Positioning:
The Mazda RX-7 FD is an iconic Japanese sports car renowned for its unique rotary engine, advanced handling, and distinctive styling, commanding a dedicated enthusiast following.
Competitors:
Competed against cars like the Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (JZA80), and Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4, offering a distinct rotary performance experience.
Unique Selling Points:
Twin-sequential turbocharged 13B-REW rotary engine, advanced chassis dynamics (especially the 'Spirit R' models), lightweight construction, sophisticated styling.
Powertrain:
Engine (13B-REW Rotary), transmission, clutch, differential, driveshafts, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system.
Chassis And Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, steering system, braking system (ABS, disc brakes), wheel alignment specifications.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, ignition system, starting system, charging system, fuses, relays, instrumentation, ECU diagnosis.
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, seats, glass, climate control system, body sealing.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement (specific rotary requirements), fluid level checks and top-offs.
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine rebuild procedures (apex seals, rotor housing inspection), transmission overhaul, brake caliper service, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Depth:
Highly detailed, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete vehicle restoration and complex engine rebuilds.
Engine Type:
Rotary (Wankel)
Displacement:
1.3 L (654cc x 2 rotors)
Horsepower:
Approx. 252-280 hp (depending on specific market and year revision, e.g., 252 hp for early US models, 280 hp for Japanese 1995 models).
Torque:
Approx. 217-231 lb-ft (depending on specific market and year revision).
Injection Type:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Twin Sequential Turbochargers.
Apex Seal Material:
The manual will detail inspection and replacement of apex seals, which are critical wear components in rotary engines.
Oil Injection:
Details on the separate two-stroke oil injection system for apex seal lubrication.
Length:
Approx. 4295 mm (169.1 in)
Width:
Approx. 1750 mm (68.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1230 mm (48.4 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2500 mm (98.4 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1280-1350 kg (2822-2976 lbs), varying by trim and options.
Ntsa Rating:
Not explicitly rated by NHTSA in its current form for these model years, but later generations received better ratings. Focus on structural integrity and safety systems of the era.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models.
Traction Control:
Traction control system (TCS) available on some later models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player with optional Bose premium sound system. Manual covers head unit removal and speaker wiring.
Features:
ABS, optional traction control. No modern driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control or lane keeping assist.
Features:
Limited to basic audio input/outputs. No Bluetooth or USB connectivity.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, with specific attention to rotary engine oil quality and level. The manual will provide precise intervals.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Critical for rotary engines; the manual will specify types and replacement intervals (often every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on plug type).
Engine Oil:
Specific rotary engine oil (e.g., Castrol RX Super, Idemitsu Rotary Grease/Oil) or high-quality synthetic API SN/SM, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30. Manual will specify precise viscosity and type.
Coolant:
Mazda Long Life Antifreeze (Blue) or equivalent. Manual will specify capacity and mixture ratio.
Transmission Fluid:
Manual: GL-4 or GL-5 SAE 75W-90 gear oil. Automatic: ATF Dexron III or equivalent. Manual will specify exact type and capacity.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4. Manual will specify.
Rotary Engine Wear:
Apex seal wear, compression loss, need for periodic 'Italian tune-up' or decarbonization. The manual provides inspection procedures.
Vacuum Lines:
Degradation of rubber vacuum lines leading to boost leaks and poor engine performance. Manual details replacement.
Cooling System:
Overheating issues due to design or clogged radiators/intercoolers. Manual details coolant flow and component checks.
Emissions System:
Issues with air pump, catalytic converter, and emissions control valves on early models. Manual covers diagnosis and repair.
Heritage:
Mazda has a long history of innovation, particularly with its development and popularization of the rotary engine.
Evolution:
The FD RX-7 (1992-2002) is the third generation, a complete redesign from the FC, featuring a twin-turbo rotary engine and a sophisticated chassis. This manual covers the early years of this generation.
Production Years For Gen:
1992-2002
Production Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
