Niche:
Classic Japanese performance car market. Highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors of rotary-powered Mazdas.
Competitors:
Datsun (Nissan) 240Z/260Z, Toyota Corolla TE27, early Nissan Skylines. Distinguished by its unique rotary engine technology.
Design:
Iconic Rotary Engine (12A), Sporty styling, Lightweight construction, Rear-wheel drive.
Value Proposition:
Essential documentation for maintaining, restoring, and troubleshooting these rare and cherished Japanese classics.
Model Years:
1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977
Body Styles:
Coupe, Sedan, Station Wagon (RX-3)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Likely Printed Manual or Digital PDF (common for vintage manuals)
Powertrain:
Rotary Engine (12A), Lubrication System, Cooling System, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Transmission (4-speed manual, 3-speed automatic)
Chassis:
Front Suspension (MacPherson strut), Rear Suspension (Leaf springs, sometimes coil springs on RX-2), Steering System (Recirculating ball), Braking System (Front discs, rear drums), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting System, Ignition System, Charging System (Alternator), Starting System, Gauges and Instruments, Horn, Wiper/Washer System
Body And Interior:
Body Construction, Exterior Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Interior Trim, Seats, HVAC System (Heating, Ventilation), Body Sealing
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Inspection/Replacement, Coolant Flush, Belt Adjustments, Brake Pad Replacement, Tire Rotation
Repair:
Engine Rebuild (Rotary Apex Seal, Rotor Housing, Rotor), Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Body Panel Alignment and Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Flowcharts for common problems, Ignition system troubleshooting, Fuel delivery issues, Engine starting problems, Cooling system leaks
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine maintenance and adjustments to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications for professional repair.
Quality:
High-resolution scans of original factory documentation, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text. If PDF, likely searchable text.
Print Quality:
N/A (if digital), High-quality reproduction for printed versions
Binding:
Spiral-bound or Perfect-bound for printed versions, ensuring lay-flat usability.
Paper Type:
Durable, coated paper stock for printed versions to withstand shop use.
Completeness:
Likely a complete factory service manual or a very comprehensive aftermarket equivalent covering all major systems.
Engine Type:
Mazda 12A Rotary (Wankel)
Displacement:
1146 cc (2 x 573 cc rotor chambers)
Rotor Design:
Triangular rotor with apex seals
Horsepower Est:
~110-130 hp (depending on specific market and emission controls)
Torque Est:
~115-130 lb-ft (depending on specific market and emission controls)
Carburetion:
Two-barrel downdraft carburetor (e.g., Hitachi or Nikki). Later models may feature fuel injection in some markets.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (premium recommended)
Oil Type:
API SF or SG classification (Consult specific manual for exact viscosity, typically 10W-30 or 10W-40).
Oil Capacity Est:
Approx. 5 US quarts (4.7 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Capacity Est:
Approx. 10 US quarts (9.5 liters)
Spark Plugs:
Specific rotary spark plugs (e.g., NGK BUR7EQ-11 or similar, consult manual for exact part numbers and gap specification).
System:
Early models might have basic PCV and air injection systems. Later models incorporated more advanced emissions controls depending on market.
Type:
4-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
3-speed Automatic Transmission (optional on some models)
Clutch:
Dry single-plate diaphragm spring clutch (manual)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 gear oil (Viscosity typically 75W-90 or 80W-90, consult manual for exact specification).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent (consult manual for exact specification).
Wheelbase Est:
RX-2: ~95.1 in (2415 mm), RX-3: ~95.9 in (2435 mm)
Length Est:
RX-2: ~162.8 in (4135 mm), RX-3: ~166.5 in (4229 mm)
Width Est:
RX-2: ~63.6 in (1615 mm), RX-3: ~64.2 in (1631 mm)
Height Est:
RX-2 Coupe: ~51.2 in (1300 mm), RX-3 Coupe: ~51.6 in (1310 mm), RX-3 Sedan: ~53.0 in (1345 mm)
Curb Weight Est:
~2200-2500 lbs (1000-1135 kg) depending on body style and equipment
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Est:
Varies by model and configuration, consult specific vehicle documentation.
Bolt Pattern:
4 x 110 mm (Common for early Mazdas)
Typical Tire Size:
165 SR 13 or 175/70 SR 13 (consult manual or vehicle for exact size)
Crash Test Data:
No comprehensive crash test data available from modern agencies like NHTSA or IIHS for these vintage models. Safety features were basic by today's standards.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, Rear drum brakes. Power assist may be optional or standard on higher trims.
Steering:
Non-power assisted recirculating ball steering. Power steering was a rare option.
Seatbelts:
Lap belts standard, shoulder belts may be optional or standard on later models/trims.
Body Structure:
Unit-body construction with basic crumple zones. Focus on lightweight sporty handling over extreme impact protection.
Radio:
Typically an AM/FM radio, with optional AM/FM stereo cassette players on later or higher trim models.
Speakers:
Basic speaker configurations, usually two in the front dash or doors.
Features:
None by modern standards. Focus was on handling and driver engagement.
Features:
No connectivity features. Analog gauges and controls were standard.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 miles (5,000 km) or 3 months (whichever comes first). Crucial for rotary engine health.
Air Filter:
Inspect every 6,000 miles (10,000 km), replace as needed or annually.
Spark Plugs:
Inspect every 12,000 miles (20,000 km), replace every 24,000 miles (40,000 km) or as per manual. Rotary plugs have specific wear patterns.
Coolant Flush:
Every 24,000 miles (40,000 km) or 2 years. Inspect coolant level regularly.
Transmission Fluid:
Change manual transmission fluid every 24,000 miles (40,000 km) or 2 years. Automatic transmission fluid change intervals vary, consult manual.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Consult manual for exact specification).
Power Steering Fluid:
If equipped with power steering, typically ATF Dexron II/III or specific power steering fluid. Consult manual.
Rotary Engine Wear:
Apex seal wear is the most critical concern for rotary engines. Regular oil changes and proper engine operation are essential to prolong seal life.
Carburetor Tuning:
Carburetors can require periodic adjustment for optimal performance and fuel economy, especially on older, unrestored vehicles.
Ignition System:
Distributor, coil, and plug wire health are critical for smooth rotary operation. Early electronic ignition systems can develop issues.
Rust And Corrosion:
Common for vehicles of this era, particularly in areas with road salt. Body panels, chassis components, and suspension parts are susceptible.
Cooling System Leaks:
Hoses, radiator, and water pump seals can degrade over time, leading to coolant leaks. Rotary engines are sensitive to overheating.
Rotary Pioneering:
Mazda's commitment to the Wankel rotary engine technology, first introduced in the Cosmo. The RX-2 and RX-3 were key models in establishing Mazda's reputation for performance and unique engineering.
Rx2 Introduction:
Launched in 1970 (Japan as Capella Rotary), arriving in export markets as the RX-2. Known for its sporty styling and rotary power.
Rx3 Introduction:
Launched in 1971 as the Savanna in Japan. Offered in coupe, sedan, and wagon body styles, often with styling cues from the larger RX-2 and later RX-4. Known for its agile handling.
Engine Progression:
Initially featured the 10A rotary, quickly replaced by the more powerful 12A in most markets for the 1972 model year onward.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Production Years:
RX-2: 1970-1978, RX-3: 1971-1978
Sales Figures:
Specific sales figures are difficult to pinpoint for these early models, but they were significant in establishing Mazda's performance image globally.
