🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-7

Year:

1989

Chassis Code:

FC3S (for Turbo II), FC3S (for non-Turbo)

Engine Code Non Turbo:

FC3S (Naturally Aspirated)

Engine Code Turbo:

FC3S Turbo II

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1989 Mazda RX-7 (FC generation) was a performance-oriented sports car, known for its unique rotary engine and rear-wheel-drive dynamics, competing with vehicles like the Nissan 300ZX and Toyota Supra.

Rivals:

Key competitors included the Nissan 300ZX (Z31), Toyota Supra (MkIII), and Chevrolet Camaro/Pontiac Firebird.

Rotary Engine:

The signature feature is the Mazda Wankel rotary engine, offering a smooth power delivery and distinct sound.

Handling:

Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive, and sophisticated suspension, making it a driver's car.

Design:

Sleek, aerodynamic styling with pop-up headlights, characteristic of late 1980s sports cars.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Workshop Repair Manual / Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Compatibility:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete coverage of rotary engine (13B) components, operation, troubleshooting, and overhaul (naturally aspirated and turbo variants).

Lubrication System:

Detailed information on oil pump, oil passages, oil filter, oil cooler, and lubrication system maintenance.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant flow, fan operation, and cooling system diagnostics and repair.

Fuel And Emission Control Systems:

Comprehensive sections for both non-turbo (04A) and turbo (04B) variants, covering fuel injectors, fuel pump, fuel filter, ECU control, emissions control devices, and diagnosis.

Engine Electrical System:

Ignition system, starter, alternator, battery, wiring diagrams, sensors, and ECU diagnostics.

Transmission:

Covers manual transmission for turbo (07A) and non-turbo (07A) models, as well as automatic transmission (07b). Includes gear ratios, overhaul, and maintenance.

Drivetrain:

Propeller shaft (08), front and rear axles (09), differentials, and wheel bearings.

Steering System:

Power steering pump, rack and pinion, steering column, and steering linkage.

Braking System:

Front and rear brakes (disc), hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), brake pads, rotors, calipers, and troubleshooting.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension geometry, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, control arms, and alignment specifications.

Wheels And Tires:

Tire size specifications, wheel offset, lug nut torque, and tire rotation recommendations.

Body:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, trim components, and structural information.

Body Electrical System:

Lighting, wipers, power windows, mirrors, horn, audio system wiring, and interior lighting.

Heating And Ac Systems:

HVAC controls, blower motor, refrigerant system, heater core, and AC system troubleshooting.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt adjustments, and general upkeep.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues across all vehicle systems, including symptom-based troubleshooting charts.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of virtually every part of the vehicle.

Technical Data:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, electrical component resistance values, vacuum hose routing, and measurement specifications.

Special Tools:

Identification and use of specialized tools required for specific repair and maintenance procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic inspection to full engine rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics).

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchable:

Likely searchable text within PDF (depending on scan quality).

Printable:

Yes

Quality:

Professional, high-quality scans or digital reproduction.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Rotary (Wankel)

Displacement:

1.3 Liters (654cc x 2 rotors)

Horsepower Non Turbo:

Approx. 145-160 hp (depending on market/spec)

Torque Non Turbo:

Approx. 145-155 lb-ft

Horsepower Turbo:

Approx. 200-210 hp (Turbo II)

Torque Turbo:

Approx. 190-200 lb-ft (Turbo II)

Injection:

Fuel Injection (Multi-port EFI)

Turbo Charging:

Turbocharged (Turbo II model), often with an intercooler.

Apex Seals:

Apex seals are a critical wear item in rotary engines; manual covers inspection and replacement.

Oil Consumption:

Rotary engines inherently consume some oil for lubrication; manual details correct oil levels and types.

🔧 Transmission

Type Non Turbo:

5-speed Manual

Type Turbo:

5-speed Manual (likely reinforced for Turbo II)

Type Automatic:

4-speed Automatic

Clutch:

Hydraulically actuated clutch system.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Likely API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, specific viscosity TBD from manual (e.g., 75W-90).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Likely Dexron II or equivalent automatic transmission fluid.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Coupe, Convertible

Wheelbase:

Approx. 95.7 inches (2430 mm)

Length:

Approx. 167.9 inches (4265 mm)

Width:

Approx. 69.1 inches (1755 mm)

Height:

Approx. 49.8 inches (1265 mm)

Curb Weight Non Turbo:

Approx. 2800 - 3000 lbs (1270 - 1360 kg)

Curb Weight Turbo:

Approx. 3000 - 3150 lbs (1360 - 1430 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

Fifties Stars Rating:

N/A (1989 vehicle, NHTSA ratings not directly comparable to modern standards)

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was available as an option on some models.

Limited Slip Differential:

Available on higher trims/Turbo II models for improved traction.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners likely standard.

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag not standard in 1989; may have been an option or introduced later in the generation.

Crumple Zones:

Designed with front and rear crumple zones for energy absorption.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Speaker count and quality varied by trim. Power antenna common.

Cruise Control:

Optional cruise control system.

Wiring Diagrams:

Manual includes detailed wiring diagrams essential for diagnosing electrical issues and aftermarket installations.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, especially for rotary engines requiring specific oil types and levels.

Spark Plugs:

Rotary engines use two spark plugs per rotor. Intervals vary, often around 30,000 miles, depending on type.

Timing Belt:

Rotary engines do not have a timing belt; they use a timing chain or gear drive for the rotor.

Engine Oil:

Crucially requires specific rotary-friendly oil (e.g., SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40, often synthetic blends) with low ash content. Manual will specify exact Mazda/API ratings.

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water). Capacity approx. 8-9 quarts.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Apex Seal Wear:

Common issue with high mileage or poor maintenance leading to compression loss.

Vacuum Leaks:

Various hoses and seals can degrade, affecting engine performance and emissions.

Oil Cooler Lines:

Can develop leaks over time.

Rotary Specific Diagnostics:

Requires understanding of apex seal compression and specific rotary engine diagnostic tools/techniques.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Rotary:

Mazda's pioneering work with the Wankel rotary engine, first seen in the Cosmo Sport 110S, carried through to the RX series.

Fc Generation:

The FC generation (1985-1992) replaced the SA22C (FB) RX-7. It featured a more modern design and improved chassis, and introduced the 'Turbo II' variant.

Production Years:

1985-1992

Assembly Location:

Hiroshima, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

The FC RX-7 (particularly Turbo II) was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' list during its production run, highlighting its performance and value.