Roadster

The NB Roadster (NB8C)

Mazda's second Roadster went on sale in Japan in January 1998, the first sold as a Mazda rather than a Eunos, with fixed headlights in place of the original's pop-ups. NB8C is the 1.8-litre car. At launch its BP-ZE four-cylinder made 145 PS at 6,500 rpm and 163 Nm (16.6 kgm), driving the rear wheels through a six-speed manual on the VS and RS, or an automatic. An RS weighed 1,030 kg.

The facelift of July 2000 added S-VT variable valve timing, and the 1.8 rose to 160 PS and 170 Nm with the manual. Two rare versions followed in late 2003: the Roadster Coupe, built to order with a fixed roof, and the Roadster Turbo, 350 cars with the BP-ZET at 172 PS. The NB was built until July 2005, when the NC replaced it.

What NB owners upgrade

NB8C owners tend to build their cars for driving, not show. Limited-slip differential upgrades and clutch kits from the drivetrain range are among the most bought parts, with engine management from the electronics range. In the cabin, boss kits and quick-release hubs let owners fit an aftermarket steering wheel, and seat rails set a bucket seat low; both are in the interior range.

For more power from the BP, owners fit headers and full systems from the exhaust range, and camshafts and valvetrain parts from the engine range. On the body, rear wings and lightweight bonnets from the exterior range are popular, with radiator caps for cars driven hard in summer. HKS, Cusco, Garage Vary, Toda, Maxim Works and Bride are among the names owners choose.

Wheels

The NB8C left the factory on 14x6 +40, 15x6 +40 or 16x6.5 +40 wheels, on a 4x100 bolt pattern with M12 x 1.5 nuts. More sizes are listed under wheels that fit the NB Roadster.