Segment:
Compact Sports Sedan/Coupe (for its era)
Competitors:
Datsun (Nissan) 240Z, Toyota Corolla Levin/Sprinter Trueno, various European compact sports cars.
Engine Type:
Unique Rotary (Wankel) engine, offering a distinct driving experience and compact design.
Styling:
Sporty and distinctive design, available in sedan, coupe, and hatchback body styles, appealing to performance enthusiasts.
Handling:
Generally praised for its balanced chassis and agile handling, particularly in coupe form.
Covered Years:
1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978
Type:
Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual
Engine:
Rotary engine (12A), including apex seals, rotor housings, eccentric shaft, lubrication, cooling, ignition, fuel delivery.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (4-speed and 5-speed), clutch system, driveshaft, differential.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, hydraulic system, parking brake.
Suspension:
Front independent suspension (struts, control arms), rear leaf spring suspension, shock absorbers.
Steering:
Steering box, steering linkage, steering column.
Electrical:
12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system, instrumentation, wiring diagrams.
Bodywork:
Chassis construction, body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, glass, bumpers.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel lines, carburetor (likely Hitachi or Mikuni variants), fuel pump.
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, coolant hoses, thermostat, water pump.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, pipes, muffler, catalytic converter (depending on market and year).
Maintenance:
Routine inspections, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, ignition timing adjustments.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for engine performance, electrical faults, braking issues, and other common problems.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for disassembly, repair, and reassembly of all major vehicle components.
Installation:
Procedures for installing new or replacement parts and components.
Adjustment:
Specific procedures for adjusting clutch, brakes, carburetor, ignition timing, and other systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to detailed engine rebuilds and system overhauls. Includes factory specifications and tolerances.
Type:
Mazda Rotary (Wankel)
Configuration:
Two-rotor, naturally aspirated
Horsepower Hp:
100-125 hp (approximate, varies by market and emissions control)
Torque Lb Ft:
110-130 lb-ft (approximate, varies by market and emissions control)
Redline Rpm:
7000+ RPM (typical for rotary engines)
Carburetor:
Single or dual barrel carburetor (e.g., Hitachi, Mikuni), depending on model and year.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (typical for the era and rotary engines).
Spark Plugs:
Inspect every 10,000-15,000 miles, replace as needed (special long-reach plugs for rotary).
Ignition Timing:
Check and adjust every 10,000-15,000 miles, critical for rotary performance.
Engine Oil Type:
API SE or SF service classification, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-30 recommended depending on climate. Rotary engines require specific lubrication considerations.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with water (50/50 ratio).
Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 glycol-based brake fluid.
Apex Seal Wear:
Primary concern for rotary engines; can lead to loss of compression and power. Requires careful monitoring and potential rebuild.
Carburetor Issues:
Can become gummed up or require frequent adjustments due to age and fuel quality.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume some oil as part of their lubrication design, but excessive consumption indicates wear.
Rust And Corrosion:
Common issue for vehicles of this age, especially in areas with harsh weather or road salt.
Rotary Pioneering:
Mazda's commitment to rotary engine technology, starting with the Cosmo and established with the RX-3, a significant step in their rotary lineage.
Body Style Introduction:
Introduced as a compact family car with sporty undertones, evolving into a popular performance model, especially the coupe variants.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Market Impact:
Key model for Mazda's global expansion and reputation for innovative rotary powertrains.
