Original Market:
Affordable, lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports car targeting enthusiasts seeking pure driving pleasure.
Key Competitors:
Alfa Romeo Spider, Fiat Spider, Datsun Z-cars (earlier models), Triumph Spitfire (historically), MGB (historically).
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, lightweight construction, and communicative steering, offering exceptional handling and driver feedback.
Design Philosophy:
Simple, elegant, and driver-focused design, often drawing parallels to classic British roadsters.
Utility:
Indispensable tool for owners and technicians needing to accurately identify, order, and replace parts for the iconic 1990 Miata.
Primary Focus:
Parts identification and procurement for 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Component Scope:
All mechanical, electrical, body, and interior components
Estimated Pages:
500-700 (typical for comprehensive parts catalogs of this era)
Type:
Parts Catalog / Parts Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, historically printed)
Powertrain:
Engine assembly, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, clutch assembly
Drivetrain:
Transmission, driveshafts, differential, rear axle components
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (front and rear disc)
Electrical:
Wiring harnesses, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), ignition system, starting system, charging system, instruments, audio system
Body Exterior:
Body panels (hood, fenders, doors, trunk lid), bumpers, convertible top frame, glass, seals, trim, wheels, tires
Body Interior:
Dashboard, seats, carpeting, door panels, steering wheel, shift lever, HVAC components, seat belts
Part Identification:
Detailed exploded diagrams with corresponding manufacturer part numbers for every component
Assembly Overview:
Visual guides for understanding how components are assembled within larger systems
Repair Reference:
Implicit reference for part sourcing during repair and maintenance tasks
Depth:
Highly detailed for part identification and cataloging; does not typically include step-by-step repair procedures or torque specifications (these are usually found in a separate service manual).
Digital Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format) - likely OCR'd for searchability
Diagram Clarity:
Professional quality, allowing enlargement for clear visibility of small parts and fastener details
Original Binding:
Typically a sturdy spiral-bound or perfect-bound booklet for printed versions
Original Paper:
Heavyweight, glossy paper suitable for detailed technical illustrations
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement:
1.6 Liters (1597 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
83.0 mm x 74.2 mm
Horsepower:
115 hp @ 6500 rpm (North American Spec)
Torque:
100 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (North American Spec)
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Requirement:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Oil Capacity:
4.2 US Quarts (4.0 Liters) with filter change
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
10W-30 or 5W-30 (depending on climate)
Length:
155.7 inches (3955 mm)
Width:
66.1 inches (1680 mm)
Height:
48.8 inches (1240 mm) to top of windshield
Wheelbase:
89.2 inches (2265 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2,299 lbs (1043 kg) for manual transmission models
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 3,000 lbs (1361 kg)
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
Not officially rated under current NHTSA methodology for this model year.
Braking System:
Front: Ventilated Discs, Rear: Solid Discs
Parking Brake:
Mechanical, rear caliper type
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard for 1990 models in North America.
Seat Belts:
3-point retractable front seat belts
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced windshield frame and optional pop-up roll bar behind seats.
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player, typically 4 or 6 speakers.
Gauges:
Analog tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, oil pressure (on some models).
ABS:
Optional on early models, became more common in later NA production years. Manual will specify if ABS components are covered.
Connectivity Features:
None (pre-modern era connectivity)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles; replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (NGK BP5E or equivalent specified in manual).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (CRITICAL maintenance item).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, Mazda Long Life Coolant or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Clutch Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (shared reservoir with brakes)
Common Wear Items:
Rear main seal leaks, clutch slave cylinder failure, radiator leaks, soft top wear, window regulator issues.
Engine Specifics:
Oil consumption can increase with mileage; proper maintenance of the timing belt is paramount to prevent catastrophic engine damage.
Mazda Legacy:
Mazda is a Japanese automaker known for its innovative engineering, including rotary engines (e.g., RX-7), and a focus on driving pleasure ('Zoom-Zoom' philosophy).
Mx5 Introduction:
The MX-5 Miata (codenamed NA) was introduced in 1989 for the 1990 model year, designed to recapture the spirit of classic British roadsters with modern reliability and Japanese engineering.
Na Generation Production:
1989-1997 (NA generation), with 1990 being the inaugural model year.
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
