (TTL) for the rear suspension. It passively allowed the rear wheels to turn slightly in order to enhance handling. It has been used on a range of Mazda vehicles, providing a smooth ride, yet delivering responsive handling while minimizing body lean.
SPECIAL EDITIONS
In 1993, Mazda Canada offered a limited Special Edition model of its Mazda MX-3 GS to celebrate the company's 25th year in Canada. At the same time, Mazda USA offered a similar model as a Special Edition as well. Only a total of 2,000 Special Edition models were supposedly made. The special edition MX-3 featured the V6 engine, leather interior (including seats, steering wheel and shift knob), heated seats (Canada only), and custom Enkei manufactured 15 inch alloy wheels. Most special edition models came in the color Raspberry Metallic; however, there were also Blaze Red, Brilliant Black, and Laguna Blue colors available for the Special Edition.
In 1996, Mazda Europe produced 100 Mazda MX-3 V6 SE's. These had a leather and suede interior and all had the clear White body colour. There were also a very limited number of Mazda MX-3 V6 Equipes, with Sparkle Green Metallic or Noble Green exteriors.
MODIFICATIONS
MX-3 RS
The MX-3 RS with the 4-cylinder engine can upgrade to the BP 132 hp (98 kW), B6-T 147 hp (110 kW), BP-T 179 hp (133 kW) and BPD-T 206 hp (154 kW) engines.[1]
Swapping of the 4-cylinder RS engines can be slightly more complicated than the V6 GS mainly due to ECU, wiring harness, and MAF combinations as well as motor mounts. V6 swaps require specific ECU, intake manifold, and VAF sensor combinations, but there are far less variables to deal with. Many improvements can be made after the engine swap and during the engine tuning process to find the best combination of engine peripherals.
[edit]MX-3 GS
The most common engine swap for MX-3 GS owners with the V6 engine is a 2.5 L V6, either a North American-spec KL-DE 168 hp (125 kW), found most commonly in the 1993-1997 Ford Probe GT, the 1993-1997 Mazda MX-6 LS, or the 1993-2002 Mazda 626 LX or ES, or the Japanese-spec KL-ZE 200 hp (149 kW), found in such vehicles as the Efini MS-8, Xedos 9, & Eunos 800. Upgrading to this engine size added the unofficial GSR trim to the MX-3. A 2.0L V6 KF-ZE is also available, but this swap can prove to be quite difficult due to the unavailability of required components. For this reason, this particular engine swap is not often attempted.
-
MAZDA MX-3 RANGE BRAND NEW PRICES
MX-3 1.6i M5 (from 02/1998 to 09/1998)
Man5 108 1598 cc Petrol £ 14'245.00MX-3 1.6i M5 (from 10/1996 to 01/1998)
Man5 108 1598 cc Petrol £ 14'245.00MX-3 1.6 auto (from 08/1991 to 06/1994)
Auto4 88 1598 cc Petrol £ 14'442.00MX-3 1.6i auto (from 07/1997 to 09/1998)
Auto4 108 1598 cc Petrol £ 15'095.00MX-3 1.6 auto (from 06/1994 to 01/1997)
Auto4 108 1598 cc Petrol £ 15'095.00MX-3 1.8 V6 (from 08/1991 to 08/1994)
Man5 130 1845 cc Petrol £ 16'595.00MX-3 1.8i V6 (from 06/1994 to 09/1998)
Man5 128 1845 cc Petrol £ 17'295.00MX-3 1.8 Equipe Ltd Edn (from 07/1994 to 10/1995)
Man5 134 1845 cc Petrol £ 17'995.00MX-3 1.8 SE Ltd Edn (from 09/1993 to 08/1994)
Man5 134 1845 cc Petrol £ 17'995.00
-
MAZDA MX-3 1.8 V6 SPECIFICATIONS
General
–---
Production 1 Aug 1991 -2 Apr 1998
Length 4220 mm
Width 1695 mm
Height 1310 mm
Weight 1145 kg
Fuel Delivery Injection
Transmission Manual
Gears 5 SpeedPerformance
–---
Engine Size 1845 cc
Cylinders 6
0-60 mph 8.2 s
Power Output 130 bhp
Valves 24
Torque 160 Nm 118 lb-ft
Top Speed 126 mphCosts
–---
MPG 34
Insurance Group 15
Euro Emissions Standard II
CO2 Emissions 220 g/km
Road Tax Band -Practicality
–---
Wheelbase 2455 mm
Luggage Capacity -
Fuel Capacity 50 L
Turning Circle 10 m
Unbraked Towing Weight -
Braked Towing Weight -
-
MAZDA MX-3 1.6i
General
–---
Production 1 Sep 1996 -2 Apr 1998
Length 4200 mm
Width 1695 mm
Height 1310 mm
Weight 1060 kg
Fuel Delivery Injection
Transmission Manual
Gears 5 SpeedPerformance
–---
Engine Size 1598 cc
Cylinders 4
0-60 mph 10.2 s
Power Output 109 bhp
Valves 16
Torque 137 Nm 101 lb-ft
Top Speed 112 mph
Costs
–---
MPG 37
Insurance Group 13
Euro Emissions Standard II
CO2 Emissions 196 g/km
Road Tax Band -
Practicality
–---
Wheelbase 2455 mm
Luggage Capacity -
Fuel Capacity 50 L
Turning Circle 10 m
Unbraked Towing Weight -
Braked Towing Weight -
-
The official 1993 the 'special edition' was only in white, with different wheels and interior.
They made post 1993 Special Editions in Black with leather stitched gearknob and leather look black 3/4 panels in the back. They also say that they are special editions on the sticker near the drivers door latch.
In the UK there was also the 'Equipe' and the 'Gold Label' Editions.
You can spot a gold label as the badge on the back and the center caps on the wheels are gold. ( only ever seen one of these )