🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-7

Generation Code:

FC3S (Second Generation)

Years Covered By Manual:

1989-1990

Chassis Codes:

FC3S

Engine Codes:

13B (Rotary)

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Mazda RX-7 (FC) owners, enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, rotary engine specialists

Value Proposition:

Significantly more cost-effective than purchasing physical OEM manuals, offers comprehensive coverage for complex rotary engine systems, aims to prevent over-servicing by unqualified technicians

Selling Points:

Extensive technical data, detailed pictures, covers every part of the car, saves time and money, addresses complexity of rotary engines, full rebuild capability, instant download

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete Repair, Technical, and Factory Service Information

Diagnostic Coverage:

Troubleshooting, Fault Diagnosis, Diagnostic Procedures

Mechanical Coverage:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes

Electrical Coverage:

Wiring Diagrams, Electrical Systems, Components, Sensors

Body Coverage:

Body Repair, Exterior Trim, Interior Components, Glass

Maintenance Coverage:

Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Component Lubrication

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds of Pages (Exact count not specified, but implied substantial)

Type:

Factory Repair/Technical Manual (CD/Download Format)

Manual Purpose:

DIY Repair, Professional Service, Technical Reference, Knowledge Expansion

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (CD/Downloadable), Printable Pages

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Rotary Engine Mechanical, Engine Control System (ECU), Fuel System, Ignition System, Lubrication System, Cooling System, Emission Control Systems, Exhaust System, Partial Engine Rebuild Procedures

Drivetrain Systems:

Manual Transaxle System, Automatic Transaxle System, Clutch System, Drive Shaft, Differential Case Assy

Chassis Systems:

Front Suspension System, Rear Suspension System, Steering System, Brake System, Wheel and Tire System, Front Wheel Alignment, Rear Wheel Alignment

Electrical Systems:

Lighting System, Charging System, Starting System, Combination Meter, Audio & Visual System, Power Window Control System, Power Door Lock Control System, Power Mirror Control System, Wiper And Washer System, Air Conditioning System, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) / Air Bag Systems

Body Systems:

Body Repair, Hood, Doors, Roof, Bumpers, Glass, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Sun Roof System

Engine Procedures:

Engine Rebuild (Rotary Specific), Component Replacement (e.g., Water Pump, Oil Pump, Injectors), Timing Adjustments, Sealing Procedures, Rotary Apex Seal Information

Transmission Procedures:

Transmission Rebuild (Manual and Automatic), Clutch Replacement, Fluid Changes, Shift Linkage Adjustment

Suspension Steering Procedures:

Component Replacement (Shocks, Springs, Bushings), Alignment Adjustments, Power Steering System Repair, Steering Column Service

Brake Procedures:

Brake Pad/Rotor Replacement, Caliper Service, Brake Fluid Bleeding, Booster and Master Cylinder Replacement

Electrical Procedures:

Component Diagnosis, Wiring Harness Repair, Sensor Replacement, Fuse and Relay Testing, Lighting System Repair

Body Procedures:

Panel Repair and Replacement, Weatherstrip Installation, Glass Replacement, Trim Piece Installation

Depth:

Comprehensive Technical Data, Diagnostic Information, Component Location, Repair Procedures (Implied for full rebuilds), Wiring Diagrams, Torque Specifications

Diagnostic Capability:

Detailed Fault Finding Guides, Troubleshooting Charts, Component Testing

Rebuild Capability:

Full Engine and Transmission Rebuild Information Included

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Type:

Likely PDF or similar image-based/scanned document format due to nature of older manuals

Printability:

Designed for printing specific pages, implying good quality for targeted use

Original Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Original Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format), but likely high-quality paper for factory manuals

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Rotary (for standard models) and Turbocharged Rotary (for Turbo models)

Engine Code:

13B

Engine Configuration:

Two-Rotor Wankel Engine

Displacement:

1.3 L (1308 cc)

Horsepower Na:

Approximately 145-160 hp (depending on specific year/market)

Horsepower Turbo:

Approximately 200-220 hp (Turbo II models)

Torque Na:

Approximately 135-140 lb-ft (depending on specific year/market)

Torque Turbo:

Approximately 200-220 lb-ft (Turbo II models)

Fuel Delivery:

Fuel Injection (Electronic Fuel Injection - EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Methanol Injection:

Some later models or performance modifications may feature methanol injection, though not standard for all 89-90 models.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

Drive Type:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

Limited Slip Differential:

Optional, especially on performance-oriented Turbo II models

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 170.1 inches (4320 mm)

Width:

Approximately 66.5 inches (1690 mm)

Height:

Approximately 49.6 inches (1260 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 95.7 inches (2430 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 2800-3100 lbs (1270-1400 kg), varies by trim and options

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

Information for this specific model year's crash test ratings is limited in publicly available databases. However, the FC generation generally performed adequately for its era.

Active Safety:

Four-wheel disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) often optional on higher trims or Turbo models.

Passive Safety:

Seat belts, Impact absorbing structure, Potentially driver's side airbag in later production or specific markets, although less common in early FCs.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, often with optional CD player on later models. Speakers located in doors and rear parcel shelf. Amplifier mentioned in manual suggests a premium sound option.

Driver Assistance Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models, particularly Turbo II. No modern electronic driver assistance features like traction control or stability control.

Connectivity Features:

None typical for this era (no Bluetooth, USB, etc.). Antenna cord sub-assembly indicates basic radio reception.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. Rotary engines require specific oil types and frequent changes.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Refer to manual, often around 30,000 miles. Rotary engines use specific spark plug configurations (e.g., trailing and leading plugs).

Timing Belt Replacement:

N/A - Rotary engines do not have traditional timing belts; they use a unique timing mechanism.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended. Mazda specifically recommended a higher quality oil for rotary engines due to their unique lubrication needs. Refer to manual for exact specifications and potential use of specific rotary oils.

Coolant Type:

Mazda blue coolant (FL22) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 is commonly recommended.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III or equivalent ATF.

Rotary Engine Issues:

Apex seal wear, oil seal degradation, carbon buildup in the combustion chambers, high oil consumption (normal for rotary engines but requires monitoring), potential for coolant seal failure in extreme cases.

Turbocharger Issues:

Turbo lag (in early models), potential for turbocharger failure if oil supply is compromised or maintenance is neglected.

Electrical Issues:

Aging wiring harnesses can lead to intermittent electrical problems, sensor failures, and issues with the electronic fuel injection system.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Rotary History:

Mazda is renowned for its pioneering work with the Wankel rotary engine, with the RX-7 being its flagship sports car model featuring this unique technology.

Fc Generation Design:

The FC generation (1986-1991) was designed by Owada Mamoru. It featured a more refined, aerodynamic design compared to its predecessor (FB) and offered both naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants. The 1989 model year saw a significant facelift with updated styling, revised suspension, and improved engine performance, especially for the Turbo II model.

Production Years Fc:

1985-1991

Production Period Manual:

Specifically covers the facelifted models of 1989 and 1990 within the FC generation.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Recognition:

The FC RX-7 was a highly regarded sports car in its time, celebrated for its handling, unique rotary engine, and performance. It was often compared favorably to contemporary sports cars like the Nissan 300ZX and Toyota Supra.

Performance Ratings:

Consistently praised for its balanced chassis, lightweight construction, and responsive handling, particularly with the Turbo II models.