Market Niche:
Performance Sports Car
Key Selling Points:
Rotary engine, lightweight chassis, exceptional handling, distinctive styling.
Competitors Era:
Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk IV), Mitsubishi 3000GT/GTO, Porsche 968.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides factory-level diagnostic and repair information essential for maintaining the unique rotary engine and complex systems of the FD RX-7.
Engine:
Rotary Engine (13B-REW), Fuel Injection, Ignition System, Emission Controls, Cooling System, Lubrication System
Drivetrain:
Manual Transmission (R154-B), Clutch System, Driveshafts, Differential, Axles
Suspension:
Front and Rear Suspension Systems, Shock Absorbers, Springs, Bushings, Wheel Alignment
Brakes:
Front and Rear Disc Brakes, ABS System, Parking Brake
Steering:
Power Steering System, Steering Column, Steering Gear
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Gauges, ECU (Engine Control Unit), Immobilizer System
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Trim, HVAC System, Air Conditioning
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug (Apex Seal) Inspection/Replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-Based Diagnostics, OBD-II Codes and Diagnosis
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Bodywork Repair
Disassembly And Assembly:
Complete step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical diagnostics and wiring schematics.
Digital Format Details:
If digital, expect searchable PDF, high-resolution scans, printable pages.
Print Quality:
High quality, durable paper suitable for workshop environments.
Binding:
Typically spiral-bound or perfect-bound for ease of use and durability in a shop setting.
Paper Quality:
Heavy-duty, possibly coated paper to resist grease and oil contamination.
Engine Type:
Twin-Rotary, Naturally Aspirated (select markets) / Twin-Turbocharged
Engine Configuration:
Sequential Twin-Turbocharged Rotary
Displacement:
1308 cc (2 x 654 cc)
Horsepower Turbo:
255 hp @ 6500 rpm (early) / 280 hp @ 6500 rpm (later/Type RZ)
Torque Turbo:
217 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (early) / 231 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (later)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential twin-turbo system.
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Apex Seals:
Critical wear item requiring careful monitoring and potential replacement. Manual details inspection and replacement procedures.
Premix Recommendation:
Some owners and mechanics recommend supplemental oil injection (premix) to aid apex seal lubrication, especially under high-load conditions. Manual will specify factory lubrication methods.
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual
Transmission Code:
Mazda R154-B (variant)
Automatic Transmission:
Not available for the 2000 model year in most markets (primarily manual).
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic, Single Dry Plate
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Mazda GL-5 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (or equivalent specified by Mazda)
Wheelbase:
2345 mm (92.3 in)
Length:
4295 mm (169.1 in)
Height:
1235 mm (48.6 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1300 kg (2866 lbs) depending on trim
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Specify from manual
Wheelbase Tire Size:
Front: 225/50R16, Rear: 245/45R16 (standard) / Front: 225/40R17, Rear: 245/40R17 (optional/later)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
NHTSA Ratings:
Not extensively rated by NHTSA for this era in a comparable format to modern vehicles. Refer to specific model year for available data.
IIHS Ratings:
Similar to NHTSA, specific ratings for this era may be limited. Focus on structural integrity details in the manual.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on some trims.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point Inertia Reel Seatbelts with Pretensioners
Chassis Design:
Reinforced chassis with impact-absorbing zones. Manual details structural components and repair procedures.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for precise intervals based on driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection. Manual will provide specific intervals.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically Platinum or Iridium plugs. Check manual for specific type and replacement interval (often longer, e.g., 60,000 miles).
Engine Oil:
5W-30 or 10W-30 Synthetic (API SN/SM or equivalent). Crucial to use a quality synthetic oil. Refer to manual for precise specifications and capacity.
Coolant:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Coolant (or equivalent) - typically a pink/red ethylene glycol-based coolant. Capacity: Approx. 8.2 Liters.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Synthetic Brake Fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mazda Genuine ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or equivalent. Capacity: Approx. 1 Liter.
Apex Seal Wear:
The most well-known issue. Symptoms include poor compression, rough idle, difficulty starting when hot. Manual details compression testing and rebuilds.
Vacuum Lines And Emissions Controls:
Aging rubber lines can lead to vacuum leaks, affecting performance and emissions. Manual provides diagrams for identification and replacement.
Ignition System Components:
Coil packs and ignition control modules can fail. Manual covers testing and replacement.
Turbocharger Issues:
Overheating or lubrication issues can affect turbo longevity. Regular oil changes and proper cooling are critical. Manual covers turbo inspection and repair.
Mazda Rotary Legacy:
Mazda's long history with rotary engines, starting with the Cosmo, culminating in the RX-7 and RX-8.
Rx-7 Generations:
SA/FB (1st Gen), FC (2nd Gen), FD (3rd Gen). The FD represents the pinnacle of RX-7 development.
Production Years:
1992-2002 (global); 1993-2002 (USDM)
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
Reason For Discontinuation:
Declining sales due to economic factors and the inherent complexity/emissions challenges of the rotary engine for modern regulations.
Car And Driver Awards:
Car and Driver's Ten Best list multiple times during its production run.
Automotive Journalism Praise:
Consistently praised for its handling, driver engagement, and unique rotary powerplant by automotive publications worldwide.
