I did already try searching through the FAQ, forums and the internet in general for the answer to this. (My Google-fu is weak...)

I bought a 2008 2.3L 3s (manual transmission) with 45K on it. Unfortunately, it must've been a lease vehicle because the previous owner did a real number on the clutch - it's already slipping. My problem, if it is one, is that when I went to the auto parts store to get a clutch kit the store's computer lists three different 2.3L engines, differentiated in their system only by having either an A, B or C subcode with no indication what the heck the subcode actually means.

So my questions are:

1) what is the difference?
2) how do I tell which my 3 has?
3) does the differences impact the clutch parts or related gaskets?

I'd appreciate any help I can get.

 

Where are you located, Bill?
If it's North America, then there are only 2 2.3l engines for the Mazda3. The turbocharged one from the Mazdaspeed3 (MZR) Or the naturally aspirated PZEV one. The parts guy must be looking at asian and euro spec engines as well. I can't find anything about A,B,or C spec.

Scroll down the page about 1/4 of the way.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda3

 

North America, with the naturally asperated engine. I had this crop up at both NAPA and Advanced Auto Parts, but no one else outside the auto parts stores seem to have any idea what they're talking about. (And of course, none of the employees at either place had the slightest idea what their inventory systems meant by A/B/C.)