🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX1

Year:

1972

Market:

Japan (initially)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Mazda RX1 was a compact sports coupe representing Mazda's early foray into mass-producing rotary-powered vehicles. It was positioned as an affordable, sporty option in a market segment often dominated by piston-engined cars, offering unique performance characteristics.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against similar-sized compact coupes and sedans from Japanese manufacturers, as well as some European small sports cars. Its primary differentiator was the innovative Wankel rotary engine, offering a smoother, more compact, and higher-revving alternative to conventional engines.

Key Features:

Wankel rotary engine, lightweight chassis, sporty coupe styling, rear-wheel drive, unique driving experience.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Full Service, Repair, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Electrical Schematics, Bodywork

Page Count:

Estimated 300-400 pages (typical for period service manuals, actual may vary)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Language:

Japanese (primary), potential for English translations or supplements

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine (Rotary), Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Clutch, Transmission (Manual), Driveline, Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Front Disc, Rear Drum), Electrical System, Body & Chassis, Interior Trim, HVAC (where applicable)

Procedures Included:

Routine Maintenance, Engine Tuning, Carburetor Adjustment, Ignition Timing, Overhaul Procedures (Engine, Transmission), Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Diagnosis & Repair, Body Panel Alignment & Repair, Component Specifications & Tolerances

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive: From basic fluid changes and tune-ups to complete engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and detailed electrical troubleshooting. Includes diagnostic procedures and specifications for professional use.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High Resolution Scans (typically)

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Rotary (Wankel)

Engine Code:

Mazda 10A (likely)

Rotor Displacement Per Rotor:

491 cc (per rotor)

Total Displacement:

982 cc (equivalent to approx. 1.0L)

Rotor Housing Design:

Single Rotor (one rotor housing per rotor)

Rotor Design:

Triangular Rotor with Apex Seals

Horsepower Net Hp:

Estimated 100-110 hp (at flywheel)

Torque Net Lb-Ft:

Estimated 100-115 lb-ft (at flywheel)

Redline Rpm:

Approximately 6500-7000 RPM

Fuel Delivery:

Downdraft Carburetor(s)

Carburetor Type:

Likely a twin-choke downdraft carburetor (e.g., Hitachi, Mikuni)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (or leaded depending on market regulations at the time)

Fuel Pump:

Mechanical Fuel Pump

Ignition Type:

Distributor-based ignition system

Ignition Coils:

Dual Ignition Coils (one per spark plug set, for two spark plugs per rotor housing)

Oil Sump Capacity Quarts:

Approximately 5-6 quarts (including oil filter)

Oil Type Specification:

API SF or SG classification, viscosity SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (refer to manual for precise specs)

Oil Pump:

Internal gear-type oil pump

Apex Seal Lubrication:

Oil injection system (often from a separate oil reservoir) for apex seals

Cooling Type:

Water-cooled

Radiator Cap Pressure:

Typically 13-15 PSI

Coolant Capacity Quarts:

Approximately 6-7 quarts

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Manual

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios vary, but typical for sporty compacts of the era (e.g., 3.40:1 1st, 2.00:1 2nd, 1.30:1 3rd, 1.00:1 4th)

Clutch Type:

Single Dry Plate Clutch, hydraulically operated

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 2.5 quarts

Transmission Fluid Type:

GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (refer to manual for precise specification)

📐 Dimensions

Length Inches:

Approx. 155-160 inches

Width Inches:

Approx. 60-62 inches

Height Inches:

Approx. 49-51 inches

Wheelbase Inches:

Approx. 86.6 inches

Curb Weight Lbs:

Approx. 1800-1950 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

N/A (Era-specific safety standards differ from modern ratings)

Active Features:

Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes, Direct Steering

Passive Features:

Lap Seat Belts (front), Reinforced Chassis Structure (for the era)

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Analog Radio (AM/FM), basic speaker system.

Driver Assistance Features:

None (standard for the era)

Connectivity Features:

None

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Miles:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (typical for era)

Spark Plug Replacement Miles:

Every 15,000-20,000 miles (specific to rotary plugs)

Air Filter Replacement Miles:

Every 12,000-15,000 miles or as needed

Coolant Flush Interval Miles:

Every 24,000-30,000 miles or 2 years

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 (or DOT 4) Brake Fluid

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or dedicated power steering fluid (if equipped)

Grease Type:

Lithium-based multipurpose grease

Known Issues:

Apex seal wear, oil seal wear, carbon seal deposits, carburetor tuning sensitivity, potential for water seal degradation in cooling system, distributor wear. Rotary engines require diligent maintenance.

Specific Maintenance Notes:

Regular oil level checks are critical due to the oil injection system. Proper warming up and cooling down procedures are essential for rotary engine longevity.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mazda's commitment to innovation, particularly in rotary engine technology, began in the 1960s. The RX series represents this dedication, aiming to offer unique performance and refinement.

Model Evolution:

The RX1 was one of Mazda's earliest rotary-powered production cars, preceding the more well-known RX-2 (Capella Rotary) and RX-3 (Savanna Rotary). It served as a crucial learning platform for Mazda's rotary development.

Production Years:

1971-1973 (approximate)

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

Production Volume:

Relatively low compared to contemporary piston-engined models.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While the RX1 itself may not have specific awards, Mazda's rotary engine technology received significant industry attention and acclaim for its innovation and performance characteristics during this period.