Vehicle Segment:
Compact/Sports Sedan and Coupe
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, restorers, and owners seeking to maintain or repair their classic Mazda rotary vehicles.
Key Competitors:
Datsun (Nissan) Z-cars, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, various European compacts of the era.
Unique Selling Proposition:
Rotary engine technology, sporty handling, distinctive styling.
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for preserving and operating unique rotary-powered vehicles.
Engine:
Rotary Engine (12A), including apex seals, rotor housing, lubrication, cooling, ignition, fuel injection/carburetion (depending on model variant)
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic Transmissions (including clutch, gearbox overhaul, shifting mechanisms)
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive system, driveshaft, differential, axles
Suspension:
Front and Rear Suspension (independent front, leaf spring rear), shock absorbers, ball joints, bushings
Brakes:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes, brake lines, master cylinder, brake fluid maintenance
Steering:
Steering box, tie rods, steering column, power steering (if equipped)
Electrical:
Ignition system, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system, lighting, gauges, wiring diagrams
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, carburetor(s) or early fuel injection systems
Cooling System:
Radiator, coolant hoses, thermostat, water pump, fan
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, pipes, muffler, catalytic converter (if applicable)
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, chassis structural components
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, timing adjustments
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault diagnosis for engine and electrical systems
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components, rebuild procedures for engines and transmissions
Rebuilding:
Detailed rebuild procedures for the rotary engine (12A), including rotor apex seal replacement, housing resurfacing, and oil seal replacement.
Refurbishing:
Guidance on restoring worn components and ensuring proper fitment during assembly.
Restoration:
Comprehensive information vital for historical vehicle restoration projects.
Installation:
Instructions for component removal and installation, including specialized tools.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive (covers all aspects from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostics for rotary engine specific issues and electrical system faults.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for rotary engine servicing and other repairs.
Engine Type:
Two-Rotor Wankel Rotary
Engine Displacement Cc:
1146 cc (1.2 L) for 12A engine
Engine Displacement Ci:
70 cu in (1.2 L) for 12A engine
Horsepower Hp 12A:
Approx. 90-100 HP (depending on tuning and emissions controls)
Torque Lb-Ft 12A:
Approx. 100-110 lb-ft (depending on tuning and emissions controls)
Redline Rpm:
Approx. 6000-7000 RPM (varies)
Carburetion:
Typically Twin Hitachi downdraft carburetors (e.g., HJG 38) or Solex, some later models/markets may have early injection.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91 Octane recommended, higher if available)
Oil Type:
API SF or SG, SAE 10W-30 or 20W-50 (specific Mazda recommendations may vary)
Oil Capacity Quarts:
Approx. 5.5-6.5 quarts (including filter) - Consult manual for precise capacity.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Body Styles:
2-door Sedan, 2-door Coupe, 2-door Hardtop Coupe (RX-3), 2-door Rotary Coupe (RX-2)
Wheelbase Inches:
Approx. 97.0 - 98.4 inches (varies by model and body style)
Length Inches:
Approx. 160 - 170 inches (varies by model and body style)
Width Inches:
Approx. 63 - 65 inches (varies by model and body style)
Height Inches:
Approx. 52 - 54 inches (varies by model and body style)
Curb Weight Lbs:
Approx. 2100 - 2400 lbs (varies significantly by body style and equipment)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs:
Typically around 3000-3200 lbs (consult specific vehicle plate)
Oil Change Interval Miles:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (conventional, consult manual for specific recommendations).
Spark Plug Inspection Miles:
Every 15,000-20,000 miles (specific rotary spark plugs).
Timing Belt Chain Inspection:
N/A (Rotary engines do not have conventional timing belts or chains; they use a fixed timing gear system).
Apex Seal Life Estimate:
Highly variable, but good maintenance practices can extend life significantly. Manual will detail inspection methods.
Engine Oil Grade:
SAE 10W-30 or 20W-50 (check manual for exact specs and API rating)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (consult manual for specific DOT rating)
Coolant Mixture Ratio:
50% Ethylene Glycol coolant and 50% Distilled Water
Apex Seal Wear:
Common issue with high mileage rotary engines if not maintained, leading to loss of compression.
Carbon Buildup:
Can occur in exhaust ports and rotor housings, requiring periodic cleaning or de-coking.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume some oil as part of their lubrication system; however, excessive consumption can indicate seal issues.
Carburetor Issues:
Tuning and maintenance of twin carburetors can be complex.
Mazda Rotary Legacy:
Mazda's pioneering and continued commitment to Wankel rotary engine technology, which began with the Cosmo.
Rx2 Introduction:
Introduced in 1970 as the Capella Rotary, rebadged as RX-2 for export markets, known for its sporty handling and compact size.
Rx3 Introduction:
Introduced in 1971 as the Savanna Rotary, rebadged as RX-3 for export. Often considered a sportier evolution of the RX-2 platform, with various body styles.
Rotary Engine Development:
These models were crucial in establishing Mazda's reputation for unique engine technology and performance.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Production Period Rx2:
1970-1978 (export RX-2)
Production Period Rx3:
1971-1978
