Vehicle Segment:
Lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports car
Key Competitors Era:
Toyota MR2, Honda S2000 (later in generation), Porsche Boxster (premium competitor)
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its excellent handling, precise steering, and driver-focused experience; 'Jinba Ittai' (horse and rider as one) philosophy
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, make-model-year specific repair and maintenance data, empowering owners to perform DIY tasks and reduce repair costs.
Primary Coverage:
Workshop repair, maintenance, diagnostics, electrical systems, engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, bodywork
Specific Systems Covered:
Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Starting System, Charging System, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Driveline, Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Hydraulic), Body Electrical, HVAC System, Emissions Control System
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (specific number not provided, but coverage implies several hundred pages)
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Digital Delivery:
Instant Download
Digital Features:
Printable, Zoom In/Out, Searchable text (typical for PDF)
Engine Mechanical:
Full rebuild procedures, timing belt replacement, cylinder head overhaul, piston and connecting rod installation, crankshaft and bearing service
Fuel System:
Fuel pump replacement, injector service, fuel pressure testing, evaporative emission control (EVAP) system diagnostics
Cooling System:
Radiator service, water pump replacement, thermostat diagnosis, coolant leak troubleshooting
Lubrication System:
Oil pump inspection, oil filter replacement, oil pan removal/installation, lubrication points
Ignition System:
Spark plug replacement, ignition coil testing, ignition timing adjustment (if applicable), distributor service (if applicable)
Starting Charging System:
Alternator testing and replacement, starter motor diagnosis and repair, battery service and testing
Clutch And Transmission:
Clutch disc, pressure plate, and release bearing replacement; transmission removal and installation; gearshift linkage adjustment; sub-transmission service (if applicable)
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, control arms, ball joints), wheel alignment procedures, power steering system service
Brake System:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake caliper service, hydraulic line replacement, brake bleeding procedures, ABS system diagnostics (if equipped)
Body Electrical And Switches:
Wiring diagrams, component testing (lights, wipers, windows, locks), switch replacement, troubleshooting electrical gremlins
Maintenance:
Regular service intervals, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, tune-up procedures
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle components, from minor adjustments to major overhauls
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Guidance on identifying and resolving common and uncommon vehicle issues, including symptom-based troubleshooting charts
Technical Features:
Explanation of specific vehicle technologies and their operation
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagrams and specifications.
Engine Code:
BP-Z3 (NB8B typically refers to 1.8L engine)
Engine Type:
1.8L DOHC Inline 4-cylinder
Horsepower Estimated:
Approximately 140-146 hp (depending on market and specific tuning of the NB8B variant)
Torque Estimated:
Approximately 110-117 lb-ft (depending on market and specific tuning)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug or coil-pack
Length:
Approx. 3,955 mm (155.7 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,680 mm (66.1 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,235 mm (48.6 in)
Curb Weight Estimated:
Approx. 1,050-1,100 kg (2,315-2,425 lbs)
Ntsa Front Impact Rating:
Good (for its era, specific NB8B ratings may vary)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models/trims
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and pop-up roll bar behind seats
Engine Oil Change:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), depending on plug type
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-144,000 km) or 5-7 years (critical maintenance item)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific ambient temperature recommendations)
Coolant Type:
Mazda Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent (ethylene glycol-based, silicate-free)
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Common Reliability Concerns:
Radiator leaks (especially plastic tanks), clutch slave cylinder leaks, oil pressure sender issues, differential whine (early NB models), window motor/regulator problems, exhaust manifold cracks (on some earlier models).
Highlighted Procedures:
Detailed steps for replacing the timing belt and associated components (water pump, tensioner) are crucial due to the interference engine design.
Mazda Sports Car Legacy:
Direct descendant of the iconic Mazda Cosmo Sport and RX-7 lineage, building on lightweight, RWD sports car tradition.
Nb Generation Introduction:
The NB generation debuted in 1998, offering a more refined and aerodynamic design compared to the NA generation.
Nb8B Specifics:
The NB8B designation typically refers to the 1.8L engine variant within the NB generation, often associated with mid-cycle updates or specific market configurations.
Production Period Nb Generation:
1998 - 2005
