Segment:
Compact Sports Car / Personal Luxury Coupe
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts and owners interested in the technical specifics and engineering of the first-generation RX-7
Competitors:
Datsun Z-cars (280Z), Toyota Celica Supra, Porsche 924
Powertrain:
Unique rotary Wankel engine offering a compact and smooth power delivery
Handling:
Lightweight construction, balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive, contributing to agile handling
Design:
Sleek, aerodynamic styling with a distinctive clamshell hood
Engine:
Rotary engine (12A) technical details, lubrication, cooling, ignition, fuel delivery
Drivetrain:
Manual transmission service highlights, clutch operation, driveshaft, rear axle
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system operation, disc and drum brake details
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system operation
Electrical:
Basic electrical system overview, battery, charging system, lighting, starter
Body:
Body structural highlights, exterior trim, door mechanisms
Maintenance:
Key maintenance points and checks for rotary engine and general vehicle operation
Troubleshooting:
Highlights for diagnosing common rotary engine and vehicle issues
Technical Details:
Specific technical data and specifications for 1979 RX-7 components
Depth:
Technical Highlights - focuses on key aspects and specifications rather than exhaustive repair procedures
Engine Type:
Rotary Wankel
Configuration:
Two-rotor, naturally aspirated
Displacement:
1146 cc (2 x 573 cc rotor chambers)
Bore X Stroke:
Not directly applicable to Wankel (Equivalent to 98mm x 75mm per rotor)
Horsepower:
100-110 hp (SAE Gross) depending on emissions equipment and market
Torque:
110-120 lb-ft (SAE Gross) depending on emissions equipment and market
Redline:
Approx. 7000 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor (Hitachi DCAS 2x1B or similar twin-barrel downdraft carburetor)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 Octane minimum)
Ignition System:
Distributor-based, electronic ignition (often with trailing and leading plugs)
Cooling Type:
Water-cooled
Oil Type:
Rotary-specific engine oil (e.g., Mazda ROTARY OIL or equivalent high-quality API SG/SH rated oil)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.8 US quarts (5.5 liters) with filter change
Emissions Control:
Air pump, catalytic converter (in later models/markets), exhaust gas recirculation (EGR)
Type:
4-speed manual transmission
Type:
3-speed automatic transmission (less common)
Clutch:
Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated
Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil
Rear Axle Ratio:
Typically 4.10:1 or 4.375:1 depending on transmission and options
NHTSA Rating:
Not available for this era of vehicles
Braking System:
Front: 10.2-inch disc brakes; Rear: 9.0-inch drum brakes (some later models/markets had rear discs)
Parking Brake:
Mechanical, operates on rear wheels
Steering System:
Recirculating ball, manual steering (power steering optional on some trims/markets)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia reel front seatbelts
Interior Safety:
Energy-absorbing steering column, padded dashboard, side-impact beams (basic)
Lighting:
Halogen headlamps, standard interior and exterior lighting
Audio System:
AM/FM Radio with cassette player (optional or standard depending on trim)
Gauges:
Comprehensive gauge cluster including tachometer, speedometer, oil pressure, oil temperature, and voltmeter.
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control system
Wiper System:
Variable intermittent front wipers
Connectivity Features:
N/A for this era
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000-30,000 miles (32,000-48,000 km) for leading and trailing plugs
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (Rotary engines do not have timing belts)
Coolant Flush:
Every 24,000 miles (38,000 km) or 24 months
Engine Oil Specification:
Rotary-specific oil, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (check manual for exact spec)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid
Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil
Apex Seals:
Wear or failure of apex seals is a primary concern for rotary engines, leading to compression loss and performance degradation. Proper maintenance and avoiding over-revving are crucial.
Carburetor Tuning:
Carburetors can be sensitive to altitude and require periodic adjustment and cleaning. Issues with vacuum leaks are common.
Cooling System:
Rotary engines generate significant heat; maintaining the cooling system's integrity (radiator, hoses, thermostat) is critical to prevent overheating.
Chassis Rust:
As with many vehicles of this era, rust can be a significant issue, particularly in areas exposed to salt and moisture.
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring and connectors can lead to intermittent electrical problems.
Mazda Rotary:
Mazda's pioneering commitment to the Wankel rotary engine, starting with the Cosmo.
First Generation:
The RX-7 (SA22C) marked Mazda's entry into the affordable sports car market with a unique powertrain.
Design Influence:
Inspired by European sports coupes, particularly the Porsche 924, but with a distinct Japanese flair.
Production Years:
1978-1985 (for the SA22C platform, with the 1979 model being the initial North American release)
Manufacturing Location:
Japan