Vehicle Segment:
Sports Car / Grand Tourer
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, performance drivers, owners seeking to maintain and repair their RX-7.
Key Competitors:
Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (JZA80), Mitsubishi 3000GT/GTO, Porsche 968.
Engine Layout:
Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive with a compact rotary engine.
Design Philosophy:
Lightweight chassis, balanced weight distribution, aerodynamic styling, rotary engine performance.
Unique Selling Proposition:
The 13B-REW twin-rotor engine with sequential turbocharging, delivering high power from a small displacement, and the iconic FD chassis design.
Years Covered:
1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
Type:
Workshop Service Manual
Powertrain:
Engine (Rotary Wankel), Fuel System, Ignition System, Lubrication System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Manual & Automatic)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (ABS, Power Assist), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instruments & Gauges, Wiper & Washer System, Audio System, Power Windows, Power Locks, Immobilizer
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk Lid, Interior Trim, Seats, HVAC System
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their interpretation.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance procedures, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspection schedules.
Repair:
Component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly for engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, electrical, and body components.
Adjustment:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, alignment procedures, clutch adjustment, idle speed adjustment.
Rebuilds:
Detailed instructions for engine rebuilds (rotary apex seals, housings), transmission overhauls.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagrams, schematics, and specifications.
Engine Type:
Rotary (Wankel) Twin-Rotor, Twin-Turbocharged
Displacement:
1308 cc (2 x 654 cc rotors)
Horsepower Early Models:
255 PS (252 hp) @ 6500 rpm
Horsepower Later Models:
280 PS (276 hp) @ 6500 rpm (post-1995 facelift, Japanese domestic market)
Torque Early Models:
314 Nm (231 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm
Torque Later Models:
333 Nm (246 lb-ft) @ 5000 rpm (post-1995 facelift, Japanese domestic market)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Twin Turbochargers
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Check manual for specific viscosity)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 liters (with filter)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 liters
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (Mazda R154 equivalent in principle, specific Mazda code)
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (optional on some markets/trims)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically Actuated, Single Dry Plate
Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 75W-85 (Refer to manual for exact specification)
Crash Test Ratings:
Varies by region and testing authority. Historically, many sports cars of this era had less stringent testing than modern vehicles.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models.
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) available on some later models and higher trims.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners.
Chassis Design:
Designed for rigidity and crash energy management with a focus on driver safety and handling.
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system available on higher trims, with CD player and cassette deck.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control with electronic controls on some models.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Adjustable Suspension:
Some later models featured electronically adjustable suspension (e.g., 'Active' variants).
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; primarily focused on the vehicle's internal systems. Aftermarket upgrades for Bluetooth/USB are common.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. More frequent changes are recommended for spirited driving.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual; often platinum or iridium plugs with longer intervals. Typically around 30,000-60,000 miles.
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (Rotary engines do not have a timing belt; they use a chain or oil pump drive system.)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4, low-viscosity.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF DEXRON II or equivalent.
Rotary Engine Apex Seals:
Wear or failure of apex seals is a known potential issue, often exacerbated by poor maintenance, overheating, or detonation. This manual is crucial for proper diagnosis and repair.
Sequential Turbo System:
Reliability of the sequential turbo system (especially the smaller primary turbo and its control solenoids) can be a concern. This manual details its operation and troubleshooting.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines naturally consume oil as part of their lubrication system. Owners must monitor and top up oil regularly.
Cooling System Performance:
Efficient cooling is vital for rotary engines. Overheating can lead to premature wear. This manual covers the cooling system in detail.
Brand Identity:
Mazda is known for its engineering innovation, particularly its development of the rotary engine, and a heritage of sporty, driver-focused vehicles.
Previous Generations:
SA/FB (1978-1985), FC (1985-1992). The FD represented a significant leap in performance, design, and technology.
Design Inspiration:
Designed by Tom Matano, with styling cues from the Porsche 944 and Chevrolet Camaro.
Key Facelifts:
Significant updates in 1995 (Japanese market) and 1999 (US market) addressed reliability concerns and refined performance and styling.
Production Years:
1991-2002
Production Locations:
Hiroshima, Japan
Production Numbers:
Approximately 71,000 units globally.
