dssur
+1y
yeah trevor nailed it, if it still has the original head do NOT let that engine get even a little hot or it will crack. It is a well documented flaw and the only repair is a 900 dollar bare head from the dealer, they redesigned the head but did not issue a recall.
James is right, nothing mechanical interchanges, the 2.6 mazda is different from the 2.6 used 87-88 and all B2000/B2200.
The B2600i computers have problems, the capacitors on the board swell and break. Which can preclude a hot run and a head crack.
I have owned three, bought two cracked and one cracked while I owned it. They ALL crack, if it has the original head it just hasnt cracked yet. If it has been replaced with salvage yard parts it just hasnt cracked yet. The ONLY fix is the dealer head, the reconditioned heads sold by rebuilders are salvage cores.
Otherwise they are quicker and start easier. The bubble hood is nice too, and the B2600i was the top of the line truck so it has nice amenities.