Positioning:
The 1993 Mazda RX-7 (FD) was positioned as a premium sports coupe, a halo car for Mazda, featuring advanced rotary engine technology and a distinctive, aerodynamic design.
Competitors:
Competed against iconic sports cars of the era such as the Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (JZA70/JZA80), Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4, and Porsche 968.
Design:
Distinctive 'breadvan' or 'Kato-san' styling, advanced aerodynamics, lightweight construction.
Engine Technology:
Sequential twin-turbocharged 13B-REW rotary engine, renowned for its high-revving nature and compact size.
Chassis Dynamics:
Advanced double-wishbone suspension front and rear, balanced weight distribution, and lightweight chassis for exceptional handling.
Engine And Powertrain:
Rotary engine (13B-REW twin-turbo) operation, maintenance, diagnostics, repair, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emissions control, transmission (R154/Mazdaspeed optional, Getrag 6-speed standard for most markets), differential, driveshafts.
Chassis And Suspension:
Front/rear suspension (double wishbone), steering system (power-assisted rack and pinion), braking system (ABS, vented discs), wheel/tire specifications, chassis alignment, body structural components.
Electrical And Electronics:
Wiring diagrams, power distribution, lighting, instrumentation, engine control unit (ECU), ABS control module, audio system, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), battery, charging system, starter.
Body And Interior:
Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, seals, interior trim, seats, airbags, HVAC system, interior lighting, body sealing and corrosion prevention.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement (premix/oil injection system checks), fluid checks and changes (coolant, brake, power steering, transmission, differential), belt inspection and replacement.
Diagnostics:
Symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code diagnosis (OBD-I for early models, transitioning to OBD-II later), component testing procedures, diagnostic tool usage, rotary-specific diagnostic techniques.
Repair:
Component removal and installation, engine rebuild procedures (apex seals, rotor housings, eccentric shaft), turbocharger overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuild, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair/replacement.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances and tolerances, fluid capacities and types, electrical component resistance/voltage specifications, diagnostic parameters.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic diagnostics and routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical troubleshooting and bodywork.
Engine Type:
Twin-rotor, Wankel, Rotary (Sequential Twin-Turbocharged)
Displacement:
654cc x 2 (approx. 1.3L total swept volume)
Horsepower Hp:
255 hp @ 6500 rpm (US Spec)
Torque Lb Ft:
217 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (US Spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Twin Turbochargers with intercooler.
Recommended Fuel:
91 Octane (or higher) Unleaded Gasoline
Apex Seals:
Critical component; proper lubrication and avoiding detonation are key to longevity.
Transmission Type:
Mazda (M2) R154 5-speed Manual Transmission (early production) or Getrag HM1 6-speed Manual Transmission (later production, market dependent).
Optional Transmission:
Not widely available from factory for 1993 model year, focus on manual.
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil recommended (verify specific model and market)
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (or as per manual, depending on driving conditions). Rotary engines benefit from frequent oil changes.
Spark Plugs:
Inspection/replacement at 30,000-60,000 miles (specific plugs required for rotary).
Timing Belt:
Not applicable (rotary engine uses a different timing system).
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher, viscosity typically 10W-30 or 5W-30 (verify manual for specific climate/usage).
Coolant:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Coolant (or equivalent blue/green ethylene glycol-based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Apex Seal Wear:
Potential for wear if not maintained correctly; symptoms include loss of compression, hard starting, poor performance.
Vacuum Lines:
Degradation of vacuum lines can lead to boost leaks and drivability issues.
Sequential Turbo System:
Solenoid failure or control issues can affect turbo operation.
Premix Oil:
Some owners opt for pre-mixing oil with fuel to ensure adequate lubrication, although the factory oil injection system is generally reliable when maintained.