Original Market Segment:
Sports Coupe / Grand Tourer
Key Competitors Era:
Datsun 280ZX, Toyota Celica Supra, Porsche 924, Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT
Unique Selling Proposition:
Rotary engine technology, distinctive styling, balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive dynamics.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts appreciating unique engineering, performance-oriented drivers, and classic Japanese sports car collectors.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Transmission, Driveline, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Body, Interior, Heating & Air Conditioning, Emissions Control
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 600-800 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Digital PDF (downloadable)
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul procedures for the Wankel rotary engine, including apex seals, rotor housings, side seals, oil seals, and rotor assembly.
Fuel System Rotary:
Details on fuel pump operation, fuel filter replacement, carburetor (Solex or Hitachi variation) diagnosis and overhaul, and fuel injection systems (if applicable for later models).
Ignition System Rotary:
Spark plug specifications, ignition timing adjustment, distributor maintenance, ignition coil testing, and electronic ignition system components.
Cooling System Rotary:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and coolant specifications. Specific considerations for rotary engine cooling unique design.
Transmission Manual:
Disassembly, assembly, and repair of the 5-speed manual transmission. Clutch inspection and replacement procedures.
Transmission Automatic:
Diagnosis and repair for the optional automatic transmission, including torque converter and valve body service.
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension component replacement (struts, control arms, bushings), steering gear diagnosis and repair, power steering system service.
Braking System:
Disc brake component specifications (pads, rotors, calipers), hydraulic system bleeding, parking brake adjustment, and power brake booster service.
Electrical System Diagnosis:
Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, starter motor, alternator, battery service, lighting system troubleshooting, and instrument cluster diagnosis.
Bodywork And Trim:
Panel removal and installation, glass replacement, interior trim components, door and lock mechanisms, and body repair techniques.
Preventative Maintenance:
Routine checks, fluid level adjustments, filter replacements, and belt inspections.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems, often with flowcharts.
Component Overhaul:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for disassembling, cleaning, inspecting, repairing, and reassembling major vehicle components.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners, essential for proper assembly and preventing damage.
Special Tool Requirements:
Identification of specific tools needed for particular repair or maintenance tasks.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Methodologies for identifying the root cause of malfunctions across various systems.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic information, including symptom-cause-remedy tables and electrical schematic interpretation.
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for complete overhauls of the Wankel rotary engine and other major components.
Engine Type:
Wankel Rotary (Two-Rotor)
Engine Displacement Cc:
1146 cc (nominal for 12A), 1308 cc (nominal for 13B)
Engine Designation Early:
12A
Engine Designation Late:
13B (introduced later in the first generation)
Horsepower 12A Early:
Approx. 100-110 HP
Horsepower 13B Late:
Approx. 125-135 HP (naturally aspirated), 160 HP (turbocharged - common in later FB models)
Torque 12A Early:
Approx. 110-120 lb-ft
Torque 13B Late:
Approx. 125-135 lb-ft (naturally aspirated), 170 lb-ft (turbocharged)
Fuel Delivery Early Models:
Two-barrel downdraft carburetor (e.g., Hitachi or Mazda-branded Solex variations)
Fuel Delivery Late Models Turbo:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for turbocharged models
Recommended Fuel Octane:
Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane)
Rotary Specific Features:
Eccentric shaft, rotors, apex seals, side seals, uniform combustion chamber, high RPM capability.
NHTSA Ratings:
Not available for this era with modern standardized testing.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (early models), four-wheel disc brakes (later/performance models like GT/GSL-SE).
Parking Brake:
Mechanical, rear drum actuation
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts
Chassis Construction:
Unibody construction with integrated safety cage elements.
Oil Change Interval Rotary:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months. Crucial for rotary engines due to oil dilution and lubrication needs.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Refer to manual; typically between 15,000-30,000 miles depending on plug type and condition.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (typical for the era).
Engine Oil Type Rotary:
Specific rotary engine oil blend or high-quality API SG/SH rated conventional oil. Check manual for exact viscosity (e.g., 10W-30, 10W-40).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (e.g., Mazda Genuine Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 gear oil (specific viscosity often 75W-90 or 80W-90).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron II or equivalent ATF.
Rotary Engine Apex Seals:
Wear and failure of apex seals leading to loss of compression and engine damage. Regular oil changes and proper warm-up/cool-down are critical.
Rotary Engine Carbon Buildup:
Carbon deposits can form in the combustion chambers, leading to rough idling, misfires, and reduced performance. Decarbonization procedures are often recommended.
Carburetor Performance:
Carburetors can become gummed up or require frequent adjustments due to age and fuel quality.
Cooling System Reliability:
Aging hoses, radiators, and water pumps can lead to leaks and overheating. Rotary engines are particularly sensitive to overheating.
Rust And Corrosion:
Common for vehicles of this era, particularly in areas exposed to road salt. Check wheel wells, rocker panels, and floor pans.
Mazda Rotary Pioneering:
Mazda's long-standing commitment and development of Wankel rotary engine technology.
First Generation Codename:
SA22C (North America), FB (Japan and other markets)
Key Facelifts And Updates:
1978: Introduction. 1981: Major facelift (FB chassis) with revised styling, suspension, and engine updates (introduction of 13B). 1984: Introduction of turbocharged models.
Production Years:
1978-1985
Manufacturing Location:
Mazda plants, Japan
