Segment:
Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, Rotary-powered Sports Car
Competitors 1993:
Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk III/early Mk IV), Porsche 944, Chevrolet Corvette (C4)
Engine Technology:
Sequential Twin-Turbocharged Rotary Engine (13B-REW)
Chassis Design:
Lightweight chassis, near 50/50 weight distribution, advanced suspension geometry
Styling:
Sleek, aerodynamic 'shark-like' design, iconic FD generation styling
Powertrain:
Rotary Engine (13B-REW), Drivetrain, Transmission, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes, Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, ECUs (Engine Control Unit, Body Control Module), Power Accessories, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Glass, Seats, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspections/Replacement, Fluid Checks and Top-offs
Repair:
Engine Rebuilding, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common and specific issues, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, Component testing procedures
Specifications:
Torque specifications, Clearances, Piston/Rotor clearance, Seal specifications, Electrical component resistance values
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and chassis rebuilds, including detailed electrical diagrams and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type:
Rotary (Wankel)
Configuration:
Twin-Rotor, Naturally Aspirated (Early models) / Sequential Twin-Turbocharged (1993+)
Displacement Cc:
2616 (Equivalent to approx. 2.6L piston displacement)
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential twin-turbo boost control
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)
Coolant Capacity Liters:
6.3
Oil Change Recommendation:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, especially under hard driving. Use of specific rotary engine oil (e.g., Idemitsu) is crucial.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual for specific interval based on driving conditions, typically every 15,000-30,000 miles for platinum plugs. Crucial to use correct type for rotary.
Timing Belt Equivalent:
Rotary engines do not have timing belts. Apex seal and rotor housing wear are critical.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended. Specific rotary oils are preferred. Capacity: 4.7 US quarts (4.5 liters) with filter change.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Manual: API GL-4 or GL-5 SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil. Automatic: Dexron II/III compatible fluid. Capacity: Approx. 2.3 US quarts (2.2 liters) for manual.
Coolant Type:
Mazda long-life coolant (blue) or equivalent mixture of distilled water and ethylene glycol. Capacity: 6.3 US quarts (6.0 liters).
Apex Seals:
Degradation of apex seals leading to loss of compression and poor running. Proper lubrication and avoiding detonation are key.
Turbocharger Reliability:
Early twin-turbo systems can be prone to failure if not properly maintained or if subjected to excessive heat. Intercooler efficiency is crucial.
Vacuum Lines:
Cracked or leaking vacuum lines can cause boost leaks and drivability issues.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume a small amount of oil, which is injected into the combustion chamber to lubricate seals. Excessive consumption indicates a problem.
Heritage:
Mazda's lineage of innovative sports cars, building on the success of the RX-3, RX-7 SA22C, and FC3S generations.
Generation Fd Introduction:
1992 (as a 1993 model year) – third generation (FD) RX-7 introduced.
Fd Key Changes 1993:
Introduction of the FD chassis with a focus on aerodynamics, lightweight construction, and the 13B-REW twin-turbo rotary engine.
Production Years:
1992-2002 (for FD generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
Car And Driver 10Best:
Selected as Car and Driver's 10Best in 1993.
Motor Trend Import Car Of The Year:
Considered a contender in its class for various Import Car of the Year awards.
Enthusiast Perception:
Highly regarded for its driving dynamics, unique engine, and iconic styling. Considered a modern classic.
