Segment:
Sports Coupe, Performance Sedan (4-door variant)
Competitors:
Nissan 350Z, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Honda S2000
Differentiating Factor:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary Engine (Wankel), Unique Freestyle Door System (suicide doors)
Primary Users:
Mechanical Technicians, DIY Enthusiasts, Mazda RX-8 Owners
Goal:
To provide comprehensive repair and maintenance information, enabling quality service and informed ownership.
Powertrain:
Engine (Rotary Wankel), Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Front & Rear), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Electrical System, Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, ECUs
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Seats, Interior Trim, HVAC System, Climate Control
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Procedures, Error Code Interpretation
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter.
Lubrication System:
Oil pump, oil cooler, oil filter, oil pan, rotary oil injection system.
Ignition System:
Spark plugs (four per rotor), ignition coils, ECU control of ignition timing.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Checks & Top-offs
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine Rebuild, Transmission Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Overhaul
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts, fault finding for various systems
Component Replacement:
Removal and installation procedures for all major components
Technical Adjustments:
Wheel Alignment, Brake Adjustments, Engine Tuning (within scope of ECU diagnostics)
Engine Disassembly Assembly:
Complete tear-down and reassembly procedures for the RENESIS rotary engine, including apex seal replacement.
Transmission Removal Installation:
Detailed steps for removing and reinstalling both manual and automatic transmissions.
Body Repair:
Procedures for panel replacement, door adjustment, and structural repairs.
Depth:
Full Workshop Level (mechanical and electrical repairs, diagnostics, rebuilds)
Electrical Diagnostics:
Detailed wiring diagrams, component testing procedures, and troubleshooting for all electrical systems.
Engine Type:
Rotary (Wankel)
Engine Code:
RENESIS (13B-MSP)
Displacement:
1308 cc (nominal, 2x654cc rotor chambers)
Horsepower Range:
210-255 hp (depending on trim and year)
Torque Range:
159-192 lb-ft (depending on trim and year)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SFI), Direct Injection (later models)
Oil Type:
Specific Rotary Engine Oil (e.g., Idemitsu Racing Rotary Oil, Mazda RX-8 specific recommendations)
Maintenance Considerations
Apex Seals:
Critical wear component requiring specific maintenance and diagnostics.
Premix Recommendation:
Some owners utilize pre-mix lubrication to supplement oil injection for apex seal longevity.
Type:
6-Speed Manual (Getrag MS-6)
Type:
6-Speed Automatic (with Paddle Shifters on some trims)
Clutch Type:
Single Dry Plate Clutch (Manual)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (refer to manual for specific Mazda specs)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF Type TZ (or equivalent)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for specific model years and configurations)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for specific model years and configurations)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Front Airbags, Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags (depending on trim)
Seatbelts:
Pretensioner and Load Limiter Seatbelts
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) for conventional oil; longer for synthetic, but check manual for specific rotary recommendations.
Spark Plugs:
Refer to manual; typically higher than piston engines due to unique combustion.
Air Filter:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Coolant (or equivalent HOAT coolant)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid
Rotary Specific:
Apex seal wear, oil consumption, potential for flooding (especially on startup in colder climates), carbon buildup.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, rear differential bushings, ignition coils (especially early models).
OBD Scanner:
Standard OBD-II scanner for engine codes, but specific Mazda diagnostic tools (e.g., Mazda Modular Diagnostic System - MDS) provide more in-depth data.
