Segment:
Sports Car, Grand Tourer
Reputation:
Iconic Rotary-powered sports car, known for performance, handling, and unique design.
Key Competitors:
Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (JZA80), Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4, Porsche 968.
Engine Technology:
Twin-rotor, twin-turbocharged Wankel engine (13B-REW).
Chassis Design:
Lightweight construction, balanced weight distribution (near 50/50), advanced suspension geometry.
Styling:
Aerodynamic, flowing design with distinctive 'whale tail' rear spoiler (optional on some trims).
Powertrain:
Engine (13B-REW rotary), Fuel System, Ignition System, Lubrication System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Turbocharger System
Drivetrain:
Transmission (R154-based Mazda 5-speed manual), Clutch, Driveshaft, Differential, Axles
Chassis:
Suspension (Front: Double Wishbone, Rear: Multi-link), Steering System (Power Assisted Rack and Pinion), Brakes (Front: Ventilated Discs, Rear: Ventilated Discs)
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Engine Control Unit (ECU), Lighting, Instruments, Accessories, Audio System, Immobilizer (if applicable)
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Trim, Climate Control (HVAC), Airbags (SRS)
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes (Oil, Coolant, Brake Fluid, Transmission Fluid, Differential Fluid), Filter Replacements (Oil, Air, Fuel), Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection/Replacement
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Common Symptoms and Causes, Electrical Troubleshooting Procedures, Mechanical Troubleshooting
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine Assembly/Disassembly, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Fuel Injector Servicing, Turbocharger Rebuilding
Specifications And Tightening Torques:
All component-specific torque specifications, clearances, and adjustment procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to full engine and drivetrain rebuilds, including detailed diagnostics and electrical schematics.
Engine Type:
Rotary (Twin Rotor)
Aspiration:
Twin-Turbocharged
Displacement:
1.3 Liters (654cc x 2)
Horsepower Ps:
255 PS @ 6500 RPM
Torque Lb Ft:
217 lb-ft @ 5000 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with twin trailing ignition per rotor.
Cooling Type:
Water-Cooled
Oil Type Recommendation:
API SG/SH or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on climate).
Turbo Configuration:
Sequential Twin-Turbo System (Primary and Secondary)
Boost Pressure Psi:
Approximately 10-12 PSI (stock)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Model:
Mazda R154-based (specific model designation may vary slightly)
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (less common)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically Actuated, Single Dry Plate
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 recommended (refer to manual for exact specification).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent (for automatic transmission models).
Curb Weight Kg:
Approximately 1300-1350 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg:
Not commonly specified, but typically around 1700 kg.
Wheel Size:
16x7.0J (Front), 16x8.0J (Rear) - Standard
Tire Size Front:
225/50R16 - Standard
Tire Size Rear:
245/45R16 - Standard
Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
NHTSA Rating:
Not readily available for this era/specific model in all markets.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Standard
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) - Standard (known as ASTC: Automatic Stability and Traction Control)
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, and often an optional CD player. Speaker count and quality vary by trim.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control systems with A/C and heater.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Navigation:
Not available on 1994 models.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), or more frequently under spirited driving or track conditions.
Spark Plugs:
Replace approximately every 30,000 miles (specific type and gap critical for rotary engines).
Air Filter:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed or every 15,000 miles.
Fuel Filter:
Replace approximately every 30,000 miles.
Coolant Type:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with deionized water (50/50 mix). Check manual for exact part number/specification.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF.
Apex Seals:
Wear or failure of apex seals is a common concern, leading to low compression and poor performance. Proper lubrication and avoiding engine lugging are critical.
Sequential Turbo System:
Failure of the solenoids or actuators controlling the sequential turbo system can result in degraded performance. Overheating can damage the turbos.
Cooling System:
The rotary engine generates significant heat. Maintaining the cooling system, including radiator and hoses, is paramount. Check for leaks and ensure correct coolant levels.
Premix Usage:
Injectors often rely on pre-mixed oil in the fuel or the factory automatic oil injection system. Ensuring proper lubrication is crucial for rotor housing and apex seal longevity.
Mazda Rotary History:
Mazda has a long and unique history with the rotary (Wankel) engine, dating back to the Cosmo. The RX-7 is the pinnacle of this lineage.
Rx7 Generations:
First Gen (SA/FB), Second Gen (FC), Third Gen (FD). This manual covers the Third Gen (FD).
Fd Generation Introduction:
Introduced in 1992 for the 1993 model year, the FD represented a significant redesign with advanced engineering.
Production Years:
1992-2002
Manufacturing Plant:
Hiroshima, Japan
