Vehicle Segment:
Sports Car / Grand Tourer
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, Owners, Professional Mechanics
Key Competitors Era:
Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk3), Porsche 944, Chevrolet Camaro/Pontiac Firebird
Unique Selling Proposition:
Rotary engine technology, balanced chassis, distinctive styling, and performance focus.
Powertrain:
Engine (rotary), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Transmission (manual & automatic), Drivetrain (rear-wheel drive)
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), Steering, Brakes (front & rear disc), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, ECU & Sensors, Power Accessories
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC System
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug/Igniter Service, Coolant Flush, Brake Fluid Flush
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Flowcharts, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting, Fault Code Interpretation (where applicable)
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake Caliper Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Repair
Diagnostics:
Component Testing, Sensor Signal Analysis, Actuator Checks, Pressure Testing
Depth:
Comprehensive; Covers basic to advanced repairs, including complete engine and transmission rebuilds, detailed electrical diagnostics, and chassis component overhauls.
Engine Type:
Rotary (Wankel)
Displacement:
1.3L (654cc x 2 rotors)
Engine Configuration:
Twin-Rotor, Naturally Aspirated/Turbocharged (specific to the 202-215 hp variant)
Aspiration:
Turbocharged (likely sequential turbocharging for later models/performance variants)
Horsepower:
202-215 hp (151-160 kW)
Torque:
Approximately 200-220 lb-ft (271-298 Nm) - varies by specific model tune.
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended)
Cooling System:
Water-cooled rotary engine with external oil cooler (often integrated into the radiator assembly).
Lubrication System:
Wet sump with dedicated oil cooler, requires specific rotary engine oil.
Length:
Approx. 4315 mm (169.9 in)
Width:
Approx. 1700 mm (66.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1270 mm (50.0 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2430 mm (95.7 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1280-1350 kg (2822-2976 lbs) depending on trim and options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
N/A (Typically not explicitly stated for sports cars of this era, but implied by chassis strength)
Crash Test Ratings:
No official comprehensive ratings available from modern agencies for this era of vehicle. Focus on passive safety features.
Braking System:
4-Wheel Disc Brakes (Ventilated Front, Solid Rear), optional ABS
Parking Brake:
Mechanical, Hand-operated, acting on rear wheels
Seatbelts:
3-point Inertia Reel Seatbelts (Front)
Body Structure:
Reinforced chassis and safety cage structure
Steering Column:
Collapsible Steering Column
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Player, optional CD player, likely 4-6 speaker system.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional Automatic Climate Control (ACC) with A/C and heater.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on some models.
Connectivity Features:
No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB. Primarily analog systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Rotary engines are oil-hungry.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual for specific interval, but often 30,000-60,000 miles. Use of correct spark plugs is critical.
Timing Belt Equivalent:
Rotary engines do not have timing belts; they use a timing chain and chain tensioner system.
Engine Oil Type:
Mazda recommends specific API SG/SH or higher oils, often with a 10W-30 or 10W-40 viscosity. Crucially, requires specific rotary-specific additive packages or careful selection to manage apex seal lubrication.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.5 - 6.0 liters (5.8 - 6.3 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Mazda Long Life Coolant or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, viscosity typically 75W-90.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mazda ATF Type T-IV or equivalent.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Apex Seals:
Wear and failure of apex seals is a common issue with rotary engines, leading to compression loss and poor performance. Proper maintenance and avoiding overheating are critical.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume some oil as part of their lubrication system. Excessive consumption can indicate seal wear.
Cooling System Issues:
Overheating due to radiator blockages, pump failure, or coolant leaks can severely damage the engine.
Sidel Seal Wear:
Similar to apex seals, sidel seals can wear, impacting compression.
Mazda Rotary Legacy:
Mazda's commitment to rotary engine technology, dating back to the Cosmo and RX series.
Rx-7 Generations:
First Generation (SA/FB), Second Generation (FC/FC3S), Third Generation (FD/FD3S)
Fc Generation Introduction:
Introduced for the 1986 model year, evolving into the 'S5' generation for 1989.
Production Years:
FC Generation: 1985-1992
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
