I understand that the miller cycle engine requires a supercharger to fuction as a working motor. What I don't quite get is why does it have to have the supercharge to fuction?

 

the mc motor runs very high compression. i believe it is 10:1, which is way high, especially for a street motor with forced induction. the way it makes it work is with valve timing. the intake valves close very late, and to keep the incoming charge from going back out, the supercharger(which mazda calls a compressor) keeps pressure in the intake to prevent this. the end effect is like a motor with lower compression, say like 8:1. the concept is to make more torque with a smaller displacement. the mc motor is used in a lot of places where small motors with hi torque are needed, like fork lifts, tow motors, etc. if you look at the torque curve of the mc motor, it makes a lot more torque than the n/a 2.5, it makes it a lot sooner, and the curve is way more flat. max torque is at or before 3500 rpm, most n/a motors are more like 4500 and higher. but, the mc motor is pretty maxxed early. redline is 6200, so the motor is not a high revver. probably the valve timing prevents high revs. even the design of the compressor is limited to make it work. bmw had a similar approach in the late 80's with the eta motor, low revving, but hi torque early. the motor feels/pulls like it is a lot bigger, and gets good fuel economy.

 

Ok cool thanks man I guess I didn't relaize that the toqure came early not after 4krmp like my supra that is cool if you had the chance would drive one or do u already?

 

we have 2 99's. both have the 2.3 mc motors. one we got brand new(black), the other(white) we got used about a year ago. the millenia is made in japan, i believe the other mazdas are made here in the states. we traded in a 96 626, made in the usa, and one of the worst cars we have ever owned. the diifference in build quality is astounding. having owned more than our share of us, german, and japanese cars, the us STILL cant build them. when we got the first millenia, we also had a 91 mitsubishi galant(made in japan) and a 93 mitsubishi eclipse gsx(made in the us), and the same situation existed. the eclipse was about ready for the junkyard, the galant had twice the miles, and was still tight. the millenia seems a bit more fragile than the galant was(it's now gone). for example, both millenias needed front axles at about 60k(both sides). both have had at least 1 coil go(cop system). the black one had a vacuum tee break, cost me 564 p&l at the dealer. next time, i do it myself. the strong points of the millenia, imho, are; multi link suspension, front and rear. excellent ride and handling. excellent brakes. engine feels like a small V8. extremely heavy duty cooling system, excellent climate control. fuel economy is good, 22-24, which is about the same that the 626 was. very nice leather interior, heated seats(but i have already changed out seat heaters in both cars). engine is non interference, which i consider a blessing. as stated before, the fit and finish is excellent.

the car has no resale value. you can get a good used one for a pretty good price. but you wont get squat for it if you try to sell it. the 2001 and later is supposed to be 30% stiffer, and has a rear sway bar, the earlier ones only have a front bar. i think that if you cannot do some of the maintenance on the car, it will eat money. parts are expensive. i have changed out tie rod ends, ball joints, lateral links, sway bar end links, both axles, fuel filters(what a place to put a filter, sucker that designed it should be butt-kicked), spark plugs(man, changing plugs is a new experience), coils(174/EACH$$$$), and brake pads. besides stuff like oil, i also change/flush coolant, transmission, and brakes yearly. properly maintained, a used millenia can be a great value.

 

Would you buy another if the chance came again?

 

i wouldnt get a 3rd car, if that is what you mean. we really only need 1, i work out of our house, and our kid is long grown and gone. we only have a 2 car garage, there is just no room. if we did need another car, i would get another millenia. i think they are great cars. i also had an 88 323 gtx, and an 88 323 gt, also great cars. i thought about replacing the millenias with the new mazda 6, but i just wasnt impressed by it.