🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-7

Generation:

FC3S

Chassis Code:

FC3S

Engine Code Primary:

13B

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Class:

Compact Sports Car / Grand Tourer

Target Audience Manual:

DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, RX-7 owners seeking to perform maintenance and repairs themselves.

Key Competitors Era:

Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk3/Mk4), Porsche 944, Chevrolet Camaro/Pontiac Firebird.

Vehicle Unique Selling Points:

Rotary engine technology, balanced chassis, distinctive styling, rear-wheel drive, available twin-turbocharged performance.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides factory-level technical information for DIY maintenance and repair, saving money on dealership labor costs and enabling in-depth understanding of the vehicle.

📋 Manual Details

Applicable Years:

1989, 1990, 1991

Regions Covered:

Global (with potential regional variations noted in specific sections)

Estimated Pages:

Varies by specific factory manual, typically 1000+ pages for comprehensive service manuals.

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Rotary (13B), Twin-Turbocharged (for Turbo models), Naturally Aspirated (for non-Turbo models), Engine Management System (EMS), Ignition System, Fuel System, Lubrication System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Emission Control System.

Transmission:

Manual Transmission (MT), Automatic Transmission (AT), Electronically-Controlled Automatic Transmission (ECT).

Drivetrain:

Clutch, Propeller Shaft, Front Axle, Rear Axle, Differential.

Steering:

Power Steering System, Steering Column, Steering Gearbox/Rack and Pinion.

Braking:

Front Disc Brakes, Rear Disc Brakes, Parking Brake, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) (if equipped).

Suspension:

Front Independent Suspension (Struts), Rear Independent Suspension (Multi-link), Shock Absorbers, Springs, Bushings.

Wheels Tires:

Wheel Specifications, Tire Pressure Recommendations, Wheel Alignment Procedures.

Body:

Body Construction, Exterior Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Seals.

Body Electrical:

Lighting Systems (Headlights, Taillights, Interior Lights), Wipers and Washers, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks), Instrumentation, Audio System, Wiring Diagrams.

HVAC:

Heating System, Ventilation System, Air Conditioning (A/C) System, Refrigerant Charge, Component Diagnosis.

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes (Oil, Coolant, Brake Fluid, Transmission Fluid), Filter Replacements (Oil, Air, Fuel), Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection and Replacement.

Diagnosis:

Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) (if applicable), Electrical System Diagnostics, Engine Performance Diagnostics.

Repair:

Engine Overhaul (Apex Seals, Rotor Housing Inspection, etc.), Transmission Repair/Rebuild, Clutch Replacement, Brake System Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering System Repair, Electrical Component Repair/Replacement, Body Panel Repair.

Disassembly Assembly:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation with torque specifications and alignment procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced repair and diagnostic procedures. Includes detailed explanations, schematics, and specifications equivalent to dealership-level service.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Readability:

High-resolution scans with clear text and diagrams, ensuring printable quality.

Printable:

Yes, all pages are printable.

Searchability:

Likely searchable text within the PDF, aiding in quick information retrieval.

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

Paper:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

Operating Systems:

Compatible with all versions of Windows & Mac.

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (or equivalent unzipping software).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Rotary (Wankel)

Engine Code:

13B

Engine Configuration:

Naturally Aspirated (e.g., GTU, GXL, Convertible) and Twin-Turbocharged (e.g., Turbo II)

Displacement:

1.3 Liters (654cc x 2 rotor faces)

Horsepower Naturally Aspirated:

Approx. 160-170 HP

Horsepower Turbocharged:

Approx. 200-210 HP

Torque Naturally Aspirated:

Approx. 145-155 lb-ft

Torque Turbocharged:

Approx. 195-205 lb-ft

Fuel Delivery Naturally Aspirated:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Delivery Turbocharged:

Sequential Twin-Turbocharged Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission Options:

5-speed manual

Automatic Transmission Options:

4-speed automatic (electronically controlled)

Drive Type:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 168.9 in (4290 mm)

Width:

Approx. 69.1 in (1755 mm)

Height:

Approx. 49.8 in (1265 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 95.7 in (2430 mm)

Curb Weight Naturally Aspirated:

Approx. 2800-3000 lbs (1270-1360 kg)

Curb Weight Turbocharged:

Approx. 3000-3200 lbs (1360-1450 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

Not explicitly rated by NHTSA for these specific years in the modern sense. Design considerations of the era focused on occupant restraint.

ABS:

Available (Standard on some trims, optional on others)

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia reel seatbelts

Airbags:

Driver airbag typically standard from 1990 onwards. Passenger airbag not commonly available for these years.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configurations varied by trim level.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an available option on many trims, enhancing braking control.

Early Electronics:

Basic electrical systems with power windows, door locks (on higher trims), and cruise control. No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions. Consult the manual for specific recommendations.

Coolant Change Interval:

Refer to manual, generally every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Specific to rotary engines, often related to apex seal wear rather than conventional spark plug life. Consult manual for specific recommendations. Typically longer intervals than piston engines, but requires specialized plugs.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, Viscosity typically 5W-30 or 10W-40. Consult manual for exact specification and oil cooler considerations.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mazda recommends specific coolant types.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4, consult manual for specific recommendation.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, viscosity typically 75W-90 or 80W-90. Consult manual for specific recommendations.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron II or equivalent. Consult manual for specific Mazda specification.

Rotary Engine Apex Seals:

Wear and failure of apex seals is a common concern, leading to loss of compression and performance. Regular oil changes and proper engine warming/cooling are crucial.

Thermal Reactor And Air Pump:

Early models (pre-1989 facelift) had a thermal reactor system which could be prone to issues; later models (including 1989-1991) featured a more conventional catalytic converter and air injection system.

Turbocharger Reliability:

Turbocharger seals and bearings can wear over time, especially with high mileage or poor maintenance. Regular oil changes with high-quality oil are critical.

Vacuum Lines And Emissions Components:

Age-related degradation of rubber vacuum hoses and emissions control components can lead to vacuum leaks and driveability issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Rotary Legacy:

Mazda has a long and unique history with the rotary engine, dating back to the Cosmo Sport. The RX-7 line is the pinnacle of this technology in a production sports car.

Fc Generation Introduction:

The FC generation (1985-1992) replaced the SA/FB generation. The 1989 model year saw a significant facelift, introducing updated styling and suspension tuning, often referred to as the Series 5.

Series 5 Updates:

The 1989 facelift included revised bumpers, side skirts, taillights, hood, and interior enhancements. Engine power was also slightly increased for Turbo models.

Production Years Fc:

1985-1992

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The RX-7 (FC generation) was named to Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times, including for the Turbo II model.

Motor Trend Import Car Of The Year:

While the first generation RX-7 won this award, the FC generation was highly regarded in its class for performance and handling.