🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

MX-5 Miata

Model Generation:

NA (First Generation)

Model Year:

1990

Chassis Code:

NA

Engine Code:

B6ZE

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Class:

Lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports convertible/roadster.

Market Segment:

Affordable sports car, competitor to vehicles like the Triumph Spitfire (historically) and later the Fiat Barchetta.

Key Competitors 1990:

Toyota MR2, Nissan 300ZX (though a higher price point), Alfa Romeo Spider, Porsche 944.

Driving Experience:

Renowned for its exceptional handling, direct steering feel, lightweight construction, and engaging driving dynamics, often described as a modern interpretation of classic British roadsters.

Design Philosophy:

Jinba Ittai ('horse and rider as one') - emphasizing the driver's connection to the machine.

Current Status:

Highly sought-after by enthusiasts and collectors due to its purity of design and driving pleasure, especially early NA models.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Parts Catalog / Illustrated Parts List (IPL)

Additional Coverage:

Collision Repair Information (Bonus Section)

Estimated Page Count:

300-400 (Estimate based on typical IPLs of this era)

Type:

Parts Catalog (IPL)

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Booklet/Catalog

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Assembly:

Detailed breakdown of engine components, including block, head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train, cooling system, lubrication system, intake, and exhaust manifolds.

Drivetrain Components:

Clutch, flywheel, transmission (manual and automatic variants), driveshafts, differential, rear axle assembly, and hubs.

Chassis And Suspension:

Frame, subframes, suspension arms, springs, shock absorbers, bushings, steering rack, tie rods, sway bars, and related hardware.

Braking System:

Front and rear brake assemblies (calipers, rotors, pads, lines, master cylinder), parking brake mechanism.

Steering System:

Steering column, steering wheel, rack and pinion assembly, power steering pump, hoses, and associated linkage.

Body Exterior:

Body panels (fenders, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers), convertible top mechanism, latches, hinges, seals, emblems, trim pieces, and lighting (headlights, taillights, signals).

Body Interior:

Dashboard, seats, seat belts, door panels, center console, carpeting, headliner, HVAC controls, and interior trim components.

Electrical System:

Wiring harnesses, fuse box, relays, battery, starter, alternator, lighting circuits, ignition system components, sensors, and switches.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter, fuel injectors, and fuel pressure regulator.

Cooling System:

Radiator, fan, hoses, thermostat, water pump, and heater core.

Emission Control Systems:

Catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, EGR valve, and associated piping.

Part Identification:

Identification of all original Mazda part numbers for every component, crucial for ordering correct replacements.

Assembly Disassembly:

Visual exploded views of each system and sub-assembly, illustrating the order and orientation of parts for assembly and disassembly.

Collision Repair Guidance:

Specific guidance on repairing damage sustained in collisions, likely covering areas like body panel replacement, frame straightening considerations, and component alignment.

Component Layout:

Clear diagrams showing the location and interconnection of parts within a system.

Depth:

Highly detailed for parts identification and assembly. Focuses on 'what' and 'where' parts go, rather than 'how to repair' in a step-by-step procedural manner (which would be in a Service Manual).

Intended User:

Parts departments, technicians, restoration specialists, and knowledgeable owners.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Type:

Printed

Print Quality:

Professional offset printing (typical for OEM manuals).

Binding:

Stapled or perfect bound (common for parts catalogs).

Paper Quality:

Durable paper stock, often with a semi-gloss finish to enhance image clarity.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

B6ZE (DOHC)

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated

Displacement:

1598 cc (1.6 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

78.0 mm x 83.6 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.0:1

Horsepower:

113 hp @ 6500 rpm (approx.)

Torque:

100 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane minimum recommended)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Electronic Ignition (depending on market/specific build)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (available on some markets)

Manual Gear Ratios Approx:

1st: 3.133, 2nd: 1.800, 3rd: 1.310, 4th: 1.000, 5th: 0.815, Reverse: 2.500

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated, dry single-plate

📐 Dimensions

Length:

3955 mm (155.7 in)

Width:

1675 mm (65.9 in)

Height:

1235 mm (48.6 in)

Wheelbase:

2265 mm (89.2 in)

Front Track:

1420 mm (55.9 in)

Rear Track:

1430 mm (56.3 in)

Curb Weight:

960 - 1020 kg (2116 - 2249 lbs), depending on options and market

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

N/A (Typically not specified for this class of vehicle)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 150 liters (5.3 cu ft)

Standard Wheel Size:

14 x 5.5 inches

Optional Wheel Size:

15 x 6.0 inches (on later NA models or optional packages)

Standard Tire Size:

185/60R14

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

4x100 mm

Wheel Offset:

+35 mm (typical)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings:

Not extensively tested by modern standards. Early NA models had basic safety features.

ABS:

Optional (typically on higher trims or later production runs)

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard in most markets from 1990.

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced A-pillars and pop-up roll bar behind seats (integrated into the chassis structure).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, typically 4 speakers. Aftermarket head units are common upgrades.

Cruise Control:

Optional

Original Connectivity Features:

Basic radio and optional power windows/mirrors. No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 - 45,000 miles (NGK BKR5E-11 or equivalent recommended).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Critical: Every 60,000 miles or 4 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Engine Oil Type Capacity:

10W-30 or 10W-40 (API SG or higher), 3.5 US quarts (3.3 L) with filter change.

Coolant Type Capacity:

Mazda Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant mixed 50/50 with distilled water). Capacity: Approx. 5.0 US quarts (4.7 L).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil (e.g., Red Line MT-90 or equivalent).

Differential Fluid Type:

GL-5 SAE 75W-90 gear oil.

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear, shifter linkage bushings, radiator hoses, heater core, window regulators, door lock actuators, and aging weather stripping.

Engine Specific Concerns:

Oil leaks from valve cover gasket, front crankshaft seal. Potential for timing belt failure if not replaced on schedule.

Suspension And Steering:

Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and wheel bearings. Steering rack leaks can occur.

Body And Chassis:

Rust formation, particularly around rocker panels, rear wheel arches, and chassis outriggers. Drain tube blockages can lead to water ingress into the cabin.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Sports Car Legacy:

Mazda has a history of producing lightweight sports cars, including the Cosmo Sport and RX series, but the Miata was its most successful global effort in this segment.

Launch Year:

1989 (as a 1990 model year vehicle)

First Generation Codenames:

NA (North America), Eunos Roadster (Japan), MX-5 (Europe/Australia)

Manufacturing Plant:

Hofu, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan

Na Generation Production Years:

1989-1997

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list for multiple consecutive years, starting in 1990.

Motoring Journalism Acclaim:

Widely praised by automotive journalists worldwide for its driving pleasure and value, often credited with reviving the affordable sports car segment.