The 1.6L and 1.8L NA and NB engines are not "zero clearance" engines. A
timing belt failure will normally just cause the engine to stop running.
Changing a timing belt is a fair amount of work. While you are at it, the
idler spring, pully, and the water pump likely should be changed if the
milage is high.
Miata.net has the proceedure documented in the garage section, and the newer
service notes concerning crankshaft torque in that section.

"Brian" > wrote in message
news:L0_Og.7555$4a3.3469@trnddc07...
> Is a 1996 Mazda Miata one of those zero clearance cars where if the timing
> belt breaks it will do damage to the rods / pistons? Is anyone aware of
> that? I was told by a friend that certain cars (and he called them zero
> clearance) will do damage to the rods / cylinders if you don't change the
> timing belt and it breaks. Thanks for any help.
>
> Brian
>
>