Model Code:
FD3S (Third Generation)
Generation Designation:
Third Generation
Generation Years:
1992-2002
Covered Years:
1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
Segment:
Sports Car / Grand Tourer
Target Audience:
Enthusiast owners, independent repair shops, performance tuners
Key Rivals:
Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk IV), Mitsubishi 3000GT/GTO, Porsche 968
Unique Selling Proposition:
Sequential twin-turbo rotary engine, balanced chassis, iconic styling
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for maintaining and repairing the unique rotary engine and advanced systems of the FD RX-7, crucial for longevity and performance.
Primary Coverage:
North American and Japanese Market Models
Secondary Coverage:
European and Australian Market Models (may have regional variations not explicitly detailed)
Estimated Page Count:
Over 2000 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Rotary Engine (13B-REW), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Lubrication System, Cooling System, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain (Rear Wheel Drive)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (ABS, Front & Rear Components), Wheels & Tires
Body And Electrical:
Body Panels & Structure, Interior Trim, HVAC System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Wiring Diagrams, ECUs, SRS (Airbag) System
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes (Engine Oil, Transmission Fluid, Brake Fluid, Coolant), Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection/Replacement
Repair:
Engine Overhaul (Apex Seal Replacement, Rotor Housing Inspection), Turbocharger Repair/Replacement, Fuel Injector Servicing, Transmission Rebuilding, Brake Component Replacement, Suspension Bushing Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Engine Performance Issues, Misfires, Overheating, Electrical Faults, HVAC Problems, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) Interpretation
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type:
Twin-Rotor, Wankel Rotary
Aspiration:
Sequential Twin-Turbocharged
Displacement:
1.3 Liters (654cc x 2)
Horsepower Early Models:
252 hp @ 6500 rpm
Horsepower Later Models:
280 hp @ 6500 rpm (JDM) / 255 hp (USDM, 1994-1995)
Torque Early Models:
217 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Torque Later Models:
246 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (JDM) / 217 lb-ft (USDM, 1994-1995)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (premium recommended)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (Limited availability, less desirable for enthusiasts)
Manual Gear Ratios Example:
1st: 3.483, 2nd: 2.015, 3rd: 1.393, 4th: 1.000, 5th: 0.762, Final Drive: 4.300 (Varies slightly by year/market)
Manual Fluid Type:
GL-1 or GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (Refer to specific model year for exact specifications)
Automatic Fluid Type:
Mazda ATF J-M3 or equivalent (Refer to specific model year)
Ntsa Rating Example:
Not prominently rated by NHTSA in its contemporary era due to different testing standards. Focus was on active safety.
Braking System:
4-wheel disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) standard on most models
Traction Control:
Optional on some later models
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard
Seat Belts:
3-point front seat belts with pretensioners
Chassis Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette or CD player with optional Bose premium sound system.
Instrumentation:
Comprehensive gauge cluster including tachometer, speedometer, boost gauge, oil pressure, water temperature, and fuel level.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most models for enhanced braking control.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system for highway driving.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power locks, and power mirrors were standard or optional depending on trim.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (severe use requires more frequent changes, especially for rotary engines).
Spark Plugs:
Replace at 30,000-60,000 miles depending on type (platinum, iridium). Crucial for rotary engine health.
Timing Belt Alternatives:
Rotary engines do not have timing belts; they have a three-lobe rotor that rotates, driven by the crankshaft and eccentric shaft.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH or higher, Viscosity 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended. Rotary specific oil or oil with high ZDDP content is often preferred.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 - 5.0 Liters (approx. with filter)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Apex Seals:
Wear or failure of apex seals is a primary concern, leading to loss of compression and engine damage. Requires rebuild.
Prelude Ignition System:
Degradation of the trailing ignition coils and spark plug wires can cause misfires.
Oil Metering Pump:
Failure or clogging can lead to insufficient lubrication of apex seals, causing damage.
Turbocharger Failures:
Oil starvation or carbon buildup can lead to premature turbocharger failure. Proper warm-up and cool-down are critical.
Vacuum Lines:
Degradation of numerous vacuum lines can cause boost leaks and drivability issues.
Cooling System:
Overheating due to inefficient cooling system design or maintenance can lead to rotor housing distortion.
Mazda Rotary History:
Mazda has a long and unique history with the Wankel rotary engine, dating back to the Cosmo and RX series cars. The RX-7 is its most celebrated rotary sports car.
Generations:
First Gen (SA/FB, 1978-1985), Second Gen (FC, 1985-1992), Third Gen (FD, 1992-2002)
Fd Design Philosophy:
Designed by Tom Matano, focused on lightweight, aerodynamic, and balanced handling with a powerful rotary engine.
Production Years Global:
1992-2002
Key Markets:
Japan, North America, Europe, Australia
Production End Reason:
Stricter emissions regulations, rising development costs, and declining sales in some markets.
Car And Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times during its production run.
Road And Track Editors Choice:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its handling, performance, and driving experience.
Jd Power Initial Quality:
Variable, often ranked below average in initial quality due to the complexity of the rotary engine and new technologies.
Epa Fuel Economy:
EPA estimates varied, typically around 16-18 MPG city / 22-24 MPG highway for manual transmission models.
