Positioning:
Performance-oriented sports coupe, renowned for its rotary engine and distinctive styling.
Competitors:
Toyota Supra (MkIII), Nissan 300ZX (Z31), Porsche 944.
Engine Type:
Rotary (Wankel) Engine.
Handling:
Balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive, advanced suspension technologies (e.g., DTSS).
Design:
Sleek, aerodynamic coupe body with pop-up headlights.
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.
Powertrain:
Rotary Engine (13B), Lubrication, Cooling, Fuel, Ignition, Exhaust Systems
Drivetrain:
Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Clutch, Driveshafts, Differential, Axles
Suspension:
Front Suspension (Independent), Rear Suspension (Independent, DTSS - Dynamic Suspension System), Steering System
Brakes:
Front Brakes (Disc), Rear Brakes (Disc), Parking Brake, ABS (where applicable)
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Gauges, Instrumentation, Wiper/Washer System, Power Accessories, Audio System, Engine Control Unit (ECU), Sensors, Wiring Diagrams
Body:
Exterior Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Interior Trim, Seats, HVAC System, Body Sealing
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Fault Code Diagnosis (OBD-I), Symptom-Based Troubleshooting
Repair:
Engine Rebuild, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Service, Electrical Component Repair, Body Panel Repair
Installation:
Component Installation and Removal, Accessory Installation
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical troubleshooting and wiring diagrams)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
Displacement Cc:
1308 cc (80 cu in) - typically referred to as 1.3L
Apex Seal Material:
Initially cast iron, later updated to carbon-composite or ceramic depending on model year and manufacturer updates.
Horsepower Hp:
Approx. 160-170 hp (depending on market and exact trim)
Torque Lb Ft:
Approx. 150-155 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel Injection (Electronic Fuel Injection - EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating as specified by manufacturer)
Cooling System:
Water-cooled rotary engine, typically with a large radiator and fan.
Lubrication System:
Wet-sump, with oil metering injection for apex seals.
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic, single-plate dry clutch.
Transmission Fluid Spec:
Refer to manual for specific SAE viscosity grade (e.g., GL-4 or GL-5 for manual, Dexron-II for automatic).
Safety Ratings:
N/A (No comprehensive crash testing data readily available from that era as standardized as today).
ABS:
Available on higher trims (Anti-lock Braking System).
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts.
Airbags:
Driver airbag not standard on all models, may be optional or absent.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional premium sound system.
Cruise Control:
Available on most models.
OBD System:
OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics - First Generation), requiring specific diagnostic tools or procedures for fault code retrieval.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (refer to manual for exact recommendation based on driving conditions).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual; rotary engines have specific plug types and replacement schedules.
Engine Oil Spec:
Refer to manual for recommended SAE viscosity grade and API service category (e.g., 10W-30, 10W-40, check for specific rotary oil recommendations).
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant (e.g., Mazda specific or equivalent meeting JIS K 2234 standards).
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Apex Seal Wear:
Common concern for rotary engines, requiring proper lubrication and maintenance. Signs include loss of compression, rough idle, and increased oil consumption.
Oil Metering System:
The oil metering injection system needs to be functional to ensure proper lubrication of apex seals.
Vacuum Lines:
Degradation of rubber vacuum hoses can lead to vacuum leaks and driveability issues.
Rotary Specific Maintenance:
Requires specific knowledge regarding engine internals, lubrication, and occasional 'de-carbonizing' procedures.
Mazda Heritage:
Mazda has a long history of innovation, including its pioneering work with rotary engines, notably the Cosmo and RX series.
Rx-7 Evolution:
The FC generation (1985-1992) succeeded the SA/FB RX-7 and introduced significant design and engineering updates, including the optional DTSS rear suspension and a more powerful 13B rotary engine.
Production Period:
1985-1992 (FC Generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
