The USDM Mazda 929 was sold from 1988-91. Our 929 is a sedan version closely realated to the JDM Mazda Luce or 929 which were also offered their own sedan and hardtop versions. Our series I (Zenki) model appeared to us in 1988-89 models (87-88 Japan) with a single cam V6. Our series II (Kouki) models were sold in 1990-91 (89-90 Japan) with both single & twin cam 3L motors. It is also refered to by the chassis platform code "HC".

 

 

My 89' series I is a rare example that has a factory equipped 5 speed 'R' type transmission borrowed straight from the S4 Turbo II RX7 along with gear ratios. It's paired with the smooth revving JE 3L SOHC 18 valve V6 making 158HP @ 5500RPM & 170LB-FT of torque @ 4000RPM; more power than later found in the first Mazda MPV's. Redline is set @ 6250RPM. Those were respectible numbers at time of production in late 1987 for US/Canadian markets when rival cars were going with front wheel drive layouts and smaller V6's. Suspension is independent all around, disc brakes & ABS fitted at all corners. Stock test figures by Road & Track Magazine for the single cam 88-89 proved a 17.2 second 1/4 mile run and 9.4 second 0-60 time for the 5 speed model. Compared to the slower automatic model at 17.5 and 10 seconds.

 

 

Mazda 929; no other 4 door Japanese luxury import on the domestic market was offered with a 3L 6 cylinder engine matched with a 5 speed manual and RWD configuration till the G35 and Lexus IS300 came into production over 12 years later. In my opinion the Mazda 929 and the (1989-92) Toyota Cressida paved the way for popular luxury Japanese cars like the Lexus LS400 and Infiniti Q45.

 

 

USDM series II models are identified by updated bumpers, lower body aero mouldings, and bolder more pronouced grill as pictured above. Inside has updated seats, steering wheel with integrated cruise control and faux wood center console trim. The "S" package includes the JE27; 3L DOHC 24 valve V6 making 190HP @6000RPM & 191LB-FT @4500RPM. Redline is set @ 6500RPM. Rear differential is an open unit and LSD was only offered in JDM Grand Turismo models. The suspension was upgraded with stiffer spring rates, larger front & rear stabilizer bars, and vented rear disc brakes. Lower profile 205/60/15 tires wrap 15x6" mesh alloy wheels. An exterior distinction is the blacked out trim around headlamps & tail lights. 1990-91 929S figures were 16.9 in the 1/4 mile and 9 seconds 0-60 (R&T). USDM series II models were also sold on the Korean market as the Kia Potentia from 1992.5-97.

In Japan the sedan verison is least popular while the hardtop models are most present and can be badged as either a Luce or 929. The hardtop version sports frameless doors, shorter bumpers, and boxier front end. Also offered in Japan are 5 engine choices, most noted is the series 4 RX7 13B turbo (180HP/182TQ) and 2L JFT V6 turbo (145HP/170TQ). The 3L JE26 (198HP/192TQ) is found in the Grand Turismo model. For comparison below are JDM Mazda Luce's, a 1987 series I Royal Classic with 13B turbo in the foreground and a 1990 series II Royal Classic in the background.

 

 

"9ine Deuce" was orginally purchased in Vancouver, around January of 2003 with 175,000kms on the odometer. She was in mint condition for a 14 year old sedan with no accidents and orignal paint. Allegedy the first owner of this car was said to have belonged to the brother of the president for Mazda Canada at the time of production. This might explain why this 1989 model has a extremly rare manual transmition. Most 5 speed 929's are 1988's, even so, 5 speeds are very rare in that year. Mine is optioned out ordered with; sunroof, digital dash, full power, heated seats and mirrors, ABS, and (AAS) auto adjustible suspension. Other particularly rare options Ive seen on a few other loaded 88-89 929's are extra chrome moldings along doors and full body paint. Ive driven mine all the way across Canada and back twice from Vancouver to Halifax. Two 12,000km roundtrips in the first two years of ownership. This was achieved without any breakdowns or major problems and only routine maintenace. Daily driving includes a regular trips up to redline, this is a solid car.

 

 

--------> 1989 series I 929 5spd, Gentle Maroon Mica Metallic/series II 929S Tan leather, 240,000kms :

Current Mods - [custom] cold air intake w/ 3" piping, K&N 3" XL cone filter, rear muffler & resonator deletion w/ 2.25" [custom] cat-back w/ Sebring resonator & twin-tip VIP style muffler, NGK platinum plugs & 8.5mm wires, Davidson heavy duty battery, PIAA 9004 4000K extreme white headlights, [custom] PIAA extreme white city lights, G&E amber corner lights, G&E super bright front & back marker lights, 1991 Toyota Camry clear bumper lenses, Frosted orange signal bulbs, PIAA exteme white interior & trunk lighting, PIAA super white LED license plate bulbs, MOMO cobra shift knob, Broadway wide-view mirror, Series II 929S OEM woodgrain center console & armrest, Series II 929S OEM tan leather seats swapped in, Autometer 3.5" 8000RPM white-faced tach, Agos 320mm wood grain race wheel w/ Momo hub & horn button, Clifford Alarm system, Alpine CDA7995 MP3 head unit, JL Audio 4" door speakers x 4, Pioneer 6.5" 3 ways on rear decklid, Alpine MRV F-300 V12 amp for mids, Alpine Type R 10" sub, Alpine MRV T-707 V12 sub amp, [custom] double stacked front air dam painted gloss black, AAS replaced w/ Monroe Sensatrak shocks, 3-3/4 coils cut up front for 3.25" drop, 1.5" down B&G rear springs, DIY red calipers, 3 piece DP Motorsports Enduro wheels - 16x7 +35mm front & 16x8 +30mm rear, 195/55/16 Dunlop SP3000 DSST front & 245/45/16 Dunlop SP9000 rear, 50% 7 window tint and more coming soon...

 

 

Mods are limited due to the choice of car and lack of aftermarket support, none of which is availible here. There are some hard to find parts still availible in Japan which are out of reach for now. Horsepower improved significantly by installing a cold air intake & freer flowing exhaust system alongside other minor mods. Ive added all the typical bolt ons as I could without spending major funds. Future motor swap calls for a 13B turbo or an all motor JDM JE26. The suspension will be custom coilover suspension modified from FC RX7 coilovers or air bags. For some shoes a set of low offset aggresive 18" staggered wheels. British Racing green paint is what im feelin but time will tell...

--------> The Timeline :

August 2006, closing in on year two of storage, I manage to get a few more mods in before the Mazda Madness car show in Langley, BC. The rear B&G 1.5" springs are settled; finally that ass is dropped. I also cut another 3/4 coil of the front springs for about a 3.25" overall drop. I installed a used Agos 320mm wood grain wheel and Momo hub & horn button.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock 15x6" saw blades before she went underground, looks like a sleeper.

 

 

Just as summer was ending I find this pristine 1990 929S Series II in Tranquil Blue Mica Metallic with dark blue leather and only 65,000 original kilometers. It's equipped with the "S" package & 190HP/191TQ twin cam motor. I plan to use this as my future daily driver after some VIP styling dumped on nice fitting wheels. Currently its also sitting in underground storage awaiting modification.

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 2006, two minutes after the last bolt is put on when rear stock springs are swapped for B&G 1.5" down springs. Big improvement over stock; accelleration is better and so is cornering even though up front cut springs are too soft.

 

 

 

June 2006, shortly after I mounted 195/55/16 Dunlop SP3000 DSST front & 245/45/16 Dunlop SP9000 rear tires replacing 5 year old Dunlops. Toyota Camry clear lenses replace OEM amber lenses, frosted oranage turn bulbs are added. Ion yellow city lights are swapped for matching PIAA super whites.

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 2006, after 9 months of storage 9ine Deuce hits the streets with a fresh tune up and staggered 3 piece DP Motorsports Enduro wheels. These lightwieght rims are made in Japan and originally date back to 1992 where they spent their previous life on a turbo RX7. The front rims are 16x7 +35mm while rears are 16x8 +30mm, Tires are Dunlop ZR rated 205/55/16 & 245/45/16. I sold my old BBS rims. The loud N1 muffler was tossed in favor of a new twin tip VIP style muffler via a Sebring resonator.

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 2005, after the first year of storage. More coils are cut for total of 2.5 which yields a 2.5" overall drop. Custom city lights are added in the inner headlight cluster and ion yellow PIAA bulbs are used.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Engine bay shots after degreasing & spraying down. Cold air intake shown with K&N filter tucked away in the lower fender. Custom cat-back exhuast system with 2.25" piping & old N1 muffler.

 

 

 

 

The sweet spot, it aint much but horsepower peaks here, all estimated 185HP (flywheel)...

 

 

Halifax winter set up with 195/65/15 Pirelli ICE 210 (front), 205/60/15 Toyo Observe (rear). Stock 30 slot rims were resprayed gunmetal & the lip was left silver. My 929 won't see anymore east coast winters.

 

 

March 2005, Citadel Hill, downtown Halifax, cleaned up for spring before BBS rims were mounted.

 

 

 

 

 

November 2004, downtown Halifax waterfront before summer wheels come off.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bullshit "S" badge which I took off soon after.

 

 

Oct 2004, in front of the Westin Grand/VIA rail station, downtown Halifax. Bottom shot in the underground spot where the 929 sits tight during long cold Nova Scotian winters.

 

 

 

August 2004, east Vancouver. The day I drove 6000kms to Halifax in 3.5 days. I painted the centers of the BBS wheels gloss black. I also mounted 215/55/15 Kumho Ecsta 712's which lasted less than 10,000kms. Monroe shocks were added & one coil was cut off the front springs netting a 0.5" drop. A custom mounted additional OEM air dam was bolted to the original and painted gloss black.

 

 

 

 

 

Series II 929S tan leather interior & woodgrain console trim swapped in. About 20+lbs was saved after removing the old trashed seats in favor of newer, more comfortable, & better designed seats.

 

 

 

 

 

Interior & trunk set up with Autometer white-faced tach, Alpine deck & changer, subs & amps.

 

 

 

 

May 2004, Halifax waterfront after prepping my car for the long drive back to Vancouver.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 2004, 40" of snow breaks 100 year old records. My first real winter in Halifax and for the 929 as well. Pictured with gunmetal stock rims and Sylvania Silverstars headlights. Also noted is the original exhaust set up with primary muffler removed, straight piped from axle back & 3.5" resonated tip.

 

 

 

 

Old interior shots before swap. The original camel brown leather seats were in poor condition.

 

 

 

 

June of 2003, chillin beside my bro's old modded 1988 Mazda 323GT turbo during a RS meet.

 

 

 

February 2003 the first DIY modification to the 929. A 3" intake piping originally for 90-93 Accord cut to fit. The CAI really helps the V6 breathe much better.

 

 

Photochopped image with appox 4" & 3" drop on old 15" BBS rims & cleared out corners.

 

 

 

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Jan 2002 - Jan 2003

My 1991 Infinti G20 before I sold it. Great sports sedan powered by the SR20DE motor. I did some mods to it, audio system including Alpine Type S 12" sub & V12 amp, Pioneer DEH7200 head unit & JBL door speakers. Under hood was NGK platinum plugs & wires, & [custom] short ram intake supplying K&N filter with cool air via ram air tubing. Timing was advanced to 18 degrees & a Sebring fireball style muffler & axle back help exit exhaust gases. Finally I added a fresh clutch and lightened flywheel. All this lead to a decent boost in top end revving, I was able to run with Integra GSR's & SIR's. Stock 14x6 rims were painted gunmetal grey. The engine took so much abuse with at least five 7000RPM+ pulls a day for a year straight & it never broke, everything else did which led to why I sold it.

 

 

 

 

June 2002 NorthwestNissans Richmond meet.

 

 

My Bro's Pearl white 91' - Tein 1.8"/15x7.5" 0mm Riken

 

 

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