🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-7

Model Generation:

First Generation (FB)

Model Chassis Code:

FB

Model Year:

1983

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Sports Car

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts seeking performance, handling, and unique rotary engine technology

Primary Competitors:

Toyota MR2, Datsun 240SX/260Z/280ZX, Porsche 924, Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang

Unique Selling Proposition:

Naturally aspirated rotary engine (12A), lightweight chassis, excellent handling balance, distinctive styling.

Historical Significance:

Represents the evolution of Mazda's Wankel rotary engine technology in a stylish, affordable sports car package.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full Workshop Service and Repair

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Overhaul

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 800-1000 (typical for factory service manuals of this era)

Type:

Factory Workshop Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Print (Original Factory Issue)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Rotary Engine (12A), Lubrication, Cooling, Fuel Delivery (Carbureted), Ignition, Emission Control Systems

Drivetrain:

Clutch, Transmission (Manual and Automatic), Driveshaft, Rear Axle Assembly, Differential

Suspension Steering:

Front Suspension (MacPherson Struts), Rear Suspension (Watt's Linkage), Steering Gearbox, Power Steering System

Braking System:

Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes, Parking Brake, Hydraulic System, ABS (if applicable, though unlikely for this specific year/trim)

Electrical System:

Battery, Charging System (Alternator), Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Wiring Harnesses, Fuses, Relays, Accessories

Body Chassis:

Body Panel Repair, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Interior Trim, Seals, Chassis Components

HVAC:

Heating System, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (if equipped)

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled Maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, coolant), Tune-up Procedures, Belt Adjustments, Fluid Level Checks and Replenishment

Engine Repair Overhaul:

Rotary Engine Disassembly and Reassembly, Apex Seal Inspection and Replacement, Rotor Housing Machining, Oil Seals, Gasket Replacement, Carburetor Rebuilding

Transmission Service:

Clutch Adjustment and Replacement, Transmission Fluid Service, Gearbox Disassembly and Reassembly, Automatic Transmission Servicing (if applicable)

Suspension Steering Repair:

Shock Absorber/Strut Replacement, Ball Joint Inspection, Tie Rod End Replacement, Wheel Bearing Service, Power Steering Pump and Rack Repair

Brake System Service:

Brake Pad/Shoe Replacement, Rotor/Drum Machining or Replacement, Brake Fluid Bleeding, Caliper and Wheel Cylinder Rebuilding, Parking Brake Adjustment

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Wiring Diagram Interpretation, Circuit Testing, Component Diagnosis, Starter Motor and Alternator Testing, Ignition System Troubleshooting

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting Flowcharts, Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Component Testing Procedures, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (if applicable for the era)

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine rebuilds and electrical system diagnostics.

Specification Detail:

Includes detailed torque specifications, clearances, timing settings, fluid capacities, resistance values, and diagnostic parameters.

Illustrations Diagrams:

Contains exploded views, schematic diagrams, wiring diagrams, and step-by-step illustration of repair procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Print (Original)

Print Quality:

High-quality factory printing on durable paper

Binding Type:

Stapled/Perfect Bound (typical for factory manuals)

Paper Type:

Durable, semi-gloss paper stock

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Rotary (Wankel)

Engine Code:

12A

Displacement Cc:

1146 cc (69.9 ci) - Equivalent Displacement

Rotor Design:

Two-Rotor

Horsepower Hp:

100-135 hp (depending on market and emission controls)

Torque Lb-Ft:

100-115 lb-ft (depending on market and emission controls)

Fuel Delivery:

Carbureted (e.g., Nikki 4-barrel downdraft carburetor)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended)

Ignition System:

Distributor-based, electronic ignition

Cooling System:

Water-cooled, thermostat controlled

Lubrication System:

Forced lubrication with oil sump; separate oil metering system for apex seals

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

3-Speed Automatic Transmission (less common)

Clutch Type:

Dry Single Plate

Gear Ratios Manual:

Specific ratios available in manual, typically detailed within the manual itself.

Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:

GL-5 Gear Oil (SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 typically)

Transmission Fluid Spec Automatic:

Dexron III or equivalent automatic transmission fluid

📐 Dimensions

Length Mm:

4150 mm (approx.)

Width Mm:

1650 mm (approx.)

Height Mm:

1295 mm (approx.)

Wheelbase Mm:

2220 mm (approx.)

Curb Weight Kg:

950-1050 kg (approx., depending on equipment)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg:

Not specified by manual, but typical for class.

Wheelbase Bolt Pattern:

4x110

Standard Tire Size:

185/70R13 (typical)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

Not available for this era of vehicle.

Brakes:

Front ventilated discs, Rear drums.

Handling Dynamics:

Rear-wheel drive, balanced weight distribution, sophisticated suspension geometry for its time.

Seatbelts:

Three-point front seatbelts

Body Construction:

Unibody construction with safety structure.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM Radio with Cassette Player (optional).

ABS:

Not standard on most 1983 models, potentially available as a rare option.

Cruise Control:

Available as an option on higher trims.

Connectivity Features:

None (pre-digital era).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), depending on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Refer to manual, typically around 15,000-30,000 miles for 12A rotary plugs.

Coolant Flush:

Every 24,000 miles or 24 months.

Timing Belt Drive Inspection:

Not applicable (rotary engines do not have timing belts).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 API SG or higher; Rotary-specific oils might be recommended for oil metering injection.

Coolant Type:

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

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid

Rotary Engine Wear:

Apex seal wear, rotor housing scoring, oil seal degradation leading to compression loss, increased oil consumption, and potential hard starting.

Carburetor Issues:

Clogging, vacuum leaks, idle stability problems due to age and condition of seals and gaskets.

Fuel Pump Reliability:

Mechanical fuel pump can degrade over time.

Electrical Gremlins:

Corroded grounds, brittle wiring insulation, failing relays and switches are common on vehicles of this age.

Suspension Wear:

Worn bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, and shock absorbers are common due to age and mileage.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Rotary History:

Mazda's pioneering development and successful implementation of the Wankel rotary engine since the 1960s, most notably with the Cosmo and RX series.

Rx7 First Generation:

Introduced in 1978 as the 'Savanna RX-7' in Japan and 'RX-7' globally. The 1983 model represents a mid-cycle refresh (Series 2 or FB facelift) with updated styling, improved aerodynamics, and minor mechanical enhancements.

Fb Facelift Changes 1983:

Updated front and rear fascias, revised interior, potential powertrain tweaks, and improved suspension components.

Production Years Fb:

1978-1985

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Acclaim:

Consistently praised for its handling, styling, and unique rotary powertrain. Often lauded by automotive journalists of the era for its driving dynamics and affordability as a sports car.