Historical Context:
The Mazda RX-7 (FD) is a celebrated icon of Japanese sports car engineering, renowned for its lightweight chassis, sublime handling, and unique rotary engine.
Competitors:
Competed against performance cars like the Toyota Supra (Mk IV), Nissan 300ZX (Z32), and Porsche 968.
Engine Type:
Sequential Twin-Turbocharged Rotary Engine (13B-REW)
Chassis Design:
Lightweight, balanced chassis with near 50/50 weight distribution.
Styling:
Sleek, aerodynamic, and timeless design penned by Tom Matano.
Handling Dynamics:
Renowned for its exceptional agility, feedback, and roadholding.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional technicians working on FD RX-7s.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive Service and Repair
Diagnostic Coverage:
Electrical Systems, Engine Management, Emissions
Mechanical Coverage:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Brakes
Body And Trim Coverage:
Body Panels, Interior Trim, HVAC
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Technical Service Bulletin
Engine Rotary:
13B-REW Twin-Sequential Turbocharged Rotary Engine
Engine Management:
ECU, Sensors, Actuators, Ignition System, Fuel Injection System
Transmission Manual:
R154 (early models) / Type R (later models) 5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Automatic:
Optional 4-speed Automatic Transmission (less common)
Drivetrain:
Rear Wheel Drive, Differential, Axles
Suspension Front:
Double Wishbone, Coil Springs, Gas Shock Absorbers, Stabilizer Bar
Suspension Rear:
Multi-link, Coil Springs, Gas Shock Absorbers, Stabilizer Bar
Brakes Front:
Ventilated Disc Brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Brakes Rear:
Ventilated Disc Brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Steering:
Rack and Pinion, Power Assisted
Electrical System:
Wiring Diagrams, Fuses, Relays, Lighting, Battery, Alternator
HVAC System:
Air Conditioning, Heater, Ventilation
Body And Chassis:
Structural Information, Exterior Panels, Door Mechanisms
Interior:
Seating, Dashboard, Trim Components
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement (Apex Seals/Gaskets for Rotary)
Engine Repair:
Rotary Apex Seal Replacement, Rotor Housing Inspection, Lubrication System Service
Transmission Repair:
Clutch Replacement, Gearbox Overhaul, Torque Converter Service (Auto)
Brake System Service:
Pad and Rotor Replacement, Caliper Rebuild, Fluid Flush
Suspension Component Replacement:
Shock Absorber, Ball Joint, Bushing Replacement
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Faulty Circuits, Sensor Testing, ECU Diagnosis
Fuel System Service:
Injector Cleaning, Fuel Pump Replacement, Fuel Filter Replacement
Cooling System Service:
Radiator Flush, Water Pump Replacement, Thermostat Service
Emissions Control Service:
Catalytic Converter Diagnosis, EGR System Service, PCV System Service
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic Flowcharts for Common Problems
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed Electrical Schematics
Depth:
Factory-level repair and diagnostic information
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including pinpoint tests for electrical systems
Overhaul Procedures:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul instructions
Specification Data:
Tightening torques, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values
Engine Type:
Twin-rotor, Wankel Rotary, Twin-Sequential Turbocharged
Displacement Ccs:
654 cc x 2 (1308 cc effective displacement)
Horsepower Ps Rpm:
255 PS @ 6500 rpm (1993-1995 US Spec)
Torque Nm Rpm:
314 Nm @ 5000 rpm (1993-1995 US Spec)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended)
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Twin Turbo System
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS), Twin Ignition per Rotor
Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific recommendations)
Oil Capacity Liters:
Approximately 4.5 Liters (with filter)
Apex Seals:
Crucial wear components; manual details inspection and replacement procedures.
Premix Recommendation:
Some owners and mechanics advocate for a 2-stroke oil premix for apex seal lubrication (manual may or may not endorse).
Type:
Mazda Type R 5-Speed Manual
Type:
4-Speed Automatic (less common)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic Clutch System
Gear Ratios Manual:
Specific ratios provided in the manual for the Type R transmission.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 Hypoid Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 (check manual for precise specification and capacity)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF-III or equivalent (check manual for precise specification and capacity)
Curb Weight Kg:
Approximately 1300-1350 kg (depending on trim and options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg:
Refer to vehicle's VIN plate or manual
Wheel Size:
16-inch standard, 17-inch optional
Tire Size Front:
225/50R16 (standard), 235/40R17 (optional)
Tire Size Rear:
225/50R16 (standard), 255/40R17 (optional)
Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
4-star (1994 model year)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:
Acceptable (for its era)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional (TCS) on some models
Airbags:
Driver's airbag standard, Passenger airbag optional/standard by market/year.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia reel seatbelts
Crumple Zones:
Front and rear crumple zones designed for energy absorption.
Oil Change Interval Km Miles:
Every 5,000 km or 6 months (whichever comes first). Consult manual for specific details.
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Check every 20,000 km, replace as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Rotary spark plugs have specific replacement intervals; consult manual for precise recommendations (often higher than piston engines).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 40,000 km or 2 years.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 40,000 km or 2 years (manual transmission); 80,000 km or 4 years (automatic).
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (API SG/SH)
Coolant Type:
Mazda coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Apex Seal Wear:
Premature apex seal wear due to overheating, poor lubrication, or detonation is a known concern. Manual provides diagnostic methods.
Sequential Turbo System:
Issues with solenoids, vacuum lines, and intercooler cracking can affect boost delivery. Detailed troubleshooting in manual.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume oil; the manual details normal consumption rates and checks.
Vacuum Lines:
Aging rubber vacuum lines can lead to boost leaks and drivability issues. Manual provides diagrams for routing.
Catalytic Converter:
Can become clogged, especially with an improperly running engine. Manual covers testing and replacement.
Mazda Rotary Legacy:
Mazda's commitment to rotary engine technology, beginning with the Cosmo Sport and continuing through the RX series.
Generations:
FC (1985-1992), FD (1992-2002)
Fd Development:
Designed from the ground up as a lightweight, high-performance sports car, with extensive aerodynamic development.
Facelifts Updates:
Minor revisions throughout its production life, including updates to the sequential turbo system and suspension tuning.
Production Period Fd:
December 1991 to August 2002
Manufacturing Location:
Hofuu, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
Global Sales Fd:
Approximately 54,000 units produced globally.
