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Introduction
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Market Position
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Segment:
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Sports Car / Grand Tourer
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Target Audience:
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Enthusiasts seeking performance, handling, and unique rotary engine technology. DIY mechanics and professional repair shops.
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Competitive Analysis
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Competitors:
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Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk3), Porsche 944, Chevrolet Camaro/Pontiac Firebird (specific trims).
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Key Features
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Engine Uniqueness:
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Rotary Wankel engine technology, known for smooth operation and high RPM capability.
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Handling:
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Excellent weight distribution (near 50/50), sophisticated independent suspension, and low center of gravity contributing to superior handling characteristics.
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Design:
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Iconic pop-up headlights, sleek aerodynamic styling, sporty cockpit-focused interior.
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Performance Variants:
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Turbocharged 'Turbo II' models offered significant power and performance upgrades.
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Manual Value Proposition
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Value:
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Essential for maintaining the unique rotary engine and complex systems of the FC RX-7. Crucial for accurate diagnostics, proper repairs, and preserving the car's performance and longevity.
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Engine:
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13B Rotary (Naturally Aspirated and Turbocharged), including apex seals, rotor housings, oil injection system, cooling, lubrication, fuel injection, ignition system, engine management (ECU), emissions control.
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Transmission:
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5-speed Manual (Type M5/G), 4-speed Automatic (FC-AT). Includes clutch, gearbox, driveshaft, differential, and associated components.
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Drivetrain:
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Rear-wheel drive, limited-slip differential (LSD) options, axles, hubs.
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Brakes:
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Front and rear disc brakes (Ventilated Front/Solid Rear), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for applicable models. Includes hydraulic system, calipers, rotors, pads, lines, and ABS modulator.
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Suspension:
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Independent front and rear suspension. MacPherson strut front, Multi-link trailing arm rear. Includes shock absorbers, springs, bushings, control arms, anti-roll bars, and power steering system.
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Steering:
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Power-assisted rack and pinion steering system. Includes steering rack, pump, hoses, and linkage.
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Electrical:
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12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instrument cluster, power windows, power locks, mirrors, horn, fuse box, wiring diagrams for all circuits.
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Cooling System:
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Radiator, cooling fan (electric), water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, coolant reservoir, oil cooler (Turbo models).
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Fuel System:
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Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, catalytic converter, exhaust system.
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Body And Chassis:
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Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, glass, seals, chassis structural components, unibody construction.
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HVAC:
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Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, including A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, and controls.
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Procedures Included
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Maintenance:
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Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, differential fluid).
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Diagnostics:
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Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for ECU, systematic fault finding procedures.
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Repair:
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Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair.
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Replacements:
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Detailed procedures for replacing parts such as clutch assembly, timing belt (though rotary engines don't have belts in the traditional sense, associated timing components), fuel pump, alternator, starter, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, turbocharger (Turbo II).
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Adjustments:
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Valve clearance adjustments (less common on rotary, but relevant for timing adjustments), clutch pedal adjustment, brake adjustments, idle speed adjustments.
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Installation:
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Procedures for installing new or replacement parts, including turbocharger installation, engine mounts, suspension components.
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Wiring Diagrams:
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Complete and detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, crucial for diagnosing electrical faults.
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Technical Depth
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Depth:
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Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and bodywork repairs.
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Engine Specifications
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Primary Engine
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Engine Type:
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Rotary (Wankel)
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Engine Code:
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13B-T (Turbocharged)
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Configuration:
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Two-rotor, naturally aspirated or turbocharged.
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Displacement Cc:
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1308 cc (equivalent to approx 2.6L piston displacement)
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Apex Seals:
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Key wear component; manual covers inspection and replacement.
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Rotor Housing:
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Internal combustion chamber; manual details inspection for wear and damage.
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Performance
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Horsepower Naturally Aspirated:
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Approx. 145-160 hp (depending on market and specific variant, e.g., 13B NA)
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Horsepower Turbocharged:
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Approx. 200-210 hp (for 13B-T Turbo II)
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Torque Turbocharged:
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Approx. 200-210 lb-ft (for 13B-T Turbo II)
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Fuel System
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Fuel Delivery:
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Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
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Fuel Type:
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Unleaded gasoline (premium recommended)
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Injection System:
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Bosch L-Jetronic or similar ECUs.
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Ignition System
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Type:
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Direct Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor-based with ignition module.
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Lubrication
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Oil Type:
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API SG or SH rated, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (check manual for exact specs).
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Oil Capacity Liters:
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Approx. 5.0 liters (including filter)
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Cooling System
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Coolant Type:
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Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (e.g., Mazda FL22 or equivalent).
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Coolant Capacity Liters:
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Approx. 7.0-7.5 liters
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals
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Oil Change Interval:
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Typically every 5,000 miles or 6 months (recommend checking manual for exact interval and severe service conditions).
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Air Filter Replacement:
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Every 15,000 miles or 12 months, or more frequently in dusty conditions.
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Spark Plug Replacement:
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Rotary spark plugs have specific maintenance needs; interval varies but often addressed during engine checks (manual will detail specific plug types and replacement procedures).
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Timing Belt Alternative:
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Rotary engines use a chain or gear-driven timing system for the rotors, not a belt. The manual will cover inspection and adjustment of these components.
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Fluid Specifications
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Engine Oil Viscosity:
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SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (API SG/SH).
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Brake Fluid:
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DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (verify with manual).
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Power Steering Fluid:
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Dexron II or III ATF (verify with manual).
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Known Issues
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Rotary Engine Wear:
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Apex seal wear is a common concern, leading to loss of compression and engine performance. The manual provides diagnostic steps and rebuild procedures.
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Oil Consumption:
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Rotary engines inherently consume some oil as part of their lubrication system. The manual details checking and topping up the oil injection system.
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Turbocharger Reliability:
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Turbochargers in Turbo II models can be susceptible to oil starvation or heat damage if not properly maintained. Manual details checks and replacement.
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Cooling System Maintenance:
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Proper coolant levels and system integrity are critical to prevent overheating, especially for the rotary engine. Manual covers system flushing and leak checks.
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