Vehicle Segment:
Compact Sports Car
Performance Focus:
High Performance, Rotary Engine Technology
Key Competitors:
Nissan 300ZX, Toyota Supra, Mitsubishi 3000GT, Porsche 968
Rotary Engine:
The iconic twin-rotor Wankel engine is the RX-7's defining characteristic, offering a smooth power delivery and high-revving nature.
Handling:
Renowned for its exceptional handling, balanced chassis, and responsive steering, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts.
Design:
Sleek, aerodynamic styling with a low-slung profile and a distinctive bubble canopy rear window.
Turbocharging:
Sequential twin-turbocharging system provides strong torque across the rev range.
Target Audience:
RX-7 owners, mechanics, and enthusiasts seeking to maintain, repair, or restore their vehicles.
Powertrain:
Engine (rotary), Transmission (manual & automatic options), Drivetrain
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), Steering, Brakes (front & rear), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Ignition, Charging System, Starting System, ECU & Sensors, Audio System, Power Accessories
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Seating, HVAC System
Routine Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Coolant Flushes, Belt Inspections
Engine Repair:
Rotary Engine Rebuild, Apex Seal Replacement, Rotor Housing Inspection, Oil Metering Pump Service, Turbocharger Servicing
Transmission Service:
Clutch Replacement, Transmission Fluid Change, Gearbox Disassembly/Reassembly
Suspension And Steering:
Shock Absorber/Strut Replacement, Bushing Replacement, Power Steering System Repair
Braking System:
Brake Pad/Rotor Replacement, Brake Caliper Overhaul, Bleeding Procedures
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Faulty Circuits, Sensor Diagnostics, ECU Pinouts
Bodywork And Trim:
Panel Alignment, Dent Repair, Interior Component Installation/Removal
Diagnostic Procedures:
Detailed troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, including diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and symptom-based diagnostics
Repair Instructions:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly, often with torque specifications and special tool requirements
Schematics And Diagrams:
Detailed wiring diagrams, exploded view diagrams, and sectional illustrations to aid in understanding component relationships and repair procedures
Specifications And Tolerances:
Precise measurements, clearances, torque values, and fluid specifications required for accurate repairs and adjustments
Engine Type:
Twin-Rotor Wankel (Rotary)
Displacement:
1.3 Liters (654cc x 2)
Aspiration:
Twin-Turbocharged (Sequential)
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 6500 rpm (1992-1994), 265 hp @ 6500 rpm (1995 facelift)
Torque:
217 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (1992-1994), 215 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (1995 facelift)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended)
Cooling Type:
Water-Cooled
Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for exact specs)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter
Transmission Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic (less common)
Manual Transmission Features:
Short-throw shifter, synchromesh on all gears
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (refer to manual for exact specs)
Manual Transmission Capacity:
Approx. 2.0 Liters (2.1 US Quarts)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for specific recommendation and driving conditions)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended every 30,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs; check manual for specific interval and plug type (e.g., trailing/leading plugs).
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (Rotary engines do not have timing belts; they utilize a timing chain or direct-driven components).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Power Steering Fluid:
Mazda ATF-Type T-III or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon automatic transmission fluid
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Apex Seal Wear:
Potential for apex seal wear, especially with poor maintenance or aggressive driving. Early signs can include low compression, rough idle, and poor performance.
Oil Metering System:
Issues with the oil metering pump or its lines can lead to insufficient lubrication for the apex seals.
Sequential Turbo Failure:
Failure of either the primary or secondary turbocharger can impact performance. Often related to lubrication or exhaust leaks.
Vacuum Lines:
Aging rubber vacuum lines can crack and leak, causing boost control issues and rough running.
Emissions Control System:
The complex emissions control system, including air pumps and catalysts, can require specialized knowledge for diagnosis and repair.
Mazda Rotary Legacy:
Mazda has a long and distinguished history with the rotary engine, dating back to the Cosmo and RX series, culminating in the RX-7.
Rx7 Generations:
The FD RX-7 (3rd Generation) represents the pinnacle of the RX-7's development, focusing on advanced technology, styling, and performance.
Production Period:
1992-2002 (global for FD generation), this manual covers the early 1992-1995 models.
Key Updates 1992-1995:
Minor updates including styling tweaks, suspension revisions, and ECU recalibration for improved drivability and emissions compliance, most notably the 1995 facelift (often referred to as 'Series 7' in Japan).
Car And Driver Ten Best:
The FD RX-7 was named to Car and Driver's Ten Best list multiple times during its production run.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
While not a winner of MOTY, it was highly regarded and reviewed favorably by major automotive publications.
Performance Reviews:
Consistently praised for its handling, braking, and unique rotary powertrain by automotive journalists worldwide.
