This comprehensive full service repair manual covers the Mazda RX-2 (internal model code S102) produced between 1970 and 1978. The RX-2 is a sporty compact car renowned for its distinctive Wankel rotary engine, offering smooth, high-revving performance and a unique driving experience. It competed with other compacts and sports coupes of its era, setting itself apart with its innovative rotary technology and sleek styling. This manual is designed for owners and technicians who appreciate the engineering quality and unique characteristics of this classic Japanese sports car. This manual provides extensive coverage for all aspects of the Mazda RX-2. Within its over 1000 pages, you will find detailed information on the rotary engine, including overhaul procedures and troubleshooting. The manual also covers the 4-speed manual and 3-speed automatic transmissions, drivetrain, suspension, brakes, and electrical systems. Essential maintenance procedures, diagnostic charts, and step-by-step repair instructions for all major components are included, ensuring that owners and mechanics have the resources needed to maintain and restore this vehicle to optimal condition. 🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: RX-2 Codes Internal Model Code: S102 👋 Introduction Market Position Niche: Sporty compact car with a unique rotary engine, targeting enthusiasts and those seeking distinctive performance. Competitive Analysis Contemporaries: Competed with other Japanese compacts and European sports coupes of the era, differentiated by its Wankel rotary engine. Key Features Rotary Engine: The Wankel rotary engine provided a smooth, high-revving power delivery and a unique sound. Styling: Sleek coupe and sedan body styles, reflecting contemporary Japanese automotive design trends. Target Audience Enthusiasts: Owners and mechanics who appreciate rotary technology and classic Japanese sports cars. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Covered Years: 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978 Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1000+ Manual Type Type: Full Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Rotary (12A) engine overhaul, troubleshooting, maintenance Transmission: 4-speed manual, 3-speed automatic transmission service and repair Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive system, driveshaft, differential, axles Suspension: Front independent suspension (MacPherson strut), rear leaf spring suspension, steering components Brakes: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, hydraulic system, parking brake Electrical: Wiring diagrams, ignition system, charging system, lighting, instrumentation, starter motor Fuel System: Carburetor (Stromberg/Hitachi) servicing, fuel pump, fuel lines Cooling System: Radiator, thermostat, water pump, cooling fan, coolant specifications Exhaust System: Exhaust manifolds, pipes, muffler, catalytic converter (later models) Body And Chassis: Body panel removal/installation, frame repair, door mechanisms, glass, bumpers Interior: Seating, dashboard, trim panels, HVAC controls Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks (rotary apex seals), coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, tune-ups Troubleshooting: Diagnostic charts, common problems and solutions for engine, electrical, and mechanical systems Repair: Engine rebuilds (rotary specific), transmission overhaul, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnostics and repair Adjustments: Carburetor adjustments, ignition timing, valve clearance (if applicable, though rotary engines don't have conventional valves), clutch adjustment Disassembly And Reassembly: Detailed step-by-step instructions for major component removal and installation Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive from basic preventative maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and bodywork repairs. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Searchability: Fully searchable PDF text Print Quality Resolution: High-resolution scans of original manual pages Binding Type Format Type: Digital Download (PDF) Paper Type Original Medium: Original printed service manuals ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Two-rotor Wankel (Rotary) Engine Code: 12A Displacement: 1146 cc (69.9 cu in) (effective displacement) Bore Stroke: 100 mm x 76 mm (per rotor housing) Performance Horsepower Gross: 110-130 hp (depending on year and emissions controls) Torque Gross: 110-125 lb-ft (depending on year and emissions controls) Fuel System Carburetor: Single Stromberg CD175 or Hitachi downdraft carburetor (early models), later models may have twin Hitachi carburetors or Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection (less common on RX-2). Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (premium recommended) Ignition System Ignition Type: Distributor ignition, dual ignition coils (one per rotor) Rotary Specifics Oil System: Separate oil injection system for lubrication of apex and side seals (plus sump lubrication). 🔧 Transmission Standard Type Standard: 4-speed Manual Transmission Optional Type Optional: 3-speed Automatic Transmission Features Clutch Type: Single dry plate clutch Gear Ratios Manual Gear Ratios: Varies by year, typically around 3.60:1 for 1st gear Fluid Specifications Manual Fluid: GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90) Automatic Fluid: Dexron III / Mercon compatible Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Approx. 97.0 inches (2464 mm) Overall Length: Approx. 161.0 inches (4090 mm) Overall Width: Approx. 64.0 inches (1626 mm) Overall Height: Approx. 52.0 inches (1321 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 2300-2500 lbs (1043-1134 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 3200 lbs (1451 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Data: Limited official crash test data from the era, but constructed with unibody construction and crumple zones. Active Features Braking System: Front disc, rear drum brakes with dual-circuit...
This comprehensive full service repair manual covers the Mazda RX-2 (internal model code S102) produced between 1970 and 1978. The RX-2 is a sporty compact car renowned for its distinctive Wankel rotary engine, offering smooth, high-revving performance and a unique driving experience. It competed with other compacts and sports coupes of its era, setting itself apart with its innovative rotary technology and sleek styling. This manual is designed for owners and technicians who appreciate the engineering quality and unique characteristics of this classic Japanese sports car.
This manual provides extensive coverage for all aspects of the Mazda RX-2. Within its over 1000 pages, you will find detailed information on the rotary engine, including overhaul procedures and troubleshooting. The manual also covers the 4-speed manual and 3-speed automatic transmissions, drivetrain, suspension, brakes, and electrical systems. Essential maintenance procedures, diagnostic charts, and step-by-step repair instructions for all major components are included, ensuring that owners and mechanics have the resources needed to maintain and restore this vehicle to optimal condition.
🏷️ Basic Information
Identification
Make:
Mazda
Model:
RX-2
Codes
Internal Model Code:
S102
👋 Introduction
Market Position
Niche:
Sporty compact car with a unique rotary engine, targeting enthusiasts and those seeking distinctive performance.
Competitive Analysis
Contemporaries:
Competed with other Japanese compacts and European sports coupes of the era, differentiated by its Wankel rotary engine.
Key Features
Rotary Engine:
The Wankel rotary engine provided a smooth, high-revving power delivery and a unique sound.
Styling:
Sleek coupe and sedan body styles, reflecting contemporary Japanese automotive design trends.
Target Audience
Enthusiasts:
Owners and mechanics who appreciate rotary technology and classic Japanese sports cars.
Diagnostic charts, common problems and solutions for engine, electrical, and mechanical systems
Repair:
Engine rebuilds (rotary specific), transmission overhaul, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnostics and repair
Adjustments:
Carburetor adjustments, ignition timing, valve clearance (if applicable, though rotary engines don't have conventional valves), clutch adjustment
Disassembly And Reassembly:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for major component removal and installation
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic preventative maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and bodywork repairs.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Searchability:
Fully searchable PDF text
Print Quality
Resolution:
High-resolution scans of original manual pages
Binding Type
Format Type:
Digital Download (PDF)
Paper Type
Original Medium:
Original printed service manuals
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Two-rotor Wankel (Rotary)
Engine Code:
12A
Displacement:
1146 cc (69.9 cu in) (effective displacement)
Bore Stroke:
100 mm x 76 mm (per rotor housing)
Performance
Horsepower Gross:
110-130 hp (depending on year and emissions controls)
Torque Gross:
110-125 lb-ft (depending on year and emissions controls)
Fuel System
Carburetor:
Single Stromberg CD175 or Hitachi downdraft carburetor (early models), later models may have twin Hitachi carburetors or Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection (less common on RX-2).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (premium recommended)
Ignition System
Ignition Type:
Distributor ignition, dual ignition coils (one per rotor)
Rotary Specifics
Oil System:
Separate oil injection system for lubrication of apex and side seals (plus sump lubrication).
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type Standard:
4-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Type Optional:
3-speed Automatic Transmission
Features
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate clutch
Gear Ratios
Manual Gear Ratios:
Varies by year, typically around 3.60:1 for 1st gear
Fluid Specifications
Manual Fluid:
GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90)
Automatic Fluid:
Dexron III / Mercon compatible Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
Approx. 97.0 inches (2464 mm)
Overall Length:
Approx. 161.0 inches (4090 mm)
Overall Width:
Approx. 64.0 inches (1626 mm)
Overall Height:
Approx. 52.0 inches (1321 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2300-2500 lbs (1043-1134 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 3200 lbs (1451 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Data:
Limited official crash test data from the era, but constructed with unibody construction and crumple zones.
Active Features
Braking System:
Front disc, rear drum brakes with dual-circuit hydraulic system.
Steering:
Recirculating ball steering system.
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Lap and shoulder belts (front occupants), lap belts (rear occupants).
Body Construction:
Unit-body construction with integrated safety cage.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio, often with optional 8-track player.
Instrumentation:
Analog gauges including speedometer, tachometer, fuel, coolant temperature, and oil pressure.
Driver Assistance
Braking Assistance:
No modern electronic driver assistance systems.
Connectivity
Integration:
No external connectivity features.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (using appropriate API SG or higher oil).
Spark Plug Check Interval:
Check and clean spark plugs every 7,500 miles; replace as needed.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 24,000 miles or 24 months.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (check manual for ambient temperature ranges).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.0 US quarts (4.7 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Known Issues
Apex Seal Wear:
Degradation of apex seals can lead to compression loss, rough idling, and reduced power. Requires specialized rotary engine rebuilding expertise.
Carburetor Tuning:
Carburetors require regular cleaning and precise adjustment for optimal performance and emissions.
Rotary Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume a small amount of oil for lubrication; monitoring oil levels is crucial.
Chassis Corrosion:
As with many vehicles of this era, rust and corrosion can be an issue, particularly in certain climates.
Filter Part Numbers
Oil Filter:
Commonly replaceable with filters for other contemporary Mazda models, e.g., Mazda BP4W-14-302 (cross-reference needed for exact fitment).
Air Filter:
Specific to carburetor model, e.g., Wix 42300 (cross-reference needed).
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mazda Rotary Pioneer:
Mazda's commitment to rotary engine technology, pioneered by Felix Wankel.
Model Evolution
Introduction Year:
1971 (Japan), 1972 (Export)
Facelifts:
Minor cosmetic updates and powertrain refinements throughout its production run.
Production
Production Period:
1971-1978
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Significance
Rotary Sales Leader:
One of Mazda's early successful models that helped establish the brand's reputation for rotary performance.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Critical Reception:
Praised for its sporty handling and unique rotary engine by automotive journalists of the time.
Ratings
Performance Benchmarks:
Competed well in its class for acceleration and overall driving dynamics.