🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-7

Year:

1997

Generation:

3rd Generation (FD)

Chassis Code:

FD3S

Engine Code:

13B-REW

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Sports Car / Grand Tourer

Target Audience:

Enthusiast drivers, performance-oriented buyers, track day participants

Key Competitors:

Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk4), Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4, Chevrolet Corvette (C5)

Unique Selling Proposition:

Rotary engine, lightweight chassis, balanced handling, distinctive styling

Designer:

Tom Matano

Design Philosophy:

Spirit of Competition ('Jinba Ittai' - horse and rider as one, applied to sports car dynamics)

📋 Manual Details

Overall Coverage:

All Models & All Repairs A-Z

Geographic Applicability:

North American Market Specification (with notes for international variations where applicable)

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Purpose:

Maintenance, Service, Repair, Diagnosis, Troubleshooting

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Book (likely original dealership issue)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (Rotary - 13B-REW), Fuel System, Ignition System, Lubrication System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Emissions Control System

Drivetrain:

Transmission (Manual - R154/Mazdaspeed variant might be discussed in supplemental), Clutch, Driveshaft, Differential, Axles

Suspension Steering:

Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Steering System (Power Steering)

Brakes:

Front Brakes (Ventilated Discs), Rear Brakes (Ventilated Discs), ABS System

Electrical:

Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Fuses & Relays, ECU (Engine Control Unit), ABS Control Module, SRS (Airbag) System, Audio System Wiring

Body Chassis:

Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Chassis Components, Frame Construction

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance Intervals, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug (Ignitor) Replacement, Coolant Flush, Brake Fluid Flush, Belt Inspections & Replacement

Diagnostics:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) Troubleshooting, Fault Code Retrieval & Interpretation, Symptom-Based Diagnosis for all major systems

Repair:

Engine Rebuilding (Apex Seal Replacement, Rotor Housing Machining), Transmission Overhaul, Clutch Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Overhaul, Electrical Component Replacement, Bodywork Repairs

Troubleshooting:

Detailed flowcharts and guides for diagnosing common and complex issues across all vehicle systems

Specifications:

Torque Specifications for all fasteners, Clearances, Tolerances, Fluid Capacities, Electrical Schematics

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid changes and inspections to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical system analysis.

Diagnostic Tools:

Information on diagnostic connectors, scan tool procedures, and specialized Mazda diagnostic equipment (e.g., Mazda G-Scan compatibility notes)

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format If Applicable:

N/A (original is printed)

Paper Quality:

High-quality, durable paper designed for workshop use

Print Clarity:

Crisp text and sharp diagrams, crucial for understanding complex procedures and schematics

Binding:

Sturdy, often bound with a spine allowing the manual to lay flat for easy reference

Durability:

Built to withstand repeated use in automotive service environments

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Twin-Turbocharged Rotary

Engine Configuration:

13B-REW (Sequential Twin-Turbo)

Displacement:

1.3 Liters (80.1 cu in)

Rotor Design:

Triangular Apex Seals, Re-entrant Housing

Horsepower:

255 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque:

217 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm

Redline:

7000 rpm

Fuel Injection:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Twin-Injectors

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

Cooling Type:

Liquid Cooled

Oil Type:

API SG or SH rated SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40

Oil Capacity With Filter:

5.2 US Quarts (4.9 Liters)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual

Transmission Gear Ratios:

Gear Ratios: 3.337 (1st), 2.156 (2nd), 1.451 (3rd), 1.000 (4th), 0.742 (5th), Final Drive: 4.300

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic (Less common, often found on base models or specific markets)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulic, Dry Single Plate

Transmission Fluid Type:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Hypoid Gear Oil

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

2.2 US Quarts (2.1 Liters)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

170.5 inches (4330 mm)

Width:

69.1 inches (1755 mm)

Height:

48.2 inches (1225 mm)

Wheelbase:

95.5 inches (2425 mm)

Front Track:

58.1 inches (1475 mm)

Rear Track:

58.7 inches (1490 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2950 - 3100 lbs (1340 - 1405 kg), varies by trim and options

Weight Distribution:

Near 50/50 front/rear bias when equipped with manual transmission

Cargo Volume:

4.0 cu ft (approximate, rear storage compartment)

Wheel Size:

17 x 8.0 inches (front), 17 x 9.0 inches (rear)

Tire Size Std:

235/45R17 (front), 255/40R17 (rear)

Bolt Pattern:

5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not prominently rated or tested by NHTSA due to low production volume and sports car classification at the time.

IIHS Side Impact:

Not prominently rated or tested by IIHS.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Standard on most models

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS) - Optional or standard on higher trims

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags (SRS) - Standard

Seatbelts:

3-point Inertial Reel Seatbelts with Pretensioners

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced A-pillars and integrated roll bar behind seats

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM Stereo with Cassette Player and CD Player (Optional), Speaker configuration varies by trim.

Climate Control:

Manual or Automatic Climate Control depending on trim level.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models

Diagnostics Port:

OBD-I (pre-1996), transitioning to OBD-II by 1997. The manual will cover the specific diagnostic connector for the 1997 model.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using appropriate oil)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (for trailing ignitors), leading ignitors inspected

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 High-Temperature Brake Fluid

Power Steering Fluid:

Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III ATF

Coolant Type:

Mazda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Apex Seal Wear:

Premature wear can occur due to detonation, overheating, or improper lubrication. Regular oil checks and quality fuel are crucial. The manual details inspection and replacement procedures.

Turbo Reliability:

Sequential turbo system can develop issues with vacuum lines, actuators, or boost control solenoids. The manual provides detailed diagnostic steps.

Oil Consumption:

Rotary engines naturally consume oil as part of their lubrication system. The manual will specify the expected consumption rate and how to monitor it.

Vacuum Lines:

Aging rubber vacuum lines can crack and leak, affecting boost control and engine performance. The manual details vacuum line routing and testing.

Catalytic Converter:

Can become clogged over time, especially if the engine has experienced detonation or rich fuel mixtures. The manual covers diagnosis and replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Rotary Legacy:

Mazda's long history with the Wankel rotary engine, dating back to the Cosmo Sport.

Generations Preceding:

First Gen (SA/FB), Second Gen (FC)

Fd Design Goals:

Return to the pure sports car roots, lightweight design, advanced aerodynamics, and superior handling.

Production Years Fd:

1992-2002

Manufacturing Plant:

Hofu, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan

Notable Variants:

Type R, Type RZ, Bathurst R, Spirit R (later years), Mazdaspeed A-Spec

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Ten Best:

Named to Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 1993-1994 (though this manual covers the '97 model, it reflects the continued acclaim for the FD platform).

Motortrend Car Of The Year:

Not explicitly awarded, but highly regarded by automotive journalists for its performance and handling.

Motortrend Sports Car Of The Year:

Competed against established sports cars, often praised for its avant-garde design and rotary performance.