Incognito: Louis’ V6 Swapped Mazda 323

One of my personal favorite car builds, not just because I am a Mazda lover.  But because my modifying roots started in a front wheel drive Mazda, and led to owning every model except a BF 323 (85-89).  Fast forward to a few years back I met Louis when he was building a 1st generation Integra that was destroyed in a wreck, that led to him jumping into a whole new type of vehicle.

The build with the car started off normal for Louis, lower it make it look nice and clean it up as most of us do with a car that does not have such a large exterior aftermarket.  Working with a tight budget and being sure to put his pennies into the right place Louis, but the heart of the car was still left untouched and it still was powered by the sohc 1.6.

Louis wanted to go big and attack the KL 2.5 v6 swap in his 323,  I had previously done the swap years ago but in a 93 protege (BG).  So I could only suggest what may or may not work,  and I even suggested just doing a BP (1.8 dohc) swap instead.  But Louis was determined to man up and be one of the few that have done this swap into a BF 323.  Most 323 (BF) owners will opt for the BPT (GTX 1.8 Turbo) but even that requires some cutting of the bay.

So louis began gathering all parts for the swap, and the task of finding the right formula begin.  The swap required a few custom pieces to be made including one of the mounts, and a custom made axle unlike doing this swap into a earlier model Mazda were it can be done in a few hours and bolts right in.  Its a bit of a work for the BF 323, but its worth the trouble  because it will make the car run a 13 second 1/4 mile easily.  The KLZE is all aluminum v6 derived from the smallest v6 ever produced the (1.8)K8 V6 that came in the Mazda Mx3 GS.  So it has not turned the car into a front heavy straight line missle, but has made given the car the appropriate amount of power to blast past the typical swapped honda on the highway with stride, and be a even better treat on the track.

Still a work in progress, Louis is planning on supercharging the car and fresh paint in the coming year, and even he has thought of selling the car and moving on to something else, but he has stayed with the build to take it to the finish line!

Personally this build reminded me of how determined and motivated I was to build a car for the right reason, and not because of whats popular.  Which is why Louis’ car will always be a favorite of mine….Stay True-Do You!

PHOTOS BY: Andy Carter

Mod List

Power:
2.5L JDM KLZE swap
I/H/E
ported manifold
knife-edged throttle body
heads shaved .025
Afco Racing Scirocco style radiator
AEM Uego Wideband
Aeromotive A1000 Adj. FPR
DSS level 2.9 axle
KL31 ECU/JE50 VAF

Exterior:
Isuzu I-Mark RS front bumper
Z28 Camaro lip spoiler
LeSabre front lip
amber sidemarkers
323 GT grill

Interior:
Momo Race wheel
NRG short hub
Sickspeed shift knob

Suspension/Wheels/Tires:
KYB GR2′s
Dropzone springs
XXR 521′s in Matte Bronze 16×8 +20
Falken Ziex ZE 912′s 205/40/16