Market Position:
The Mazda RX-7 (FD3S) of the 2002 model year represents the pinnacle of Mazda's rotary sports car lineage, a highly sought-after icon in the enthusiast community known for its distinctive styling, lightweight chassis, and high-revving twin-rotor engine.
Competitive Set:
Competed against other premium sports cars of its era such as the Porsche 911, Nissan 300ZX, Toyota Supra, and Mitsubishi 3000GT.
Design Philosophy:
Emphasized lightweight construction, balanced handling, and aerodynamic efficiency, embodying Mazda's 'Jinba Ittai' (horse and rider as one) driving philosophy.
Engine Systems:
Rotary engine (13B-REW), twin-turbocharging system, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control.
Drivetrain Systems:
Transmission (R154 or equivalent), clutch, driveshaft, differential, axles.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension (double wishbone), steering system, power steering.
Braking System:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS, brake system bleeding, component replacement.
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, ECU, sensors, actuators, lighting, charging system, starting system, body electricals.
Body Chassis:
Body construction, exterior panels, interior trim, glass, door mechanisms, bumpers.
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements), fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, turbocharger repair/replacement, transmission rebuild, brake caliper overhaul, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnostics and replacement.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnosis, component testing procedures.
Depth:
Expert-level detail suitable for professional technicians, including detailed specifications, torque values, clearances, and diagnostic strategies.
Engine Type:
Rotary (Wankel)
Engine Configuration:
654cc x 2 (Periphery Port) Twin-Rotor, Turbocharged
Horsepower:
280 PS (276 hp; 206 kW) at 6500 rpm (Japan Spec)
Torque:
314 Nm (232 lb-ft) at 5000 rpm (Japan Spec)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Unleaded Recommended)
Injection System:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Turbocharging:
Sequential twin-turbo system (Series 1: one small turbo for low RPM, Series 2: dual sequential turbochargers).
Oil Type Spec:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 recommended (refer to manual for specific approvals).
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, Mazda FL22 or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 liters (7.9 US quarts).
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Mazda R154 or equivalent for some markets/specifications).
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (less common, mainly for specific markets).
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated, multi-plate clutch (typical for rotary engines).
Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific fluid type and capacity (e.g., Dexron III or equivalent for automatic, manual transmission fluid for manual).
NHTSA Rating:
Not directly comparable to modern standards; primarily tested by individual markets.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS).
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell and crumple zones.
Audio System:
Factory fitted AM/FM stereo with CD player, often with Bose premium sound system option.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control system with A/C.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Headlights:
Pop-up (retractable) halogen headlights.
Original Connectivity:
Limited to factory audio system; no modern Bluetooth or USB connectivity as standard.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, but subject to driving conditions. Refer to the specific service schedule in the manual.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual; typically at higher mileage intervals, but early replacement may be recommended due to the nature of rotary ignition.
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (Rotary engines do not have traditional timing belts; they use a chain or gears for rotor drive).
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron III or equivalent.
Apex Seal Wear:
A common concern with rotary engines is apex seal wear, which can lead to a loss of compression if not properly maintained. Proper lubrication and avoiding prolonged idling or overheating are crucial.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume some oil as part of their lubrication system. The manual will detail the normal consumption rate.
Turbocharger Reliability:
The sequential twin-turbo system can be a point of failure if not maintained, particularly the lubrication and cooling of the turbos.
Vacuum Lines And Emissions Components:
Age-related degradation of vacuum hoses and emissions control components can lead to performance issues and check engine lights.
Mazda Rotary Legacy:
Mazda has a long and storied history with the rotary engine, dating back to its initial development and its successful implementation in the Cosmo Sport and later in the RX series of cars.
Fd Generation:
The 2002 model year represents the final iteration of the third-generation RX-7 (FD3S), which debuted in 1992. This generation is renowned for its sleek, aerodynamic design penned by Tom Matano and its advanced twin-rotor rotary engine.
Production Period:
1992-2002 (FD chassis).
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan.
