Positioning:
The Mazda RX-7 FC generation was positioned as a sporty, affordable performance coupe with a unique rotary engine offering.
Competitors:
Competed with vehicles like the Toyota Supra, Nissan 300ZX, and Mitsubishi Starion.
Rotary Engine:
Distinctive Wankel rotary engine renowned for its smoothness, high-revving nature, and compact size.
Design:
Pop-up headlights, aerodynamic styling, and balanced chassis (often cited for 50/50 weight distribution).
Performance Variants:
Turbo II models offered significantly enhanced performance.
Engine:
Rotary engine (13B), lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, starting, charging.
Transmission:
Manual (G5M-R), Automatic (JATCO), clutch, driveline, driveshaft, differential.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, front disc, rear disc, ABS (if equipped), parking brake.
Suspension Steering:
Front MacPherson struts, rear independent suspension, power steering system, steering column.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, instruments, audio system, power windows, central locking, ECUs.
Body Chassis:
Body construction, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, bumpers, chassis components.
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, controls.
Maintenance:
Routine checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, belt adjustments.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation (OBD-I).
Repair:
Component removal and installation, engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension joint replacement.
Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, timing settings, electrical resistance values.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Detail Level:
Great detail on all major repair topics.
Engine Type:
Rotary (Wankel) Pistonless Two-Rotor
Engine Code Naturally Aspirated:
13B-FC
Engine Code Turbocharged:
13B-T (Turbo II)
Displacement:
117.5 cu in (1.9 L) equivalent displacement per rotor, total 235 cu in (3.9 L) effective.
Horsepower Naturally Aspirated:
Approximately 145-160 hp (varies by market and year)
Horsepower Turbocharged:
Approximately 182-200 hp (varies by market and year)
Torque Naturally Aspirated:
Approximately 138-145 lb-ft
Torque Turbocharged:
Approximately 183-203 lb-ft
Injection:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended)
Turbo System:
Single Turbocharger (Hitachi/Garrett).
Cooling System Type:
Water-cooled, front-mounted radiator.
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Mazda G5M-R)
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (JATCO)
Limited Slip Differential:
Available on Turbo II and some naturally aspirated models, often as an option.
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate clutch.
Length:
Approx. 167.5-170.1 inches (4255-4320 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm)
Height:
Approx. 49.6-50.2 inches (1260-1275 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 95.7 inches (2430 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2750-3000 lbs (1250-1360 kg), varies by model and options.
Gvw:
Not typically specified for performance coupes, focus on curb weight.
NHTSA Ratings:
Specific NHTSA ratings for this period can be difficult to find; focus is on active safety features.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System available as an option on some models, particularly Turbo II.
Traction Control:
Not typically available during this period.
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag became standard later in the generation (late 87/88), but not universal.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia reel seatbelts.
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and chassis structure for torsional rigidity.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo cassette player, often with optional equalizer and premium speaker systems.
Instrumentation:
Analog gauges including tachometer, speedometer, oil pressure, oil temperature, water temperature, and fuel level.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Telematics:
Not applicable for this era.
Oil Change:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions. Rotary engines require specific oil considerations.
Spark Plugs:
Replacement recommended at 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), depending on plug type (standard vs. platinum, and specific rotary requirements).
Timing Belt Chain:
Rotary engines do not have a timing belt or chain; they use a timing chain for the oil pump and accessories.
Engine Oil:
API SG or SH classification, viscosity typically SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40. Rotary engines require specific considerations for oil consumption and apex seal lubrication.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil is common. Specific Mazda specification often preferred.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron II or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF).
Coolant:
Mazda Genuine Antifreeze/Coolant or a high-quality ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent ATF.
Apex Seals:
Wear or failure of apex seals is a common concern in rotary engines, leading to loss of compression and performance.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines are designed to consume a small amount of oil for lubrication of internal seals, but excessive consumption can indicate issues.
Cooling System:
Overheating issues can arise from radiator blockage, faulty thermostat, or coolant leaks.
Vacuum Leaks:
Aging vacuum hoses can lead to leaks, causing rough idling and drivability problems.
Turbo Reliability:
Early turbocharger seals or intercooler issues can occur with age and mileage.
Rotary Legacy:
Mazda's pioneering history with the Wankel rotary engine, dating back to the Cosmo.
Generation:
Second generation (FC), introduced for the 1986 model year.
Design Influence:
Styled by Tom Matano, influenced by the Porsche 944.
Major Updates:
Introduction of the Turbo II model in 1987 marked a significant performance upgrade.
Production Years:
1985-1992 (FC generation), with manual covering 1985-1988.
Manufacturing Plant:
Hiroshima, Japan.
