Vehicle Segment:
Lightweight, two-seater, rear-wheel-drive sports convertible.
Key Selling Points:
Affordability, exceptional handling ('Jinba Ittai' - horse and rider as one), reliable mechanicals, classic British roadster styling.
Primary Competitors:
Lotus Elan M100, Triumph Spitfire (older generation but similar ethos), Alfa Romeo Spider, Fiat X1/9 (older).
Convertible Top:
Manual soft-top with a simple, effective mechanism.
Driving Dynamics:
Balanced chassis, near 50/50 weight distribution, responsive steering.
Engine Layout:
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, valve train, pistons, crankshaft, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system (EFI), ignition system, exhaust system, engine management (ECU diagnosis and wiring).
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission (G5M-R), clutch system, driveshafts, differential, rear axle assembly.
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (double wishbone), rear suspension (multi-link), shock absorbers, springs, steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes (or optional rear drum for early models in some markets), brake hydraulic system, ABS (where applicable), parking brake.
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instrumentation, audio system, power windows/locks (if equipped), wiring diagrams, fuse/relay box locations and functions.
Body Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, convertible top mechanism, interior trim, doors, hood, trunk, chassis frame, structural components.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and tensioning, brake pad/rotor replacement, tire rotation.
Repair Rebuild:
Engine internal component replacement (pistons, bearings, seals), transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuild, steering rack replacement.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts for common issues, fault code interpretation (OBD-I era), electrical circuit testing, mechanical component testing.
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, refrigerant capacities, component clearances, engine timings, electrical resistance values.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures.
Searchability:
Typically text-searchable for quick information retrieval.
Digital Quality:
High resolution, allowing for clear viewing of diagrams and text.
Physical Equivalent:
Likely a coil-bound or perfect-bound manual if a physical version existed.
Physical Equivalent Paper:
Durable, coated paper suitable for workshop environments.
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder, DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts)
Displacement:
1.6 Liters (1597 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
83.0 mm x 74.2 mm
Horsepower:
115 hp @ 6500 RPM (US Spec)
Torque:
100 lb-ft @ 5000 RPM (US Spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Multi-point
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher for optimal performance)
Oil Capacity:
3.9 US Quarts (4.1 Liters) with filter change (refer to manual for exact spec)
Coolant Capacity:
5.7 US Quarts (5.4 Liters) (refer to manual for exact spec)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Model:
Mazda G5M-R
Optional Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic (less common)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated, dry single plate
Differential:
Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) often optional or standard on higher trims.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (or equivalent, check manual for specific Mazda spec)
NHTSA Ratings:
Typically not tested extensively by NHTSA in this era due to low volume and sports car classification. Owner's manual will detail safety features.
ABS:
Optional on some models/years within this range.
Traction Control:
Not typically available on these early models.
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard from 1990.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts.
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and an optional factory-style roll bar.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette stereo, often with 4 speakers. CD players were not common on early models.
Gauges:
Full complement of analog gauges including tachometer, speedometer, fuel, and temperature.
Cruise Control:
Available on some higher trim levels.
Connectivity Features:
None by modern standards. Primarily focused on the driving experience.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), using synthetic or high-quality conventional oil.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles or 5 years. This is a critical maintenance item due to the interference engine design.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (copper plugs) or 60,000 miles (platinum plugs, if applicable).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, ILSAC GF-1, SAE 5W-30 (preferred for optimal performance and cold starts), SAE 10W-30 also acceptable depending on climate. Refer to manual for exact recommendations.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II (or equivalent).
Rust:
Common issue on unmaintained examples, particularly in wheel wells, rocker panels, and around the chassis.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket and rear main seal can develop leaks over time.
Cooling System:
Radiator hoses can degrade, and water pump seals may fail.
Clutch Wear:
Wear items, replacement is standard maintenance.
Fuel Pump:
Can become noisy or fail with age.
