Positioning:
Iconic Japanese sports car of its era, celebrated for its unique rotary engine and balanced handling. Aimed at enthusiasts and performance-oriented drivers.
Competitors:
Nissan 300ZX (Z31), Toyota MR2 (AW11), Porsche 944, Chevrolet Camaro/Pontiac Firebird (3rd Gen)
Rotary Engine:
Unique Wankel rotary engine providing high power output and a smooth, high-revving character.
Handling:
Balanced chassis, near 50/50 weight distribution, independent suspension contributing to renowned handling and driver engagement.
Usefulness:
Indispensable resource for maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing the Mazda RX-7 (FC generation), catering to both DIY mechanics and professional workshops.
Primary Coverage:
Complete Repair and Service
Specific Sections:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Fuel System, Cooling System, Electrical System, Body, Interior, HVAC
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Type:
Comprehensive Workshop Manual / Service Manual
Powertrain:
Rotary engine (13B), ignition, lubrication, cooling, exhaust, fuel injection, manual and automatic transmissions, clutch, driveshaft, differential, axles
Chassis:
Front and rear suspension (independent struts, multi-link), steering system (rack and pinion, power assist), braking system (disc brakes front/rear, ABS availability), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, engine control unit (ECU), fuel injection system, anti-lock braking system (ABS), power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), audio system
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, seats, trim, dashboard, HVAC system (heater, air conditioning)
Maintenance:
Routine service checks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, belt inspections and replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for fuel injection and ABS systems, electrical circuit testing, mechanical component diagnosis
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine teardown and assembly, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul, electrical component repair, bodywork repair procedures
Special Tools:
Identification of specialized tools required for specific procedures (e.g., rotary engine apex seal compressor, flywheel locking tool)
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all systems
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all fasteners during assembly and disassembly
Troubleshooting Charts:
Flowchart-based troubleshooting guides for common problems
Depth:
Extremely high, covering full rebuilds, complex diagnostics, and detailed component specifications for professional technicians and dedicated enthusiasts
PDF Quality:
High resolution, text-searchable, printable
Searchability:
Full text searchability for quick access to information
Print Readability:
Designed for clear printing of diagrams, charts, and text
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
Rotor Housing Material:
Aluminum Alloy with Nikasil or similar coating
Displacement:
1.3 L (654 cc x 2 rotors)
Horsepower Naturally Aspirated:
145-160 hp (approx., depending on year and market)
Torque Naturally Aspirated:
138-150 lb-ft (approx.)
Turbocharged Variants:
Yes, Turbo II models featured turbocharged 13B
Horsepower Turbocharged:
200-210 hp (approx.)
Torque Turbocharged:
190-200 lb-ft (approx.)
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Bosch L-Jetronic or similar
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91+ octane recommended, especially for Turbo models)
Rotor Seals:
Apex seals, corner seals, side seals are critical wear items
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or dual distributor system with trailing and leading spark plugs per rotor
Lubrication:
Rotary-specific oil injection system (or premix option) for lubrication of apex and side seals, combined with conventional oil sump
Rotor Type:
Triangular rotor with trochoidal housing
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed automatic
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic, single dry plate
Manual Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios vary by model year and trim, detailed in manual
Limited Slip Differential Availability:
Yes, standard on Turbo II, optional on some naturally aspirated models
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (check manual for exact specification)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent (check manual for exact specification)
Length:
Approx. 4410 mm (173.6 in)
Width:
Approx. 1690 mm (66.5 in)
Height:
Approx. 1295 mm (51.0 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2430 mm (95.7 in)
Front Overhang:
Approx. 935 mm (36.8 in)
Rear Overhang:
Approx. 1045 mm (41.1 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1250-1350 kg (2755-2976 lbs), depending on trim and options
NHTSA Ratings:
N/A (Vintage vehicle, crash testing protocols were different)
ABS:
Available on select models and trim levels (Anti-lock Braking System)
Limited Slip Differential:
Available on performance-oriented trims (e.g., Turbo II)
Seatbelts:
3-point retractable seatbelts
Body Structure:
Reinforced body structure, crumple zones
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM cassette player with optional CD player, typically 4-6 speakers
Dashboard:
Analog gauges, tachometer with redline typically above 7000 RPM, driver-focused layout
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System optional on certain models
Connectivity Features:
None by modern standards; basic AM/FM radio and cassette player
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (more frequent recommended for rotary engines)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on type and conditions)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (Rotary engines do not have timing belts, they use chains or direct drive camshafts).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for exact specification and viscosity recommendations based on temperature)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.3 US quarts (5.0 L) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, Mazda long-life coolant or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent
Apex Seal Wear:
Premature wear of apex seals, leading to compression loss, poor starting, and misfires. Requires engine rebuild.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines naturally consume oil for lubrication; excessive consumption can indicate seal issues.
Cooling System:
Overheating due to radiator blockage, fan failure, or water pump issues. Rotary engines are sensitive to heat.
Fuel Injector Clogging:
Can lead to rough running, especially in naturally aspirated models.
Vacuum Leaks:
Degradation of vacuum hoses can cause idle issues and poor performance.
Turbocharger Reliability:
Turbochargers (especially in Turbo II models) can be susceptible to failure if not properly maintained or if subjected to excessive heat.
Mazda Rotary:
Mazda's long and pioneering history with the Wankel rotary engine, starting with the Cosmo and NSU partnership.
Generation Name:
Second generation RX-7 (FC)
Design Influence:
Influenced by contemporary Porsche designs, particularly the 924/944.
Key Updates:
Introduction of Turbo II model in 1987, aerodynamic enhancements and suspension tuning updates throughout the production run.
Production Start:
1985 (for 1986 model year)
Production End:
1992 (for 1991 model year)
Manufacturing Location:
Mazda's Hofu Plant, Japan
