1.5L VVT automatic driveability questions
 

I am a recent Mazda convert hailing from Barbados, and so far so great.
I have a 2001 Mazda Familia (yes, aka Protege) sedan with the 1.5 VVT engine and tiptronic gearbox.
A small concern:
This is my first Variable Valve Timing equipped vehicle, so tell me...is it normal when accelerating from off the line, for the vehicle to "lag" for a couple seconds before it changes to second gear? Seems to me that it pulls hard in first gear, then kinda holds back (with the engine revs still high) before it changes...normal or no?
Also, do these vehicles carry limiters?...

Thanks in advance.

It lags just becuase its an auto usually 500rpm for the auto stick shifters.

Yes the car is limited 115 is what there limited to.

The vvt engine is pretty slick I didnt know they had them in the caribien, time to start importing cheap!

you have 1 post how was someone supposed to answer your question before you asked it?? I changed the title for you.

Automatics are called "slush boxes" here because they are slow to get moving but inherently actually make a little more torque.

VVT has nothing to do with your tranny. It is a way for the cam profiles to slightly adjust between low-end cruising and high rpm pulling. In the low-range you run at one profile...when you start winding the engine up you will switch profiles to one geared less for economy and more for performance....kinda like having 2 engines in one.

p.s. I'd love to get hold of one of those 1.5L VVT engines. I hear they redline at 7500rpms and have pretty solid bottom-ends!!

Many thanks for your responses guys...yes, we here in the Caribbean are privy to some very slick rides as well I'll have you know...:)

Actually, by limiter I actually meant a rev limiter...my bad...rather not try to find out on my own and then blowing something...

I'm still a bit nervous about running her too hard, by yeah, she seems quite capable...

So, rev limiter? yes? no?

rev limiter yes

speed limiter no.

actually it's S-VT,there is a difference

and Matty the ZM-DE 1.6L has the EXACT same rock solid bottom end you speak of with a 6500 redline....with a little upgrade to the valve train(titanium springs maybe?) I'm sure it could rev just as high.

Maurice can you source 1.5L parts ??? If so I know plenty of guys here in the stated who would like to buy ZL-VE cams

Will have to check a friend of mine on that...my car was imported from Japan, my guy may have a contact in Japan...will let you know.

So, when does this limiter cut in exactly? Coming home I just now I ran the first gear a little past redline (about 7600rpm) didn't hear it cut in...

Also didn't know the second gear in these cars are so long...almost got to 120k, got scared and shifted...by bottom end you guys mean top speed right?

The revlimiter should be around 7800. JUst throw it into neutral and floor it untill it stops nothing bad will happen thats why we have the rev limiter. I run it past redline all the time and Ive even slamed into the revlimiter while driving, I have auto mind you (the normal kind) I have to lift off the gas to keep it from reving too high.
Iff you hit the revlimiter the car will kind of shake and it will be all wierd, but youll know when you hit it.

And rod the 1.6 and 1.5 are speed limited, I have found out myself and thegoldpro confirms it, 115 mph. That 1.5 should be an even tougher and more boost happy engine then the 1.6 it has an even shorter stroke. The 1.6 is a 1.5 stroked to the limit.

By bottom end we mean the bottom end of the engine parts below the head.

"stifled laughter" really ???

Ah, I see...thanks for the heads up...very interesting stuff....macdaddy, my engine actually has VVT spelt out, not SVT...depends on the market I guess...

But, running past redline "all the time" as you put it, isn't that serious wear and tear on the engine/transmission? Sounds like fun but this car needs to last me a while.

Also, I've taken a casual (yes, just casual) look at a turbo kit for my machine, but I believe I'll run into problems with my insurance carrier...any thoughts on those kits with relation to VVT engines? Please say I shouldn't or can't do it, I can see myself getting carried away...

Continuous Phased Variable Valve Timing Mechanism

S-VT (sequential valve timing) controls the valve timing in various driving modes, through continually varying the opening and closing timing of the intake valve, to give the most suitable operation. It goes without saying that the application of this control technology has simultaneously improved both the performance of the engine and its fuel efficiency, and Mazda has built this brand new mechanism into its small mass-sales car, the Familia, as its main engine (the 1.5L ZL-VE type introduced in 1998). CO2 emissions have been reduced by 16% and NOx by 14% over previous models, while the pleasure of driving the car has increased.
Continuous Phased Variable Valve Timing Mechanism
S-VT is composed of a vane actuator, which continually varies the phase of the intake valve timing and the crank angle through oil pressure, along with a computer, which calculates the intake valve timing, and an oil control valve (OCV), which controls the oil pressure in accordance with instructions from the computer. The most appropriate valve timing control can be achieved through detection of the engine's revolutions, intake volume and water temperature. NOx emissions are also reduced, through the implementation of EGR.


BTW your engine doesnt say VVT it says variable valve timing...S-VT is a form of variable valve timing

Props macdaddy, props...ya know ya stuff!

Thoughts on turbo kit on these engines?
Also, since the timing is controlled by a computer as well, is there a way to modify it for better performance?

actually you may want to refer back to the toyota guys, as they have used stand-alone PCM's to control the valve timing. If you are referring to VTEC controllers like the honda guys, then no..it's not the same. As far as turbo you may want to check to see if the exhaust ports match the ZM-DE engine(i'm not sure)..if so an excellent turbo kit has been developed by hiboost...check the thread Fear the ZM-DET !!(do a search)...it's got the link

If you were to go turbo you would need a ecu that controls svt, (which very few of them do) I would recomend a fuel pressure regulator, just becuase it would work. The exhaust manifold should bolt right up!

Hiboost makes a kit but I would get all the parts but the ecu. I think the aem is the only ecu that could control mazdas svt. $$$