🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-7

Model Code:

FC3S (Coupe/Convertible), FC3C (Convertible)

Generation:

Second Generation (FC)

Year:

1984-1985

Market:

Global (specific configurations may vary by region)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Mazda RX-7 (FC) was positioned as a sporty, affordable, and technologically advanced rear-wheel-drive coupe, competing with established sports cars and grand tourers of its era. It was known for its rotary engine and balanced handling.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed with vehicles like the Toyota MR2, Nissan 300ZX (Z31), Porsche 944, and Chevrolet Camaro/Pontiac Firebird.

Key Features:

Rotary engine (13B), rear-wheel drive, advanced independent suspension, sporty design, available convertible model, balanced weight distribution, often turbo-charged variants.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Complete parts catalog for all systems and components of the 1984-1985 Mazda RX-7 (FC).

Page Count:

Estimated 500-800+ pages (typical for comprehensive parts catalogs of this era). Specific count not provided, but described as 'comprehensive'.

Manual Type:

Parts Manual / Parts Catalog / Parts List

Language:

English (standard for manufacturer's parts documentation unless otherwise specified)

Format:

Professional Quality Print (implied by 'Professional Quality', typically bound publication).

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine (Rotary Wankel), Drivetrain (Transmission, Differential), Chassis, Suspension (Front & Rear Independent), Steering, Brakes, Fuel System, Cooling System, Electrical System (Ignition, Lighting, Instrumentation), HVAC, Interior Trim, Exterior Body Panels, Wheels & Tires, Emission Control Systems, Accessories.

Procedures Included:

Identification of all individual part numbers, assembly diagrams, exploded views showing component relationships, sub-assembly breakdowns.

Technical Depth:

Extremely high. Designed for parts identification and ordering. Contains manufacturer-specific part numbers, sub-assembly groupings, and detailed visual representations for precise component sourcing. Essential for restoration, repair, and OEM parts replacement.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Physical Print (inferred from 'Professional Quality'). Digital formats like PDF are common for modern reprints but the original was print.

Print Quality:

Professional Grade. High-resolution diagrams, clear text, durable paper for shop use.

Binding Type:

Likely a durable binding such as spiral-bound or saddle-stitched/perfect bound for ease of use and longevity in a workshop environment.

Paper Type:

Durable, possibly coated or heavy-stock paper to withstand frequent handling and shop conditions. Designed for clarity of diagrams.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

Mazda 13B Rotary (2-rotor, naturally aspirated and turbocharged)

Naturally Aspirated Horsepower:

Approx. 146-160 hp (depending on market and specific tuning)

Turbocharged Horsepower:

Approx. 182-200 hp (for Turbo II models)

Engine Design:

Two-rotor Wankel rotary engine

Fuel System:

Fuel Injection (Electronic Fuel Injection - EFI), Carbureted on early non-turbo models in some markets.

Engine Codes:

FE (Naturally Aspirated), FE-T (Turbocharged)

Cooling System:

Liquid-cooled with pressurized radiator system.

Lubrication System:

Pressurized wet sump with oil pump. Rotary engines also require oil injection into the intake for apex seal lubrication.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual

Optional Transmission:

4-speed Automatic

Transmission Features:

Rear-wheel drive, clutch type (manual): single dry plate, automatic transmission torque converter.

Differential Type:

Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) often standard on Turbo models, optional on others.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 95.7 inches (2430 mm)

Length:

Approx. 169.5 inches (4305 mm)

Width:

Approx. 66.1 inches (1680 mm)

Height:

Approx. 49.0 inches (1245 mm) (Coupe)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2700-3000 lbs (1225-1360 kg), varies by model and options.

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

4x114.3 mm (4-lug)

Standard Tire Size:

e.g., 195/60R15 (non-turbo), 205/55R16 (turbo)

Standard Wheel Size:

e.g., 15x6.0 inches (non-turbo), 16x7.0 inches (turbo)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

No specific NHTSA/Euro NCAP ratings available for this era. Safety features were typical for the period.

Active Features:

Power-assisted brakes (front ventilated discs, rear discs), power steering.

Passive Features:

Collapsible steering column, three-point seat belts, reinforced body structure (especially with B-pillar on coupes).

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Basic analog gauges, AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional premium sound systems. No digital displays or advanced connectivity common in modern cars.

Driver Assistance Features:

None in the modern sense. Features primarily focused on the driving experience itself (handling, power delivery).

Engine Management System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with engine control unit (ECU) for fuel delivery and ignition timing. Turbo models feature boost control systems.

Lighting System:

Halogen headlights, standard tail lights and indicators. Pop-up headlights for improved aerodynamics.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals:

Refer to the Owner's Manual for specific intervals. Typical for the era: Oil changes every 3,000-5,000 miles. Spark plug replacement (rotary specific) every 15,000-30,000 miles. Coolant flush every 2 years. Inspection of ignition components, fuel system, suspension, and brakes at regular intervals.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for precise recommendations, synthetic oils are beneficial for rotary engines).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Mazda long-life coolant (FL22) if applicable to reprints or later versions, but standard green coolant for original spec.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Manual: GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90). Automatic: Dexron II or equivalent.

Differential Fluid Type:

API GL-5 gear oil (SAE 80W-90 or 85W-90).

Known Issues:

Apex seal wear (critical for rotary engines), thermal reactor degradation (emission system), power steering pump leaks, oil metering pump failure, rust in chassis and wheel wells, aging electrical components, fuel injector clogging (EFI models), turbocharger seal failure (turbo models).

Part Identification Importance:

Crucial for sourcing correct, OEM-specification parts for the unique rotary engine and chassis components. Eliminates guesswork and ensures compatibility.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mazda has a long history of producing innovative and driver-focused vehicles, with the RX-7 line representing its pinnacle of sports car engineering, particularly its pioneering use of the rotary engine.

Model Evolution:

The FC generation (1985-1992) replaced the SA/FB RX-7, adopting a more modern, aerodynamic design influenced by Pininfarina and featuring an independent rear suspension. It was available in naturally aspirated and turbocharged ('Turbo II') variants, and as a coupe or convertible.

Production Years:

1985-1992 (FC generation)

Production Location:

Mazda's Hofu Plant, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The RX-7 (FC) was praised by automotive journalists for its handling dynamics, stylish design, and the unique character of its rotary engine. It was often considered a bargain sports car for its performance and capabilities.

Ratings:

Consistently rated highly for handling and driver engagement in period reviews from publications like Car and Driver, MotorTrend, and Road & Track.

📄 Manual Usefulness

Restoration Guide:

Essential for restorers to identify correct OEM part numbers for body panels, interior components, engine rebuild parts, and trim pieces.

Repair Identification:

Enables accurate identification of replacement parts for any repair, from minor cosmetic fixes to major mechanical overhauls. Exploded diagrams are invaluable for understanding how components fit together.

Parts Sourcing:

Provides the definitive manufacturer part numbers needed for ordering from Mazda dealerships, aftermarket suppliers, or for searching used parts inventories.

Technical Reference:

Serves as a primary technical reference for anyone working on or maintaining the vehicle, ensuring the correct specifications and part types are used.

📄 Manual Features

Diagram Detail:

Exploded diagrams show the precise order of assembly and relationships between components. The ability to 'enlarge views' allows for identification of even the smallest fasteners, seals, and brackets.

Completeness:

The product description emphasizes 'EVERY part' and 'manufactures part numbers,' indicating a comprehensive and exhaustive catalog.