Niche:
Sporty compact car with a unique rotary engine, targeting enthusiasts and those seeking distinctive performance.
Contemporaries:
Competed with other Japanese compacts and European sports coupes of the era, differentiated by its Wankel rotary engine.
Rotary Engine:
The Wankel rotary engine provided a smooth, high-revving power delivery and a unique sound.
Styling:
Sleek coupe and sedan body styles, reflecting contemporary Japanese automotive design trends.
Enthusiasts:
Owners and mechanics who appreciate rotary technology and classic Japanese sports cars.
Covered Years:
1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Type:
Full Service Repair Manual
Engine:
Rotary (12A) engine overhaul, troubleshooting, maintenance
Transmission:
4-speed manual, 3-speed automatic transmission service and repair
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive system, driveshaft, differential, axles
Suspension:
Front independent suspension (MacPherson strut), rear leaf spring suspension, steering components
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, hydraulic system, parking brake
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, ignition system, charging system, lighting, instrumentation, starter motor
Fuel System:
Carburetor (Stromberg/Hitachi) servicing, fuel pump, fuel lines
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, cooling fan, coolant specifications
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, pipes, muffler, catalytic converter (later models)
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, frame repair, door mechanisms, glass, bumpers
Interior:
Seating, dashboard, trim panels, HVAC controls
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks (rotary apex seals), coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, common problems and solutions for engine, electrical, and mechanical systems
Repair:
Engine rebuilds (rotary specific), transmission overhaul, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnostics and repair
Adjustments:
Carburetor adjustments, ignition timing, valve clearance (if applicable, though rotary engines don't have conventional valves), clutch adjustment
Disassembly And Reassembly:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for major component removal and installation
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic preventative maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and bodywork repairs.
Engine Type:
Two-rotor Wankel (Rotary)
Displacement:
1146 cc (69.9 cu in) (effective displacement)
Bore Stroke:
100 mm x 76 mm (per rotor housing)
Horsepower Gross:
110-130 hp (depending on year and emissions controls)
Torque Gross:
110-125 lb-ft (depending on year and emissions controls)
Carburetor:
Single Stromberg CD175 or Hitachi downdraft carburetor (early models), later models may have twin Hitachi carburetors or Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection (less common on RX-2).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (premium recommended)
Ignition Type:
Distributor ignition, dual ignition coils (one per rotor)
Oil System:
Separate oil injection system for lubrication of apex and side seals (plus sump lubrication).
Type Standard:
4-speed Manual Transmission
Type Optional:
3-speed Automatic Transmission
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate clutch
Manual Gear Ratios:
Varies by year, typically around 3.60:1 for 1st gear
Manual Fluid:
GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90)
Automatic Fluid:
Dexron III / Mercon compatible Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 97.0 inches (2464 mm)
Overall Length:
Approx. 161.0 inches (4090 mm)
Overall Width:
Approx. 64.0 inches (1626 mm)
Overall Height:
Approx. 52.0 inches (1321 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2300-2500 lbs (1043-1134 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 3200 lbs (1451 kg)
Crash Test Data:
Limited official crash test data from the era, but constructed with unibody construction and crumple zones.
Braking System:
Front disc, rear drum brakes with dual-circuit hydraulic system.
Steering:
Recirculating ball steering system.
Seatbelts:
Lap and shoulder belts (front occupants), lap belts (rear occupants).
Body Construction:
Unit-body construction with integrated safety cage.
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio, often with optional 8-track player.
Instrumentation:
Analog gauges including speedometer, tachometer, fuel, coolant temperature, and oil pressure.
Braking Assistance:
No modern electronic driver assistance systems.
Integration:
No external connectivity features.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (using appropriate API SG or higher oil).
Spark Plug Check Interval:
Check and clean spark plugs every 7,500 miles; replace as needed.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 24,000 miles or 24 months.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (check manual for ambient temperature ranges).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.0 US quarts (4.7 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Apex Seal Wear:
Degradation of apex seals can lead to compression loss, rough idling, and reduced power. Requires specialized rotary engine rebuilding expertise.
Carburetor Tuning:
Carburetors require regular cleaning and precise adjustment for optimal performance and emissions.
Rotary Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume a small amount of oil for lubrication; monitoring oil levels is crucial.
Chassis Corrosion:
As with many vehicles of this era, rust and corrosion can be an issue, particularly in certain climates.
Oil Filter:
Commonly replaceable with filters for other contemporary Mazda models, e.g., Mazda BP4W-14-302 (cross-reference needed for exact fitment).
Air Filter:
Specific to carburetor model, e.g., Wix 42300 (cross-reference needed).
Mazda Rotary Pioneer:
Mazda's commitment to rotary engine technology, pioneered by Felix Wankel.
Introduction Year:
1971 (Japan), 1972 (Export)
Facelifts:
Minor cosmetic updates and powertrain refinements throughout its production run.
Production Period:
1971-1978
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Rotary Sales Leader:
One of Mazda's early successful models that helped establish the brand's reputation for rotary performance.
