# Connecting rod side clearance (NA8)

Canonical URL: https://miatatorque.com/spec/connecting-rod-side-clearance-na8/

Applicability: NA 1994–1997 (BP) — Other years inferred from 1994 factory evidence.

Confidence: fsm

Side clearance:
0.110—0.262mm {0.0044—0.0103 in}
Maximum: 0.30mm {0.012 in}

Always confirm against your factory manual. Match every restriction and follow all stages and procedure notes. Disputed claims must not be automatically resolved. The complete record below preserves every printed unit, source claim and procedure.

```json
{
  "id": "connecting-rod-side-clearance-na8",
  "name": "Connecting rod side clearance (NA8)",
  "aliases": [],
  "applies_to": [
    {
      "gen": "NA",
      "years": [
        1994,
        1997
      ],
      "engines": [
        "BP"
      ],
      "note": "Other years inferred from 1994 factory evidence."
    }
  ],
  "kind": "non-torque",
  "value_text": "Side clearance:\n0.110—0.262mm {0.0044—0.0103 in}\nMaximum: 0.30mm {0.012 in}",
  "procedure": {
    "notes": "Measure assembled rod side clearance. If excessive, replace connecting rod and matching cap."
  },
  "confidence": "fsm",
  "sources": [
    {
      "source": "fsm-1994",
      "page": "B–64 (PDF p. 101)",
      "as_printed": "Side clearance:\n0.110—0.262mm {0.0044—0.0103 in}\nMaximum: 0.30mm {0.012 in}",
      "verified_years": [
        1994,
        1994
      ],
      "document": {
        "id": "fsm-1994",
        "tier": 1,
        "title": "1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata Workshop Manual",
        "covers": [
          {
            "gen": "NA",
            "years": [
              1994,
              1997
            ],
            "engines": [
              "BP"
            ]
          }
        ],
        "note": "Mazda's base manual for 1994–97; later model years got supplements, which we haven't checked yet."
      }
    }
  ],
  "jobs": [],
  "system": "engine",
  "component": "inventory-pass-2026-10",
  "componentName": "Service measurements and fasteners",
  "sequence_diagrams": [],
  "url": "https://miatatorque.com/spec/connecting-rod-side-clearance-na8/"
}
```