🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-7

Model Code:

FC3S

Generation Name:

Second Generation

Generation Code:

FC

Production Years Covered:

1989, 1990, 1991

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Sports Car / Grand Tourer

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, performance-oriented drivers, owners seeking in-depth knowledge for maintenance and repair.

Key Competitors:

Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk3), Mitsubishi Starion, Porsche 944

Defining Characteristic:

Rotary Engine (13B-T), Balanced Chassis, Lightweight Construction, Distinctive Styling

Trim Levels Overview:

Base, GT, GXL, Turbo-R (JDM specific)

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete Service and Repair

Regional Variants Covered:

North American Market (Likely, based on common manual offerings)

Estimated Page Count:

1500-2000+ (Typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine System:

Rotary Engine (13B-T), Engine Mechanical, Lubrication, Cooling, Fuel Injection (Bosch L-Jetronic/EGI), Ignition System, Emission Control Systems, Turbocharger System (CT26), Engine Management (ECU/DTCs)

Drivetrain System:

Manual Transmission (Type R/M, FS5C71A), Automatic Transmission (Optional, JATCO), Clutch System, Driveshafts, Rear Axle Assembly, Differential

Chassis System:

Suspension (Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Independent), Steering System (Power Rack and Pinion), Brakes (Front Ventilated Discs, Rear Discs, ABS), Wheels and Tires

Electrical System:

Wiring Diagrams, Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Windows, Mirrors, Audio System, Cruise Control, HVAC Controls, ECU Pinouts, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)

Body And Interior:

Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Seats, Dashboard, Trim, Sound Deadening, HVAC Ducts, Exterior Trim, Weatherstripping

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Coolant Flush, Brake Fluid Flush, Transmission Fluid Change, Differential Fluid Change, Belt Replacement

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Retrieval and Interpretation, Sensor Testing, Actuator Testing

Repair Procedures:

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

Special Procedures:

Turbocharger Boost Adjustment, Fuel Injection Calibration, Ignition Timing Adjustment, Compression Testing (Rotary), Engine Reassembly Torque Specifications

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and drivetrain overhauls. Includes detailed diagrams, specifications, and step-by-step instructions suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely Searchable Text (depends on original scan quality)

Resolution:

High Resolution Scan (Typical for quality digital manuals)

Clarity:

Clear text and legible diagrams

Binding Type:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

13B-T

Engine Type:

Rotary (Wankel), Twin Distributor, Twin Spark Ignition

Displacement:

1.3L (1308cc)

Horsepower Hp:

200 hp @ 6500 rpm (Base Turbo), 210 hp @ 6500 rpm (Later models/GT)

Torque Lb Ft:

190 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (Base Turbo), 200 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (Later models/GT)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch EGI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

Forced Induction:

Turbocharged (Single Turbocharger, Hitachi/Garrett CT26 type)

Type:

Liquid-Cooled

Type:

Wet Sump

ECU Type:

Engine Control Unit (ECU) with diagnostics

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual

Manual Transmission Model:

FS5C71A

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic

Automatic Transmission Model:

JATCO 4E55

Clutch Type:

Hydraulic, Dry Single Plate

Drivetrain:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

175.2 inches (4450 mm)

Width:

69.1 inches (1755 mm)

Height:

49.2 inches (1250 mm)

Wheelbase:

95.7 inches (2430 mm)

Front Track:

57.7 inches (1465 mm)

Rear Track:

57.7 inches (1465 mm)

Curb Weight Lbs:

2950-3100 lbs (Approximate, depending on trim and options)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs:

Approx. 3700 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Rating:

Not Specifically Rated for this Era (Pre-dates extensive standardized testing)

IIHS Crash Test Results:

Not Available for this Era

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (Optional on some models, standard on Turbo II later)

Seat Belts:

3-Point Inertial Reel Seatbelts

Airbags:

Driver Side Airbag (Optional/Late Models)

Body Construction:

Unibody with Front and Rear Crumple Zones

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM Stereo Cassette Player with optional CD Player (rare). Speaker configurations varied by trim level.

ABS:

Available as an option, typically on higher trims or turbo models.

OBD System:

Pre-OBDII (On-Board Diagnostics). Diagnosis typically involves reading flash codes or using specific diagnostic tools for the era.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Miles:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (whichever comes first)

Coolant Flush Interval Miles:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years

Spark Plug Replacement Interval Miles:

Every 30,000 miles (Specific rotary spark plugs)

Transmission Fluid Change Interval Miles:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (Manual/Automatic)

Engine Oil Type:

API SG/SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Check manual for specific viscosity recommendations, often with an emphasis on higher zinc content for rotary engines)

Coolant Type:

Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Mazda ATF-Type T-IV or equivalent

Differential Fluid Type:

API GL-5, SAE 80W-90

Rotary Engine Wear:

Apex seal wear, rotor housing scoring, oil seal degradation are common concerns for high-mileage rotary engines. Regular oil changes and proper warm-up/cool-down are crucial.

Turbocharger Reliability:

Early turbocharger designs could be prone to failure if not properly maintained or if consistently driven hard without adequate cooling. Oil supply and filtration are critical.

Fuel Injector Clogging:

Can occur due to poor fuel quality or age, affecting performance and idle stability.

Electrical Gremlins:

As with many cars of this era, aging wiring harnesses, relays, and sensors can lead to intermittent electrical issues.

Vacuum Leaks:

Degradation of rubber vacuum hoses and seals can lead to vacuum leaks, affecting engine performance and drivability.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Rotary Legacy:

Mazda's long-standing commitment to rotary engine technology, beginning with the Cosmo Sport.

Fc Generation Introduction:

Introduced in 1985 for the 1986 model year, replacing the SA22C (FB) RX-7.

Fc Facelift:

Received a significant facelift for the 1989 model year, including revised styling, improved aerodynamics, updated interior, and a more powerful 13B-T engine.

Production Period:

1985-1992

Manufacturing Plant:

Mazda's Hofu Plant, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Ten Best:

The FC RX-7 was named to Car and Driver's Ten Best list multiple times, including for 1989.

Motor Trend Import Car Of The Year:

Nominee / Contender