🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-7

Year:

2001

Chassis Code:

FD3S

Engine Code:

13B-REW

Generation:

3rd Generation (FD)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 2001 Mazda RX-7 represented the pinnacle of the third-generation (FD) rotary-powered sports car, positioned as a high-performance, enthusiast-focused vehicle known for its unique engine and exceptional handling. It competed with other iconic sports cars of its era.

Competitors:

Primary competitors included the Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk IV), and Porsche 968. The RX-7 stood out with its twin-turbocharged rotary engine and balanced chassis.

Unique Selling Points:

Twin-turbocharged rotary engine, lightweight chassis, near 50/50 weight distribution, distinctive styling, advanced suspension design

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

All models and all repairs A-Z

Pages:

Estimated 2000+ (typical for comprehensive dealer service manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely Printed (original format), digital copies often available in PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Rotary engine (13B-REW), lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, emissions, engine mechanical, turbocharging system

Drivetrain Systems:

Manual transmission (Type RZ, Type RS, Type Bathurst R), differential, drive shafts, axles

Chassis Systems:

Suspension (front and rear multi-link), steering (power rack and pinion), brakes (ABS, front/rear discs), chassis structure

Electrical Systems:

Wiring diagrams, lighting, starting and charging, instrumentation, body electronics, power windows, audio system, ECU diagnosis

Body And Interior:

Exterior body panels, interior trim, seats, HVAC system, body sealant, corrosion protection

Engine Procedures:

Engine removal/installation, apex seal replacement, rotor housing inspection, turbocharger rebuild, fuel injector cleaning/replacement, ignition coil diagnosis

Drivetrain Procedures:

Transmission fluid change, clutch inspection/replacement, driveshaft U-joint service, differential fluid change

Chassis Procedures:

Suspension component replacement (shocks, springs, bushings), brake pad/rotor replacement, brake bleeding, wheel alignment specifications

Electrical Procedures:

Troubleshooting electrical faults using wiring diagrams, sensor testing, ECU connector pinouts, starter motor testing

Body Procedures:

Door panel removal, bumper replacement, headlight/taillight bulb replacement, HVAC blower motor replacement

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

Fault code retrieval (OBD-II), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, component testing procedures

Depth:

Complete dealership-level technical information, including diagnostic procedures, repair specifications, and component rebuilds

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (for digital versions)

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory publications, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text

Binding:

Original printed manuals typically have a robust binding (e.g., perfect binding or spiral binding for ease of use in a workshop). Digital PDFs are unbound.

Paper Type:

Original printed manuals use durable, often glossy paper for longevity in a workshop environment.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Rotary (Wankel)

Engine Code:

13B-REW

Configuration:

Twin-rotor, twin-turbocharged

Displacement:

1.3L (654cc x 2 rotor displacement)

Horsepower:

255 hp @ 6500 rpm (for the 2001 model year in North America)

Torque:

217 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (for the 2001 model year in North America)

Fuel Injection:

Sequential electronic fuel injection

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)

Turbo System:

Sequential twin-turbo system (primary turbo for low RPM, secondary for high RPM)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed manual transmission (Mazda Type RZ, Type RS, Type Bathurst R variants often featured specific transmissions)

Optional Transmission:

No automatic transmission offered for the 2001 model year

Transmission Features:

Short-throw shifter, robust construction to handle engine torque

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil (check manual for specific Mazda PN)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4295 mm (169.1 in)

Width:

1750 mm (68.9 in)

Height:

1230 mm (48.4 in)

Wheelbase:

2425 mm (95.5 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1250-1300 kg (2755-2866 lbs), depending on trim and options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not specified by year, but typically around 1600 kg

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Likely 4-star (based on contemporary vehicles, exact year rating may vary)

ABS:

Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)

Traction Control:

Available on some models/trims

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory premium audio system with CD player (typically Bose or similar)

Instrument Cluster:

Analog gauges with tachometer, speedometer, oil pressure, oil temperature, and boost gauge

Cruise Control:

Standard

Climate Control:

Manual or automatic climate control depending on trim

OBD Ii Port:

Standard for diagnostics and fault code retrieval

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, using high-quality synthetic oil (refer to manual for exact recommendation)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Refer to manual; typically every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on type (iridium recommended for rotary)

Timing Belt Replacement:

Not applicable (rotary engine uses a timing chain or fixed timing)

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 2-3 years

Engine Oil Type:

API SJ/SL or ACEA A3/B3/B4, viscosity 10W-30 or 10W-40 synthetic recommended (refer to manual for exact Mazda specs)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 5.5 liters (5.8 US quarts) with filter

Coolant Type:

Mazda FL22 Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 8.0 liters (8.5 US quarts)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid

Power Steering Fluid:

Mazda PSF or Dexron II/III ATF

Common Rotary Issues:

Apex seal wear, oil seal degradation, intake manifold cracking, vacuum hose leaks, turbocharger failure due to improper maintenance or oiling

Common Efi Issues:

Ignition coil failure, fuel pump issues, sensor failures (e.g., MAP sensor, O2 sensor)

Common Chassis Issues:

Aging rubber suspension bushings, brake component wear, potential for rust in certain climates

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Rotary Heritage:

Mazda has a long and unique history with the rotary engine, dating back to the Mazda Cosmo in the late 1960s. The RX series (RX-2, RX-3, RX-4, RX-7, RX-8) solidified Mazda's reputation for innovative rotary performance.

Fd Generation Evolution:

The FD RX-7, introduced in 1992 (as a 1993 model in North America), featured a significant redesign with a focus on aerodynamics, lightweight construction, and a more refined twin-turbo rotary engine. It received various updates throughout its production run, including Series 6, 7, and 8, with the 2001 model being part of the later Series 7/8 iterations.

Production Years:

1992-2002 (globally), 1993-2002 (North America)

Assembly Plant:

Mazda Hiroshima Plant, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Awards:

Car and Driver's 10 Best list multiple times during its production run, highlighting its performance and handling

Automotive Journalism Praise:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics, unique engine, and rotary performance legacy.