Mazda RX-7 1979 Service Highlight Manual

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🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: RX-7 Model Code: SA22C Year: 1979 Codes Chassis Code: SA22C 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Sports Car / Personal Luxury Coupe Target...

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Type: Car

Vendor:

Sku: 415834

Tags: 1979 Car Cars Mazda Misc RX-7

Product variants

Description

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Model Code:

SA22C

Year:

Codes

Chassis Code:

SA22C

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Segment:

Compact Sports Car / Personal Luxury Coupe

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts and owners interested in the technical specifics and engineering of the first-generation RX-7

Competitive Analysis

Competitors:

Datsun Z-cars (280Z), Toyota Celica Supra, Porsche 924

Key Features

Powertrain:

Unique rotary Wankel engine offering a compact and smooth power delivery

Handling:

Lightweight construction, balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive, contributing to agile handling

Design:

Sleek, aerodynamic styling with a distinctive clamshell hood

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Coverage:

Service Highlight Manual

Page Count

Page Count:

Not specified in product description (typical for digital highlight manuals)

Manual Type

Type:

Service Highlight Manual

Language

Language:

English (assumed based on product description)

Format

Format:

Downloadable Digital File (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

Engine:

Rotary engine (12A) technical details, lubrication, cooling, ignition, fuel delivery

Drivetrain:

Manual transmission service highlights, clutch operation, driveshaft, rear axle

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system operation, disc and drum brake details

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, steering system operation

Electrical:

Basic electrical system overview, battery, charging system, lighting, starter

Body:

Body structural highlights, exterior trim, door mechanisms

Procedures Included

Maintenance:

Key maintenance points and checks for rotary engine and general vehicle operation

Troubleshooting:

Highlights for diagnosing common rotary engine and vehicle issues

Technical Details:

Specific technical data and specifications for 1979 RX-7 components

Technical Depth

Depth:

Technical Highlights - focuses on key aspects and specifications rather than exhaustive repair procedures

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

File Type:

Digital Download (likely PDF)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF for efficient information retrieval

Print Quality

Printability:

Printable for workshop use (assuming standard PDF)

Binding Type

Binding:

N/A (Digital)

Paper Type

Paper:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

Engine Type:

Rotary Wankel

Engine Code:

Configuration:

Two-rotor, naturally aspirated

Displacement:

1146 cc (2 x 573 cc rotor chambers)

Bore X Stroke:

Not directly applicable to Wankel (Equivalent to 98mm x 75mm per rotor)

Performance

Horsepower:

100-110 hp (SAE Gross) depending on emissions equipment and market

Torque:

110-120 lb-ft (SAE Gross) depending on emissions equipment and market

Redline:

Approx. 7000 RPM

Fuel System

Fuel Delivery:

Carburetor (Hitachi DCAS 2x1B or similar twin-barrel downdraft carburetor)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 Octane minimum)

Ignition System:

Distributor-based, electronic ignition (often with trailing and leading plugs)

Cooling System

Cooling Type:

Water-cooled

Lubrication System

Oil Type:

Rotary-specific engine oil (e.g., Mazda ROTARY OIL or equivalent high-quality API SG/SH rated oil)

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 5.8 US quarts (5.5 liters) with filter change

Emissions

Emissions Control:

Air pump, catalytic converter (in later models/markets), exhaust gas recirculation (EGR)

🔧 Transmission

Standard

Type:

4-speed manual transmission

Optional

Type:

3-speed automatic transmission (less common)

Features

Clutch:

Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated

Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil

Rear Axle Ratio:

Typically 4.10:1 or 4.375:1 depending on transmission and options

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Length:

161.4 inches (4100 mm)

Width:

65.0 inches (1651 mm)

Height:

49.4 inches (1255 mm)

Wheelbase:

95.3 inches (2420 mm)

Front Track:

54.1 inches (1375 mm)

Rear Track:

53.5 inches (1360 mm)

Weights

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2300-2500 lbs (1043-1134 kg) depending on equipment

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not specified in product description

Weight Distribution:

Near 50/50 front/rear for manual transmission models due to engine placement

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

NHTSA Rating:

Not available for this era of vehicles

Active Features

Braking System:

Front: 10.2-inch disc brakes; Rear: 9.0-inch drum brakes (some later models/markets had rear discs)

Parking Brake:

Mechanical, operates on rear wheels

Steering System:

Recirculating ball, manual steering (power steering optional on some trims/markets)

Passive Features

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia reel front seatbelts

Interior Safety:

Energy-absorbing steering column, padded dashboard, side-impact beams (basic)

Lighting:

Halogen headlamps, standard interior and exterior lighting

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Audio System:

AM/FM Radio with cassette player (optional or standard depending on trim)

Gauges:

Comprehensive gauge cluster including tachometer, speedometer, oil pressure, oil temperature, and voltmeter.

Driver Assistance

Cruise Control:

Optional cruise control system

Wiper System:

Variable intermittent front wipers

Connectivity

Connectivity Features:

N/A for this era

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 20,000-30,000 miles (32,000-48,000 km) for leading and trailing plugs

Timing Belt Replacement:

N/A (Rotary engines do not have timing belts)

Coolant Flush:

Every 24,000 miles (38,000 km) or 24 months

Fluid Specifications

Engine Oil Specification:

Rotary-specific oil, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (check manual for exact spec)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid

Transmission Fluid Type:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil

Known Issues

Apex Seals:

Wear or failure of apex seals is a primary concern for rotary engines, leading to compression loss and performance degradation. Proper maintenance and avoiding over-revving are crucial.

Carburetor Tuning:

Carburetors can be sensitive to altitude and require periodic adjustment and cleaning. Issues with vacuum leaks are common.

Cooling System:

Rotary engines generate significant heat; maintaining the cooling system's integrity (radiator, hoses, thermostat) is critical to prevent overheating.

Chassis Rust:

As with many vehicles of this era, rust can be a significant issue, particularly in areas exposed to salt and moisture.

Electrical Gremlins:

Aging wiring and connectors can lead to intermittent electrical problems.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Mazda Rotary:

Mazda's pioneering commitment to the Wankel rotary engine, starting with the Cosmo.

Model Evolution

First Generation:

The RX-7 (SA22C) marked Mazda's entry into the affordable sports car market with a unique powertrain.

Design Influence:

Inspired by European sports coupes, particularly the Porsche 924, but with a distinct Japanese flair.

Production

Production Years:

1978-1985 (for the SA22C platform, with the 1979 model being the initial North American release)

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Car And Driver 10Best:

Mazda RX-7 (various iterations) was a consistent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best list in subsequent years, solidifying its sports car credentials.

Road And Track:

Praised by automotive journalists for its handling and unique rotary engine.