🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-7

Generation:

FC

Model Years Covered:

1989-1990

Chassis Code:

FC3S

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

A highly sought-after performance coupe, particularly the FC generation, which bridged the gap between the iconic SA22C and the final FD generation. This manual targets enthusiasts, mechanics, and restorers working on this specific era of the RX-7.

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts undertaking restorations, custom builds, performance upgrades, or routine maintenance and repairs on the Mazda RX-7 FC generation.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against vehicles like the Nissan 300ZX (Z31), Toyota Supra (MkIII), and Porsche 944. The RX-7's rotary engine offered a unique selling proposition in terms of smoothness and high-revving character.

Key Features:

Lightweight chassis, balanced handling, distinctive styling, and the unique Wankel rotary engine. This parts manual provides access to the original manufacturer's parts breakdown for restoration and maintenance.

Rotary Engine Focus:

A key draw for this manual is its detailed breakdown of the unique rotary engine, essential for owners who understand its specific maintenance and repair needs.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

All mechanical and body components, including engine, drivetrain, suspension, brakes, steering, electrical system, interior, and exterior trim.

Body And Interior:

Covers all external body panels, trim, glass, seals, interior upholstery, dashboard components, and climate control parts.

Page Count:

Extensive; precise number not specified but described as comprehensive with every part.

Manual Type:

Parts Manual Catalog

Parts Catalog Function:

Primarily functions as a parts catalog, allowing users to identify components, find their specific Mazda part numbers, and understand their placement within the vehicle's assemblies via exploded diagrams.

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (implied by 'enlarge views', typically PDF for this type of product).

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine (rotary, including apex seals, rotor housings, oil metering), Transmission (manual & automatic options), Drivetrain (driveshaft, differential, axles), Suspension (front & rear independent, control arms, struts), Brakes (disc brakes, ABS components), Steering (rack and pinion, power steering), Electrical System (wiring harnesses, fuses, relays, ignition, lighting), Fuel System (injection, fuel pump, tank), Cooling System (radiator, water pump), Exhaust System, Body & Chassis (frame, panels, doors, glass), Interior (seats, trim, dashboard), Exterior (bumpers, lights, trim, wheels).

Body Chassis Components:

Includes all exterior body panels (hood, fenders, doors, roof, quarter panels, trunk lid), interior trim pieces, glass, seals, bumpers, headlights, taillights, and all mounting hardware.

Electrical System Components:

Detailed diagrams for wiring harnesses, fuse boxes, relays, ignition system components (coils, spark plugs, wiring), lighting components (headlamps, taillamps, interior lights), sensors, and engine control unit (ECU) related wiring.

Brake And Steering Components:

Includes brake calipers, rotors, pads, master cylinder, proportioning valve, brake lines, steering rack, tie rods, power steering pump, and hoses.

Procedures Included:

Part identification, part number lookup, component assembly visualization, replacement part sourcing, visual inspection guidance through diagrams.

Component Breakdown:

Comprehensive breakdown of all assemblies into individual parts, showing how components fit together, critical for understanding complex systems.

Technical Depth:

Detailed component level, providing OEM part numbers and exploded views for precise identification and assembly/disassembly reference. Suitable for parts ordering and basic identification of all components.

Rebuild Assistance:

While primarily a parts catalog, the exploded diagrams provide invaluable visual context for engine, transmission, and suspension rebuilds, aiding in identifying correct part sequences and types.

Oem Accuracy:

Provides direct OEM part numbers, ensuring accuracy for sourcing correct replacement parts directly from Mazda or aftermarket suppliers referencing OEM data.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Likely PDF, optimized for digital viewing and zoom capabilities.

Searchable Text:

Likely searchable if a high-quality digital PDF, allowing for quick part number or component name lookup.

Zoom Capability:

High resolution allows for significant zooming, making it possible to discern even the smallest components and their labels.

Print Quality:

Professional Quality, enabling clear visibility of small parts and intricate diagrams.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital format).

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

1.3L (1308cc) Rotary (Wankel) Engine

Engine Variants:

Naturally Aspirated (87-88MY, 146 hp), Turbocharged (Turbo II, 87-91MY, 200 hp in 1989-1990 models).

13B Engine:

The 13B rotary engine was used in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants for the FC chassis in these years.

Horsepower Na:

146 hp @ 6,500 rpm (for naturally aspirated models, primarily 1989 models may have this)

Horsepower Turbo:

200 hp @ 6,500 rpm (for Turbo II models)

Torque Turbo:

196 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm (for Turbo II models)

Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI) on Turbo II models.

Fuel Injectors:

Specific part numbers and types for both naturally aspirated and turbocharged models are detailed.

Rotary Specifics:

Dual rotor design (12A variant for NA, 13B variant for Turbo II, but often referred to as 1.3L displacement). Features include apex seals, side seals, rotor housings, eccentric shaft, and an oil metering system.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Optional Transmission:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission Features:

Rear-wheel drive, limited-slip differential (LSD) often standard on Turbo II models.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

95.7 inches (2430 mm)

Length:

170.1 inches (4320 mm)

Width:

67.7 inches (1720 mm)

Height:

49.8 inches (1265 mm)

Curb Weight Na:

Approx. 2,800 lbs (1270 kg) for naturally aspirated models

Curb Weight Turbo:

Approx. 3,000 lbs (1360 kg) for Turbo II models

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

No specific NHTSA or IIHS ratings readily available for these model years, typical for sports cars of the era. Focus on passive safety features of the time.

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option, especially on Turbo II models. Sport-tuned suspension for stability.

Passive Features:

Three-point seatbelts, collapsible steering column, reinforced body structure.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Basic analog gauges, AM/FM radio with cassette player (optional CD player in later models). Focus on driver engagement over extensive electronics.

Driver Assistance Features:

ABS (optional), power steering, sport-tuned suspension. No advanced electronic driver aids common in modern vehicles.

Connectivity Features:

N/A (No Bluetooth, USB, or integrated smartphone connectivity in this era).

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals:

Refer to the owner's manual for specific intervals. Key areas for rotary engines include regular oil changes (using specific oil types), spark plug replacement, and checking the oil metering system.

Spark Plugs:

Rotary engines often have specific spark plug requirements and replacement schedules due to their unique combustion cycle. This manual helps identify the correct OEM part numbers.

Engine Oil:

API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40. Specific rotary-specific oils are often recommended. Check owner's manual for precise specs.

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mazda recommends specific coolant types; consult manual.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil.

Transmission Fluid Auto:

Dexron III or equivalent ATF.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Clutch Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid is typically used for hydraulic clutch systems.

Differential Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 gear oil is common for the rear differential. Check specific requirements.

Known Issues:

Apex seal wear, rotor housing scoring, oil seal failure, vacuum hose degradation, intermittent electrical issues, catalytic converter failure (especially on early models), injector clogging. The oil metering system is crucial for rotary longevity.

Turbo Specific Issues:

Turbocharger seals, intercooler efficiency, and exhaust system integrity are common focus areas for Turbo II models.

Part Numbers:

This manual is the definitive source for OEM part numbers, covering thousands of individual components for precise ordering.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mazda has a long history of producing innovative and engaging vehicles, with the RX-7 line being a flagship performance model known for its unique rotary engine technology.

Model Evolution:

The FC generation (1986-1991) was the second iteration of the RX-7. It evolved from the first generation (SA22C) with a more modern design, a more powerful optional turbo engine (Turbo II), and improved handling dynamics. It laid the groundwork for the highly acclaimed third-generation FD RX-7.

Styling Evolution:

The FC RX-7 featured a sharp, angular design influenced by European sports cars of the era, a significant departure from the softer lines of the first generation.

Production Years:

1985-1992 (FC Generation)

Production Locations:

Mazda factories in Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

MotorTrend's Import Car of the Year in 1986. Consistently praised for its handling and driving dynamics by automotive journalists.