🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-7

Model Code:

SA22C

Generation:

First Generation (SA22C)

Production Years Covered:

1979-1980

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Sports Car / Grand Tourer.

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts and owners of the first-generation Mazda RX-7, particularly those involved in restoration, maintenance, and performance tuning.

Key Competitors Era:

Datsun Z cars (280ZX), Toyota Celica Supra, Porsche 924.

Vehicle Unique Selling Points:

Rotary engine technology, lightweight chassis, excellent handling and balance, affordable sports car performance.

Manual Value Proposition:

Indispensable resource for sourcing correct OEM parts, essential for preserving originality and ensuring proper fitment during repairs and restorations.

📋 Manual Details

Overall Coverage:

Comprehensive parts catalog for the entire vehicle, including all mechanical, electrical, and body components.

Specific Systems Coverage:

Engine (rotary), drivetrain, suspension, steering, brakes, electrical system, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, interior components, exterior body panels, lighting, trim, and accessories.

Estimated Page Count:

Likely several hundred pages, typical for a comprehensive parts catalog.

Type:

Parts Catalog / Parts Manual

Language:

English (primary language for Mazda parts catalogs of this era, though some original diagrams may retain Japanese characters in component labels).

Format:

Printed Catalog (as implied by 'Professional Quality' and 'enlarge views').

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Components:

Rotary engine internals (rotor, housing, apex seals, oil seals, stationary gears, eccentric shaft), intake manifold, exhaust manifold, carburetor, ignition system components, oil pump, coolant pump, starter, alternator.

Drivetrain Components:

Clutch assembly, flywheel, transmission (gearbox), driveshaft, universal joints, differential, axle shafts, rear axle housing.

Suspension Steering:

Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings, anti-roll bar), rear suspension (trailing arms, Watt's linkage or Panhard rod, bushings), steering rack, tie rods, steering column components, wheel bearings.

Brake System:

Front disc brake components (calipers, rotors, pads, hoses), rear drum or disc brake components (depending on specific sub-model/market), master cylinder, brake booster, brake lines, parking brake mechanism.

Electrical System:

Wiring harnesses, fuses, relays, battery, starter motor, alternator, ignition coil, distributor, spark plug wires, headlights, taillights, interior lighting, dashboard instruments, switches, sensors.

Fuel Cooling Exhaust:

Fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump, carburetor components, radiator, radiator hoses, thermostat, water pump, exhaust manifold, catalytic converter (if equipped), muffler, exhaust pipes.

Body Interior Exterior:

Body panels (fenders, hood, doors, trunk lid, roof panel), glass (windshield, side glass, rear glass), seals, weatherstripping, bumpers, grille, trim pieces, interior upholstery, dashboard panels, seats, steering wheel, pedals, climate control vents.

Identification Of Parts:

Primary function is to identify and list all individual parts with their corresponding manufacturer part numbers.

Assembly Disassembly Reference:

Exploded diagrams provide visual guidance for the correct order and method of part assembly/disassembly, crucial for repair and restoration.

Part Interchangeability Reference:

Facilitates identification of specific revisions or variations of parts across the production run.

Level Of Detail:

Highly detailed, providing part numbers for every nut, bolt, washer, seal, and component, allowing for precise ordering and inventory management.

Diagram Quality:

High-quality exploded diagrams that allow for close examination of small components.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Likely a high-resolution scan of the original printed manual, potentially available as a searchable PDF or high-quality digital image files.

Quality Description:

Professional quality, ensuring clarity and legibility of diagrams and part numbers, suitable for professional mechanics and enthusiasts.

Binding:

Original binding would typically be a robust staple or perfect binding suitable for frequent use in a workshop.

Paper Quality:

Durable paper stock, often coated or heavier weight, to withstand workshop environments.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)

Engine Code:

12A

Displacement Cc:

1146 cc (equivalent to approximately 2292 cc piston displacement due to rotary design)

Rotor Design:

Single Rotor Housing with two triangular rotors (per side, two rotors total).

Horsepower Hp:

Approx. 100-110 hp (SAE Gross) for early models, increasing slightly in later 1980 iterations.

Torque Lb Ft:

Approx. 105-115 lb-ft (SAE Gross)

Fuel Delivery:

Two-barrel Hitachi carburetor (e.g., Hitachi HJT-40).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended).

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed Manual Transmission

Type:

3-speed Automatic Transmission

Clutch Type:

Dry Single Plate

Gear Ratios Manual:

Specific gear ratios available in detailed service manuals; parts catalog confirms components.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Inches:

98.2 inches

Overall Length Inches:

167.1 inches

Overall Width Inches:

65.6 inches

Overall Height Inches:

50.2 inches

Curb Weight Lbs:

Approx. 2,350 - 2,500 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data Availability:

Limited formal crash test data available from this era compared to modern standards.

Handling Dynamics:

Excellent weight distribution (near 50/50), low center of gravity, independent suspension contribute to high active safety through precise handling.

Seat Belts:

Standard 3-point seat belts.

Body Structure:

Reinforced chassis and safety cage design for its time.

💡 Technology Features

Radio System:

Typically an AM/FM stereo radio with cassette player, optional power antenna.

Speaker Configuration:

Usually dual front speakers, optional rear speakers.

ABS Availability:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was not a standard feature and was rare, if available at all, on early SA22C models. More common on later generations.

Connectivity Features:

None in the modern sense; basic electrical systems only.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. Rotary engines require specific oil considerations.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Intervals vary, but often around 20,000-30,000 miles for rotary-specific plugs.

Engine Oil Type Rotary:

Specific rotary engine oil (e.g., Mazda Rotary Lubricant) or a high-quality API SG or SH rated mineral oil with low ash content. Check original manual for precise specs.

Engine Oil Capacity Liters:

Approx. 5.0 - 5.5 liters (including oil cooler).

Transmission Fluid Type:

API GL-4 Gear Oil, viscosity typically 75W-90 or 80W-90.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Mazda Long Life Coolant or equivalent).

Apex Seal Wear:

Common to all rotaries, apex seals can wear over time, leading to loss of compression and power.

Carburetor Tuning:

Hitachi carburetors can require periodic adjustment and maintenance for optimal performance.

Oil Consumption:

Rotary engines inherently consume some oil for lubrication; ensuring the oil metering system is functional is critical.

Rust And Corrosion:

Like many cars of this era, rust can be a concern, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and battery trays.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Rotary Pioneering:

Mazda's commitment to the Wankel rotary engine, pioneered by Felix Wankel and perfected by Mazda, is a defining characteristic of the brand.

Rx7 Generation 1 Impact:

The SA22C RX-7 was Mazda's first mass-produced sports car, establishing their reputation for performance and innovative engineering.

Design Influences:

Styling influenced by European sports cars of the era, particularly the Porsche 924.

Manufacturing Location:

Hiroshima, Japan.

Initial Reception:

Critically acclaimed for its handling, styling, and unique powertrain; became a popular choice for enthusiasts worldwide.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

The RX-7 was frequently cited by automotive publications like Car and Driver for its driving dynamics and sporty nature, though specific '10 Best' placements for this exact year may vary.

Performance Ratings:

Consistently praised for handling, braking (relative to contemporaries), and smooth rotary power delivery.

Automotive Journalism Acclaim:

Recognized as a groundbreaking sports car that offered accessible performance and a unique driving experience.