Positioning:
The 1993 Mazda RX-7 (FD) was a halo car, positioned as a high-performance, rotary-powered sports coupe. It competed with other iconic sports cars of the era such as the Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk IV), and Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4.
Key Differentiator:
Its unique twin-rotor 13B-REW engine with sequential twin-turbocharging offered exceptional power delivery and a distinctive character unmatched by its piston-engined rivals.
Design Philosophy:
Sleek, aerodynamic 'Spirit R' design, lightweight construction, and advanced rotary engine technology.
Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers seeking cutting-edge performance, exotic engineering, and a unique driving experience.
Engine Systems:
Rotary engine (13B-REW), lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system, ignition system, emission control systems, forced induction (twin-turbochargers).
Powertrain Systems:
Manual transmission (RX-7 Type R, Type R Bathurst), Automatic transmission (optional, less common), clutch system, driveshaft, differential, axles.
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front and rear independent suspension, double wishbone), steering system (power steering), braking system (front and rear disc brakes, ABS), wheels and tires.
Electrical Systems:
Engine control unit (ECU), sensor inputs, wiring diagrams, lighting, instrumentation, audio system, power accessories, battery, charging system.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, seats, HVAC system, safety belts, airbags (driver side, potentially passenger side depending on market). Emission control hardware (air pump, catalytic converter).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug inspection/replacement), fluid checks and changes, belt tension adjustments, ignition timing checks, basic system checks.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Fault code diagnosis (OBD-I or early OBD-II depending on market), common symptom analysis, troubleshooting flowcharts for various systems, component testing procedures.
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine disassembly and reassembly (apex seal replacement, rotor housing inspection), transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuild, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair/replacement.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, component dimensions, electrical resistance values, diagnostic parameters, emissions data.
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic fluid checks and adjustments to complete engine rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics.
Binding Type:
Likely comb-bound or saddle-stitched for ease of use during repair.
Paper Type:
Durable, high-quality paper suitable for workshop environments, often with glossy pages for diagrams.
Print Quality:
High-resolution diagrams, clear text, and professional layout.
Engine Type:
Rotary (Wankel)
Displacement:
1308 cc (1.3 L)
Configuration:
Two-rotor, sequential twin-turbocharged
Horsepower:
255 PS (252 hp; 188 kW) at 6500 rpm
Torque:
345 N⋅m (254 lb⋅ft) at 5000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential twin-turbochargers
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (RON 98 recommended)
Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (specific Mazda specification may be detailed in manual).
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol-based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (less common for performance variants)
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated, multi-plate wet clutch (for rotary engines, though typically a dry clutch is used in manual transmissions).
Differential:
Helical Limited Slip Differential (LSD) on performance models.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil (specific Mazda recommendation should be followed).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF-Type T-IV or equivalent (if equipped with automatic).
Crash Test Data:
While specific official ratings for this era are scarce by modern standards, the FD RX-7 featured a robust chassis and safety cage structure. Refer to manual for specific safety component details.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models.
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard. Passenger airbag availability varied by market and trim.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts.
Oil Change:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 km (3,000-4,500 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for specific interval.
Spark Plugs:
Apex seals and spark plug inspection/replacement are critical. Intervals vary greatly, but checking at 30,000-50,000 km (20,000-30,000 miles) is common.
Timing Belt Equivalent:
Rotary engines do not have a timing belt or chain; they have a unique internal timing mechanism involving eccentric shafts and rotor phasing. Maintenance focuses on apex seal wear and lubrication.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for exact specification).
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II/III or Mazda specification fluid (check manual).
Engine Apex Seals:
Apex seal wear is a primary concern for rotary engines, especially if not maintained with proper lubrication and warm-up/cool-down procedures. Manual details inspection and replacement.
Sequential Turbo System:
Issues with the complex sequential turbo system (control solenoids, actuators, vacuum lines) can affect performance. The manual provides diagnostic flowcharts.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume some oil for lubrication of seals. The manual details normal consumption levels and potential issues indicating problems.
Vacuum Leaks:
Vacuum hoses can degrade over time, leading to air leaks and rough idling. Manual has detailed routing and troubleshooting.
Rotary Development:
Mazda's long history and pioneering success with the rotary engine, dating back to the Cosmo Sport.
Generations:
The FD RX-7 is the third generation, succeeding the FC RX-7. It represented a significant leap in design, engineering, and performance over its predecessor.
Production Years:
1992-2002 (FD generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Mazda's Hofu Plant, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.
