KLZE History
The 2.5-liter mazda K series engine had basically two easy variations. The KLDE which is common in the US and Europe holding down 9.2:1 compression and 164hp(170hp 1998+) at 5600rpms or the KLZE which is the Japanese version of this motor. The KLZE comes with 10:1 compression, better cams, a better intake manifold and computer tuned for 94 octane. The ZE has three popular variations one from the Japanese Mx-6 which produces 197hp@6500rpms and 165 ft-lbs@5500rpms, The pre 2000 jspec Millenia motors which produce 197hp@6500rpms and 165 ft-lbs@4800 rpms, and the 2000+Millenia motors with only 9.2:1 compression producing 190hp@6500rpms and 160 ft-lbs@5000rpms. As anyone can see all three of these motors is an awesome upgrade from the DE version of the motor.

KLZE swap Faq
Now that you know about the engine there are six cars that I can remember that the ZE motor can fit into some are easier swaps than others.

First are the Ford's:
93-97 Ford Probe GT's are a perfect candidate; since this car comes with the DE engine it is a simple bolt on swap
The four cylinder model also can have a ZE installed it will just take a lot of parts from a GT.
91-95 Escort, with the wiring harness and most of the engine bay of a GS Mx-3 must be used in this swap

Now the Mazdas
92-96 Mazda Mx-3 GS, Yes this is my favorite . Simple swap 70 hp more!!!
The four cylinder model can also be swapped like the Escort
93-97 Mazda Mx-3 LS, Just like the Probe GT
The four cylinder model can be swapped with parts from the GT
86-present 323's, Like the Escort need most of the engine bay of the GS Mx-3
91-95 Protégé, Need the Mx-3 engine bay again.

KLZE swap help
Ok there are dozens of swap write-ups on other websites so I am only throwing out the necessities as I see them. If you have emissions testing you will need to swap the EGR and controls on to the ZE motor. It will also help to get a jspec ecu to have the engine run at its full potential. Other things that are recommended are new belts, plugs, wires, disty cap, rotor, cold air intake, better clutch etc.... Now you have mainly two choices for a clutch they are ACT or ClutchMasters stage 1 or 3. Also a set of Mazdaspeed motor mounts is a must I have broken all of mine one by one. Good luck!!!!

Written by POS7 on 6/16/03