🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-2

Model Code:

S102A (Coupe/Sedan)

Generation Designation:

First Generation

Chassis Codes:

S102A

Engine Codes:

10A

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact sports sedan/coupe, targeting a more performance-oriented buyer than typical mainstream sedans of the era.

Unique Selling Proposition:

Wankel rotary engine offering smooth power delivery and a distinctive engine note, coupled with Mazda's characteristic sporty handling.

Key Competitors:

Toyota Corolla Levin/Sprinter Trueno, Datsun Sunny/1200, Honda Civic (later in the period), European compact sports cars.

Rotary Engine Advantage:

Compact size, fewer moving parts than piston engines, high power-to-weight ratio, smooth operation.

Styling:

Sleek, sporty coupe and sedan designs, often praised for their European-influenced aesthetics.

Manual Value Proposition:

Empowers owners to maintain and repair their classic rotary Mazda, preserving its unique character and value.

📋 Manual Details

Years Covered:

1970-1978

Body Styles Covered:

Coupe, Sedan

Regions Covered:

Global (primarily for markets where RX-2 was sold)

Estimated Page Count:

Likely extensive, typical service manuals for this era exceed 500 pages.

Manual Type:

Comprehensive Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English (assuming based on product description context)

Format:

Downloadable Digital Format (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Rotary engine (10A) operation, disassembly, assembly, troubleshooting, component specifications, cooling system, lubrication system.

Fuel System:

Carburetor(s) (e.g., Hitachi), fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank, emission control systems.

Ignition System:

Distributor, ignition coils, spark plugs, timing specifications, electronic ignition components (if applicable to later models).

Transmission Manual:

Manual gearbox (e.g., 4-speed or 5-speed), clutch operation, disassembly, assembly, fluid specifications.

Transmission Automatic:

Optional automatic transmission (if available), operation, service procedures, fluid specifications.

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive system, driveshaft, differential, axle shafts, wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Front suspension (e.g., independent strut), rear suspension (e.g., leaf springs or live axle), shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Steering column, steering gear (e.g., recirculating ball), tie rods, power steering system (if equipped), lubrication.

Brakes Front:

Disc brakes (common for this era), brake calipers, pads, rotors, brake lines, master cylinder.

Brakes Rear:

Drum brakes, brake shoes, drums, wheel cylinders, brake lines, master cylinder.

Electrical System Charging:

Alternator, voltage regulator, battery, wiring diagrams for charging circuit.

Electrical System Starting:

Starter motor, starter solenoid, ignition switch, wiring diagrams for starting circuit.

Lighting System:

Headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, interior lights, wiring diagrams.

Instrumentation:

Dashboard instruments, gauges, warning lights, speedometer, tachometer, wiring.

Body Exterior:

Body panel removal/installation, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, glass, seals, trim.

Body Interior:

Seat removal/installation, dashboard removal, interior trim panels, carpeting, headliner.

HVAC:

Heating system, ventilation, defroster, air conditioning (if equipped), blower motor, controls.

Emission Controls:

PCV system, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), air injection system (if applicable), troubleshooting emission-related issues.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, fluid level checks and top-offs, lubrication points.

Major Engine Repairs:

Engine overhaul, apex seal replacement, rotor housing machining, porting inspection.

Transmission Overhaul:

Disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of manual and automatic transmissions.

Brake System Service:

Brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum resurfacing or replacement, brake line bleeding, master cylinder overhaul.

Suspension Component Replacement:

Shock absorber, strut, ball joint, tie rod end, control arm bushing replacement.

Steering System Repair:

Steering gear adjustment and repair, power steering pump and hose replacement.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Diagnosis and repair of common electrical faults using wiring diagrams.

Body Panel Alignment:

Adjustment of doors, hood, and trunk for proper fit and sealing.

Interior Trim Restoration:

Removal and reinstallation of interior components for cleaning or repair.

Carburetor Adjustment And Rebuild:

Detailed procedures for cleaning, rebuilding, and adjusting the Hitachi carburetors used on the 10A engine.

Rotary Engine Specific Procedures:

Apex seal lubrication, side seal checks, rotor housing lapping (if applicable), intake/exhaust port timing checks.

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for various systems, including common symptoms and their causes.

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque values for critical fasteners throughout the vehicle.

Clearances And Tolerances:

Precise measurements for engine components, bearings, and other critical areas.

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete and detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, color-coded for clarity.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage instructions for any specialized tools required for specific repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

PDF Quality:

High-resolution scans suitable for digital viewing and printing.

Searchable Text:

Likely includes OCR (Optical Character Recognition) for text searchability.

Print Suitability:

Printable pages for offline use in a workshop environment.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Wankel Rotary Engine

Engine Code:

10A

Displacement Cc:

491 cc per rotor (total 982 cc equivalent displacement)

Displacement Ci:

60.0 cu in per rotor (total 120.0 cu in equivalent displacement)

Rotor Configuration:

Two-rotor

Horsepower Hp Ps:

Approximately 110-120 hp (SAE Gross) depending on year and market.

Torque Lb-Ft:

Approximately 120-130 lb-ft (SAE Gross) depending on year and market.

Carburetion:

Twin Hitachi downdraft carburetors (e.g., HMB-32/32)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (early models may have been designed for leaded).

Oil Type Recommendation:

Special rotary engine oil (e.g., API SF or SG rated, with specific additive packages to combat apex seal wear).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

4-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

3-speed Automatic Transmission (Mazda's own design or potentially sourced)

Clutch Type:

Dry single-plate clutch

Transmission Fluid Type:

API GL-4 gear oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90)

📐 Dimensions

Length Mm:

Approx. 4050-4100 mm (Coupe/Sedan)

Width Mm:

Approx. 1600-1620 mm

Height Mm:

Approx. 1350-1380 mm (Coupe), 1390-1410 mm (Sedan)

Wheelbase Mm:

Approx. 2300-2320 mm

Front Track Mm:

Approx. 1300 mm

Rear Track Mm:

Approx. 1290 mm

Curb Weight Kg:

Approx. 950-1050 kg

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg:

Approx. 1300-1400 kg

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

No official crash test ratings available from modern agencies for this era and model.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Dual-circuit hydraulic system.

Steering Design:

Recirculating ball steering system, often with manual assist.

Seat Belts:

Standard lap belts, optional shoulder belts depending on year and market.

Body Construction:

Unitized body construction with reinforced pillars and doors for the era.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio, often with an optional 8-track player or cassette deck.

Speaker Configuration:

Typically two or four speakers.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was not a standard feature on most RX-2 models of this era.

Power Steering:

Optional on many models, not standard across the board.

Connectivity Features:

No modern connectivity features (Bluetooth, USB, etc.) are present.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (Rotary engines require more frequent oil changes and often consume oil by design).

Oil Filter Replacement:

With every oil change.

Spark Plug Check And Replacement:

Check every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (rotary-specific plugs may be required).

Air Filter Cleaning Or Replacement:

Check every 15,000 miles, replace as needed.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 20,000-30,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Rear Axle Fluid Change:

Every 20,000-30,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2-3 years to prevent moisture absorption and corrosion.

Engine Oil Capacity Liters:

Approx. 4.5-5.0 liters (including oil injection system, if applicable).

Transmission Fluid Capacity Liters:

Approx. 2.0-2.5 liters (manual), 4.0-4.5 liters (automatic).

Rear Axle Fluid Capacity Liters:

Approx. 1.0-1.3 liters.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with water (50/50 ratio).

Apex Seal Wear:

Premature wear or failure of apex seals can lead to loss of compression, rough running, and smoking. Proper maintenance and engine warm-up are crucial.

Carburetor Issues:

Carburetors can be prone to clogging and require regular cleaning and adjustment, especially with fuel quality variations over time.

Rotary Oil Consumption:

Rotary engines inherently consume some oil for lubrication of apex seals; excessive consumption can indicate seal wear.

Thermal Issues:

Rotary engines can be sensitive to overheating. Ensuring the cooling system is in perfect condition is vital.

Electrical Gremlins:

As with many cars of this era, age-related degradation of wiring and components can lead to intermittent electrical issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Rotary Pioneering:

Mazda's commitment to the Wankel rotary engine, starting with the Cosmo Sport and continuing with models like the RX-2, RX-3, RX-4, and RX-7.

Introduction Year:

1970

Facelifts And Updates:

Minor cosmetic and feature updates throughout its production run, with some grille and trim changes.

Production Years:

1970-1978

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

Sales Performance Context:

While not a global blockbuster, the RX-2 was a significant model in establishing Mazda's performance credentials and showcasing the rotary engine's potential in the compact car segment.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Rotary Engine Recognition:

The Wankel rotary engine itself has received numerous accolades over its development and production for its innovative design and performance characteristics.

Consumer Reports Era:

Reviews from the period often highlighted the RX-2's spirited performance and unique engine, while also noting the learning curve for maintenance and potential for higher running costs compared to piston-engined rivals.

Emission Certifications:

Met the emission standards of the respective markets for the years of production, often utilizing early forms of emission control technology.