Positioning:
Iconic Japanese sports car known for its distinctive rotary engine and exceptional handling. Positioned as a high-performance, enthusiast-focused vehicle.
Competitors:
Toyota Supra (Mk4), Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Mitsubishi 3000GT, Porsche 968
Engine:
Twin-Rotary (13B-REW), Sequential Twin Turbochargers
Design:
Lightweight chassis, near 50/50 weight distribution, aerodynamic body
Handling:
Double wishbone suspension, praised for its communicative steering and balanced chassis dynamics
Systems Covered:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Lubrication, Cooling System, Fuel System, Emissions Control, Ignition System, Intake Manifold, Exhaust System, Transaxle (Manual & Automatic), Clutch, Differential, Driveshaft, Steering, Suspension, Brakes (including ABS), Body, Heater, Air Conditioning, Automatic Climate Control, Electrical System, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Wiring Diagrams
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Type:
Factory Service Manual
Powertrain:
Rotary Engine (13B-REW), Transmission, Clutch, Differential, Driveshaft
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (including ABS), Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Engine Control Unit (ECU), Ignition, Lighting, Audio, Power Accessories, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System), Wiring Diagrams
Body And Comfort:
Body Panels, Doors, Glass, Interior Trim, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning), Climate Control
Maintenance:
Routine Maintenance, Tune-up Procedures, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement (Rotary Specific), Fluid Checks & Replacements
Engine Repair:
Engine Removal/Installation, Engine Block, Cylinder Head/Valve Train (Apex Seals, Eccentric Shaft), Engine Lubrication System, Timing Procedures (Apex Seal Lube Timing, Oil Metering Pump), Rotary Specific Rebuilds
Transmission And Drivetrain:
Manual Transmission Service, Automatic Transmission Service, Clutch Replacement, Differential Service, Driveshaft Maintenance
Suspension And Steering:
Alignment Specifications, Suspension Component Replacement, Power Steering System Service
Brakes And ABS:
Brake System Diagnosis, Pad/Rotor Replacement, Bleeding Procedures, ABS Component Testing & Replacement
Electrical And HVAC:
Component Testing, Wiring Diagram Interpretation, HVAC System Diagnosis and Repair, SRS System Diagnostics
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers all aspects from basic maintenance and troubleshooting to complete component overhaul and rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Searchability:
Likely searchable text, enabling quick access to information.
Quality:
High-resolution scans of original factory documents, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF Download)
Type:
N/A (Digital PDF Download)
Engine Type:
Rotary (Wankel), Naturally Aspirated (early models), Twin-Turbocharged (FD)
Displacement:
1.3L (654cc x 2 rotor faces = 1308cc equivalent)
Aspirated Induction:
Sequential Twin Turbochargers
Horsepower Est:
252 hp @ 6500 rpm (early FD), 265 hp @ 6500 rpm (later FD)
Torque Est:
217 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (early FD), 232 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (later FD)
Injection:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)
ECU:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) with diagnostics
Apex Seals:
Critical wear component, detailed inspection and replacement procedures are vital.
Oil Metering Pump:
Injects oil into the rotor housing for lubrication, requiring specific maintenance and adjustment.
Spark Plugs:
Typically requires two leading and two trailing spark plugs per rotor, with specific ignition timing requirements.
Type:
5-Speed Manual (R5M-A)
Type:
4-Speed Automatic (4HP18FLA)
Manual Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios are detailed in the manual, crucial for performance tuning.
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated, multi-plate dry clutch.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 or GL-5 Gear Oil (specific viscosity like 75W-90 recommended, consult manual for exact spec).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent (specific type detailed in manual).
NHTSA Front Crash:
Not directly rated by NHTSA in the same manner as modern vehicles. Structural integrity was a focus.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System standard on most models.
Traction Control:
Available on some models, particularly later production years.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags (SRS - Supplemental Restraint System)
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts
Chassis Design:
Lightweight monocoque construction with advanced safety cage elements.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (depending on driving conditions). Rotary engines consume oil, so regular checks are crucial.
Spark Plugs:
Refer to manual; often replaced around 30,000 miles for leading plugs and 60,000 miles for trailing plugs. Inspection is critical.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles. Overheating is a known concern for rotary engines if cooling system is neglected.
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (Rotary engines use a chain or gear drive for the eccentric shaft, not a timing belt).
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 recommended. Specific rotary-specific oil additives might be beneficial.
Coolant:
Mazda Long Life Coolant (or equivalent OAT/HOAT type) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Rotary Engine Apex Seals:
Wear and failure of apex seals is the most common issue, leading to compression loss.
Overheating:
The rotary engine generates significant heat; cooling system maintenance is paramount to prevent damage.
Turbocharger Failure:
The sequential twin turbos can be a source of failure if not properly maintained or if oil starvation occurs.
Vacuum Lines:
Age-related degradation of vacuum lines can lead to boost leaks and running issues.
Rotary Legacy:
Mazda has a long history with rotary engines, pioneered by Felix Wankel and refined by Mazda, notably in the Cosmo and RX-series cars.
Previous Generations:
SA22C (1st Gen), FC3S (2nd Gen)
Fd Development:
Designed by legendary automotive designer Tom Matano. Focused on lightweight construction, aerodynamic efficiency, and driver engagement.
Production Years:
1992-2002 (FD generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Hofu, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
