Mazda B6ZE 1.6 Head Gasket Keychain - MX-5 Miata NA NB Stainless Memento

This stainless-steel head gasket keychain celebrates the Mazda B6-ZE, the 1.6-litre naturally aspirated inline-four most closely associated with the first-generation Mazda MX-5 / Miata / Eunos Roadster. The B6-ZE combined a compact DOHC 16-valve layout with rear-wheel-drive roadster character, helping establish the original MX-5 as a modern lightweight sports-car icon.

Engine Identity

Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corporation.
Engine code: B6-ZE; Japanese-market performance references may use B6-ZE(RS) terminology.
Engine family: Mazda B-series petrol engines.
Configuration: Longitudinal, naturally aspirated inline-four petrol engine.
Cylinder count: Four.
Displacement: 1,597 cc / 1.6 litres.
Valvetrain: DOHC, four valves per cylinder, 16 valves total.
Production period: 1989–2005 across B6-ZE applications, with MX-5 fitment varying by market and generation.
Fuel system: Electronic multipoint fuel injection.

The B6-ZE has a 78.0 mm bore and 83.6 mm stroke, producing its 1,597 cc capacity. It uses a 9.4:1 compression ratio in the widely documented MX-5/Miata specification, though power output changed substantially by market, emissions calibration and production year.

Vehicle Compatibility Matrix

Engine	Vehicle	Chassis / market	Years	Factory output
B6-ZE	Mazda MX-5 / Mazda Miata / Eunos Roadster	NA / NA6C	1989–1993 in many European, US and Japanese applications	Approximately 115–116 PS/hp at 6,500 rpm, dependent on rating standard and market.
B6-ZE	Mazda MX-5	NA / NA6C, selected European markets	1994–1997	90 hp at 6,000 rpm in emissions-revised specification.
B6-ZE	Mazda MX-5	NB / NB6C, Europe	1998–2005	110 hp / 81 kW at 6,500 rpm.
B6-ZE(RS)	Mazda Eunos Roadster	NA6CE / NB6C, Japan	1989–2005	Japanese-market versions were generally quoted at up to 120–125 PS, depending on generation.
B6-ZE	Mazda Familia sedan GS/LS Full-Time 4WD	Japan-market BG platform	1994–1998	Specialist Japanese-market application reported alongside MX-5 fitment.

The B6-ZE was not fitted to every first-generation MX-5. Most markets moved to the 1.8-litre BP engine during the 1994 model year, while selected European and Japanese-market 1.6-litre MX-5 variants continued with the B6-ZE.

Why This Engine Matters

The B6-ZE powered the original 1.6-litre MX-5 when Mazda launched the NA generation in 1989, pairing a front-mounted longitudinal engine with a five-speed gearbox and rear-wheel drive. Its 16-valve DOHC design and modest 1.6-litre capacity suited the MX-5’s lightweight, simple roadster formula rather than chasing outright horsepower.

Early European MX-5 versions produced 115 PS at 6,500 rpm and 135 Nm at 5,500 rpm, giving the original roadster its lively, rev-friendly character. Later 1.6-litre NB models continued the concept with a 110 hp version, keeping a smaller-capacity option available alongside the 1.8-litre BP engine.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Mazda B6-ZE reference specification
Capacity	1,597 cc / 1.6 litres.
Configuration	Naturally aspirated inline-four petrol engine.
Installation	Longitudinal in MX-5/Miata/Eunos Roadster applications.
Cylinder head	DOHC, 16 valves, four valves per cylinder.
Bore x stroke	78.0 x 83.6 mm.
Compression ratio	9.4:1.
Fuel system	Electronic multipoint fuel injection.
Stock output range	90–125 PS/hp, depending on market, model year and calibration.
Early European MX-5 output	115 PS / 85 kW at 6,500 rpm; 135 Nm at 5,500 rpm.
Later European NB MX-5 output	110 hp / 81 kW at 6,500 rpm.
Redline	7,200 rpm is commonly documented for the MX-5 B6-ZE(RS) application.

The 90 hp NA, 110 hp NB, 115–116 hp early European/North American and up-to-125 PS Japanese-market versions share the B6-ZE designation but are not identical calibrations. Buyers should identify the car’s market, chassis and engine code before using an output figure as vehicle-specific.

Product Details

Stainless-steel head gasket keychain inspired by the Mazda B6-ZE 1.6-litre DOHC inline-four cylinder-head gasket profile.
Designed for owners and enthusiasts of B6-ZE-powered Mazda MX-5, Miata and Eunos Roadster models.
Finished using our three-stage vibratory polishing process for a smooth, durable metal finish.
Supplied on a plywood display card for gifting, collecting or display.
A compact tribute to the engine that helped define the original 1.6-litre MX-5 driving experience.

FAQ

What is the Mazda B6-ZE engine?

The Mazda B6-ZE is a naturally aspirated 1,597 cc inline-four petrol engine with twin overhead camshafts and 16 valves. It is best known as the original 1.6-litre engine in the Mazda MX-5, Miata and Eunos Roadster.

Which Mazda MX-5 models use the B6-ZE?

B6-ZE engines were fitted to early NA-generation MX-5/Miata/Eunos Roadster models from 1989 and to selected 1.6-litre MX-5 models through the NB generation until 2005. Fitment differs by country and model year.

Is the B6-ZE the same as the 1.8-litre MX-5 engine?

No. The B6-ZE is the 1.6-litre engine; the later and larger MX-5 engine is the 1.8-litre BP-series inline-four.

Is this a functional replacement head gasket?

No. This is a decorative stainless-steel keychain inspired by the Mazda B6-ZE head-gasket shape; it is not an engine-service component.

B6ZE 1.6 16v – Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA, NB), Eunos Roadster & 323 Head Gasket Keychain