Segment:
Sports Car / Grand Tourer
Target Demographic:
Enthusiasts seeking performance, handling, and unique rotary engine technology
Key Competitors Era:
Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk IV), Mitsubishi 3000GT, Porsche 968
Unique Selling Proposition:
Rotary engine performance, balanced chassis, iconic styling
Chassis Design:
Lightweight, well-balanced chassis with near 50/50 weight distribution
Aerodynamics:
Sleek, aerodynamic body design for high-speed stability
Coverage Scope:
Complete factory service and repair
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians
Page Count Estimate:
Approximately 1500-2000 pages (typical for factory service manuals of this era)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF), potentially available as a printed reproduction
Engine Management:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, twin-turbo system operation and diagnostics
Powertrain:
Manual transmission (R154-type), clutch system, driveshaft, differential, axles
Chassis Suspension:
Front suspension (double wishbone), rear suspension (multi-link), steering system, shock absorbers, springs
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system, brake fluid specifications
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, fuse and relay locations, starter, alternator, battery, lighting systems, power windows, power locks, instrument cluster
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, bumpers, hood, trunk, interior trim, seats, HVAC system, convertible top mechanism (if applicable)
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspection and tensioning
Component Diagnosis:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing, actuator testing
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostics for electrical faults, circuit tracing
Specifications:
Torque specifications for critical fasteners, alignment specifications, diagnostic specifications
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to complete engine and drivetrain overhauls
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, and troubleshooting trees for identifying and resolving complex issues
Rebuild Instructions:
In-depth instructions for disassembling, inspecting, repairing, and reassembling major vehicle components, including the rotary engine
Digital Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Likely searchable text (OCR'd or natively text-based)
Diagram Quality:
High-quality, detailed technical diagrams and illustrations
Text Readability:
Clear, concise, and easy-to-understand text
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format) / Professional perfect bound or coil bound (if printed reproduction)
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Format) / High-quality paper suitable for workshop use (if printed reproduction)
Engine Type:
Rotary (Wankel)
Configuration:
Twin-rotor, naturally aspirated (early models) or twin-turbocharged (this model)
Displacement:
1.3L (1308cc equivalent displacement)
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 6500 rpm (JDM/USDM spec for '93)
Torque:
217 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (JDM/USDM spec for '93)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Turbocharger System:
Sequential twin-turbochargers
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH or ILSAC GF-II, viscosity 10W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for precise specifications)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 5.5 - 6.0 quarts (with filter change) (refer to manual for precise capacity)
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual
Transmission Model:
R154 or similar Mazda transmission
Automatic Transmission:
4-speed automatic (less common, performance-oriented buyers preferred manual)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic, multi-plate clutch
Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (refer to manual for precise specifications)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 2.0 - 2.5 liters (refer to manual for precise capacity)
NHTSA Rating:
Not directly comparable to modern standardized ratings; focus on passive safety features of the era.
IIHS Rating:
Not applicable for this era.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most models
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some later models or optional
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Chassis Reinforcement:
Advanced chassis design with crumple zones and side-impact protection
Audio System:
Factory premium audio system with cassette player and AM/FM radio, optional CD player.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control system.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Limited Slip Differential:
Optional limited-slip differential (LSD) for enhanced traction.
Early Electronics:
Basic vehicle electronics typical of the early 1990s, focusing on core vehicle functions.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), but diligent inspection and topping off are crucial for rotary engines.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual; typically every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type (platinum recommended).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Coolant Type:
Mazda long-life coolant or equivalent, typically a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (refer to manual for exact specification).
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Dexron III ATF or equivalent (refer to manual).
Apex Seals:
Wear or failure of apex seals is a common concern in rotary engines, leading to compression loss and engine failure if not addressed.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines naturally consume oil as part of their lubrication system; ensuring proper oil level is critical.
Turbocharger Reliability:
Premature failure of turbochargers can occur due to heat or lubrication issues; proper maintenance is key.
Cooling System:
Overheating can be an issue for rotary engines; maintaining the cooling system is paramount.
Car And Driver Ten Best:
The RX-7 (FD) was frequently featured on Car and Driver's Ten Best lists during its production years, highlighting its exceptional performance and handling.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
While not winning the overall Car of the Year, it was consistently praised by automotive journalists for its engineering and driving dynamics.
Handling Reviews:
Universally acclaimed by automotive media for its superb handling, balance, and driver feedback.