Segment:
Sports Car / Grand Tourer
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, Performance Car Owners, DIY Mechanics
Competitors:
Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (MkIV), Mitsubishi 3000GT/GTO, Porsche 944
Distinctive Features:
Rotary Engine, Lightweight Chassis, Balanced Weight Distribution, Aerodynamic Design
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables owners to maintain and repair their iconic RX-7 effectively, preserving performance and value.
Engine:
Rotary Engine (13B-REW), Engine Mechanical, Lubrication, Cooling, Fuel, Ignition, Emissions Control, Starting, Charging
Transmission:
Manual Transmission (R154), Clutch System, Driveshaft, Differential
Brakes:
Hydraulic System, Front & Rear Brakes, Parking Brake
Suspension:
Front & Rear Suspension Systems, Shock Absorbers, Springs, Control Arms, Bushings
Steering:
Power Steering System, Steering Column, Steering Rack
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting System, Instruments & Gauges, Horn, Wiper & Washer System, Power Accessories, Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM)
Bodywork:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Exterior Trim, Interior Trim, Seats, HVAC System
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Checks & Replenishment
Repair:
Engine Rebuilds (Rotary), Transmission Overhaul, Brake System Repairs, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Diagnosis & Repair, Body Panel Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Flowcharts, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting, Component Testing
Diagnostics:
OBD-II Diagnostics, Sensor Testing, Actuator Testing, Troubleshooting Engine Performance Issues
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic adjustments to complete overhauls and diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Twin-Rotor, Sequential Twin-Turbocharged Wankel Rotary
Displacement:
1308 cc (2 x 654 cc)
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 6500 rpm (1994), 265 hp @ 6500 rpm (1995)
Torque:
217 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (1994), 214 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (1995)
Injection:
Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Oil Type:
API SG/SH or ILSAC GF-I certified synthetic or semi-synthetic oil (e.g., 10W-30, 10W-40, 5W-40 depending on climate)
Oil Capacity With Filter:
Approximately 4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors (e.g., Mazda Genuine Long Life Coolant or equivalent)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 8.0 Liters (8.5 US Quarts)
Gear Ratios:
1st: 3.483, 2nd: 2.015, 3rd: 1.370, 4th: 1.000, 5th: 0.765, Reverse: 3.166
Type:
4-Speed Automatic (less common in performance-oriented markets for this model)
Transmission Fluid Type:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or GL-5 SAE 75W-90 (check manual for specific recommendations)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 2.0 Liters (2.1 US Quarts)
NHTSA Rating:
Not extensively rated by NHTSA for this era of sports car, focus on inherent design.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners
Chassis Design:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (more frequent for spirited driving)
Spark Plugs:
Refer to manual; typically every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type and usage.
Air Filter:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-4 years.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific recommendation)
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II or equivalent (verify in manual)
Apex Seals:
Wear and failure of apex seals is a common concern with rotary engines if not properly maintained or overheated.
Vacuum Lines:
Degradation of vacuum hoses can lead to boost leaks and drivability issues.
Sequential Turbo System:
Potential issues with the complex sequential turbo system's control solenoids and actuators.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines naturally consume a small amount of oil for lubrication; however, excessive consumption indicates potential seal issues.
Mazda Sports Legacy:
Mazda has a long history of innovative sports cars, including the Cosmo, Savanna RX-3, and RX-7 predecessors.
Generations:
First Generation (SA/FB, 1978-1985), Second Generation (FC, 1985-1992), Third Generation (FD, 1992-2002)
Fd Generation Focus:
The FD generation is renowned for its advanced rotary engine, aerodynamic styling, and sharp handling.
Production Years Fd:
1992-2002
Manufacturing Location:
Japan