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Mazda L3-VE specs: 2.261L (138 ci) 4-cylinder, 87.5 x 94 mm (3.4449 x 3.7008 in) bore and stroke, 9.7:1 compression. Rated 160 hp. Rod ratio and piston speed.
The Mazda L3-VE is undersquare — the 3.7008" stroke exceeds the 3.4449" bore by 6.9% — a layout that trades peak RPM for leverage and torque low in the range. The 3.7008" stroke puts mean piston speed at 4,000 ft/min around 6,500 RPM, which is where a production bottom end is generally considered at its limit. Each of the 4 cylinders displaces 34.5 ci (565 cc).
9.7:1 on aluminum heads is in the range that usually runs on pump premium; aluminum sheds heat faster than iron, which makes the same number a little more forgiving.
It is one of 9 engines in the MZR family, sitting between the 122 ci and 152 ci members. 3 factory variants share these dimensions, rated at 160 hp. Factory fitments include the Mazda6, Mazda3, Mazda Tribute and 6 others.
| Displacement | 138 ci / 2.261 L |
|---|---|
| Bore | 3.4449" |
| Stroke | 3.7008" |
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Compression ratio | 9.7:1 |
| Bore/stroke ratio | 0.931 |
| Block material | aluminum |
|---|---|
| Head material | aluminum |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Fuel type | gas |
| Advertised HP | 160 hp |
| Bore/stroke character | 0.931 — undersquare — stroke exceeds bore, which favours low-end torque |
|---|---|
| Mean piston speed at 6,000 RPM | 3,701 ft/min — in the range typical of performance street engines |
| Displacement per cylinder | 34.5 ci |
| Static compression | 9.7:1 — in the range that usually runs on pump premium |
Each link opens the calculator with this engine's specs already filled in.
These records share identical bore, stroke, displacement and compression. They differ by model year and factory power rating.
| Year | Advertised HP | Code |
|---|---|---|
| — | 160 hp | L3-VE |
| — | 160 hp | L3-VE |
| — | 160 hp | L3-VE, L3-VE/VDT |