Market Position:
Iconic Japanese Sports Car, Renowned for Rotary Engine Technology and Driving Dynamics. Positioned as a premium, performance-oriented coupe.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed with other performance coupes of its era such as the Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk3/Mk4), Mitsubishi 3000GT, Porsche 944, and Chevrolet Corvette. Distinguished by its unique rotary engine.
Key Features:
Lightweight chassis, balanced weight distribution (near 50/50), twin-rotor Wankel engine, advanced aerodynamics, rear-wheel drive, sophisticated suspension systems.
Coverage Areas:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Bodywork, HVAC, Emissions Control, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Maintenance Procedures
Page Count:
Comprehensive (Exact page count varies by specific generation/edition, typically 500+ pages for a full service manual)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Systems Covered:
Rotary Engine (12A, 13B, 13B-REW), Fuel Injection System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Manual and Automatic Transmissions, Clutch, Differential, Driveshafts, Independent Front and Rear Suspension (Double Wishbone), Rack and Pinion Steering, Power Steering System, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Ventilated Disc Brakes, Parking Brake, Body Electrical System, Lighting, Instruments, Gauges, HVAC System, SRS Airbag System, Emissions Control Systems (Catalytic Converter, EGR), ECU Diagnostics, ABS Diagnostics
Procedures Included:
Routine Maintenance (Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement), Engine Overhaul and Rebuild, Apex Seal Replacement, Rotor Housing Inspection, Oil Metering Pump Calibration, Fuel Pump and Injector Testing, Ignition Coil Testing, Radiator and Cooling System Flush, Transmission Fluid Service, Clutch Adjustment and Replacement, Differential Fluid Service, Suspension Component Replacement (Bushings, Ball Joints, Shocks/Struts), Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement, Brake Bleeding, Power Steering Fluid Flush, Electrical Component Testing and Replacement, ECU Code Diagnosis and Clearing, Body Panel Alignment and Repair, HVAC System Troubleshooting, SRS System Diagnosis, Emissions System Testing and Repair
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive Workshop Level. Covers detailed component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation with specific torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic procedures. Includes wiring diagrams, vacuum diagrams, and troubleshooting flowcharts.
Primary Engine:
Mazda 13B-REW (Twin-Turbocharged Rotary)
Horsepower Fd3S:
252 hp (188 kW) @ 6500 rpm (Initial models), up to 276 hp (206 kW) @ 6500 rpm (Later models)
Torque Fd3S:
217 lb-ft (294 Nm) @ 3500 rpm (Initial models), up to 250 lb-ft (339 Nm) @ 5000 rpm (Later models)
Engine Type:
Rotary (Wankel) Twin-Rotor, Twin-Turbocharged (13B-REW)
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential twin turbochargers
Engine Code Fc:
13B (Naturally Aspirated & Turbocharged)
Compression Ratio:
9.7:1 (13B-REW)
Rotor Housing Material:
Hardened Steel Alloy
NHTSA Rating Era:
Ratings varied by year and testing standards; generally good for its era but less comprehensive than modern standards.
Active Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Limited-Slip Differential (LSD)
Passive Features:
Reinforced Chassis, Driver and Passenger Airbags (later models), Three-Point Seatbelts
Infotainment Era Features:
Cassette player, AM/FM radio, optional CD player (later models), analog gauges, manual climate controls.
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was a primary advanced feature for its time. Cruise control.
Connectivity Era Features:
Limited by era; primarily analog systems. No integrated Bluetooth or navigation systems in most models.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, using high-quality synthetic oil suitable for rotary engines.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (specific plugs for rotary engines)
Timing Belt Replacment:
N/A (Rotary engines do not have timing belts; they utilize a chain or gear-driven system for rotor timing).
Engine Oil Type:
API SN/SP, ILSAC GF-6A compliant synthetic or semi-synthetic oil (e.g., 10W-30 or 20W-50 depending on climate and engine condition). Specific rotary engine oils are recommended.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.0 US quarts (4.7 L) with filter (check manual for precise capacity).
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent (Blue)
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., 75W-90)
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
Mazda Genuine ATF MV or equivalent
Differential Fluid Type:
GL-5 Hypoid Gear Oil (e.g., 80W-90 or 75W-140 for LSD)
Common Issues:
Apex seal wear, rotor housing wear/cracks, oil seal degradation, oil metering pump failures, turbocharger issues (especially on FD3S), vacuum line deterioration, leading to boost leaks or erratic engine behavior. Overheating potential due to compact cooling system on some models.
Common Issues Fd3S Specific:
Sequential turbo system failure, ignition coil failure, catalytic converter clogging, oil dilution issues leading to premature wear.
Brand Heritage:
Mazda, known for its pioneering spirit, particularly with the rotary engine technology developed by Felix Wankel.
Model Evolution:
First generation (SA/FB, 1978-1985), Second generation (FC3S, 1985-1992), Third generation (FD3S, 1992-2002). The FD3S is particularly celebrated for its advanced twin-turbo rotary engine and aerodynamic design.
Production Years:
1978-2002 (across all generations)
Production Location:
Japan
Car And Driver Iroty:
Car and Driver's 10Best list for the FD3S generation (multiple years)
Top Gear Rating:
Frequently lauded by automotive journalists for its driving purity and unique engine. Featured in numerous Top Gear segments and reviews.
Jdm Classic Status:
Considered a JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) icon and a modern classic, highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
