From 1991 to 1999, the Mazda KF-ZE 2.0-liter V6 gasoline engine was manufactured in Japan and fitted Asian versions of well-known models like the Efini, Eunos, Lantis, and MX-6. The Xedos 9 sedan is known as the derated version of this unit with the KF-DE index.
K8-DE, K8-ZE, KF-DE, KJ-ZEM, KL-DE, KL-G4, and KL-ZE are all members of the K-engine family.
The engine was mounted 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
This series’ motors are thought to be dependable, but the aluminum block worries about overheating;
Owners frequently express dissatisfaction over oil usage, which can occasionally reach a liter per 1000 kilometers;
The timing belt lasts around 80,000 kilometers, but when it breaks, the valves typically do not bend; low-quality lubrication can cause hydraulic lifters to fail after 50 to 70 thousand kilometers; lubricant can also leak from under the valve covers at high mileage.