Vehicle Segment:
Sports car, Personal luxury car
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs
Key Competitors:
Nissan 300ZX, Toyota Supra, Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird
Vehicle Highlights:
Rotary engine, rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis, sporty handling, distinctive styling
Manual Benefit:
Enables DIY repairs, enhances vehicle understanding, aids in troubleshooting, preserves vehicle value
Engine Mechanical:
Rotary engine (13B) internal components, rebuild procedures, timing, lubrication, cooling, intake, exhaust
Engine Management:
Fuel injection system (EFI), ignition system, sensors, actuators, ECU diagnosis and troubleshooting
Transmission:
Manual (5-speed) and Automatic transmission overhaul, diagnosis, and repair
Drivetrain:
Clutch, driveshaft, differential, axles, wheel bearings
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, shock absorbers, springs, bushings
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system (if equipped), brake fluid specifications, caliper and rotor service
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, horn, wipers, power windows, mirrors, audio system wiring diagrams
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and service
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, glass replacement, chassis components
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement (rotary equivalent), belt inspections
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems, fault code interpretation
Major Repairs:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system service
Component Rebuilds:
Detailed instructions for rebuilding specific components like the alternator, starter, fuel injectors, etc.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical system wiring schematics for all major systems
Depth Level:
Factory-level repair and diagnostic information
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on required specialized tools and diagnostic equipment
Specifications Data:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistances, pressure readings
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable (depending on original source scan quality)
Printability:
Printable pages for workshop use
Digital Quality:
Comprehensive, high-detail digital reproduction of original factory manual content
Source Material:
Official Mazda factory service manual
Resolution:
High-resolution scans for clarity of text and diagrams
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Engine Type:
Rotary (Wankel)
Rotor Displacement:
654cc per rotor (1308cc total displacement equivalent)
Aspirated Variant Power:
Approximately 145-160 hp (depending on market and specific model year)
Turbocharged Variant Power:
Approximately 182-200 hp (for Turbo II models)
Turbocharged Variant Torque:
Approximately 183-200 lb-ft (for Turbo II models)
Redline:
Typically around 7000-7500 RPM
Special Characteristics:
Smooth operation, high-revving nature, unique sound, compact size
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Octane Rating:
Premium unleaded (91+ octane recommended, especially for turbocharged models)
Maintenance Considerations
Apex Seals:
Critical wear item requiring careful monitoring and potential replacement
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines consume a small amount of oil as part of their lubrication system; this is normal and needs monitoring.
Type Std:
5-speed manual transaxle
Type Opt:
4-speed automatic transaxle
Drivetrain Layout:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-5 75W-90 gear oil (Mazda recommends specific grades, check manual for exact spec)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent (Mazda specifies type, consult manual)
Audio System:
Factory-equipped radio with cassette player, often with optional graphic equalizer or CD player on higher trims.
Dashboard Features:
Analog gauges, including tachometer, speedometer, oil pressure, water temperature, and voltage meter.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System available as an option or standard on certain models/trims.
Limited Slip Differential:
Optional on some models for improved traction.
Connectivity Features:
Basic analog connectivity; no modern smartphone integration or Bluetooth.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil used).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Check and replace as per manual recommendations; often requires specific platinum or iridium plugs for rotary engines, with a periodic change of the leading and trailing plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (Rotary engines do not have timing belts; they use a chain or gears internally for rotor timing, which is part of engine rebuild).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, viscosity 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (check manual for specific OEM recommendations).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 5.1 quarts (4.8 L) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (e.g., Mazda FL22 or equivalent).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Apex Seal Wear:
Premature wear or failure leading to loss of compression and starting issues.
Oil Seals:
Rotary oil seals (especially front and rear main seals) can degrade over time, leading to oil leaks or internal oil consumption.
Cooling System:
Overheating due to inefficient radiator or coolant leaks; specific rotary cooling system design can be sensitive.
Turbocharger Reliability:
Early turbo models can be susceptible to turbocharger failure if not properly maintained or if pushed too hard without proper warm-up/cool-down.
Ignition System:
Degradation of ignition coils, wires, or distributors can lead to misfires and poor performance.
Mazda Rotary Legacy:
Mazda's pioneering and continued development of the Wankel rotary engine, starting with the Cosmo.
Rx-7 Generations:
The FC generation (1986-1992) followed the FB (SA/FB) and preceded the highly acclaimed FD generation.
Fc Development:
Styled partly by Satoru Tomonaga and designed with input from Porsche consultants, featuring a more sophisticated and aerodynamic design than its predecessor.
Manufacturing Plant:
Mazda Hiroshima Plant, Japan
Sales Performance:
Popular sports car globally, particularly in the late 1980s and early 1990s, contributing to Mazda's performance image.
