Mazda Z engine

The Mazda Z-series is a smaller gasoline inline-four engine ranging in displacements from 1.3 L to 1.6 L. They are the evolution of the cast-iron block B-engine.

The Z-engine has 16-valves operated by dual overhead camshafts, which are in turn driven by a timing chain (ZJ/Z6/ZY only). The block of the 98-02 Z5, ZM and ZL engine is cast iron same as the earlier B series of engines.

Other Z engines have aluminum alloy block and head, with cast-iron cylinder liners. The block features split upper and lower block assembly for added strength and rigidity, special long intake manifold for added torque, S-VT continuous variable valve timing, and a stainless steel 4:1 exhaust header.

In 2011, Mazda started to introduce the SkyActiv-G as a new, more economical option for vehicles that were equipped with the Mazda Z-engine. Production of the Z-series halted in 2014, being the last year of the Mazda2, Verisa as well as Mazda3 of their generations. Mazda moved on to the full SkyActiv architecture in their vehicle lineup, including running only the aforementioned SkyActiv-G engine, now offered in larger displacements, alongside a new SkyActiv-D turbo-diesel engine.

Z5
The 1489 cc 92 hp Z5-DE was used in the 1995-1998 Mazda Protegé, Mazda Lantis (Astina) and in Mazda Familia Neo (1994–1997). Bore and stroke were 75.3x83.6 mm.

The Z5 engine was introduced as the first of a newer line of Mazda Z-series engines. The Z series was a new design based on the B-series block, block internals and oil-pan and a different DOHC head. Early versions of this motor had a chain driven exhaust cam.

The block is cast iron, the oil-pan is a 2-piece design with an upper aluminum and lower stamped steel, piston oil squirters are standard. The cylinder head was a compact design with round intake and exhaust ports. JDM versions produce 97 PS and 110 PS. There was also lean-burn version introduced in August 1995; this model produces 94 PS and sees gas mileage improvements of ten to fifteen percent in the standard Japanese test cycle.

ZJ
The 1348 cc ZJ 74x78.4 mm is available with either continuous cam-phasing VVT ZJ-VE 91 hp or a high-efficiency Miller cycle ZJ-VEM 90 hp.

Applications:
 * 2003–present Mazda Demio ZJ-VE
 * 2007–present Mazda Demio ZJ-VEM

ZY
1498 cc 111 hp ZY-VE 78x78.4 mm
 * Used in the Demio/Mazda2 (2002-2014), Verisa and Axela/Mazda3

ZL
1498 cc 88 hp EEC, 110 hp JIS, ZL-DE 78x78.4 mm

1498 cc 130 hp JIS ZL-VE 78x78.4 mm The 1.5 L ZL-VE makes more power than the slightly larger 1.6 L Z6/M-DE its due to variable valve timing on the intake cam (S-VT).

Applications:
 * 1999-2003 Mazda Familia

ZM
1598 cc 105 hp ZM-DE 78x83.6 mm The ZM engine, has an identical bore yet slightly longer stroke than the ZL as well as a revised head with round intake and exhaust ports. It has exactly the same bore and stroke as the previous generation B6. Some European variants would use VICS on the intake manifold.

1598 cc 97 hp ZM-II was a variant of the ZM designated to the company Haima to use on the Haima Family. When the Mazda contract to Haima expired the engine was rebranded as a ZM-D and no longer would bear any Mazda markings on the valve cover.

The 1498 cc 130 hp ZL-VE and 1598 cc 105 hp ZM-DE are closely related engines with an equal bore 78 mm and share some major parts. The ZL has a stroke of 78.4 mm whilst the ZM has 83.6 mm.

Applications:
 * 1998-2002 Mazda Familia
 * 2003-2013 Mazda3