Positioning:
Iconic Japanese sports car, revered for its rotary engine and distinctive styling.
Competitors:
Toyota Supra (Mk4), Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4
Rotary Engine:
Unique sequential twin-turbocharged 13B-REW rotary engine renowned for its high-revving nature and compact size.
Design:
Sleek, aerodynamic coupe design with a focus on weight distribution and handling.
Performance:
Exceptional power-to-weight ratio, precise handling, and a visceral driving experience.
Purpose:
Essential resource for owners and technicians seeking to maintain, diagnose, and repair the 1999 Mazda RX-7 FD.
Engine Mechanical:
Rotary engine (13B-REW) teardown, assembly, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, turbocharging system
Engine Performance:
Twin-turbo system operation, intercooling, boost control, power delivery characteristics
Transmission Manual:
Mazda R154 (RX-7 specific 5-speed manual) - clutch, gearbox, driveline, driveshaft, differential
Transmission Automatic:
N/A for this model year/variant (refer to specific manual if applicable)
Brakes:
ABS system, hydraulic components, parking brake, front and rear brake caliper service, rotor replacement
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension (double wishbone), shock absorbers, springs, bushings, steering rack, power steering system
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, horn, wipers, power windows, power seats, central locking, fuse box diagrams, relay locations
Body And Frame:
Chassis structure, body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, hood and trunk operation, interior trim, glass replacement
HVAC:
Air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, heater core, blower motor, controls
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, mufflers, exhaust manifold, O2 sensors
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid change, transmission fluid change
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuild (rotary apex seal replacement, rotor housing machining), transmission overhaul, turbocharger rebuild, differential service
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, electrical circuit testing, component testing
Diagnostics:
OBD-II system, scan tool usage, sensor data interpretation, actuator testing
Alignment And Balancing:
Wheel alignment specifications, tire balancing procedures
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing major and minor components across all systems
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics.
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using factory-specific diagnostic tools and general automotive diagnostic equipment.
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners and components.
Clearances:
Engine component clearances, bearing tolerances, and other critical measurements for engine assembly.
Engine Type:
Rotary, Twin-Rotor, Twin-Turbocharged
Displacement:
1.3L (1308cc)
Horsepower Ps:
280 PS (276 hp) at 6500 RPM
Torque Nm:
314 Nm (232 lb-ft) at 5000 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Twin-Turbo System
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane Rating 91 or higher recommended)
Cooling Type:
Water-Cooled
Oil Type:
API SG/SH, ACEA A2/B2 specification, viscosity SAE 10W-30 recommended for rotary engines.
Turbo System:
Sequential Twin-Turbo System (Primary turbo activates at lower RPM, secondary turbo activates at higher RPM)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Model:
Mazda R154 (RX-7 specific variant)
Automatic Option:
N/A for 1999 models in most markets.
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic Operated, Single Dry Plate Clutch
Final Drive Ratio:
4.30:1 (typical, may vary by market)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
GL-4 API rating, viscosity SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 2.3 Liters (2.4 US Quarts)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using quality synthetic oil for rotary engines is highly recommended).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles for trailing plugs, trailing plugs have a longer service life. Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG/SH, ACEA A2/B2, SAE 10W-30 recommended.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
Dexron III ATF or equivalent.
Apex Seal Wear:
Premature wear of apex seals can occur due to poor maintenance, overheating, or improper break-in procedures. This is the most critical and common concern for rotary engines.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines naturally consume a small amount of oil for lubrication of the seals. Excessive consumption may indicate seal issues.
Sequential Turbo Failure:
Issues with the vacuum lines, solenoids, or actuators controlling the sequential turbo system can lead to performance degradation.
Cooling System Reliability:
Overheating can exacerbate apex seal wear. Regular coolant checks and system maintenance are vital.
Fuel Injector Clogging:
Can lead to rough idling or misfires.
