Era Context:
The RX-3 was Mazda's affordable, sporty compact offering in the mid-1970s, competing with Japanese and American small cars.
Niche:
Known for its compact size, distinctive styling, and especially its rotary engine, offering a unique driving experience.
Competitors:
Datsun 240Z/260Z (though higher performance/price), Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Ford Pinto, Chevrolet Vega.
Rotary Engine:
The primary differentiator; smooth operation, high-revving nature, and unique sound.
Styling:
Sporty coupe and sedan designs, often praised for their clean lines.
Handling:
Lightweight chassis and good weight distribution contributed to agile handling.
Utility:
Essential resource for owners and mechanics to maintain, diagnose, and repair the 1975 Mazda RX-3.
Engine Mechanical:
Rotary engine (10A) disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair
Engine Fuel System:
Carburetor (likely Hitachi/Mikuni), fuel pump, fuel lines, tank inspection and service
Engine Ignition System:
Distributor, ignition coils, spark plugs, timing adjustment
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan
Lubrication System:
Oil pump, oil filter, oil passages, oil pan
Transmission Manual:
4-speed manual gearbox, clutch operation, removal, disassembly, assembly
Transmission Automatic:
Optional 3-speed automatic gearbox (if applicable to 1975 models), operation and service
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, rear axle, differential, wheel bearings
Suspension Front:
MacPherson strut system, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints
Suspension Rear:
Leaf spring suspension, shock absorbers
Steering System:
Steering gear box, steering column, linkages
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, master cylinder, brake lines, parking brake
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, gauges, switches
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass, trim
HVAC:
Heating and ventilation system operation and service
Preventive Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-to-cause analysis
Repair Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, and reassembly
Adjustment Procedures:
Carburetor adjustments, ignition timing, clutch free play, brake adjustments
Installation Procedures:
Component installation, accessory fitting
Torque Specifications:
Crucial torque values for engine, chassis, and drivetrain components
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and major component overhauls.
Diagnostics:
Includes diagnostic procedures and specifications for troubleshooting common and complex issues.
Engine Type:
Wankel Rotary
Displacement:
993 cc (combined chamber volume)
Rotor Design:
Two-rotor design
Horsepower Net:
Approx. 110 hp @ 6,500 rpm (for US-spec models, exact figures can vary by market)
Torque Net:
Approx. 118 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm (for US-spec models, exact figures can vary by market)
Redline:
Approx. 7,000 rpm
Carburetor:
Single 2-barrel carburetor (e.g., Hitachi HMC 34, or similar depending on market/emission standards)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended for optimal performance)
Oil Injection:
Separate oil injection system for apex seal lubrication is standard on rotary engines.
Cooling Type:
Water-cooled
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.3 US quarts (5.0 liters) including filter
Oil Specification:
API SF/CD or equivalent, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 depending on climate. Consult manual for specifics.
Type:
4-speed Manual Transaxle
Type:
3-speed Automatic Transaxle (may be market-specific)
Drive Layout:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) with integrated transmission and differential.
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 2.5 US quarts (2.3 liters)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Consult manual (typically around 4-5 quarts, including torque converter)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
GL-4 Hypoid gear oil, SAE 80W-90 or 75W-90. Consult manual for specifics.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron II or equivalent. Consult manual for specifics.
Length:
Approx. 160.0 inches (4064 mm) for Coupe, slightly longer for Sedan/Wagon
Width:
Approx. 63.0 inches (1600 mm)
Height:
Approx. 52.0 inches (1321 mm) for Coupe, slightly higher for Sedan/Wagon
Wheelbase:
Approx. 95.7 inches (2431 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2,100 - 2,300 lbs (950 - 1040 kg) depending on body style and equipment
Wheel Size:
13-inch or 14-inch steel wheels with hubcaps
Tire Size:
Typically 175/70SR13 or 185/70SR13. Consult manual for exact fitments.
Radio:
AM/FM radio, possibly with an 8-track player or cassette as an option.
Gauges:
Standard array of analog gauges: speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure. Oil metering gauge may be present.
Features:
No electronic driver assistance features. Focus on mechanical systems and driver control.
Features:
No modern connectivity features. Primarily mechanical and basic electrical systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for specific recommendation.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 15,000-20,000 miles (24,000-32,000 km) for rotary plugs. Specific intervals in manual.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Coolant:
50/50 mix of ethylene glycol coolant and distilled water. Consult manual for specific capacity.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Apex Seals:
Wear of apex seals is a common concern for older rotary engines, leading to compression loss. Proper pre-mix and maintenance are crucial.
Carburetor Tuning:
Carburetors may require frequent adjustment due to their complexity and sensitivity to vacuum leaks.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume a small amount of oil for lubrication, which is normal. Excessive consumption indicates potential issues.
Cooling System Maintenance:
Regular flushing and replacement of coolant are vital to prevent overheating, a potential issue with rotary engines.