Generation:
First Generation
Production Years Covered By Manual:
1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978
Vehicle Segment:
Compact Sports Car / Personal Luxury Coupe
Key Competitors Era:
Datsun Z cars (240Z), Toyota Celica, Ford Capri (in some markets)
Powertrain Distinction:
Rotary engine (Wankel) offered a unique and smooth power delivery compared to piston engines of the era.
Design Philosophy:
Sporty styling with a focus on driver engagement, a hallmark of Mazda's early performance aspirations.
Owner Benefit:
Enables owners to be better informed and perform knowledgeable repairs like a professional technician, saving on shop labor and overhead.
Service Quality:
Aims to help build and maintain a reputation of quality service by providing reliable information and procedures.
Engine:
Rotary engine (12A, REPU) repair and overhaul
Fuel System:
Detailed procedures for fuel system components
Ignition System:
Ignition system diagnostics and repair
Lubrication System:
Lubrication system maintenance and repair
Exhaust System:
Exhaust system components and repair
Electrical System:
Complete electrical system diagnostics and repair, including wiring diagrams (assumed based on typical workshop manuals)
Bodywork:
Body repair and overhaul procedures
Transmission:
Transmission disassembly, repair, and assembly
Cooling System:
Cooling system maintenance and repair (typical for the era)
Braking System:
Braking system diagnostics and repair (typical for the era)
Suspension Steering:
Suspension and steering system service (typical for the era)
Routine Maintenance:
Yes, includes procedures for routine maintenance and servicing
Troubleshooting:
Yes, offers diagnostic and repair procedures for when trouble occurs
Tune Ups:
Yes, specific tune-up procedures are covered
Removal Installation:
Yes, detailed removal and installation procedures for various components
Assembly Disassembly:
Yes, covers assembly and disassembly of major systems
Overhaul:
Yes, emphasis on repair and overhaul of Mazda RX-2 cars
Special Tool Usage:
Yes, refers to and illustrates Mazda RX-2 special tool numbers and usage
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to extensive engine and transmission disassembly and repair.
Target Audience:
Primarily for mechanical technicians already familiar with BRP products and general automobile practices, but also beneficial for informed owners.
Engine Type:
Rotary (Wankel)
Engine Code Common:
12A (for earlier models), REPU (Rotary Engine Passenger Unit, likely for later or specific variants)
Rotor Displacement Per Rotor:
573 cc
Total Displacement:
1146 cc (often referred to as 1.2L for comparison)
Horsepower Approximate:
120-130 hp (varied by year and market)
Torque Approximate:
117-125 lb-ft (varied by year and market)
Carburetion:
Typically twin-choke downdraft carburetors (e.g., Hitachi or Mikuni variants)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (as availability increased)
Apex Seal Life Consideration:
A key maintenance consideration for rotary engines, requiring proper warm-up and shutdown procedures.
Transmission Type Standard:
4-speed manual
Transmission Type Optional:
3-speed automatic (less common, especially in performance-oriented models)
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios available within the manual (not listed here, but covered in the manual)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Likely GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (specific grade to be confirmed in manual)
Crash Safety Era Context:
Safety standards of the 1970s were less stringent than modern standards; specific crash ratings are not readily available for this model from official bodies like NHTSA in its current format.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (standard)
Seat Belts:
Lap and shoulder belts (standard in most markets)
Audio System:
AM/FM radio, potentially with an 8-track player or cassette player in later models (optional).
Instrumentation:
Comprehensive analog gauges including tachometer, speedometer, oil pressure, water temperature, and fuel level.
Not Applicable:
No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months (standard for the era, consult manual for specifics)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual for specific intervals and correct plug types (dual plugs per rotor common).
Engine Oil Type:
API SF or SG classification, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (verify in manual)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water
Rotary Specific Wear:
Apex seal wear, rotor housing wear, potential for oil seal degradation are common concerns for high-mileage rotary engines.
Carburetor Tuning:
Carburetors can require frequent adjustment and cleaning due to their complexity and age.
Electrical Gremlins:
Age-related electrical issues, such as corroded grounds, failing relays, and degraded wiring insulation, are common.
Mazda Rotary Pioneering:
Mazda's commitment to the Wankel rotary engine began with the Cosmo Sport and continued with the RX series, establishing a unique brand identity.
Rx Series Lineage:
The RX-2 (or Capella Rotary) followed the RX-2, preceding the highly successful RX-7.
Global Availability:
Primarily sold in Japan, North America, Australia, and other select international markets.
