Positioning:
The 1998 Mazda RX-7 (FD) represents the pinnacle of the rotary sports car, known for its distinctive styling, lightweight chassis, and unique twin-rotor engine. It competed in the premium sports car segment.
Competitors:
Porsche 911, Nissan 300ZX, Toyota Supra, Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4, Chevrolet Corvette.
Highlights:
Iconic styling, twin-turbocharged rotary engine, exceptional handling, lightweight construction, rear-wheel drive.
Value Proposition:
Essential for owners and independent workshops seeking to maintain and repair this complex and highly specialized vehicle, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.
Engine:
Rotary engine (13B-REW), lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, twin-turbo system.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (R154 derived or Mazda equivalent), clutch system, driveshaft, differential, axle assemblies.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system, brake fluid, hydraulic system, parking brake.
Suspension:
Front and rear independent suspension, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, anti-roll bars, steering system.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting, dashboard instruments, ECUs, sensors, wiring diagrams, fuse box information.
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, glass, seat mechanisms, chassis components, frame.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system operation and service.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, spark plug replacement (apex seals and trailing plugs).
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom analysis, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing, component testing procedures.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems, including engine rebuilds (rotor housing, apex seals, oil seals), transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuild, suspension component replacement.
Disassembly And Assembly:
Complete procedures for removing and reinstalling major components and sub-assemblies.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all circuits.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including specialized rotary engine knowledge.
Engine Type:
Rotary (Wankel)
Configuration:
Twin-rotor, twin-turbocharged, naturally aspirated (non-turbo variants existed in other markets/years, but this manual covers the turbo model).
Displacement:
1.3 liters (1308 cc) total displacement
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 6500 rpm (US spec)
Torque:
217 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (US spec)
Injection:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (S-EFI)
Turbocharging:
Sequential twin-turbocharger system (sequential boost control).
Maintenance Considerations
Apex Seals:
Critical wear component requiring careful maintenance and proper lubrication. Manual will detail inspection and replacement.
Type:
5-speed manual transmission
Type:
N/A for the 1998 model year in most key markets.
Clutch:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Likely API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (check manual for exact specification, e.g., Mazda Gear Oil JWS 3309 or equivalent).
Type:
Limited-slip differential (LSD) often standard or optional depending on trim.
Length:
approx. 4295 mm (169.1 in)
Width:
approx. 1750 mm (68.9 in)
Height:
approx. 1230 mm (48.4 in)
Distance:
approx. 2505 mm (98.6 in)
Curb Weight:
approx. 1300-1350 kg (2866-2976 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not typically specified for sports cars in this format.
NHTSA Ratings:
Limited official NHTSA crash test data available for this specific model year as it was primarily produced for Japanese and select export markets with different regulatory standards. Expect typical sports car safety performance for its era.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) typically standard.
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) often available, especially on later FD models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions. Rotary engines benefit from more frequent changes.
Coolant Change:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (50,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual for specific intervals for trailing and leading plugs; typically more frequent than piston engines.
Engine Oil:
Synthetic 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity and API classification, e.g., SN/SP).
Coolant:
Mazda Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for precise specification).
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II/III or Mazda ATF M-III compatible fluid.
Rotary Specific:
Premature apex seal wear, oil seal degradation, vacuum line leaks, cooling system issues (overheating potential), carbon build-up, starter motor issues (especially when hot), distributor issues.
Common Failures:
Turbocharger failure, catalytic converter clogging, fuel injector issues.
Tips:
Regularly check oil levels, ensure proper engine warm-up and cool-down, use high-quality fuel, keep cooling system in top condition, avoid excessive revving on cold engine.
