🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-7

Generation:

FC

Model Years Covered:

1985, 1986, 1987, 1988

👋 Introduction

Market Niche:

Performance Coupe, Sports Car

Target Audience:

RX-7 owners, enthusiasts, mechanics specializing in rotary engines

Key Competitors:

Nissan 300ZX (Z31), Toyota Supra (MkIII), Porsche 944, Chevrolet Camaro/Pontiac Firebird

Unique Selling Proposition:

Rotary engine performance and unique driving dynamics

Manual Benefit:

Empowers owners for self-maintenance and repairs, saving costs and preserving vehicle integrity

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, Maintenance, Rebuilding, Refurbishing, Restoration

Additional Coverage:

Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Technical Specifications

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds (Specific count not provided in source text)

Type:

Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Rotary Engine (13B), Lubrication System, Cooling System, Fuel System (EFI), Ignition System, Emission Control Systems

Drivetrain:

Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Clutch, Driveshaft, Differential, Axles

Chassis:

Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Front & Rear, including ABS if applicable), Wheels and Tires

Electrical:

Wiring Diagrams, Lighting System, Starting & Charging System, Instrumentation, Body Electrical, Electronic Control Units (ECU)

Body:

Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Interior Trim, Seats, Bumpers, Exterior Trim

Maintenance:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug (Apex Seal) Inspection/Replacement, Belt Adjustments, Fluid Checks and Top-offs, Tune-ups

Repair:

Engine Rebuilds (Apex Seal Replacement, Rotor Housing Machining), Transmission Overhauls, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Body Panel Repair

Troubleshooting:

System-specific diagnostic flowcharts, common fault finding, error code interpretation (if applicable to ECU diagnostics)

Depth:

Comprehensive (From basic maintenance to complete engine and drivetrain rebuilds)

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable (depending on source quality)

Print Quality:

High-resolution images and diagrams expected for a professional manual

Binding:

N/A (PDF format)

Paper:

N/A (PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

13B

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)

Displacement:

1.3 Liters (Dual Rotor)

Horsepower Na:

Approx. 145-160 hp (depending on year/market)

Torque Na:

Approx. 150-155 lb-ft (depending on year/market)

Turbocharged Option:

Yes (GTX, GXL trims, Turbo II)

Horsepower Turbo:

Approx. 182-200 hp (depending on year/market)

Torque Turbo:

Approx. 183-200 lb-ft (depending on year/market)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended)

Oil Type:

API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for rotary engines

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 5.3 US quarts (with filter)

Spark Plugs:

Typically dual spark plugs per rotor, e.g., NGK BUR7EQP (Side) and NGK BUR9EQP (Leading) - specific part numbers vary.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

Rear Wheel Drive:

Yes

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III or equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 175.0 inches (4445 mm)

Width:

Approx. 67.9 inches (1725 mm)

Height:

Approx. 49.4 inches (1255 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 95.7 inches (2430 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2750-3000 lbs (1247-1361 kg) depending on trim/options

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

Data from this era is limited by modern standards; focus on structural integrity and restraint systems.

ABS:

Available on higher trims (e.g., GXL, Turbo II) from 1987 onwards

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia reel seatbelts

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag became standard in later years of this generation (circa 1988/1989)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player in later models

Speakers:

Typically 4 or 6 speaker configurations

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models

Power Steering:

Standard, speed-sensing on some models

Connectivity Features:

Limited by era; no modern Bluetooth or USB integration.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, whichever comes first (especially for rotary engines)

Spark Plug Inspection:

Every 15,000-20,000 miles (Rotary specific apex seal wear is critical)

Timing Belt Replacement:

N/A (Rotary engines do not have timing belts; they use a chain or gear system)

Coolant Flush:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron II or equivalent

Rotary Apex Seals:

Wear and failure of apex seals are a common concern, leading to loss of compression and poor performance.

Rotary Oil Metering System:

Malfunctions in the oil injection system can lead to premature wear of seals and housings.

Turbocharger Reliability:

Turbochargers (in Turbo II models) can be prone to failure if not properly maintained or if overheated.

Fuel Pump Reliability:

Older fuel pumps may degrade over time.

Vacuum Lines:

Aging rubber vacuum hoses can crack and leak, affecting engine performance.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Rotary Legacy:

Mazda has a long and unique history with the Wankel rotary engine, dating back to the Cosmo and RX series.

Fc Generation Introduction:

Introduced in 1985 (as a 1986 model year) as a successor to the SA22C RX-7.

Fc Facelift:

Received a significant facelift in 1988 (for the 1989 model year), introducing updated styling and mechanical improvements.

Production Period:

1985-1992 (FC generation)

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver:

Often featured on Car and Driver's Ten Best lists during its production run.

Sport Auto:

Highly regarded by automotive press for its handling and performance characteristics.