🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

MX-5 Miata

Generation:

NB

Production Years Covered:

1997-1998

Chassis Code:

NB (NB1)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Mazda MX-5 Miata (NB generation) is renowned as a pure, affordable sports car, emphasizing driving enjoyment and lightweight construction. This parts manual supports owners and technicians in maintaining this iconic vehicle.

Competitors:

Competed against vehicles like the Toyota MR2 Spyder, Porsche Boxster (though at a higher price point), and other small roadsters of its era.

Design Philosophy:

Jinba Ittai (Horse and Rider as One) driving philosophy, rear-wheel drive, lightweight chassis, excellent weight distribution.

Manual Benefit:

Provides the definitive OEM reference for identifying and sourcing correct replacement parts, ensuring authenticity and proper fitment.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Replacement Parts Catalog / Illustrated Parts List

Secondary Coverage:

Disassembly, Repair, Assembly Guidance

Trim Levels:

Covers all trim levels offered for the 1997-1998 model years, including Base, R-Package, and any Special Editions.

Estimated Pages:

300-500 (typical for this era's OEM parts catalogs)

Type:

OEM Parts Manual / Parts Catalog

Language:

English

Format:

Printed (likely spiral-bound for ease of use)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine assembly, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel delivery, ignition system, emission control components, engine mounts.

Transmission:

Manual transmission components (clutch, gearbox internals, shifter mechanism), driveline components (driveshaft, differential, axles), automatic transmission components (if applicable variant exists).

Chassis And Suspension:

Front suspension (knuckles, control arms, springs, dampers), rear suspension (multi-link, springs, dampers), steering system components, wheel bearings, steering knuckles.

Brakes:

Front brake calipers, rotors, pads, brake lines, master cylinder, power booster, rear brake calipers, rotors, pads, parking brake mechanism.

Body And Exterior:

Body panels (fenders, hood, doors, trunk lid), bumpers, grille, lighting (headlights, taillights, turn signals), mirrors, soft top assembly, hardtop components, windshield, rear glass, wiper system.

Interior:

Dashboard assembly, instrument cluster, seats, seat belts, door panels, center console, carpeting, trim pieces, HVAC controls, audio system components.

Electrical:

Wiring harnesses, fuses, relays, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting circuits, ignition switch, power windows, power locks, audio system wiring.

Disassembly Assembly:

Detailed exploded views facilitate the systematic disassembly and reassembly of all vehicle components.

Part Identification:

Precise part identification through OEM part numbers and accompanying diagrams for ordering and replacement.

Repair Guidance:

Implicit repair guidance through the identification of repairable versus replaceable components and their interrelationships.

Part Number Lookup:

Cross-referencing of part numbers to specific assemblies and sub-assemblies is a primary function.

Depth:

Comprehensive parts listing for all factory-fitted options and variations within the specified model years.

Detail Level:

Illustrations provide precise placement and relationships of components, essential for correct installation and identification.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Physical Print

Paper Quality:

Durable, high-quality paper stock suitable for workshop environments, with clear, crisp printing.

Binding:

Likely Spiral-bound or perfect bound for lay-flat usability.

Source:

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Data

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

BP-Z3 (1.8L DOHC)

Engine Type:

1.8L Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve

Horsepower:

140 hp @ 6,500 RPM (1997-1998 US Spec)

Torque:

118 lb-ft @ 5,000 RPM (1997-1998 US Spec)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (minimum)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Mazda FL22 or equivalent)

Bore X Stroke:

83.0 mm x 85.1 mm (typical for BP-Z3)

Compression Ratio:

9.1:1 (typical for BP-Z3)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (less common)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulic Actuated Dry Single Plate Clutch

Manual 5 Speed:

1st: 3.136, 2nd: 1.870, 3rd: 1.300, 4th: 1.000, 5th: 0.815, Reverse: 3.552 (Typical)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (e.g., Mazda Premium Gear Oil)

Manual Transmission Capacity:

Approx. 1.5-1.7 Liters

📐 Dimensions

Length:

3,955 mm (155.7 in)

Width:

1,675 mm (65.9 in)

Height:

1,235 mm (48.6 in)

Wheelbase:

2,265 mm (89.2 in)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

4x100mm

Wheel Offset:

+40mm to +45mm (typical)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1,070 kg (2,359 lb) for manual transmission models

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Frontal Crash: 4 Stars (Driver and Passenger) (Testing varied by year and specific testing agency).

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available/standard on some trims.

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS) available on some models.

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags.

Roll Over Protection:

Reinforced A-pillars and pop-up rollover hoops behind headrests.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD or Cassette player, often with 4-6 speaker setup. Aftermarket integration common.

Cruise Control:

Available on certain trim levels.

Phone Integration:

Not available in its original form; aftermarket solutions are typical.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles, or as specified by Mazda.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.

Engine Oil:

API SG or SH, ILSAC GF-I or GF-II, SAE 5W-30 (preferred for cold climates) or 10W-30.

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.2 Liters (4.4 US Quarts) with filter change.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check reservoir cap).

Common Wear Items:

Radiator hoses, clutch slave cylinder, wheel bearings, exhaust system components, soft top fabric/seals, door handle cables.

Engine Specific:

Some early NB models experienced oil consumption issues, though this manual focuses on parts identification rather than repair procedures for these specific concerns.

Electrical Quirks:

Corrosion on grounding points, power window motor issues can occur.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mazda's long history of producing lightweight, engaging sports cars, dating back to the classic Mazda Cosmo Sport and R360 Coupe, culminating in the MX-5 Miata lineage.

Nb Generation Intro:

The NB generation, launched in 1999 for the 2000 model year, offered a more refined and contemporary design compared to its NA predecessor, while retaining the core MX-5 ethos. The 1997-1998 model years represent the final phase of the NA generation, often referred to as 'NA2' or 'Miata Special Edition'.

Manufacturing Location:

Hofu, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan

Production Period Na Generation:

1989-1997

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car Of The Year:

Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times for the NA generation, the spirit of which carried into the NB.

Sports Car Accolades:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its handling, balance, and pure driving experience.

Epa Fuel Economy:

EPA estimated MPG: ~21 City / 27 Highway (Manual Transmission, Varies by specific configuration).