Segment:
Sports Car, Grand Tourer
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY Mechanics, Professional Technicians
Key Competitors:
Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk3), Porsche 944, Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird
Powertrain Highlight:
Renowned Mazda Wankel (Rotary) Engine
Handling:
Balanced chassis, sophisticated suspension system
Design Era:
Distinctive 1980s Japanese sports car styling
Completeness:
Most comprehensive digital resource available for this model year range.
Years Covered:
1989, 1990, 1991
Regions Covered:
Global (USA, Japan, Europe, Australia)
Estimated Pages:
Approx. 2000+ (as a comprehensive compilation)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital File (PDF)
Powertrain:
13B-T Rotary Engine (Turbocharged), 13B Rotary Engine (Naturally Aspirated), Transmission (5-speed Manual, 4-speed Automatic), Driveline
Chassis:
Suspension (Front/Rear), Steering, Brakes (Front/Rear Disc), Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Ignition System, Fuel System (EFI), Cooling System, HVAC, Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, Power Accessories, ECU, Wiring Diagrams
Body:
Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Glass, Seats, Body Sealing
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement (rotary specific), fluid checks and changes
Repair:
Engine overhaul and rebuild (rotary apex seal inspection/replacement), transmission repair, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common fault diagnosis, symptom-based troubleshooting
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, electrical resistance values
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics)
Engine Code:
13B-T (Turbocharged), 13B (Naturally Aspirated)
Engine Type:
Rotary (Wankel)
Displacement:
1.3 Liters (Dual Rotor, approx. 654cc per rotor, often marketed as 2.6L equivalent)
Horsepower Turbo:
Approx. 200-210 hp (depending on market and year)
Torque Turbo:
Approx. 195-200 lb-ft
Horsepower Naturally Aspirated:
Approx. 160-165 hp
Torque Naturally Aspirated:
Approx. 145-150 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Bosch or Hitachi components
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended)
Type:
Liquid-cooled (Water Pump driven by rotor housing)
Oil Type:
API SG/SH Rated Synthetic or High-Quality Conventional Oil (Viscosity 10W-30 or 10W-40)
Oil Capacity With Filter:
Approx. 5.0 US quarts (4.7 Liters)
Apex Seals:
Critical wear component, requiring proper lubrication and coolant levels.
Oil Metering:
Separate oil injection system for lubrication of apex seals and oil control rings.
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Type R)
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (H4A-EL)
Limited Slip Differential:
Optional on Turbo models (e.g., Torsen or viscous coupling LSD)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 or GL-5 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent
Length:
Approx. 4375 mm (172.2 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1715 mm (67.5 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1255 mm (49.4 inches)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2430 mm (95.7 inches)
Curb Weight Turbo Manual:
Approx. 1280 kg (2822 lbs)
Curb Weight Naturally Aspirated Manual:
Approx. 1190 kg (2624 lbs)
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards:
Compliant with FMVSS standards for its production era.
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes (Ventilated front, solid rear)
Anti Lock Braking System:
Optional ABS on Turbo models
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag (optional or standard depending on market/trim late in production)
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM Stereo Cassette Player with optional CD player (market dependent).
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control systems available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most Turbo models.
Telematics:
Not applicable for this era.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (for synthetic oil).
Spark Plug Inspection:
Crucial for rotary engines; inspect and potentially replace every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) based on condition and usage. Manual will detail specific plug types and gaps.
Coolant Flush:
Every 24,000 miles (38,000 km) or 24 months.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Coolant:
Mazda Long Life Coolant or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Rotary Engine Apex Seals:
Wear and failure of apex seals can lead to loss of compression and engine damage. Proper maintenance is key.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume oil as part of their lubrication system. Monitor oil levels diligently.
Turbocharger Reliability:
Early turbochargers can be prone to wear; proper warm-up and cool-down procedures are vital.
Vacuum Lines:
Aging rubber vacuum lines can crack and leak, affecting engine performance and idle quality.
Cooling System:
Radiator leaks and coolant flow issues can lead to overheating, especially critical for rotary engines.
Mazda Rotary Legacy:
Mazda's pioneering work with the Wankel engine, starting with the Cosmo.
Fc Generation Launch:
Introduced in 1985 as a successor to the SA22C (First Generation RX-7).
Facelift:
Received a significant facelift for the 1989 model year, improving aerodynamics and introducing new features.
Production Years:
1985-1992
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Car And Driver 10 Best:
Mazda RX-7 (FC generation) was a repeat recipient of Car and Driver's Ten Best list.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
Not a direct winner, but competitive in its segment.
Automotive Journalism Reviews:
Consistently praised for its performance, handling, and unique rotary engine.
Epa Fuel Economy:
Varies by model and transmission, generally in the range of 16-18 MPG City / 20-22 MPG Highway.
