Model Generations Covered:
First Generation (Savy/Custom/Super Deluxe/GSL variants)
Model Years Covered:
1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978
Chassis Codes:
AP (sedan), AG (coupe), AH (wagon)
Vehicle Segment:
Compact/Subcompact car, Sporty Coupe/Sedan/Wagon
Target Demographic:
Enthusiasts, performance-oriented buyers, individuals seeking distinctive Japanese engineering.
Key Competitors Era:
Datsun 510, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic (early generations), various European compacts.
Unique Selling Proposition:
Innovative Wankel rotary engine, sporty handling, stylish Japanese design.
Engine Technology:
Wankel Rotary (12A), known for smooth operation, high RPM capability, and compact size.
Design Aesthetics:
Clean, sporty lines, popular in coupe and sedan body styles.
Performance Orientation:
Designed with handling and a sporting character in mind, often a popular choice for modification.
Coverage Overview:
Comprehensive service and repair information for all systems of the Mazda RX3 from 1970-1978.
Engine Coverage:
Rotary Engine (12A), including maintenance, disassembly, reassembly, troubleshooting, and tuning.
Transmission Coverage:
Manual and Automatic transmissions, including overhaul, clutch service, and driveline components.
Chassis Suspension Steering Coverage:
Front and rear suspension, steering system, wheel alignment specifications, and component replacement.
Brake System Coverage:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, hydraulic system, parking brake, and troubleshooting.
Electrical System Coverage:
Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, charging system, ignition system, lighting, and accessories.
Body And Interior Coverage:
Body panel repair, interior trim, door mechanisms, glass replacement, and weatherstripping.
Cooling And Heating Coverage:
Radiator, water pump, heater core, and HVAC system components.
Fuel System Coverage:
Carburetor(s) (e.g., Hitachi, Mikuni), fuel pump, fuel lines, and tank service.
Exhaust System Coverage:
Exhaust manifold, pipes, muffler, and catalytic converter (where applicable).
Estimated Page Count:
500+
Manual Classification:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Mechanical Systems:
Engine (Rotary 12A), Transmission (Manual/Auto), Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Fuel, Cooling, Exhaust.
Electrical Systems:
Ignition, Charging, Starting, Lighting, Gauges, Accessories, Wiring Harnesses.
Body And Chassis:
Body Panels, Chassis Components, Interior Trim, Glass, Doors, Locks, Seats.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug gap/replacement, fluid checks), ignition timing adjustment, carburetor adjustments.
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuild (apex seals, rotor housing inspection, eccentric shaft), transmission overhaul, brake caliper/wheel cylinder service, suspension component replacement, steering rack service.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for common problems, electrical system diagnostics using multimeters, rotary engine specific diagnostics (compression, lubrication).
Adjustment Procedures:
Carburetor jetting and float level, ignition timing, idle speed, clutch pedal adjustment, parking brake adjustment.
Depth Of Information:
Factory-level technical specifications, detailed disassembly and reassembly instructions with torque values, schematics, and diagnostic flowcharts.
Special Tool Requirements:
Identifies specific tools required for certain procedures, particularly for rotary engine internal work.
Engine Type:
Wankel Rotary
Displacement:
1146 cc (effectively, though often compared to larger piston engines)
Rotor Housing Design:
Two-rotor, single apex seal per rotor
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 90-105 HP (depending on market and emissions controls)
Torque Range:
Approx. 100-110 lb-ft
Redline:
Approx. 6000-7000 RPM
Carburetion:
Single or Twin Hitachi downdraft carburetors (e.g., SU-type, or other twin choke models)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (from later years, earlier may have used leaded)
Fuel Pump Type:
Mechanical, engine-driven
Standard Transmission Type:
4-speed Manual
Optional Transmission Type:
3-speed Automatic (likely a Toyo Kogyo or similar)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate
Driveshaft Layout:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Rear Axle Ratio:
Varies by model and transmission, typically around 3.7 to 4.1
Body Styles:
2-door Coupe, 4-door Sedan, 5-door Wagon
Wheelbase Coupe:
Approx. 95.3 inches (2420 mm)
Wheelbase Sedan/Wagon:
Approx. 98.0 inches (2490 mm)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 2100-2300 lbs (950-1050 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 3100-3300 lbs (1400-1500 kg)
Crash Test Data Availability:
Limited historical crash test data for this era; modern standards not applicable.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, Rear drum brakes. Power assistance available on some models.
Steering System:
Recirculating ball steering. Power steering generally not standard, but an option on higher trims.
Seat Belts:
Standard lap and shoulder belts for front occupants, lap belts for rear occupants.
Headrests:
Integrated or adjustable headrests on front seats, often a later addition or option.
Audio System:
AM/FM radio, often with an 8-track player or cassette adapter option on later models. Basic speaker setup.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was not a standard feature and was very rare, if available at all.
Power Steering:
Optional on most models, not standard.
Connectivity Features:
None; basic analog systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first.
Filter Replacement:
Oil filter with every oil change. Air filter inspected every oil change, replaced as needed (typically 10,000-15,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 15,000-20,000 miles (24,000-32,000 km). Specific plug types and gaps are critical.
Ignition Timing Adjustment:
Annually or every 12,000 miles (19,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
API SF/SG rated gasoline engine oil, 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for most climates. Check manual for specifics.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron-III (or equivalent) automatic transmission fluid.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Differential Fluid:
API GL-5 SAE 80W-90 gear oil.
Rotary Specific Concerns:
Apex seal wear, potential for carbon buildup, specific lubrication needs (oil metering injection system), rotor housing scoring. Requires specialized knowledge for repair.
Carburetor Issues:
Tuning complexity, vacuum leaks, diaphragm wear in certain models.
Electrical System Common Faults:
Corroded wiring connectors, failing grounds, aging ignition components (points, condenser, coil).
Suspension Wear:
Worn ball joints, bushings, and tie rod ends are common due to age and mileage.
Mazda Rotary Pioneering:
Mazda's commitment to the Wankel rotary engine began in the 1960s with the Cosmo Sport.
Rotary Lineup Progression:
The RX3 followed the R100 (Mazda Familia Rotary) and preceded the larger RX-4 and RX-7, filling a sporty compact niche.
Design Inspiration:
Influenced by prevailing Japanese and European styling trends of the era, with a focus on sportiness.
Production Period:
1971-1978 (often cited as a 1971 model year introduction, with sales extending through 1978).
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Automotive Journal Reviews:
Praised for its sporty handling and unique rotary engine in contemporary reviews, often cited as a distinctive and fun-to-drive car.
Historical Performance Ratings:
Competitively positioned against other sporty Japanese and European compacts of its era.
Engine Certification:
Emissions certifications varied by market and year, with rotary engines facing increasing regulatory challenges over time.
