Timing Belt

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Typically these get changed at about 100k or 10 years don't they? I think mine may still be the original belt with 62k on it (1996). How hard are they to change on these motors?

[metalman]

Not hard to change. Typically people do the cam seals, water pump, tensioners (if needed), and front crank seal when doing TB. I dont change them under 100k.
Info here: http://www.miata.net/garage/timingbelt.html

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

How about when the m.net'ers say that rubber still ages without use? I would have thought it may age but a hell of a lot slower.

[RotorNutFD3S]

When I took mine off when the engine went, it looked just like the brand new one I bought to replace it. That was at ~90k miles.

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Cool, not gonna do it for a while then!

[metalman]

How about when the m.net'ers say that rubber still ages without use?

It is possible for a belt to 'rot' from lack of use, especially in some climates. But on a locally driven Miata I dont worry about it. The only one I had break from lack of use had 150k miles on it.

[Reverend Greg]

I Know im new and all but Ive changed mine four time and I can do the whole deal in about 3.5 hrsIf you need help just say Please.