Mazda RF Diesels

[cj]

Anybody have experience with the Mazda 2.0 RF intercooled turbo diesel? Know anything about them, good or bad? It's an option for an engine swap in a Suzuki but I don't want problems.

[DamTriton]

Used in the Vitaras in Europe as stock AFAIK. Don't know if it bolts straight up to the petrol Vitara gearbox. RF/R2 is the same block design as the F/F2/FE petrol Mazdas though if that helps so if you can sight any of them and compare bellhousing patterns with the Vitara you should be OK..

[cj]

I know that it will bolt up in my application but what I want to know is about the motor reliability and are there any particular issues with them. I also know the R2 is a stroked version of it so are there any problems with the R2? The F series is what the block is based on but there are some differences.

[DamTriton]

I know that it will bolt up in my application but what I want to know is about the motor reliability and are there any particular issues with them. I also know the R2 is a stroked version of it so are there any problems with the R2? The F series is what the block is based on but there are some differences.

Basic geometry across both blocks is the same. Some alteraions to the waterjacket to acommodate a DOHC head in the FE2.

Very early F series (circa early 80's) had issues with soft rings, as did the R series diesels. Now rectified.

Minimal wear issues on the later block running petrol, some US Kias are looking at 290000 miles (!!!)

Main difference between the lower ends is the cast (petrol) vs forged(diesel) crankshaft, and the oil spray to the bottom of the pistons on diesels (this was also added to later piston engines, the Kias notably have the same diesel crankshaft).

RF diesels fitted to the European Kias are a reliable engine, being supplied directly from Mazda, rather than being built under licence by Kia. I know of several (10 or so) on the European/English sites, and rarely do you hear of any mishaps. Contact a few Euro/English Suzuki clubs to see how they go in Vits.

R2 is the stroked (2.2 litre) naturally aspitrated version of the R (2.0 litre), The RF is the 2.0 litre turbodiesel version of the R diesel. There is also a variant (chooks teeth to find) that has sequential super and turbo charging.... R2 is mid late 80's, ceased in early 90's. RF is early to mid 90's tech, right up to recent times (2003-2004?). R2 superceded in Mazda vehicles by the WL or WL-T 2.5 diesel/TD engines, or in lower spec vehicles by the S series engine (2.2 litres NA).