Conversion To Vvti

Bugatti · March 23, 2009

Hi All,

I'm thinking of coverting my BJ5W Mazda engine to VVTi... (sounds crazy...?? I know)

I have sourced out the necessary parts, ECU, Wire harness and VVTi unit.. is there any major point that I should be concerned about? Is this kind of thing recommended..?

What issues would I encounter during/after the conversion..?

The operation will be carried out at my usual garage, by a knowledgeable guy in auto electronics.

Need your expert advice..

MFOC Members: Expecting something from you guys

March 24, 2009

Hi

I am not the best person to give you a good answer. But my knowledge is that the whole car electronics has some play in the VVT conversion. so you will probably have to replace ECT, TCU, VVT value and mechanism attached to the CAM. I drive a Mazda BJ5P 1.5L with a VVT engine, it looks little different from the usual 1.5L engine, throttle body exaust manifold etc and the O2 sensoer position. Mine does not have a EGR valve but i think it is handled by exhaust valve timing.

March 24, 2009

FYI

http://pdftown.com/PDF-Mazda-Protege-2002-...hop-Manual.html

GuruG · March 24, 2009

Bugatti said:
Hi All,
I'm thinking of coverting my BJ5W Mazda engine to VVTi... (sounds crazy...?? I know)

I have sourced out the necessary parts, ECU, Wire harness and VVTi unit.. is there any major point that I should be concerned about? Is this kind of thing recommended..?

What issues would I encounter during/after the conversion..?

The operation will be carried out at my usual garage, by a knowledgeable guy in auto electronics.

Need your expert advice..

MFOC Members: Expecting something from you guys

What do u expect from the swap?

miniace · March 24, 2009

I don’t think you have realized the gravity of the thought project. Its much much serious than you ever imagined. Never straightforward upon changing few pieces like the cited ECU, Wire harness and VVTi unit.

You may have to replace the GB control box or maybe the whole gearbox. For sure you need a Cylinder head replacement. Matching the control box is never a technicians favourite task.AFAIK modern engine interchanges are more like human organ transplant. Always frail and rejectable.

The failure rate on add-ons delivering the expectations is for sure high. I don’t think no one would undertake such a task.IMHO it’s a waste of money and time. Just calculate the cost involved..you can buy a complete VVTi engine and a gearbox easily than kicking off a fanatical project.Or maybe a good VVti car.If still not convinced try same on an older car yet I wouldn’t try the same…

MINIACE

Bugatti · March 24, 2009

Thanks all for the comments..

To answer the questions:

1. What I expect from the change - Better throttle response

2. I haven't paid for the parts, My garage guy brought down a VVTi engine for spares. (except for the gear box)

3. Do you guys think that a complete engine swap would work..?

3. I know it's easy to go out there and buy a VVTi equipped car, but I thought the conversion was easier.. now that I read the comments, I will think again.

Edited March 24, 2009 by Bugatti

Bugatti · March 24, 2009

6208 said:
FYI
http://pdftown.com/PDF-Mazda-Protege-2002-...hop-Manual.html

Thanks for the link..!

Edited March 24, 2009 by Bugatti

pradfred · March 24, 2009

Bugatti said:
Thanks all for the comments..
To answer the questions:

1. What I expect from the change - Better throttle response

2. I haven't paid for the parts, My garage guy brought down a VVTi engine for spares. (except for the gear box)

3. Do you guys think that a complete engine swap would work..?

3. I know it's easy to go out there and buy a VVTi equipped car, but I thought the conversion was easier.. now that I read the comments, I will think again.

My suggestion is also to not tamper with your current ride Bugs.

Get an old Mazda 323 and do the conversion for that. Sheep in wolfs clothing.......

Can even use it to scare the boys at the MFOC lol.

BTW (off topic sorry ) : we really need a MFOC event / fellowship session soon.

Rohnd · March 24, 2009

Bugatti said:
Hi All,
I'm thinking of coverting my BJ5W Mazda engine to VVTi... (sounds crazy...?? I know)

I have sourced out the necessary parts, ECU, Wire harness and VVTi unit.. is there any major point that I should be concerned about? Is this kind of thing recommended..?

What issues would I encounter during/after the conversion..?

The operation will be carried out at my usual garage, by a knowledgeable guy in auto electronics.

Need your expert advice..

MFOC Members: Expecting something from you guys

I also do not see this as an easy task.

Only Mazda BJ5P GS,RX ,RS models (sedan) & BJ5W RS have this in ZL-VE Engines ,when correctly say, SVT (Sequential Valve Timing - Not exactly VVTi) .

These cars of Japanese domestic were available in Sri Lanka in very less quantities. May be due to higher original/resale price in SVTs. Most of the sellers imported BJ5 with ZL-DE engines.

The pdftown link relates to US Model of BJ , the engine is completely differernt from Japanese versions.

Decision is yours!

Edited March 24, 2009 by Rohnd

Bugatti · October 2, 2009

Hi all,

After many months of contemplating... I finally got down to do what I thought was possible conversion to VVTi (SVT in Mazda language)

The project commenced at 13:25 on 01st October, and concluded at 20:30 on 02nd October. It took three people (including me) 19 Hrs to complete the job (including breaks). The new engine is a ZL-VE.

Did couple of test drive today n it works fine..

The mechanical part was simple and straightforward, but the wiring and electronics took most of the time.

All components were courtesy M A Z N A - M O T O R S and brought down from Singapore.

Below are some pictures of the process...

- The stock engine

- Stock head comes off

- The replacement wire harness

- Minus the stock head

- The new SVT head

- New head and valves

- The two exhausts, side by side. New one on the left

- New head in place

- Completion of mechanical work

- The place it all happened

Gotta hit the bed now. Need to go to Millennium drive tomorrow, for additional test runs.

Edited October 2, 2009 by Bugatti

madmax · October 2, 2009

Was it a 100% success?

SpEeD FrEak · October 3, 2009

whats that red colour guage???

GuruG · October 3, 2009

Congrats Mate! U got more than just "better throttle response". New 40 horsies treatin ya good.

Can we declare this as the the first or the only BJ5W VVTi conversion.

How about a test drive on Sunday. Give me a ring when ur at Millenium drive.

@ SpEeD FrEak - thats a fuel pressure regulator. Ohhh u only saw the surface mate. U'll find many more

ZOOM ZOOM Bugatti

SpEeD FrEak · October 3, 2009

GuruG said:
Congrats Mate! U got more than just "better throttle response". New 40 horsies treatin ya good.
Can we declare this as the the first or the only BJ5W VVTi conversion.

How about a test drive on Sunday. Give me a ring when ur at Millenium drive.

@ SpEeD FrEak - thats a fuel pressure regulator. Ohhh u only saw the surface mate. U'll find many more

ZOOM ZOOM Bugatti

Thanks GuruG...I saw a Voltage Stab too.Is he using a performance fuel pump or Injectors???If not a Fuel pressure regulator is of no use nah

What are the Other Mods you have in there...How much will a fuel pressure regulator cost??

Bugatti · October 3, 2009

madmax said:
Was it a 100% success?

Yup it was... got it started on the second attempt. The wiring is completely different to that of the stock ZL-DE. Only pending thing is to get the Speedo working.

Bugatti · October 3, 2009

SpEeD FrEak said:
whats that red colour guage???

It is a fuel pressure regulator. You can set pressure you desire. Currently I'm running on 42PSI.

Bugatti · October 3, 2009

SpEeD FrEak said:
Thanks GuruG...I saw a Voltage Stab too.Is he using a performance fuel pump or Injectors???If not a Fuel pressure regulator is of no use nah
What are the Other Mods you have in there...How much will a fuel pressure regulator cost??

Even with the stock injectors, you get a noticeable difference. The new injectors on the ZL-VE are much larger than the ZL-DE. Regulator is available on e-bay, might cost you bout $40-$50

Bugatti · October 3, 2009

GuruG said:
Congrats Mate! U got more than just "better throttle response". New 40 horsies treatin ya good.
Can we declare this as the the first or the only BJ5W VVTi conversion.

How about a test drive on Sunday. Give me a ring when ur at Millenium drive.

@ SpEeD FrEak - thats a fuel pressure regulator. Ohhh u only saw the surface mate. U'll find many more

ZOOM ZOOM Bugatti

As per manufacturer specs, it is said to throw out 130HP... I too assume it is the first conversion. There ain't no other crazy bugger like me

Today being a Poya day, thought I'd do some tests today.. since roads are kinda empty. You're more than welcome to join me.

Devinda_Z · October 3, 2009

Bugatti said:
Yup it was... got it started on the second attempt. The wiring is completely different to that of the stock ZL-DE. Only pending thing is to get the Speedo working.

I can help you out with that machan - I've got a digital speedo with a speed limiter remover!

Its a brand new Pivot unit i bought for the Z which i never got around to installing - its still in the box

funky little gadget cuz its supposed to show you peak speak each sun as well as quarter mile times etc.

i've had it tucked away for sometime, so if your interested make me a sensible offer (does NOT necessarily be have to too close to the figure stated in the ad - thats the price i paid for it - still have the bill somewhere) and its yours

take a look http://www.autolanka.com/ad.asp?ID=3204

SpEeD FrEak · October 3, 2009

where can I get a RPM gauge for Less

Have anyone of you got one???

The Autoguage 1s cost about 8k

mazdaspeed · October 3, 2009

Bugatti said:
Hi all,
After many months of contemplating... I finally got down to do what I thought was possible conversion to VVTi (SVT in Mazda language)

The project commenced at 13:25 on 01st October, and concluded at 20:30 on 02nd October. It took three people (including me) 19 Hrs to complete the job (including breaks). The new engine is a ZL-VE.

Did couple of test drive today n it works fine..

The mechanical part was simple and straightforward, but the wiring and electronics took most of the time.

All components were courtesy M A Z N A - M O T O R S and brought down from Singapore.

Great work Bugatti – I’m definitely sure that you are the first to do a conversion of this sort –

Can’t wait to do a test run – How does the extra Horses feel ?

MFOC’s need to hook up and celebrate right ?????

VVTi · October 3, 2009

Guy, I am in! I wanna see Chooti Putha myself. For all his talk he better be driving a riced up Honda... with at least a VTi badge.

SpEeD FrEak · October 3, 2009

Bugatti said:
Even with the stock injectors, you get a noticeable difference. The new injectors on the ZL-VE are much larger than the ZL-DE. Regulator is available on e-bay, might cost you bout $40-$50

whats the brand of your Voltage Stab bro??

Elvis_Pil · October 3, 2009

Great work.. always nice to see someone try something different- well done!

IMO the FPR will f up your injectors (if they are stock)

Bugatti · October 4, 2009

Elvis_Pil said:
Great work.. always nice to see someone try something different- well done!
IMO the FPR will f up your injectors (if they are stock)

Was no easy task, but wanted to try something a bit different. Also, thinking of offering it as a (chargeable) service to others, who want to upgrade their engines.

What if I run on standard pressure..? No issue then, right..?