Positioning:
High-performance sports coupe, known for its unique rotary engine and balanced chassis
Competitors:
Toyota Supra, Nissan 300ZX, Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird, Porsche 944
Design:
Sleek, aerodynamic 'boxy' design characteristic of the 1980s, often compared to European sports cars
Engine Type:
Naturally aspirated and turbocharged rotary engine configurations
Handling:
Emphasis on balanced weight distribution and agile handling due to the compact rotary engine
Trim Levels:
Base models, GT, GXL, Turbo, Turbo II
Engine:
Rotary Wankel engine (13B), including teardown, assembly, troubleshooting, and specifications
Fuel System:
Fuel injection (EFI), fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel tank, and lines
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, cooling fan operation
Ignition System:
Ignition timing, spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (if applicable), ECU control
Transmission:
Manual transmission (MT) and automatic transmission (AT) service, overhaul, and adjustment
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, differential, axle shafts, wheel bearings
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, struts, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, tie rods
Brakes:
Disc brakes (front and rear), ABS system (if equipped), brake pads, rotors, calipers, brake lines, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, ECU, sensors
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater, ventilation, blower motor, controls
Bodywork:
Body panel removal and installation, glass, trim, doors, hood, trunk, interior components
Chassis:
Frame and structural components, torque specifications for fasteners
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid checks and replacements
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, common fault identification, symptom-based troubleshooting charts
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major and minor components
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures
Rebuilding:
Component rebuilding guidance
Diagnostics:
Electrical system diagnostics, sensor testing, ECU troubleshooting
Adjustments:
Engine timing, idle speed, clutch adjustment, parking brake adjustment
Depth Level:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds and complex diagnostics
Engine Type:
Mazda 13B Rotary (Wankel)
Displacement:
1.3 L (79.3 cu in)
Naturally Aspirated Hp:
145-160 hp (approx., depending on market and trim)
Turbocharged Hp:
182-200 hp (Turbo and Turbo II models, approx.)
Torque:
Varies by model, typically 150-180 lb-ft (approx.)
Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating important for rotary engines)
Apex Seals:
Critical wear component, manual details inspection and replacement
Oil Injection:
Separate oil metering system for apex seals, manual covers maintenance
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (consult manual for exact specs based on driving conditions).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Specific interval for rotary spark plugs, consult manual.
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (Rotary engines do not have timing belts; they use a timing chain or gears).
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH, Viscosity 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended. Crucial to use quality oil. (Verify with manual for specific grades).
Coolant:
Mazda specific coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Mt:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 recommended. (Verify with manual).
Transmission Fluid At:
Dexron II or equivalent automatic transmission fluid. (Verify with manual).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent power steering fluid.
Apex Seals:
Wear of apex seals leading to loss of compression and starting issues is a common rotary concern. Maintenance and proper operation are key.
Carbon Buildup:
Carbon deposits in the rotor housings, requiring periodic 'decarbonizing' procedures.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines naturally consume oil for lubrication of seals; ensuring the oil injection system is functioning is critical.
Cooling System Leaks:
Aging rubber hoses and gaskets can lead to coolant leaks.
Electrical Gremlins:
As with many 1980s vehicles, electrical system issues can arise over time.
