🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX2

Model Code:

S124A (Coupe), S124A/S132A (Sedan)

Production Years Covered:

1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978

Chassis Codes:

S124A (Coupe), S132A (Sedan)

👋 Introduction

Era Context:

The Mazda RX2, part of Mazda's early foray into rotary-powered vehicles, was a stylish and performance-oriented compact car that competed in a segment often dominated by piston-engined rivals.

Competitors:

Toyota Corolla, Datsun 1200/Sunny, Ford Escort, Holden Torana

Rotary Engine Appeal:

Unique smooth power delivery and higher revving capabilities compared to contemporary piston engines.

Design:

Sleek, sporty styling, particularly the coupe variant, which appealed to enthusiasts.

Performance Focus:

Positioned as a more engaging and performance-oriented option in its class.

📋 Manual Details

Body Styles:

Coupe, Sedan

Geographic Markets:

Global (Primary focus on markets where RX2 was officially sold, e.g., Japan, Australia, North America)

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 500+

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English (Likely translated from original Japanese)

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Rotary (12A, 13A variations), Engine internals, Lubrication system, Cooling system, Fuel system, Ignition system, Emission control systems

Transmission:

Manual Transmission (4-speed, 5-speed), Automatic Transmission (optional), Clutch, Drivetrain components (driveshaft, differential)

Suspension:

Front Independent Suspension (MacPherson Strut), Rear Suspension (Leaf Spring or Coil Spring depending on variant), Steering system, Wheel alignment

Brakes:

Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes, Brake hydraulics, Parking brake system

Electrical:

12V Electrical System, Battery, Charging system (alternator), Starting system, Lighting system, Instrumentation, Ignition and related controls, Wiring diagrams

Body And Chassis:

Body construction, Frame (if applicable), Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Bumpers, Interior trim, Paint and corrosion protection

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, Filter replacements, Spark plug inspection/replacement, Fluid level checks and top-offs, Belt adjustments

Engine Repair:

Engine teardown and reassembly, Apex seal replacement, Rotor housing inspection, Rebuild procedures for rotary engine specific components

Transmission Service:

Transmission fluid changes, Clutch replacement, Gearbox overhaul, Differential service

Brake Service:

Brake pad/shoe replacement, Disc/drum machining, Caliper/wheel cylinder overhaul, Bleeding brake system

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting electrical faults, Component testing, Wiring harness repair, Use of diagnostic tools

Suspension And Steering:

Shock absorber/strut replacement, Bushing replacement, Tie rod end replacement, Power steering system service (if equipped)

Bodywork:

Panel removal and installation, Door mechanism adjustment, Glass replacement, Rust repair techniques

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, Symptom-based troubleshooting guides, Common problem identification

Depth:

Comprehensive (covers basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and major system overhauls)

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Searchable:

Yes (typically, depending on original scan quality)

Printable:

Yes

Quality:

Varies based on original source and digital conversion, generally good clarity for diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital product)

Paper:

N/A (Digital product)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Rotary (Wankel)

Engine Codes:

12A (Two-Rotor)

Displacement Cc:

1146 cc (nominal, two rotors x 573 cc per rotor)

Displacement Cu In:

69.9 cu in

Horsepower Gross Ps:

Approx. 90-100 PS (depending on specific market and emission controls)

Torque Gross Lb Ft:

Approx. 95-105 lb-ft (depending on specific market and emission controls)

Carburetion:

Hitachi 2-barrel carburetor (early models), later models may feature progressive or dual-barrel setups.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (preferred)

Apex Seal Material:

Typically carbon-infused material or sodium-filled seals.

Lube Oil Type:

Specific rotary oil (e.g., Castrol RX Super or equivalent), check manual for exact API/SAE rating.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed Manual Transmission

Type:

3-speed Automatic Transmission

Clutch Type:

Single Dry Plate

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90, consult manual for specifics)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III or equivalent (consult manual for specific type)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Coupe Mm:

2319 mm (91.3 in)

Wheelbase Sedan Mm:

2431 mm (95.7 in)

Length Coupe Mm:

4056 mm (159.7 in)

Width Mm:

1600 mm (63.0 in)

Height Coupe Mm:

1316 mm (51.8 in)

Curb Weight Kg Coupe:

Approx. 980 kg (2160 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg:

Consult vehicle plate or manual

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

4x110

Tire Sizes Common:

165SR13, 175/70SR13 (Check specific models)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings Era:

No standardized crash test ratings as per modern NHTSA/Euro NCAP exist for this period. Safety features were basic.

Braking System:

Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes

Seatbelts:

Standard lap belts, 3-point belts may have been optional or standard on higher trims/later models.

Construction:

Unitized body construction, likely with basic crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio, optional AM/FM with cassette player. Speaker configuration typically 2 or 4.

ABS:

Not available. Anti-lock Braking System was a nascent technology in this period and not fitted to the RX2.

Connectivity Features:

None (pre-digital age)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Km:

Every 5,000 km or 6 months (whichever comes first)

Air Filter Replacement Km:

Every 10,000 km or 12 months

Spark Plug Inspection Km:

Every 20,000 km

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4, check manual for precise specification

Washer Fluid:

Water/windshield washer fluid mixture

Rotary Engine Wear:

Apex seal wear leading to loss of compression, oil seal degradation, carbon buildup in housings.

Carburetor Tuning:

Carburetors can be sensitive and require periodic tuning for optimal performance and fuel economy.

Rust And Corrosion:

Common for vehicles of this era, particularly in areas exposed to salt or moisture.

Electrical System Aging:

Degradation of wiring insulation, failing relays, and aging alternator/starter components.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Rotary Pioneer:

The RX2 (known as Capella Rotary or RX-2 in Japan) was a significant model for Mazda, showcasing their commitment to the Wankel rotary engine after the RX-77 (Familia Rotary) and alongside the RX-3.

Platform Sharing:

Based on the Mazda Capella (known as the Mazda 616/618/808 in export markets) platform, adapted for rotary power.

Production Period:

1970-1978 (for the RX2 designation)

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press:

While specific awards for the RX2 are rare, it was generally praised for its unique powertrain and sporty handling, contributing to Mazda's reputation for driver-focused cars.

Performance Reviews:

Often cited for its smooth engine and spirited acceleration within its class.