Miata Mailing List: December 1995, Message #71
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   From: a.mccombs3@genie.com
Subject: Time Warp
   Date: Fri, 1 Dec 1995 18:56:55 -0500

I think I can answer this one, RE: why to CA Miatas go for another 45k
before you need to change the timing belt.  So I understand it, it has
something to do with the moonbeam emissions laws in that state, wherein cars
are supposed to do miraculous thing of which they are incapable in other
states - like, go for 100k with no emissions related work (including
tuneups, which is why you're seeing so many cars advertised now which will
go (according to the ads - and we all know what they're worth) 100k between
tuneups!

So far as I know, Miatas don't know whether they live in CA or AZ or
wherever, and the timing belt assemblies are identical.  Mazda obviously
built in a very large fudge factor with their 60k recommended changes, in
order to avoid warranty problems for the small percentage which might break
before 100k.  In CA, they have no choice in the matter, legally.  So, you
can probably get away with stretching the timing belt change interval,
without too much concern over stretching the timing belt.  I might stretch
my belt (interval, that is) by a bit, considering that the previous owner
owned up to not having changed the belt before getting rid of the car - at
77,000+ miles.
                                                --Jack M. & KANSEI--