🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-7

Year:

1993

Chassis Code:

FD3S

Generation:

Third Generation (FD)

Internal Code:

FD3S-1993

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 1993 Mazda RX-7 (FD) was a halo car, positioned as a premium, high-performance sports coupe. It competed with established European and American sports cars of its era, emphasizing advanced rotary engine technology and sophisticated handling.

Competitive Analysis:

Key competitors included the Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (JZA70/JZA80), Porsche 944 S2/968, and Chevrolet Corvette (C4). The RX-7 differentiated itself with its unique twin-rotor engine, exceptional weight distribution, and sharp, communicative handling.

Key Features:

Sequential twin-turbocharged rotary engine, lightweight chassis, advanced suspension geometry, aerodynamic design, driver-focused cockpit, iconic styling.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

All models and all engines

Page Count:

Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanical, rotary engine specific (13B-REW), fuel injection, ignition system, exhaust, cooling system, lubrication system, transmission (manual and automatic), drivetrain, suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (ABS included), electrical system (wiring diagrams), body control modules, climate control, interior systems, body and chassis, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, scheduled services, detailed disassembly and reassembly of all major components, engine rebuilds (including apex seal replacement, rotor housing inspection), transmission overhaul, brake system bleeding and repair, suspension alignment, steering rack replacement, electrical diagnostics, fuel system component testing and replacement, cooling system flush and repair, HVAC system servicing, body panel repair, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and troubleshooting

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic adjustments and fluid changes to full engine and drivetrain overhauls, including detailed torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic flowcharts.

Troubleshooting Procedures:

Detailed step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, diagnostic flowcharts, wiring diagrams for electrical fault finding, specific tests for engine and transmission components.

Bodywork Repair:

Sheet metal repair, panel replacement, door and window adjustments, bumper repair and replacement, corrosion prevention and repair.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Fuse box locations and descriptions, relay testing, alternator and starter testing, battery care, power distribution, body computer diagnostics, instrument cluster repair, lighting system troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Searchable, High Resolution)

Print Quality:

High quality digital reproduction, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Manual Completeness:

Complete Factory Service Manual, covering all aspects of maintenance, repair, and diagnostics for the 1993 Mazda RX-7.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

13B-REW (Rotary)

Horsepower:

255 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque:

217 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm

Engine Type:

Twin-rotor, Wankel, sequential twin-turbocharged

Displacement:

1.3 L (654 cc x 2 rotors)

Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential twin-turbo boost control

Cooling System Type:

Water-cooled

Oil Type Recommendation:

API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific ambient temperature ranges and viscosity recommendations, often synthetic is preferred for rotary engines)

Turbocharger Configuration:

Sequential twin-turbo system (smaller turbo for low-end response, larger turbo for high-end power)

Rotary Specifics:

Detailed explanation of the 13B-REW engine's operation, including rotor housing design, apex seals, oil injection, and the sequential turbo system. Crucial for understanding potential issues and proper maintenance.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

R154 (Mazda's 5-speed manual transmission)

Transmission Type:

Heksapodus (4-speed automatic transmission)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (verify with manual, some recommend specific Mazda fluids)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III (verify with manual)

Manual Gear Ratios Approximate:

1st: 3.483, 2nd: 2.015, 3rd: 1.392, 4th: 1.000, 5th: 0.761 (Final Drive: 4.300) - *verify exact ratios in manual*

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4295 mm (169.1 in)

Width:

1750 mm (68.9 in)

Height:

1235 mm (48.6 in)

Wheelbase:

2505 mm (98.6 in)

Front Overhang:

865 mm (34.1 in)

Rear Overhang:

835 mm (32.9 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1260-1310 kg (2778-2888 lbs) depending on trim and transmission

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 1635 kg (3605 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

Not explicitly rated by NHTSA in the modern sense, but a robust chassis design for its era.

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models, advanced brake proportioning.

Passive Features:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners, reinforced safety cell, energy-absorbing steering column, driver and passenger airbags (optional or standard depending on market and trim).

Tire Size Front:

225/50R16

Tire Size Rear:

225/50R16 (can vary with performance packages)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x114.3

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Manual climate control knobs.

Driver Assistance:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).

Connectivity:

Limited by era; no integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity.

Other Technology:

Sequential twin-turbo system, advanced fuel injection, lightweight construction materials.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (highly recommended for rotary engines, frequent oil changes are crucial)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (specific rotary spark plugs required)

Timing Belt Replacement:

N/A (Rotary engines do not have timing belts; they utilize a timing chain or gear system)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 5.5 - 6.0 liters (5.8 - 6.3 quarts) with filter (verify with manual)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 7.5 liters (7.9 quarts) (verify with manual)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (verify with manual)

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Dexron II or III (verify with manual)

Differential Fluid Type:

GL-5 SAE 80W-90 (verify with manual)

Known Issues:

Apex seal wear (requires rebuild), vacuum hose degradation, oil seal issues, turbocharger reliability concerns if not properly maintained, heat management in engine bay, ignition system issues (coil packs, wires).

Rotary Specific Maintenance:

Crucial importance of using appropriate oil and maintaining oil levels. Pre-mixing oil in fuel (though not standard on FD) or ensuring the oil metering pump is functioning correctly is vital. Regular engine carbon cleaning may be beneficial.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mazda has a long history of sports car development, including the iconic Cosmo and RX series, culminating in the rotary-powered RX-7, which is synonymous with performance and rotary engine innovation.

Model Evolution:

The FD generation marked a significant departure from its predecessors (SA/FB and FC), featuring a sleeker, more aerodynamic design, a more powerful twin-turbo rotary engine, and a sophisticated chassis. It represented a peak in rotary sports car development.

Production Years:

1992-2002 (FD generation)

Manufacturing Location:

Hiroshima, Japan

Key Market Introduction:

Japan (1991), North America (1993)

Model Variant 1993:

Base, Touring, Bathurst R (Japan only). The manual covers all these variants' specific components.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

Frequently cited in automotive media as one of the greatest sports cars of the 1990s, lauded for its driving dynamics and rotary engine prowess. Car and Driver's '10Best' list multiple times.

Ratings:

Consistently high ratings for handling, performance, and design in period reviews.