Category:
Iconic Japanese Sports Car
Target Audience:
RX-7 owners, enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops
Key Competitors Era:
Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk4), Mitsubishi 3000GT/GTO, Porsche 968
Unique Selling Proposition Vehicle:
Rotary engine technology, exceptional handling, distinctive styling, lightweight construction
Unique Selling Proposition Manual:
Factory-level detail, comprehensive coverage of all systems, readily available digital format for immediate use.
Powertrain:
Engine Service/Repair, Transmission Service/Repair, Fuel Injection/Fuel System, Cooling System, Emission System, Engine Control System, Differential/Drive, Axle
Chassis And Suspension:
Brake System, Suspension, Steering, Chassis/Body
Electrical And Electronics:
Electrical System, Wiring Diagram, Engine Control System
Comfort And Safety:
Heater/Air Conditioner, Restraint System, Interior
Diagnostic And Repair:
Troubleshooting, Detailed substeps expand on repair procedure information, Numbered instructions guide you through every repair procedure step by step
Maintenance And Inspection:
General Maintenance, Periodic Lubrication, Maintenance schedules
Disassembly And Assembly:
Disassembly, Assembly, Cleaning and reinstalling procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive professional-level diagnostics, repair, and maintenance, intended for use by trained technicians.
Illustrations And Diagrams:
Hundreds of pages of diagrams and detailed information, Detailed illustrations, drawings and photos guide you through every procedure, Enlarged inset helps you identify and examine parts in detail, Detailed wiring diagrams
Engine Type:
Rotary (Wankel)
Engine Configuration:
Two-Rotor, Sequential Twin-Turbocharged
Horsepower Hp:
Approx. 255 hp (early models) to 280 hp (later models, JDM specification)
Torque Lb-Ft:
Approx. 217 lb-ft (early models) to 231 lb-ft (later models)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential twin-turbocharging
Recommended Fuel Octane:
Premium Unleaded (91+ octane)
Maintenance Considerations
Apex Seal Life:
Crucial aspect requiring proper maintenance and driving habits; manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.
Sequential Turbo System:
Complex system requiring precise maintenance; manual will cover operation and diagnostics.
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (less common, often less desirable for performance enthusiasts)
Manual Gear Ratios:
Detailed in the manual, varies slightly by model year/spec
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Specific GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, consult manual for exact specifications and viscosity grades (e.g., 75W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Specific ATF, consult manual for exact specifications (e.g., Dexron III)
Length:
Approx. 4,270 mm (168.1 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,750 mm (68.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,230 mm (48.4 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,250 - 1,300 kg (2,755 - 2,866 lbs), depending on trim and options
Crash Test Ratings Era:
NHTSA ratings from the era are available; manual will provide safety system details rather than direct crash ratings.
Braking System:
Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard on most models within the covered range
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Audio System:
Factory premium audio systems, often with cassette and CD players. Manual will cover removal, installation, and basic troubleshooting of components.
Cruise Control:
Available on most models; manual covers operation and servicing.
N/A For Era:
Limited connectivity features by modern standards; focus is on mechanical and electrical systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. Manual will provide specific recommendations.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Crucial for rotary engines; intervals vary, but typically around 15,000-30,000 miles. Manual will specify correct plug type and gap.
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (Rotary engines do not have timing belts; they use a chain or gear-driven system for rotor timing, which is internal to the engine).
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic or semi-synthetic 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended. Manual will specify exact API service classification and viscosity.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual will specify Mazda-approved coolant or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4, consult manual for precise specification.
Apex Seal Wear:
Common issue if the engine is not maintained properly or driven excessively hard without proper warm-up/cool-down. Manual covers diagnosis and rebuilds.
Oil Metering Pump (Omp):
Can fail, leading to insufficient lubrication for the rotary engine. Manual details OMP system checks and replacement.
Sequential Turbo Failure:
Issues with the secondary turbocharger or its control system can occur. Manual provides detailed troubleshooting.
Catalytic Converter Clogging:
Can occur due to engine issues or poor fuel quality. Manual will cover exhaust system diagnostics.
Mazda Rotary Legacy:
Mazda has a long and unique history with the rotary engine, beginning with the Cosmo Sport and continuing through the RX series.
Rx-7 Generations:
First Gen (SA/FB), Second Gen (FC), Third Gen (FD). This manual covers the iconic third generation (FD).
Fd Development:
Designed by Yoichi Sato, the FD RX-7 was praised for its advanced aerodynamics, lightweight construction, and rotary engine prowess.
Production Period:
1992-2002 (primarily for the FD generation, with some overlap into later FC production at the start of this range)
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan
Car And Driver 10Best:
The FD RX-7 was named to Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times during its production run.
Automotive Journalism Praise:
Consistently lauded by automotive journalists for its exceptional handling, balance, and unique rotary powerplant.