🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-7

Fc Generation (2Nd Gen):

1985-1992

Chassis Code (Fc):

FC3S (Coupe), FC3C (Convertible)

👋 Introduction

Positioning 1986:

Sporty, stylish personal luxury coupe targeting performance enthusiasts and those seeking a premium driving experience.

Positioning 1993:

High-performance sports coupe, evolving to offer more advanced technology, power, and refined handling, competing with established European sports cars.

Competitors 1986:

Nissan 300ZX (Z31), Toyota Supra (MkII), Porsche 944, Chevrolet Camaro/Pontiac Firebird.

Competitors 1993:

Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (MkIV), Mitsubishi 3000GT, Porsche 968, Chevrolet Corvette (C4).

Rotary Engine Appeal:

Unique smooth power delivery, high revving nature, compact size.

Styling Evolution:

Aerodynamic 'pop-up headlight' design in the FC generation, refined and aggressive lines in the FD generation.

Handling Dynamics:

Emphasis on balanced weight distribution, sophisticated suspension systems for responsive handling.

Performance Focus:

Turbocharged variants offered significant power and acceleration for their respective eras.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

1986 Mazda RX-7 Sales Brochure

Secondary Coverage:

1993 Mazda RX-7 Sales Brochure

Estimated Pages 1986:

8-12 pages (typical for period sales brochures)

Estimated Pages 1993:

12-16 pages (typical for period sales brochures)

Type:

Sales Brochure/Promotional Material

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Paper

📖 Manual Coverage

Exterior Styling:

Design highlights, aerodynamic features, body lines, wheel options

Interior Features:

Seating, dashboard layout, controls, materials, optional features

Powertrain Overview:

Rotary engine technology explanation, performance highlights

Chassis Suspension:

Handling characteristics, suspension types (e.g., independent rear suspension)

Safety Features:

Basic safety equipment, advanced options for the era

Not Applicable:

Sales brochures focus on presentation, not repair procedures.

Depth:

Overview and marketing highlights, not in-depth technical specifications or repair guidance.

📊 Manual Specifications

Physical Format:

Printed paper, typically folded or stapled booklet

Print Quality:

High-quality glossy paper with full-color photography and graphics

Binding:

Stapled or saddle-stitched (for booklets)

Paper Type:

Glossy, coated paper stock

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Rotary (Wankel)

Engine Code:

13B

Displacement:

1.3 L (654 cc x 2 rotors)

Aspirated Variant:

Naturally Aspirated

Turbocharged Variant:

Turbocharged (GT/GTS trims)

Horsepower Naturally Aspirated:

145-160 hp @ 6500 rpm (approx.)

Torque Naturally Aspirated:

140-145 lb-ft @ 3500-4000 rpm (approx.)

Horsepower Turbocharged:

182-200 hp @ 6500 rpm (approx.)

Torque Turbocharged:

183-200 lb-ft @ 3500-4000 rpm (approx.)

Engine Type:

Rotary (Wankel)

Engine Code:

20B-REW (Twin-Turbo)

Displacement:

2.0 L (942 cc x 3 rotors)

Horsepower:

252 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque:

217 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm

Fuel Delivery 1986:

Fuel Injection (Bosch L-Jetronic or similar, later models may have TBI or MPI)

Fuel Delivery 1993:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)

Recommended Fuel:

Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91+ Octane)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic

Transmission Type:

6-Speed Manual (Getrag or Mazda unit)

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically Actuated Single Dry Plate Clutch

Differential:

Limited Slip Differential (LSD) often standard on performance/turbo models

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 168.4 inches

Width:

Approx. 68.5 inches

Height:

Approx. 49.4 inches

Wheelbase:

Approx. 95.7 inches

Length:

Approx. 168.9 inches

Width:

Approx. 69.1 inches

Height:

Approx. 48.2 inches

Wheelbase:

Approx. 95.7 inches

Curb Weight 1986 Turbo:

Approx. 2800-3000 lbs

Curb Weight 1993 Twin Turbo:

Approx. 2900-3100 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings 1986:

Not extensively tested by modern standards; anecdotal evidence suggests good structural integrity for the era.

IIHS Ratings 1993:

Not tested by IIHS in its current format.

Braking System 1986:

Front: Ventilated Disc; Rear: Disc (ABS optional/standard on higher trims)

Braking System 1993:

Front: Ventilated Disc; Rear: Ventilated Disc (ABS standard)

Suspension Design:

Front: Independent MacPherson Struts; Rear: Independent Multi-link or Rotary-Link (FC)

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard on later models (e.g., 1990+ FC), optional or standard on FD.

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia reel seatbelts

Structure:

Reinforced passenger compartment, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional equalizer or premium sound system.

Climate Control:

Manual HVAC, optional automatic climate control on higher trims.

Audio System:

Upgraded factory AM/FM stereo with cassette, optional CD player, premium Bose sound system available.

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control standard on many models.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (optional on early FC, standard on later FC and FD).

Not Applicable:

No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB available in these model years.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Changes:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, critically important for apex seal lubrication.

Spark Plugs:

Inspect at 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles for platinum plugs).

Apex Seals:

No fixed interval; condition is critical and diagnosed via compression tests. Premature wear is a known issue if maintenance is neglected.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5-5.0 quarts (with filter)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (API classification)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III or equivalent

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water

Apex Seal Wear:

Can lead to loss of compression, hard starting, poor performance. Often caused by poor lubrication, overheating, or detonation.

Oiling System:

Specific oil metering pump (S.O.P.) issues or failures can lead to premature wear. Ensure proper two-stroke oil injection is functional if applicable to the model variant.

Vacuum Hoses:

Aging rubber vacuum lines can crack and cause vacuum leaks, leading to rough idling and performance issues.

Ignition System:

Requires regular maintenance of spark plugs, coils, and wires due to the high-revving nature and unique firing order.

📚 Vehicle History

Rotary Legacy:

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

Savanna Rx-7:

Preceded by the SA/FB generation (1978-1985), characterized by its classic sports coupe styling.

Fc Generation:

Introduced in 1985 for the 1986 model year. Featured a more modern, aerodynamic design, independent rear suspension, and available turbocharging. Styled by Yoichi Sato. The convertible version (FC3C) was introduced in 1987.

Fd Generation:

Introduced in 1991 for the 1992 model year (though commonly referred to as the '93 RX-7 for the US market). Featured a completely new, highly acclaimed rotary twin-turbo engine (20B-REW) and a lightweight, advanced chassis. Styled by Yutaka Kashiwagi and Tomihisa Tabata. Discontinued production in 2002.

Manufacturing Location:

Mazda Hiroshima Plant, Japan

Production Years Fc:

1985-1992

Production Years Fd:

1992-2002

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best 1986:

The 1986 RX-7 (FC) was named to Car and Driver's 10Best list.

Car And Driver 10Best 1993:

The 1993 RX-7 (FD) was also named to Car and Driver's 10Best list.

Motor Trend Car Of The Year:

While not winning Car of the Year, the RX-7 has consistently been recognized for its performance and handling by automotive publications.