Segment:
Lightweight sports car, roadster
Philosophy:
Jinba Ittai ('horse and rider as one') driving experience
Competitors:
Lotus Elise, Honda S2000 (later models), Porsche Boxster (higher end)
Design:
Front-engine, rear-wheel drive, two-seater convertible, lightweight construction
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking pure driving pleasure, affordable sports car experience
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control, engine electrical, starting and charging, diagnosis and testing
Transmission:
Manual transmission (all gears and components), Automatic transmission (if applicable models covered, e.g., 4-speed auto), clutch system, drivetrain, drive shafts, differential
Brakes:
Brake system hydraulic components, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake inspections, disc and drum brake repair, parking brake
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, wheel alignment
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, sway bars
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, interior and exterior lights, instrument cluster, gauges, horns, power accessories, fuses and relays
Body:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, convertible top mechanism, interior trim, body repairs, rust prevention, glass and seals
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant handling, components, and diagnosis
Chassis:
Frame and underbody components, corrosion protection
Exhaust:
Exhaust system components, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, fault code interpretation
Repair:
Component removal, installation, overhaul, and replacement for all major systems
Diagnosis:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for electrical and mechanical issues
Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications, clearances, pressures, and other critical measurements
Special Tools:
Identification and use of special tools required for specific repairs
Depth:
Comprehensive: from routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and bodywork
Accuracy:
Vehicle/model specific, not generic; same type used by dealership technicians
Digital Format:
PDF (common for workshop manuals of this era), potentially searchable text
Image Resolution:
High-resolution for clear diagrams and illustrations
Physical Binding:
N/A (digital product, but if printed, would typically be coil-bound or perfect-bound)
Physical Paper:
N/A (digital product, but original manuals often printed on durable, coated paper)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 4-cylinder DOHC
Displacement:
1839 cc (1.8 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
83.0 mm x 85.0 mm
Horsepower Peak:
140 hp (103 kW) at 6500 rpm (for most NB8B models)
Torque Peak:
111 lb-ft (151 Nm) at 5000 rpm (for most NB8B models)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (minimum)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
12.7 US gallons (48 Liters)
NHTSA Driver Front:
4-star (1999 model year data)
NHTSA Passenger Front:
4-star (1999 model year data)
ABS:
Standard on most models (4-wheel disc brakes)
Traction Control:
Optional on some higher trims or later models
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced windshield frame and pop-up roll bars behind seats
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (The BP-Z3 engine uses a timing chain, which typically does not require scheduled replacement but may need inspection)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH/SJ or ILSAC GF-2/GF-3 compliant synthetic or semi-synthetic oil
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 is recommended for most conditions. SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 can be used in warmer climates.
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.8 Liters (4.0 US Quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, Mazda Genuine Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Coolant Capacity:
5.5 Liters (5.8 US Quarts)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil (e.g., Mazda Mobil ATF 220 equivalent or specified Mazda gear oil)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron-III or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
Differential Fluid:
API GL-5 SAE 80W-90 gear oil
Common Complaints:
Oil consumption (due to piston ring design), clutch wear, radiator leaks, convertible top seal degradation, minor interior trim rattles, alternator failures (less common)
Preventative Maintenance Focus:
Regularly check and top off engine oil. Inspect cooling system hoses and radiator. Maintain convertible top seals.
Heritage Focus:
Mazda's long history of lightweight, driver-focused sports cars, influenced by the original Lotus Elan and early MGBs.
Nb Generation Introduction:
Introduced in 1998, the NB was a significant evolution of the NA generation, featuring updated styling, chassis rigidity improvements, and more powerful engines. It retained the core philosophy of lightweight, RWD, open-top driving.
Nb8B Updates:
The NB8B designation typically refers to the mid-cycle refresh or specific engine updates within the NB generation, often associated with minor styling tweaks, suspension refinements, and potentially slight power increases for certain markets/years.
Production Period:
1998-2005
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
