🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-3

Model Year:

1975

Chassis Code:

S102

Engine Code:

12A (Rotary)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 1975 Mazda RX-3 was a popular compact sports coupe and sedan that offered a unique rotary engine experience, positioning it as an accessible performance alternative in its segment. Known for its nimble handling and distinctive engine sound.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed with vehicles like the Datsun 240Z/260Z, Toyota Corolla SR5, and smaller European sports cars, offering a different approach to performance with its Wankel rotary engine.

Key Features:

Distinctive rotary engine, sporty styling, rear-wheel drive, agile handling, efficient for its class.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Complete Service & Repair

Page Count:

Estimated 1000+

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Digital Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine (Rotary), Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Drivetrain (Transmission, Driveshaft, Rear Axle), Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Front Disc, Rear Drum), Electrical System (Wiring Schematics, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Accessories), Body & Chassis, Climate Control (if equipped), Interior Components

Procedures Included:

Routine Maintenance, Scheduled Servicing, Component Removal & Installation, Troubleshooting & Diagnosis, Engine Rebuild/Overhaul, Transmission Repair, Brake System Servicing, Suspension Alignment & Repair, Electrical System Diagnosis & Repair, Body Panel Repair, Tune-up Procedures, Emission Controls, Torque Specifications, Component Testing

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers all aspects from basic fluid changes to full engine rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, printable pages with zoom-in capabilities for detailed diagrams.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

Mazda 12A Rotary Engine

Displacement:

1146 cc (equivalent to ~2.3 L piston engine displacement)

Horsepower Gross:

Approx. 110-120 hp (varies by market and specific tune)

Torque Gross:

Approx. 110-125 lb-ft (varies by market and specific tune)

Fuel System:

Two Barrel Downdraft Carburetor (e.g., Hitachi SH20 or similar)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane or higher recommended)

Cooling System Type:

Water Cooled (Pressurized)

Oil Capacity With Filter:

Approx. 5 US Quarts (4.7 Liters) - Consult manual for precise capacity.

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

10W-30 or 10W-40 (API SE service classification recommended)

Apex Seal Material:

Typically carbon or ceramic composite

Oil Metering:

Separate oil injection system (often integrated with carburetor or intake manifold) to lubricate apex and side seals.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-Speed Manual

Optional Transmission:

3-Speed Automatic (Model's own design)

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90)

Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:

Dexron II or equivalent ATF

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 95.3 inches (2420 mm)

Length:

Approx. 162.8 inches (4135 mm)

Width:

Approx. 64.0 inches (1625 mm)

Height:

Approx. 51.2 inches (1300 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2200-2400 lbs (1000-1090 kg) depending on body style and equipment.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

No formal crash test ratings available from modern agencies (e.g., NHTSA, IIHS) for this era.

Active Features:

Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes, Hydraulic Power Assisted Brakes (optional on some models)

Passive Features:

Lap and Shoulder Seatbelts (front), Basic Body Structure designed for the era.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM Radio (likely with manual tuning), optional 8-track player.

Driver Assistance:

None by modern standards. Focus on mechanical systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles (5,000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first. (Consult manual for exact factory recommendation).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 12,000-15,000 miles (20,000-24,000 km) - Rotary specific spark plugs. Consult manual.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or as needed based on operating conditions.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio recommended)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 6 US Quarts (5.7 Liters) - Consult manual for precise capacity.

Known Issues:

Apex seal wear leading to compression loss (common to all early rotaries if not maintained properly), carburetor tuning sensitivity, oil consumption (inherent to rotary design, managed by metering system), potential for oil seal failure if engine overheated or run extremely hard without proper warm-up/cool-down.

Rotary Specific Maintenance:

Regular checks of oil metering system functionality and proper lubrication are critical. Avoid prolonged idling or lugging the engine.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mazda has a long history of innovation, famously pioneering the Wankel rotary engine for mass production in the late 1960s and 70s. This engine technology became a signature of the brand.

Model Evolution:

The RX-3 (initially known as the Savanna in Japan) was introduced in 1971 as Mazda's compact sports car, following the success of the RX-2 Capella. It evolved through several updates before being replaced by the RX-7.

Production Years:

1971-1978

Body Styles:

Coupe, Sedan, Station Wagon

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The RX-3, along with other rotary Mazdas of the era, received acclaim for their unique engineering and performance characteristics, contributing to Mazda's reputation as an innovative automaker.