🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

MX-5 Miata

Model Code:

NB (This manual covers the transition year from NA to NB, but primarily focuses on the final NA year with a bonus NB era collision guide. Specific NB parts might not be fully detailed.)

Year:

1997

Generation:

NA (NB transition year, manual primarily focuses on NA components)

Chassis Code:

NA8C (for 1997 model year)

👋 Introduction

Market Position Of Vehicle:

The 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA generation) was the quintessential lightweight, affordable, rear-wheel-drive sports car, lauded for its pure driving experience and agile handling.

Competitors 1997:

Primarily competed against other small, sporty convertibles and coupes such as the Toyota MR2, Nissan 240SX (S14), and Ford Mustang (V6 models).

Key Features:

Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, compact size, lightweight construction, excellent weight distribution, responsive handling, convertible soft-top or optional hardtop, iconic pop-up headlights.

Rarity Assessment:

Genuine Mazda Illustrated Parts Catalogs for specific years, especially older ones, are often considered rare and highly sought after by enthusiasts and mechanics for their accuracy and detail.

📋 Manual Details

Sections Covered By Catalog:

Chassis, Body, Engine

Estimated Page Count:

Detailed estimation not provided, but typical for a comprehensive parts catalog of this era.

Manual Type:

Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPL) / Parts Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely printed format, potentially digital scans available depending on the specific 'product'.

📖 Manual Coverage

Primary Systems Detailed:

Engine mechanical components, chassis frame and suspension elements, body exterior and interior panels, braking system, steering system, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, drivetrain components.

Repair Disassembly Assembly:

Illustrates exploded views for identification and reassembly of components. Does not provide step-by-step repair procedures like a service manual, but aids in understanding component relationships for repair.

Technical Depth:

High detail on part identification, part numbers, and component relationships. Excellent for ordering correct parts and understanding assembly order. Lacks diagnostic procedures and torque specifications found in a service manual.

Additional Sections:

Includes a bonus collision guide for 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. This guide likely focuses on structural repair and bodywork related to accident damage.

Exploded Views:

Extensive use of detailed, clear exploded views to illustrate how components fit together, crucial for identification and replacement.

Part Number Listing:

Comprehensive listing of original Mazda part numbers for every component illustrated, essential for ordering.

Body Sections:

Detailed diagrams of exterior panels (fenders, hood, doors, trunk), interior trim, seats, dashboard components, soft-top mechanism, and frame structure.

Chassis Components:

Suspension (wishbones, springs, dampers, bushings), steering system, braking system (calipers, rotors, lines), differential, driveshafts, fuel tank, exhaust system routing.

Engine Internal Components:

Cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, oil pump, water pump, timing components, intake and exhaust manifolds, cooling system plumbing, fuel injection components.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

If digital, likely PDF. If physical, printed.

Print Quality:

Authentic Mazda IPL quality (typically black and white line drawings with clear part callouts).

Binding Type:

If physical, typically a stapled or perfect bound booklet.

Paper Type:

If physical, standard copy or slightly heavier paper for durability.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve

Engine Code:

B6ZE (for 1.6L) or BP-ZE (for 1.8L - 1997 typically received the 1.8L in most markets)

Displacement Liters:

1.8L (1839 cc) for most 1997 models

Horsepower Hp:

Approximately 133 hp @ 6300 rpm (for 1.8L BP-ZE)

Torque Lb Ft:

Approximately 114 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (for 1.8L BP-ZE)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Ignition System:

Electronic Ignition, Distributor type or Coil-on-Plug (COP) depending on specific market/trim

Cooling System Type:

Pressurized liquid cooling system

Oil Type Specification:

API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30. Consult manual for exact Mazda spec (e.g., Mazda GL-5).

Engine Codes:

Primarily BP-ZE (1.8L) for 1997. Older or base models might have had B6ZE (1.6L).

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Optional Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission Fluid Spec:

For Manual: GL-4 Hypoid Gear Oil 75W-90. For Automatic: Mazda ATF-III or equivalent. Consult specific manual for part numbers.

Drivetrain Layout:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

📐 Dimensions

Length Mm:

3955 mm

Width Mm:

1675 mm

Height Mm:

1235 mm

Wheelbase Mm:

2265 mm

Curb Weight Kg:

Approximately 1030-1080 kg (depending on trim and options)

Standard Wheel Size:

15 x 6.0 inches

Standard Tire Size:

195/55R15

Bolt Pattern:

4 x 100 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Crash Test Rating Driver:

4-star (for comparable models, specific 1997 rating may vary)

NHTSA Crash Test Rating Passenger:

4-star (for comparable models, specific 1997 rating may vary)

Active Safety Features:

Four-wheel disc brakes (ABS optional on some trims).

Passive Safety Features:

Driver and passenger airbags, reinforced A-pillars, roll bar behind seats.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System Type:

Basic AM/FM/Cassette or CD player, with manual antenna adjustment.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited. Primarily driver-focused with ABS available as an option. No modern electronic driver aids.

Connectivity Options:

N/A (pre-modern connectivity era).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Miles Km:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months (refer to specific owner's manual for exact intervals).

Timing Belt Replacement Miles Km:

The 1.8L BP-ZE engine uses a timing belt. Replacement is typically recommended every 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years. Crucial to follow this for engine longevity.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant, Mazda FL22 or equivalent. Mix 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III ATF.

Common Issues Na Generation:

Rust (especially sills, rear arches, rocker panels), oil leaks (valve cover gasket, rear main seal), radiator leaks, clutch wear, window regulator issues, pop-up headlight mechanism failures, differential whine.

Spark Plug Recommendation:

NGK BKR5E-11 or equivalent. Consult manual for specific gap.

Oil Filter Part Number Example:

Mazda OEM: B6S7-14-302. Aftermarket examples: Fram PH5856, Wix 51516.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Sports Car Legacy:

Mazda's lineage of lightweight, driver-focused sports cars dates back to the Cosmo Sport and RX series, culminating in the MX-5 Miata.

Na Generation Timeline:

The NA generation (1989-1997) defined the modern affordable roadster. The 1997 model year was the final year of the NA generation, with minor updates before the introduction of the NB generation in 1998.

Production Plant:

Hofushima, Japan

Na Generation Production Years:

1989-1997

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA generation) was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' list throughout its production run.

Motor Trend Car Of The Year:

While not winning Car of the Year, it was consistently praised for its driving dynamics and value.