| The original MX-5 / Eunos came with a 1.6 L (98 cu in) dual overhead cam inline four-cylinder engine, producing 86 kW (115 bhp) at 6,500 rpm, and 136 Nm (100 lbf-ft) of torque at 5,500 rpm. The engine employs an electronic fuel injection system using a vane-type air flow meter and an electronic ignition system with a camshaft angle sensor instead of a distributor. This engine, codename B6ZE(RS), was specifically designed for the MX-5 and features a lightened crankshaft, flywheel, and aluminum sump with cooling fins. |
Induction kits need to draw cool air (i.e. not sit right next to the exhaust manifold). Unfortunately, my car came with a K&N air filter modifications which places a cone filter right next to the exhaust manifold.
My plan is to replace this with the OEM Mk I airbox.
MX5 Parts sell an aftermarket air filter for just £3.58 (inc VAT).
The cooling system is covered in here.
Although the engine has done more than 120,000 miles it doesn't burn oil. After our first track day there was no change in the oil level.
Given that I don't really know the state of the inside of the engine, I'm using this with each oil change.
| Adding STP engine flush directly to used engine oil before draining helps neutralise engine acids while it works to loosen and remove sludge, varnish and gum deposits that ordinary draining leaves behind. STP engine flush contains an anti-wear additive to help protect engine surfaces during cleaning. Used regularly, engine flush can: 1. Free sticking internal components, 2. Improve lubrication life and protection of new oil, 3. Prevent contamination of new oil by removing contaminants left behind by ordinary draining. A 450ml bottle is sufficient for one oil change. |
I found a genuine Mazda oil filter in the boot of the car when I bought it :-)
| I also don't know what state the sump washer is in, so it makes sense to replace it with the first oil change. |
The undertray is there for a reason (several in fact). It primarily keeps out dirt and water from the road butit also helps with cooling and improves air flow through the radiator.
Looking through the paperwork that came with the car I can see no evidence that the camshaft timing belt was changed recently. Spoke to the previous owner and he can't recall it being done either, so this will be done very soon.
I'm using NGK Laser Iridium TR5AI-13 spark plugs (90813).
Mazda recommend torquing the spark plugs at 10-14 Nm or 8-10 ft-lb.
The Mk I MX-5 & Eunos from 1989 to 2002 has an OBD1 port under the bonnet as described here.