Vehicle Class:
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car.
Key Competitors Era:
Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk3), Porsche 944, Chevrolet Camaro/Pontiac Firebird.
Rotary Engine Advantage:
The Mazda RX-7 is renowned for its unique rotary (Wankel) engine, offering a compact design, high revving capability, and a distinctive power delivery characteristic.
Handling And Balance:
The FC generation RX-7 featured a well-balanced chassis, sophisticated suspension (often with independent rear suspension), and a focus on agile handling and driver engagement.
Dealer Level Accuracy:
This manual is identical to the one used by Mazda dealership technicians, ensuring factory-correct procedures and specifications for accurate repairs and maintenance.
Systems Covered:
Comprehensive coverage of all major vehicle systems including engine, transmission, drivetrain, suspension, brakes, steering, electrical, fuel, exhaust, HVAC, body, interior, and safety systems.
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typical service manuals of this era range from 1500-3000+ pages, exact count not provided but implied by detailed coverage).
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed breakdown of the rotary engine, including rotor housing, apex seals, side seals, rotor assembly, eccentric shaft, lubrication, and cooling systems.
Engine Control System:
In-depth coverage of the Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system, ignition system, sensors, actuators, and engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics.
Drivetrain:
Covers manual and automatic transmissions, clutch operation, propeller shaft, rear differential, and axle assemblies.
Suspension And Steering:
Detailed schematics and procedures for front and rear suspension components (struts, control arms, bushings), steering gearbox, power steering system, and alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Comprehensive information on hydraulic brake systems, ABS (if equipped), parking brake, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, and component replacement.
Electrical And Lighting:
Wiring diagrams, troubleshooting for starting and charging systems, lighting circuits, instrument panel, driver information systems, and audio-visual components.
Body And Interior:
Coverage of body panel repair, door mechanisms, lock and security systems, glass and mirror replacement, seat adjustments, HVAC controls, and trim components.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid level checks and changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement (specific to rotary), and general upkeep.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex issues, including fault code interpretation (if applicable) and symptom-based troubleshooting.
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for disassembling, inspecting, repairing, and reassembling major vehicle components, including engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhauls, and brake system servicing.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step guides for replacing specific parts such as alternators, starters, fuel pumps, water pumps, CV joints, and body components.
Depth Of Coverage:
Factory-level technical information suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Includes torque specifications, clearances, diagnostic flowcharts, and component testing procedures.
File Delivery:
.rar/.zip archive
Unzip Software:
Required (e.g., WinZip, WinRAR, 7-Zip)
PDF Reader Software:
Required (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader)
Print Quality:
Assumed to be high-quality scans suitable for printing, mirroring original dealership manuals.
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Engine Type:
Rotary (Wankel) Engine
Displacement:
1.3 L (2 x 654 cc rotors)
Horsepower Naturally Aspirated:
Approximately 160-170 hp (depending on market and specific sub-model)
Horsepower Turbocharged:
Approximately 200-210 hp (for Turbo II models)
Torque Turbocharged:
Approximately 200-210 lb-ft (for Turbo II models)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or distributor-based systems depending on sub-model and region.
Oil Type Recommendation:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (specific rotary oil formulations may be recommended, manual will detail).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, 50/50 mixture with distilled water.
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual transmission
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate clutch
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (manual will specify precise recommendation).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF) (manual will specify precise recommendation).
Wheelbase:
Approx. 95.7 inches (2430 mm)
Length:
Approx. 168.1 inches (4270 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.5 inches (1715 mm)
Height:
Approx. 49.2 inches (1250 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2700-3000 lbs (1225-1360 kg) depending on trim and options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Manual will specify exact GVWR.
Crash Test Ratings:
NHTSA and IIHS ratings from this era are generally not comparable to modern standards. Manual will provide manufacturer-specific safety information.
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts
Supplemental Restraint System:
Driver-side airbag (standard on many models from 1990 onwards, manual will specify).
Brake Assist System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional or standard feature on higher trims.
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) available on some Turbo II models.
Audio System:
Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with cassette player, often with multiple speakers. Cassette changer was an option.
Cruise Control:
Auto Cruise Control was available as an option on many models.
Lan System:
The manual mentions a LAN system, likely referring to internal vehicle communication networks for ECUs and modules, common in advanced vehicles of the late 80s/early 90s.
Instrument Panel Features:
Includes tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, oil pressure warning light, and potentially a boost gauge on turbocharged models.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Manual will provide specific recommendations.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Rotary engines use two spark plugs per rotor, and replacement intervals are critical. Manual will detail specific intervals and plug types.
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (Rotary engines do not have timing belts; they use a timing chain or gears for rotor timing).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Typically every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent power steering fluid (check manual for specific recommendation).
Apex Seal Wear:
Premature apex seal wear can occur if the engine is overheated, not properly warmed up, or if lubrication is inadequate. Regular maintenance and proper engine operation are key.
Carbon Buildup:
Carbon deposits can accumulate in the combustion chambers and exhaust ports of rotary engines, potentially affecting performance and starting. 'Italian tune-ups' and decarbonizing procedures can help.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines are designed to consume a small amount of oil for lubrication of the seals. Excessive oil consumption can indicate internal seal wear.
Mazda Rotary Legacy:
Mazda has a long and distinguished history with the rotary engine, starting with the Cosmo and continuing with the RX-series, culminating in the RX-7 and later the RX-8.
Fc Generation Development:
The FC RX-7 (1985-1992) was a significant evolution from the SA22C, featuring more refined styling, a more advanced chassis, and the introduction of the 13B rotary engine, including turbocharged variants.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Production Period For This Manual:
1989, 1990, 1991 model years.