Segment:
Sport Compact, Four-Door Coupe
Philosophy:
Unique rotary engine performance and distinctive styling
Competitors:
Nissan 350Z, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Honda S2000
Differentiating Features:
Naturally aspirated rotary engine, suicide doors (freestyle doors), balanced chassis
Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional technicians
General Coverage:
All mechanical and electrical systems
Specific Systems:
Engine (rotary), transmission, drivetrain, suspension, brakes, steering, electrical, HVAC, body, interior
Estimated Page Count:
2500+
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM)
Engine Systems:
Rotary engine theory, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, apex seal inspection, rotor housing wear, oil metering, starter system
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission (M/T) and automatic transmission (A/T) overhaul, clutch system, driveshafts, differential
Drivetrain Systems:
Propeller shaft, rear axle, wheel bearings, hub assemblies
Suspension Systems:
Front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications
Brake Systems:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS, EBD, brake fluid specifications, caliper and rotor replacement, bleeding procedures
Steering Systems:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rod ends, steering column
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, ECU diagnostics, immobilizer system
HVAC Systems:
Air conditioning system, heater core, climate control, refrigerant recharge
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, doors, windows, seats, dashboard, trim components
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, coolant flushes, belt inspection/replacement
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, symptom-based diagnostics, compression testing for rotary engines
Repair Procedures:
Complete engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuild, electrical component repair
Installation Procedures:
Component installation, accessory installation, sensor replacement
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including specific rotary engine troubleshooting
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
Engine Code:
13B-MSP RENESIS
Displacement:
1.3 Liters (dual rotor)
Rotor Housing Design:
Side Exhaust Port (different from previous RX-7)
Horsepower Gt:
232 hp @ 8,200 rpm
Horsepower Sport:
212 hp @ 7,600 rpm
Torque Gt:
159 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm
Torque Sport:
151 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (S-EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended)
Oil Metering:
Variable oil injection system for apex seals
Spark Plugs:
Four ignition plugs per rotor (two leading, two trailing), specific part numbers and gap specifications provided
Transmission Type Gt:
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Sport:
6-Speed Sport Automatic Transmission (with paddle shifters)
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated, single-plate dry clutch
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-5 75W-90 (refer to manual for exact Mazda specification)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF-FZ or equivalent (refer to manual)
Final Drive Ratio:
4.444:1 (GT), 4.777:1 (Sport)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star Rating
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star Rating
Traction Control:
Yes (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution:
Yes (EBD)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, front side-impact airbags, optional side-impact curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
Pretensioners and load limiters
Chassis Design:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system with CD player, AM/FM, optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system
Display:
Multi-information display (MID), LCD screen for climate control and audio
Tire Pressure Monitoring System:
TPMS (standard on later models)
Auxiliary Input:
Standard auxiliary audio input jack
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming (depending on trim and model year)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months (refer to manual for specific conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or as needed based on conditions
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for leading plugs, 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for trailing plugs
Coolant Flush:
Every 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or 3 years
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (refer to manual for specific API/ILSAC ratings)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 5.5 Liters (including filter) for 13B-MSP
Coolant Type:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Rotary Engine Issues:
Premature apex seal wear, carbon buildup in exhaust ports, oil consumption, potential for flooding (starter system issues)
Ignition System Issues:
Coil pack failure, spark plug fouling
Oil Metering System:
Potential blockage or failure of the oil injection nozzles
Cooling System:
Degradation of plastic components, potential for leaks
Prevention Tips:
Regular oil level checks, proper warm-up and cool-down procedures, using correct fuel and oil, periodic de-carbonization treatments
Rotary Legacy:
Mazda's long history with rotary engines, starting with the Cosmo Sport and continuing through the RX-7 series
Introduction Year:
2003 (for the 2004 model year)
Design Concept:
RX-8 was conceived as a spiritual successor to the RX-7, emphasizing handling and a unique driving experience
Facelifts:
Series 1 (2004-2008), Series 2 (2009-2012) with updated styling and some mechanical revisions
Production End Year:
2012
Manufacturing Plant:
Mazda's Hofu Plant, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
