Segment:
Sports Coupe, Performance Car
Competitors 1989:
Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk III), Porsche 944, Chevrolet Camaro.
Unique Selling Proposition:
The RX-7's rotary engine offered a unique, smooth power delivery and high-revving character unmatched by piston engines in its class, combined with excellent handling.
Engine Type:
Rotary (Wankel) Twin-Turbocharged
Handling:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, near 50/50 weight distribution, and sophisticated suspension for its era.
Design:
Iconic 'wind-up window' sports car design, pop-up headlights, sleek aerodynamic profile.
Engine Mechanical:
Full coverage of 13B rotary engine, including assembly, disassembly, seals, apex seals, rotors, housings, and porting.
Engine Management:
Ignition system, fuel injection, ECU diagnosis, sensor testing (MAP, TPS, O2), emissions control systems.
Turbocharger System:
Detailed information on the twin-entry turbocharger system, intercooler, wastegate operation, boost control, and common failure points.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (Type R154 equivalent often fitted, though factory manual gearbox details are key), clutch system, driveshaft, differential.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brake systems, ABS (if equipped), hydraulic circuits, master cylinder, caliper overhaul, pad and rotor replacement.
Suspension Steering:
Front MacPherson strut, rear independent multi-link suspension. Bushings, ball joints, shock absorbers, steering rack, power steering system.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, power windows, mirrors, audio system, fuse/relay locations, diagnostic connectors.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement.
Body Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, structural components.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug (rotary specific) replacement, coolant checks, brake fluid flush, timing belt (auxiliary belt) inspection.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation, wiring harness troubleshooting.
Engine Rebuild:
Detailed steps for complete engine teardown, inspection, component replacement (rotors, seals, housings), and reassembly.
Transmission Repair:
Gearbox overhaul, bearing replacement, seal replacement, clutch assembly installation and adjustment.
Brake Service:
Disc pad and rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, brake line replacement, bleeding procedures, ABS component testing.
Suspension Work:
Strut replacement, shock absorber replacement, bushing replacement, alignment procedures.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Testing sensors, actuators, wiring continuity, component voltage checks using multimeters and oscilloscopes.
Turbo Maintenance:
Turbocharger inspection, wastegate adjustment, intercooler cleaning, boost leak testing.
Body Repair:
Panel alignment, dent repair, rust prevention, interior trim removal for access.
Depth:
Expert level. Covers complete overhaul, rebuilding, advanced diagnostics, and performance tuning considerations for the 13B rotary engine and associated systems.
Engine Type:
Mazda 13B Rotary (Wankel)
Configuration:
Twin-Rotor, Naturally Aspirated (non-turbo variants exist, but this manual covers the turbo model)
Displacement:
1.3L (654cc per rotor x 2 = 1308cc equivalent)
Aspiration:
Twin-Turbocharged (Sequential Turbocharging System)
Horsepower Hp:
202-215 hp
Horsepower Kw:
151-160 kW
Torque Ft Lb:
190-200 lb-ft (approximate)
Redline:
7500 RPM (approximate)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor-based depending on exact market/spec.
Oil Type Recommendation:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (rotary specific oils may be beneficial, consult manual)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (less common on turbo models)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically Actuated, Dry Single Plate Clutch
Differential:
Limited Slip Differential (LSD) often standard on Turbo models.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (check manual for specific Mazda recommendations)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent (check manual)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), depending on driving conditions and oil used. Rotary engines can consume oil, so regular checks are crucial.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Rotary specific plugs. Intervals vary greatly, but typically 30,000-60,000 miles. Consult manual for exact type and interval.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years or 25,000 miles.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.5-6.0 US quarts (5.2-5.7 liters) with filter. Verify with manual.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.5-8.0 US quarts (7.1-7.6 liters). Use a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol coolant and distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual)
Rotary Engine Apex Seals:
Wear or failure of apex seals can lead to loss of compression and engine damage. Regular maintenance and proper engine operation are critical.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines naturally consume some oil as part of their lubrication system. Ensure oil levels are consistently checked.
Vacuum Lines:
Aging rubber vacuum lines can crack and leak, affecting engine performance and boost control.
Turbocharger Reliability:
While generally robust, turbo seals can fail over time, leading to oil burning or loss of boost. Proper warm-up/cool-down cycles are important.
Cooling System:
Overheating can be an issue if the cooling system is not properly maintained. Radiator, hoses, and thermostat should be checked regularly.