The KLMX-5 project.

Introduction.

I bought my car as a standard 1997 1.6L Monza Limited Edition MX5, but always believed that the car would be a natural home for an alloy V6. After a false start with a Duratec V6, I have decided to instead use a Mazda KL V6. This decision was not made lightly, but it all came down to the following points:

- the KL is physically smaller than the Duratec

- the KL has already been mated to the MX5 gearbox, with drawings available (plus someone has offered to do the machinng necessary for me!)

- the KL is a proper Mazda engine

- the KL has a timing belt (on disassembly, the timing chain and associated covers/tensioners were a PITA to work with compared to a belt/tensioner.

As to the exterior, I intend to keep it as stock as possible, the only mods being my hardtop, wheels (15", necessary for my Toyo T1-R's, plus 15's look more natural than 14"s) and low-pro lights (I don't like the stock barn-doors). Long term plans include permanently fixing the hardtop on (replace catches with brackets) and building a rollcage into the body/hardtop. During the day, at least, it'll be a proper sleeper of a car.

pg01 - Introduction
pg02 - Engine - Mounting
pg03 - Engine - Exhaust
pg04 - Engine - Intake
pg05 - Engine - ECU, sensors and fuelling/spark
pg06 - Transmission
pg07 - Brakes
pg08 - Interior/Exterior
pg09 - Other stuff