Vehicle Class:
Lightweight, two-seater, rear-wheel-drive sports car.
Positioning Statement:
The quintessential affordable sports car, celebrated for its balanced chassis, communicative steering, and pure driving experience.
Key Competitors:
Lotus Elan M100, Alfa Romeo Spider, Fiat Spider, Triumph TR7 (though generally more modern competition was less direct).
Driving Dynamics:
Excellent weight distribution, independent suspension, rear-wheel drive, and lightweight construction contribute to exceptional handling.
Design Philosophy:
Jinba Ittai - 'horse and rider as one' - emphasizing driver connection and feedback.
Convertible Top:
Simple, user-friendly manual soft-top convertible mechanism.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete engine overhaul, including disassembly, inspection, assembly, torque specifications, and component testing.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, fuel injection system (EFI), starting system, charging system, ECU diagnosis and wiring diagrams.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter replacement, and evaporative emission control system.
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, coolant hoses, fan operation, and flushing procedures.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, and oxygen sensors.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch system, gearbox disassembly, inspection, assembly, gear ratios, and shift linkage adjustment.
Transmission Automatic:
If equipped, detailed procedures for automatic transmission overhaul, fluid service, and torque converter.
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, CV joints, differential inspection and service, and wheel bearing replacement.
Suspension Front:
Double wishbone design, shock absorber replacement, spring replacement, ball joint inspection, and alignment procedures.
Suspension Rear:
Multi-link suspension, shock absorber replacement, spring replacement, and bushing replacement.
Steering System:
Power steering system (if equipped), steering rack, tie rods, and steering column components.
Brake System:
Front and rear disc brakes, caliper service, brake pad and rotor replacement, brake fluid flush, ABS system (if equipped).
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, lighting system, horn, wipers, and power windows.
Body And Frame:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, convertible top service and adjustment, and chassis component identification.
Interior Components:
Dashboard removal, seat adjustment and removal, trim panel replacement.
HVAC System:
Air conditioning system service, heater core replacement, blower motor operation.
Preventative Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid replacement, and belt inspections.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, including DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation.
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for component removal, repair, reassembly, and installation for all major vehicle systems.
Component Testing:
Methods for testing the functionality and performance of various electrical and mechanical components.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners, ensuring proper assembly and preventing damage.
Alignment Procedures:
Front and rear wheel alignment specifications and adjustment methods.
Conversion Procedures:
Information on engine or transmission swaps (if applicable to aftermarket modifications or factory variations).
Depth Level:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics.
Diagram Quality:
Detailed, step-by-step illustrations, exploded views, and wiring diagrams.
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on specific diagnostic tools and procedures required for modern vehicles.
Engine 1 Displacement:
1.6 Liters (1598 cc)
Engine 1 Type:
DOHC Inline-4, 16-valve
Engine 1 Power:
115 hp @ 6500 rpm (US spec, some markets varied)
Engine 1 Torque:
100 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (US spec, some markets varied)
Engine 2 Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1839 cc) - Introduced for 1994 model year
Engine 2 Type:
DOHC Inline-4, 16-valve (BP-Z3 variant)
Engine 2 Power:
133 hp @ 6500 rpm (US spec, some markets varied)
Engine 2 Torque:
114 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (US spec, some markets varied)
Compression Ratio 1.6L:
9.4:1
Compression Ratio 1.8L:
9.2:1
Fuel Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential multi-port injection.
Fuel Requirement:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline (minimum, 91 recommended for optimal performance)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years (CRITICAL for interference engines). Check specific engine variant.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH; SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended (refer to manual for ambient temperature suitability).
Coolant Type:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with demineralized water, 50/50 mix).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., 75W-90).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III equivalent.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II or III equivalent.
Rust:
Common rust points include rocker panels, wheel arches, and sills. Body inspection is crucial.
Oil Leaks:
Rear main seal and valve cover gasket leaks are relatively common with age.
Cooling System:
Radiator degradation and hose failure can occur. Thermostat sticking can also be an issue.
Window Regulators:
Manual window regulators can become stiff or break.
Convertible Top Seals:
Weather stripping can degrade, leading to water leaks into the cabin.
