🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-7

Generation:

Third Generation (FC) - Series 5

Production Years Covered:

1989, 1990, 1991

Chassis Code:

FC3S (Coupe), FC3C (Convertible)

Engine Code Primary:

13B-FC (Rotary)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Class:

Compact Sports Car / Grand Tourer

Target Audience For Manual:

Enthusiast owners, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops specializing in rotary Mazdas

Key Competitors At Launch:

Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (MkIII), Porsche 944, Chevrolet Camaro/Pontiac Firebird

Vehicle Selling Points:

Rotary engine performance, lightweight chassis, balanced handling, distinctive styling, rear-wheel drive

Manual Value Proposition:

Enables owners to maintain and repair their complex rotary engine and sports car systems, saving money and preserving the vehicle's performance.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF (Instant Download)

Estimated Page Count:

~1000-1500 pages (typical for full factory service manuals, actual may vary for condensed versions)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (Rotary), Fuel System, Ignition System, Lubrication System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Manual and Automatic), Drivetrain, Differential

Chassis:

Suspension (Front and Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Front and Rear), Wheels and Tires

Electrical:

Wiring Diagrams, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Audio System, Power Accessories, Engine Control Module (ECM), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Air Conditioning System

Body:

Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Seats, Glass

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection/Replacement

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

Fault Code Diagnosis, Symptom-based Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Procedures for all major systems

Repair And Rebuild:

Engine Overhaul (Apex Seals, Rotor Housings), Transmission Rebuild, Brake Caliper Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Repair

Specifications And Tolerances:

Torque Specifications, Clearances, Dimensions, Electrical Resistance Values, Performance Data

Depth Level:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams)

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable Text (typically, depending on scan quality)

Resolution:

High-resolution scans suitable for digital viewing and printing

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Mazda Rotary (Wankel)

Engine Code:

13B-FC

Rotor Design:

Naturally Aspirated (Standard) or Turbocharged (GTX, GT-X Turbo models)

Displacement Equivalent:

2.6 Liters (2 x 654cc rotors)

Horsepower Na:

160 hp @ 6,500 rpm (approx.)

Torque Na:

153 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm (approx.)

Horsepower Turbo:

200 hp @ 6,500 rpm (approx.) for 200PS / 210 hp @ 6,500 rpm (approx.) for 210PS models

Torque Turbo:

193 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm (approx.) for 200PS / 203 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm (approx.) for 210PS models

Fuel Delivery Na:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Delivery Turbo:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Turbocharger (intercooled on later models)

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)

ECU Type:

Engine Control Unit (ECU) managing fuel, ignition, and emissions

Apex Seals:

Critical wear component, regular inspection and replacement as per manual recommendations

Oil Metering Pump:

Injects 2-stroke oil into the combustion chambers for lubrication, requires specific rotary-specific oil

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

Clutch Type:

Hydraulic Actuated Single Dry Plate Clutch

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-5 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 (check manual for exact Mazda specification)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron II or equivalent (check manual for exact Mazda specification)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4,390 mm (172.8 in)

Width:

Approx. 1,755 mm (69.1 in)

Height:

Approx. 1,295 mm (51.0 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2,430 mm (95.7 in)

Curb Weight Manual:

Approx. 1,250-1,350 kg (2,756-2,976 lbs) depending on trim

Curb Weight Automatic:

Approx. 1,300-1,400 kg (2,866-3,086 lbs) depending on trim

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 114.3 mm (4.5 in)

🛡️ Safety Features

Fedor Rating At Launch:

Not widely available for this era, but generally considered a safe sports car with a strong chassis.

Anti Lock Brakes:

Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available on higher trims

Traction Control:

Not typically available on Series 5 models

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard on most models, passenger airbag optional or standard on later models

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia reel seatbelts

Chassis Construction:

Rigid unibody construction with front and rear crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Mazda ETR/AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player on later models. Speakers typically located in doors and rear deck.

Instrumentation:

Full analog gauges including tachometer (with redline starting higher for turbo models), speedometer, oil pressure, coolant temperature, voltmeter, and turbo boost gauge (on turbo models).

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models

Early Electronic Features:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, cruise control, pop-up headlights, optional ABS.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles (5,000 km) or 3-6 months, whichever comes first (crucial for rotary engines).

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Refer to manual, typically every 15,000 - 30,000 miles due to rotary engine design, use of correct plug type is vital.

Air Filter Replacement Interval:

Refer to manual, typically every 15,000 miles or annually.

Engine Oil Type:

Rotary-specific 2-stroke oil for oil metering pump (e.g., Idemitsu Racing Rotary Oil, Mobil 1 Racing 2T, or equivalent), and conventional or synthetic engine oil for oil sump (e.g., 10W-30 or 10W-40, consult manual for precise viscosity and API rating).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze with demineralized water (typically a 50/50 mix). Refer to manual for Mazda specification.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (check manual for specific Mazda recommendation).

Rotary Engine Maintenance:

Apex seal wear, carbon build-up, oil seal failure, OMP function, over-revving can cause significant damage. Requires specialized knowledge.

Common Turbo Issues:

Turbocharger seal failure, intercooler leaks, boost leaks, exhaust manifold cracking (especially on earlier turbo models).

Electrical Gremlins:

Aging wiring harnesses, corroded connectors, and failing sensors can cause various electrical issues.

Spark Plug Part Number Example:

NGK BUR7EQP (example for turbocharged models, verify with manual)

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Rotary Legacy:

Mazda's pioneering development and successful implementation of the Wankel rotary engine, starting with the Cosmo Sport.

Rx-7 Generations:

First Gen (SA22C), Second Gen (FC), Third Gen (FD)

Fc Generation Introduction:

Introduced in 1985, the FC generation (RX-7 II) marked a significant departure with more sophisticated styling and performance.

S5 Updates:

The Series 5 (1989-1991) featured revised styling, improved aerodynamics, upgraded interior, more powerful engine options (especially turbo), and revised suspension tuning.

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

Production Period For S5:

August 1988 - December 1991

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Award:

Car and Driver Ten Best list for 1989

Motor Trend Award:

Motor Trend Import Car of the Year nominee

Handling Reputation:

Consistently praised by automotive media for its exceptional handling, balance, and driver engagement.