Segment:
Sports Car / Grand Tourer
Reputation:
Iconic Japanese sports car, renowned for its unique rotary engine and exceptional handling.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Supra (Mk4), Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Mitsubishi 3000GT, Porsche 911 (993)
Engine Type:
Twin-Rotary (Wankel) Engine
Performance Focus:
High-revving, balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive, potent twin-turbocharged power delivery.
Target Audience:
RX-7 owners, mechanics specializing in rotary engines, enthusiasts undertaking maintenance or restoration.
Covered Years:
1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (Typically 2000+ pages for comprehensive factory service manuals covering this range)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Rotary Engine (13B-REW), Twin-Turbocharging System, Engine Management, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System
Drivetrain:
Transmission (RWD), Clutch System, Driveshafts, Differential, Axles
Chassis And Suspension:
Front and Rear Suspension (Double Wishbone), Steering System (Power Steering), Brakes (ABS), Wheels and Tires
Electrical System:
Wiring Diagrams, Engine Control Unit (ECU), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Audio System, Power Features (Windows, Locks), Starting and Charging System
Body And Interior:
Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Seats, HVAC System, Airbags
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Checks and Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement (Rotary Specifics), Belt Inspection/Replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Flowcharts, Fault Code Interpretation (OBD-I/OBD-II), Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Diagnostic Tool Usage
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine Rebuild Procedures (Apex Seals, Rotor Housing Inspection), Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Service, Electrical Component Repair/Replacement
Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Clearances, Tolerances, Electrical Resistance Values, Fluid Capacities
Depth:
Comprehensive, ranging from basic fluid changes and inspections to complete engine and transmission overhauls, complex electrical diagnostics, and bodywork repairs.
Engine Type:
Twin-Rotor, Naturally Aspirated (early models) / Sequential Twin-Turbocharged (most models)
Displacement Cc:
654 cc per rotor x 2 = 1308 cc (approx. 1.3 Liters)
Horsepower Hp:
Approximately 252 hp to 280 hp depending on year and market (e.g., 255 hp for early 93, 280 hp for late '90s models)
Torque Lb Ft:
Approximately 217 lb-ft to 231 lb-ft depending on year and market
Redline Rpm:
Typically around 8000 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Apex Seals:
Crucial wear item, requiring specific lubrication and operational parameters. Manual details inspection and replacement procedures.
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (RWD)
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (less common)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic, Single-Plate Dry Clutch
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (Manual specifies exact Mazda fluid or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Capacity:
Approximately 1.9 - 2.0 Liters
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Not consistently rated for all years/markets in modern standards, but designed with safety in mind.
ABS:
Standard on most models (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Available on some later models
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags standard from mid-90s onwards.
Seatbelts:
3-point with pretensioners
Audio System:
Factory premium audio systems (Bose on some trims), CD player, Cassette player.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control systems.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Diagnostic Interface:
OBD-I for early models, transitioning to OBD-II in later years. Manual details connector locations and data access.
Oil Change Engine:
Typically every 3,000 - 5,000 miles (5,000 - 8,000 km) or 6 months, with a focus on high-quality synthetic oil.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Specialized rotary spark plugs, typically recommended every 30,000 miles (48,000 km). Manual will specify types (e.g., trailing, leading).
Engine Oil Type:
API SN, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 Synthetic (refer to manual for exact grade based on ambient temperature and specific rotary oil needs).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, long-life coolant. Mazda FL22 recommended (mix ratio 50/50 with distilled water).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for precise specification).
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II/III or equivalent ATF fluid (refer to manual).
Apex Seal Wear:
A primary concern for rotary engines. Can lead to low compression and engine failure if not addressed. Manual provides diagnostic methods.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume some oil for lubrication. Manual details checking and topping off procedures.
Turbocharger Issues:
Early sequential turbos can be prone to failure if maintenance is neglected. Manual covers turbo system diagnostics.
Vacuum Lines And Emissions System:
Complex system that can degrade over time, affecting performance and emissions. Manual offers troubleshooting.
Rotary Legacy:
Mazda's pioneering commitment to the rotary engine, tracing back to the Cosmo and RX series.
Generations:
First Gen (SA/FB), Second Gen (FC), Third Gen (FD). This manual covers the iconic Third Generation (FD).
Fd Design Philosophy:
Designed by Tom Matano, focusing on a lightweight, aerodynamic, and driver-centric 'sports car' experience.
Production Years:
1991 (Japan) - 2002 (Global)
Manufacturing Locations:
Mazda's Hofu Plant, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
Type R, Type Rs, Bathurst R, Spirit R:
Performance-oriented trims with enhanced suspension, braking, and aerodynamic features.
