Positioning:
Iconic Japanese sports car, celebrated for its rotary engine and exceptional handling.
Competitors:
Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (JZA80), Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4
Defining Features:
Twin-rotor sequential turbocharger, lightweight chassis, near 50/50 weight distribution, sophisticated suspension tuning.
Audience:
Enthusiast owners, DIY mechanics, restoration specialists, performance tuners.
Purpose:
To provide comprehensive guidance for the repair, maintenance, and restoration of the 2002 Mazda RX-7 FD3S.
Engine:
13B-REW (Twin-Rotary Turbocharged)
Transmission:
R154 (Mazda 5-Speed Manual)
Chassis:
All components including suspension, steering, brakes, body
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, ECU, lighting, accessories
Type:
Full Service & Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel injection, ignition, lubrication, cooling, exhaust, emissions, turbocharger system
Drivetrain:
Clutch, transmission, driveshafts, differential, axles
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, sway bars, power steering system
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS, parking brake, hydraulic system
Body Chassis:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, chassis structure, underbody components
Electrical Electronics:
Starter, alternator, battery, lighting system, instrument cluster, climate control, power accessories, immobilizer system, ECU diagnostics
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections, lubrication
Repair Rebuild:
Engine rebuilds (apex seals, rotor housings, oil seals), transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul, turbocharger rebuild
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Component testing, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical system diagnostics
Installation Adjustment:
Component installation, alignment procedures, timing adjustments, electrical component replacement
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic fluid checks and filter changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.
Engine Type:
Twin-Rotor, Wankel, Sequential Turbocharged
Displacement:
1308 cc (1.3 L)
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 6500 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
217 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with twin ignition coils per rotor
Cooling System Type:
Water-cooled, pressurized system
Oil System:
Forced lubrication with oil cooler
Type:
Mazda R154 5-speed Manual
Type:
None for 2002 model year
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated, multi-plate clutch
Transmission Fluid Type:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (Manual Transmission Fluid)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
2.1 L (2.2 US qt)
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
Not rated or comparable to modern standards. Emphasis on structural integrity.
IIHS Impact:
Not rated or comparable to modern standards.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage and crumple zones
Audio System:
Factory premium audio system (e.g., Bose) with AM/FM, cassette, and CD player.
Display:
Analog gauges and basic climate control displays.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Lighting:
Pop-up Headlights, halogen headlights, fog lights (optional)
Original Connectivity:
Limited to basic audio and power accessories. No Bluetooth or USB connectivity in stock form.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first, due to rotary engine characteristics. More frequent for spirited driving.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Consult manual; typically around 30,000 miles. Specific plugs required for rotary engines.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or annually.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, viscosity typically 10W-30 or 5W-30. Rotary-specific oil additives recommended.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.4 L (4.7 US qt) with filter change
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Dexron II or equivalent ATF
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant (Mazda long-life coolant recommended)
Common Problems:
Apex seal wear, oil seal degradation, vacuum hose leaks, turbocharger failure (especially with improper maintenance), ignition system issues, difficult cold starts if not properly maintained.
Apex Seal Life:
Highly dependent on maintenance and driving style. Rebuild often required between 60,000-100,000 miles if not meticulously cared for.
Importance:
Crucial for rotary engines to ensure longevity. Regular oil changes with quality oil, correct oil level, and avoiding prolonged idling are paramount.
Mazda Rotary History:
Mazda's long-standing commitment to and pioneering development of the Wankel rotary engine, starting with the Cosmo.
Rx7 Generations:
SA/FB (1st Gen), FC (2nd Gen), FD (3rd Gen). The FD represents the pinnacle of rotary sports car evolution.
Production Years Fd:
1992-2002
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Notable Variants:
Type R, Type RZ, Spirit R (limited editions for Japan market)
Car And Driver Alist:
Car and Driver's Ten Best list multiple times during its production run.
Iconic Status:
Widely recognized as one of the greatest Japanese sports cars of all time.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
Nominated but did not win.
