Vehicle Segment:
Compact Sports Car / Coupe
Key Competitors 2007:
Nissan 350Z, Honda S2000, BMW Z4, Audi TT
Unique Selling Proposition:
Naturally aspirated rotary engine (Renesis), distinctive "freestyle" door system, balanced chassis, high-revving engine.
Target Audience:
Professional technicians, DIY enthusiasts, and Mazda RX-8 owners seeking comprehensive repair and maintenance knowledge.
Engine:
Renesis Rotary Engine (13B-MSP), including assembly, disassembly, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, and emissions.
Transmission:
Manual (M/T) and Automatic (A/T) transmissions, including removal, installation, internal repairs, and clutch/torque converter service.
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, differential, axles, and wheel hubs.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system, wheel alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Brake system hydraulics, calipers, rotors, pads, parking brake, ABS and DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) systems.
Electrical:
Full electrical system diagnostics, wiring diagrams for all circuits, lighting, power windows, mirrors, seats, audio, and instrument cluster.
Body:
Body panels, doors, interior trim, convertible top (if applicable), and external body components.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service and repair.
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), on-board diagnostics (OBD-II), and troubleshooting procedures for all systems.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, ignition coil replacement.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components.
Rebuilding:
Engine and transmission rebuilding procedures, including specifications for machining and clearances.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic troubleshooting guides for common and complex issues.
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic procedures utilizing scan tools and guided troubleshooting sequences.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed specifications, torque values, and diagnostic flowcharts.
Engine Code:
13B-MSP (Renesis)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
Displacement:
1.3 L (80 cu in) - Although often referred to as 1.3L, it's two 654cc rotor housings.
Horsepower Standard:
Approx. 232 hp @ 8200 rpm (for manual transmission models)
Horsepower Sport:
Approx. 212 hp @ 7600 rpm (for automatic transmission models, detuned for durability and emissions)
Torque Standard:
Approx. 159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm (for manual transmission models)
Torque Sport:
Approx. 157 lb-ft @ 5400 rpm (for automatic transmission models)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended)
Injection Type:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (S-EFI) and Direct Injection (DI) for later models, though 2007 primarily S-EFI.
Oil Type Recommendation:
Synthetic 0W-20 or 5W-30, meeting API SN or ILSAC GF-5 specifications. Critical for rotary engines.
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.7 US quarts (5.4 liters) with filter change.
Emissions Control:
Secondary air injection, catalytic converter, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR - less common on rotary, but specific systems exist).
Type Standard:
6-speed Manual Transmission
Type Optional:
6-speed Automatic Transmission with Paddle Shifters (Activematic)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 75W-85 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mazda JWS 3309 / ATF T-IV (or equivalent)
Differential Type:
Limited Slip Differential (LSD) for manual transmission models, standard open differential for automatic.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions. High-revving rotary engines require more frequent changes.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km), using specific long-life rotary spark plugs.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km), or as needed based on inspection.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4, preferably a high-performance fluid for spirited driving.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mazda Genuine PSF or DEXRON III / MERCON equivalent.
Apex Seal Wear:
Common concern for rotary engines; early failure can lead to low compression and engine damage. Proper maintenance, including oil changes and avoiding prolonged idling/low RPM operation, is critical.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume oil as part of their lubrication system; owners must regularly check and top up oil levels.
Ignition System Issues:
Coil packs and spark plugs can be prone to failure if not maintained or replaced with quality parts.
Catalytic Converter:
Can become fouled or fail due to oil consumption or engine misfires.
Mazda Rotary History:
Mazda has a long and unique history with the rotary engine, dating back to the Cosmo Sport in the late 1960s. The RX-7 series preceded the RX-8.
Rx8 Generation Introduction:
First generation introduced for the 2004 model year, succeeding the RX-7.
Production Period:
2003-2012
Manufacturing Location:
Mazda's Fuchu Plant in Hiroshima, Japan.
