🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-7

Generation Covered:

First Generation (FB) / SA22C / Series 1, 2, and 3

Model Years Covered:

1980-1989

Chassis Code:

SA22C

Engine Code Primary:

12A (Rotary)

Engine Code Secondary:

13B (Rotary) - Available on later FB models and standard on FC generation (though FC is not the primary focus of this manual based on description)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Sports Car / Grand Tourer

Key Differentiator:

Rotary Engine technology, lightweight chassis, distinctive styling.

Direct Competitors Era:

Datsun Z-series (280ZX), Toyota Celica Supra, Porsche 924, Triumph TR7.

Engine Type:

Wankel Rotary Engine (unique selling proposition)

Handling:

Renowned for balanced handling and RWD dynamics.

Design:

Iconic Giugiaro-penned styling for Series 1/2, updated designs for Series 3.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Type:

Comprehensive Service and Repair

Geographical Coverage:

Likely North American and Global Specifications (typical for aftermarket manuals, specific focus needs verification via manual content)

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (Full Version implies a comprehensive document, often 500+ pages for this era/model)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (Rotary 12A/13B), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System

Transmission Drivetrain:

Manual Transmissions (4-speed, 5-speed), Automatic Transmissions (optional), Clutch, Driveshaft, Rear Axle/Differential

Chassis Suspension:

Front Suspension (MacPherson Strut), Rear Suspension (Watt's Linkage), Steering System (Power Steering), Brakes (Front Disc, Rear Drum/Disc options), Wheels and Tires

Electrical Electronics:

Wiring Diagrams, Lighting System, Ignition System, Starting System, Charging System, Instruments and Gauges, Audio System, Wiper/Washer System

Body Interior Exterior:

Body and Frame, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass and Windows, Interior Trim, Seats, Exterior Trim, Bumpers, Paint and Corrosion Protection

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Checks and Replacements

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic Procedures for all Major Systems, Troubleshooting Charts, Symptom-Based Diagnostics

Repair Overhaul:

Engine Disassembly and Reassembly, Transmission Overhaul, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair

Adjustment Calibration:

Carburetor Adjustment (for 12A), Ignition Timing Adjustment, Carburetor Synchronization (for multi-carb setups if applicable), Clutch Adjustment

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of required special tools for specific procedures.

Depth Level:

Professional Technician Level (covers detailed component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly)

Electrical Schematics:

Detailed Wiring Diagrams for all electrical systems.

Specifications Tolerances:

Precise torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and component tolerances.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely Searchable Text (standard for professionally converted PDFs)

Print Capability:

Printable

Resolution:

High Resolution (assumed for clarity of diagrams and text)

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

Operating Systems:

Windows, macOS, Linux

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader

Download Method:

Instant High Speed Download

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Wankel Rotary

Engine Displacement Rotor Volume:

1.14 L (69.7 cu in) per rotor, total effective displacement 2.29 L (139.4 cu in)

Engine Code:

12A

Bore Per Rotor:

100 mm (3.94 in)

Stroke Per Rotor:

70 mm (2.76 in)

Horsepower 12A Early:

100-105 hp @ 6000-7000 rpm (depending on market and emissions) / 110 hp for RX-7 GSL-SE

Torque 12A Early:

110-114 lb-ft @ 3500-4000 rpm / 117 lb-ft for GSL-SE

Redline Rpm:

7000 rpm

Fuel Delivery Early:

Downdraft Carburetor (Hitachi, later Keihin)

Fuel Delivery Late Models:

Fuel Injection (Bosch L-Jetronic on GSL-SE)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane minimum, 89 recommended for optimal performance)

Cooling Type:

Liquid-Cooled

Oil Type:

API SG or SH rated SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Rotary-specific oil is often recommended).

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with dual leading and trailing spark plugs on later models.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Manual Transmission (early models), 5-Speed Manual Transmission (later models)

Transmission Type:

3-Speed Automatic Transmission

Clutch Type:

Dry Single Plate

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III (or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4,255 mm (167.5 in)

Width:

Approx. 1,650 mm (65.0 in)

Height:

Approx. 1,265 mm (49.8 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2,430 mm (95.7 in)

Front Track:

Approx. 1,370 mm (53.9 in)

Rear Track:

Approx. 1,365 mm (53.7 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1,050 - 1,150 kg (2,315 - 2,535 lbs) depending on trim and options.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs)

Trunk Volume:

Moderate, typical for a coupe of its era.

Standard Wheel Size:

13-inch or 14-inch alloy or steel wheels

Standard Tire Size:

185/70R13 or 195/60R14

Bolt Pattern:

4x114.3 mm (4x4.5 in)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings:

Not extensively rated by modern standards; older safety regulations applied.

Braking System Type:

Front Disc, Rear Drum (standard); Front & Rear Disc (optional on GSL, standard on GSL-SE)

Suspension Features:

Low center of gravity, balanced weight distribution contributing to inherent stability.

Seatbelts:

3-point Inertial Reel Seatbelts (front)

Steering Column:

Collapsible steering column

Body Structure:

Reinforced body structure with side impact beams (later models).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM Radio with Cassette Player (optional or standard depending on trim level). Aftermarket upgrades common.

Speakers:

Factory speaker configurations varied, typically 2-4 speakers.

Cruise Control:

Available on higher trim levels.

Connectivity Features:

None (basic analog systems of the era).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. More frequent changes recommended for spirited driving.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km), or more frequently in dusty conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) due to the nature of rotary ignition.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 24,000-36,000 miles (38,000-58,000 km) or 2 years.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Use Mazda compatible coolant.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron II or equivalent ATF.

Apex Seal Wear:

Common to all rotaries; wear can lead to loss of compression, poor starting, and reduced power. Regular maintenance and proper warm-up/cool-down procedures are crucial.

Carburetor Issues:

Can suffer from vacuum leaks, jet clogging, and float issues, requiring regular cleaning and adjustment.

Oil Consumption:

Rotary engines inherently consume oil as part of their lubrication system. The manual will detail the correct oil consumption rate and procedures for checking.

Cooling System Maintenance:

Crucial to prevent overheating. Radiator, hoses, and water pump require regular inspection.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Rotary History:

Mazda's commitment to rotary engine technology since the 1960s, following NSU's development.

Fb Generation Introduction:

Introduced in 1978 globally (as RX-7), facelifted in 1980 (Series 2) and 1983 (Series 3) for North America. This manual covers the entire FB lifecycle up to its replacement by the FC generation.

Key Variants:

GS, GSL, GSL-SE (with fuel injection and larger 13B engine in later years).

Production Period Fb:

1978-1985 (globally)

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

Mazda RX-7 named to Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times during its production run.

Road And Track Awards:

Frequently featured and praised in performance and sports car publications of the era.