Vehicle Class:
Compact Sports Car / Grand Tourer
Target Audience:
Enthusiast owners, professional mechanics, and DIY repairers of the Mazda RX-7 FC S5 generation.
Competitors:
Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk3), Mitsubishi Starion/Chrysler Conquest.
Vehicle Selling Points:
Unique rotary engine, balanced chassis, pop-up headlights, rear-wheel drive, optional convertible.
Benefit:
Provides essential technical knowledge for maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing the highly specialized 13B-T rotary engine and the advanced systems of the RX-7 S5.
Primary Focus:
Maintenance and Repair Procedures
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive Factory Service Manual Level
Estimated Pages:
Refer to specific product listing for exact page count, typically 1000+ pages for full factory manuals.
Type:
Service Repair Manual (Factory Original)
Engine:
Rotary (13B-T), lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control, starting, charging.
Transmission:
Manual (5-speed), Automatic (4-speed), driveline, clutch.
Chassis:
Suspension (front/rear independent), steering, brakes (hydraulic, ABS), wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, instruments, power accessories, body electrical, engine control unit (ECU).
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, glass, doors, HVAC system, seats.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnosis, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Repair:
Component removal and installation, disassembly and reassembly, adjustments, calibrations.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical data.
Level:
In-depth, covering complete engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and complex electrical system repairs.
Engine Type:
Rotary (Wankel)
Configuration:
Twin-Rotor, Naturally Aspirated (NA) and Turbocharged (T)
Displacement:
1.3L (654cc x 2)
Horsepower Turbo:
200 hp @ 6500 rpm (1989-1990), 225 hp @ 6500 rpm (1991 - Turbo II)
Torque Turbo:
197 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (1989-1990), 217 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (1991 - Turbo II)
Horsepower Naturally Aspirated:
160 hp @ 6500 rpm (Non-turbo models)
Torque Naturally Aspirated:
145 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (Non-turbo models)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Twin Bosch Fuel Injectors per rotor housing.
Turbocharging System:
Single Turbocharger (Bosch or Hitachi/Garrett depending on market/year), Intercooler (Top-mounted)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Direct Ignition System (DIS) with twin ignition plugs per rotor (S5 feature).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Synthetic recommended for rotary engines).
Oil Capacity:
4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 Liters (7.9 US Quarts).
Apex Seals:
Wear or failure of apex seals is a common concern requiring engine rebuilds; regular oil changes and proper warm-up/cool-down are crucial.
Oil Metering:
Malfunctioning oil metering pump can lead to insufficient lubrication; regular inspection and maintenance are advised.
Overheating:
Rotary engines generate significant heat; cooling system maintenance (radiator, hoses, fan) is critical.
Type:
5-Speed Manual (RX-7 Turbo II, GTUs, GXL)
Type:
4-Speed Automatic (RX-7, Convertible)
Limited Slip Differential:
Optional on Turbo II and GXL models.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (Check specific manual for exact recommendation).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent (Mazda ATF-Type II).
Length:
Approx. 4,365 mm (171.9 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,690 mm (66.5 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,270 mm (50.0 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,430 mm (95.7 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,270 kg - 1,400 kg (2,800 lbs - 3,100 lbs) depending on trim and equipment.
NHTSA Ratings:
Information may vary by year and market; early 1990s vehicles generally had less rigorous testing than modern standards.
Antilock Brakes:
Standard on Turbo II, GXL; Optional on other trims (ABS).
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia reel seat belts.
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag became standard on later models (check specific year).
Chassis Design:
Reinforced chassis structure for improved impact resistance.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or 6 months. Rotary specific oil is recommended.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 40,000 km (24,000 miles) - use of specific long-life plugs recommended for rotary engines.
Coolant Flush:
Every 40,000 km (24,000 miles) or 2 years.
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (Rotary engines do not have timing belts; they use a chain or gear drive for the rotor).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent.
Vacuum Lines:
Aging rubber vacuum lines can crack, leading to vacuum leaks and rough idling or poor performance.
Fuel Injectors:
Clogged or faulty fuel injectors can impact fuel delivery and performance.
Power Window Motors:
Can become slow or fail over time.
Rust And Corrosion:
Common on older vehicles, especially in areas exposed to salt or moisture. Check wheel wells, rocker panels, and chassis.
Mazda Rotary Legacy:
Mazda's commitment to the Wankel rotary engine dates back to the Cosmo Sport 110S in the late 1960s, culminating in motorsport successes with the RX-7.
Fc Generation:
The FC RX-7 (1986-1992) represented a shift towards a more refined and balanced sports coupe compared to the earlier SA22C RX-7.
S5 Updates:
The S5 facelift (1989-1991) brought significant updates including revised styling, an improved 13B-T engine with more power and distributorless ignition, updated interior, and a more sophisticated independent rear suspension.
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
Production Years:
1989-1991 (S5 models)
Car And Driver Ten Best:
The FC RX-7 was frequently named to Car and Driver's 'Ten Best' list during its production run, particularly the Turbo II models, highlighting its performance and handling.
Handling Dynamics:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its excellent weight distribution, independent suspension, and balanced handling characteristics.
