Is mazdas 2.3 engine an interference engine?

Yes it is. "Interferance" refers to the valves travel interfering with the pistons travel on an engine that is spinning free of timing chain/belt.

Gas NO--Diesel Yes. The 2.3 Ford Ranger gas engine is not an Interference engine. The 2.3 Diesel is an interference engine. The recommended belt change interval is every 60,000 miles.

I researched this as I own a Mazda Protege with a 2.0 DOCH engine. I found a file that list all interference engines and timing belt requirements. The Mazda 2.0 L is listed as a interfrence engine...

Some are, some aren't. We need to know which specific engine you are talking about.

Quite possibly. Nissan's are bad for that. Not good news if you break the timing belt. That is why I tell people the following: It is better to take a vehicle in and have the timing belt changed at...