1987 Mazda B2600 review from North America
"Love stray dogs too, however"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Had this gem for 8 years now. Bought it with a blown head to begin with. The Mitsu engines at that time were the same sourced out for Dodge mini vans, but transversed for front wd. The same motor is turbo in the Mitsu Starion. Also special is a turbo diesel package rarely. Head (stock 3 valve...) sucks. Combined with bad carb. What's nice though is the predictably of failures.
THE FIX! Carb go. Weber. 32/36 or 38/38. Pull ALL junk. All you'll end up needing is vac line to distributor, (just like your high school Chevelle.) Header by Pacesetter. (Listed for D-50 Ram) It'll fit 4wd's too. When your head goes, find a later MAZDA spec. aluminum head. There are good non-US 2 valve heads available with mechanical lash adjusters. Re place timing chain and ALL gear with new when you pull and toss the counter balancers. When replacing head/gasket, ALWAYS USE NEW HEADBOLTS, every time. They are "torque to yield" and are useless twice.
Results are going to be one torque tuff truck. Loads of grunt, bullet proof and faithful. If you can get it above 16 to 20 mpg, God loves you. Suspension, frame and running gear could carry a tank.
Recommended Reviews:
  | Nice 4x4, but unreliable and always spending money on it |
| 1987 - B2600 2.6L 4 cylinder gas It's just as happy on the street as it is on the trail |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model Year | 1987 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Engine and transmission | Don't Know |
| Performance marks | |
| Reliability marks | |
| Comfort marks | |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Date of Entry | 5th January, 2008 |