🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: RX-3 Year: 1974 Generation Generation Code: First Generation (Savy/Fa-series RX-3) Codes Chassis Codes: Savy series (e.g., Savy I, Savy II, Savy III) 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, classic car restorers, and professional workshops specializing in rotary Mazdas. Competitive Analysis Value Proposition: Provides authoritative, vehicle-specific repair data, eliminating the need for guesswork and generic information, crucial for maintaining the unique rotary engine. Key Features Information Source: Exact same manual used by dealership technicians, ensuring accuracy and completeness. Ease Of Use: Single PDF format for easy navigation, searching, and printing of specific sections. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Type: Complete Service and Repair Models Covered: All RX-3 Models (Coupe, Sedan, Wagon) Page Count Estimated Page Count: High (Typically 500+ pages for factory service manuals of this era) Manual Type Manual Type: Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Rotary Engine (12A, 13B variants), Apex seals, Rotor housing, Eccentric shaft, Oil seals, Overhaul procedures, Troubleshooting. Fuel System: Carburetor (e.g., Solex, Hitachi) service and adjustment, Fuel pump, Fuel filter, Fuel tank. Ignition System: Distributor, Spark plugs, Ignition coils, Timing adjustment, Troubleshooting. Cooling System: Radiator, Water pump, Thermostat, Hoses, Coolant specifications. Lubrication System: Oil pump, Oil filter, Oil specifications, Oil change procedures. Emission Control: Air injection system, EGR system (if applicable), Emission related components and diagnosis. Transmission Manual: Clutch service, Manual transmission overhaul, Gearbox fluid specifications, Shift linkage. Transmission Automatic: Automatic transmission overhaul (if applicable), Fluid type, Service procedures. Drivetrain Rear Axle: Differential service, Axle shaft replacement, Gear oil specifications, Driveshaft and U-joints. Suspension Front: MacPherson strut system, Control arms, Ball joints, Bushings, Shock absorber replacement. Suspension Rear: Live axle or semi-trailing arm setup, Bushings, Shock absorber replacement. Steering: Steering box/rack and pinion, Tie rod ends, Steering column, Power steering system (if equipped). Brakes Front: Disc brake system, Caliper service, Pad replacement, Rotor inspection/replacement. Brakes Rear: Drum brake system, Shoe replacement, Drum inspection, Wheel cylinder service. Parking Brake: Parking brake mechanism, Cable adjustment and replacement. Electrical System Wiring: Complete wiring schematics, Lighting system, Charging system (alternator/generator), Starting system (starter motor), Fuses, Relays. Body Exterior: Body panel removal/installation, Door mechanisms, Hood and trunk latches, Glass and window seals, Trim. Body Interior: Seat removal/installation, Dashboard components, Trim panels, Upholstery. Climate Control: Heater core service, Blower motor, Air conditioning system diagnosis and service (if equipped). Instrumentation: Instrument cluster diagnosis, Gauges, Warning lights. Accessories: Wipers, Washers, Horn, Radio, Power windows/locks (if equipped). Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, Filter replacements, Spark plug checks, Fluid level checks, Lubrication points. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic charts, Symptom-based troubleshooting guides for all major systems. Component Removal Installation: Step-by-step instructions for removing and installing all major components. Engine Rebuild: Detailed procedures for rotary engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly. Transmission Overhaul: Complete procedures for manual and automatic transmission disassembly, inspection, and reassembly. Brake Service: Disc brake and drum brake component replacement and bleeding procedures. Electrical Diagnosis: Schematic interpretation, component testing, wiring harness repair. Suspension And Steering Alignment: Adjustment procedures for wheel alignment, steering system checks. Body And Trim Repair: Procedures for interior and exterior trim panel removal, installation, and minor repair. Technical Depth Depth Of Information: Factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Diagnostic Capabilities: Advanced diagnostic flowcharts and fault code interpretation (where applicable for the era). Repair Complexity: Covers everything from simple fluid changes to complete engine rebuilds and transmission overhauls. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Text-searchable (assuming OCR or native text PDF). Print Quality Printability: Fully printable, allowing users to select and print specific pages or diagrams. Image Resolution: High enough for clear viewing and printing of diagrams and illustrations, with zoom capability. Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Mazda Rotary (Wankel) Engine Code: 12A Displacement Cc: 491 cc per rotor (982 cc total displacement) Performance Horsepower Gross Est: Approx. 100-110 hp (depending on carburetor and emissions equipment). Torque Gross Est: Approx. 115-125 lb-ft. Fuel System Carburetor Type: Typically a two-barrel carburetor, e.g., Hitachi or Solex, specific model varies by market and emission standards. Fuel Requirement: Unleaded gasoline (as mandated by US regulations for 1975 onwards, 1974 may still use leaded or unleaded depending on market). 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Standard: 4-speed Manual Transmission Optional Transmission Type Optional: 3-speed Automatic Transmission (less common) Features Clutch Type: Dry, single-plate clutch. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Inches: Approx. 98.2 inches Length Inches: Approx. 162.6 inches Width Inches: Approx. 64.4 inches Height Inches: Approx. 50.2 inches (Coupe) Weights Curb Weight Lbs Est: Approx. 2200 - 2400 lbs 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Safety Ratings: N/A (Crash test data for this era is less standardized and publicly available compared to modern...
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, classic car restorers, and professional workshops specializing in rotary Mazdas.
Competitive Analysis
Value Proposition:
Provides authoritative, vehicle-specific repair data, eliminating the need for guesswork and generic information, crucial for maintaining the unique rotary engine.
Key Features
Information Source:
Exact same manual used by dealership technicians, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
Ease Of Use:
Single PDF format for easy navigation, searching, and printing of specific sections.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage Type:
Complete Service and Repair
Models Covered:
All RX-3 Models (Coupe, Sedan, Wagon)
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
High (Typically 500+ pages for factory service manuals of this era)
Adjustment procedures for wheel alignment, steering system checks.
Body And Trim Repair:
Procedures for interior and exterior trim panel removal, installation, and minor repair.
Technical Depth
Depth Of Information:
Factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic flowcharts and fault code interpretation (where applicable for the era).
Repair Complexity:
Covers everything from simple fluid changes to complete engine rebuilds and transmission overhauls.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Text-searchable (assuming OCR or native text PDF).
Print Quality
Printability:
Fully printable, allowing users to select and print specific pages or diagrams.
Image Resolution:
High enough for clear viewing and printing of diagrams and illustrations, with zoom capability.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Mazda Rotary (Wankel)
Engine Code:
12A
Displacement Cc:
491 cc per rotor (982 cc total displacement)
Performance
Horsepower Gross Est:
Approx. 100-110 hp (depending on carburetor and emissions equipment).
Torque Gross Est:
Approx. 115-125 lb-ft.
Fuel System
Carburetor Type:
Typically a two-barrel carburetor, e.g., Hitachi or Solex, specific model varies by market and emission standards.
Fuel Requirement:
Unleaded gasoline (as mandated by US regulations for 1975 onwards, 1974 may still use leaded or unleaded depending on market).
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type Standard:
4-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Transmission Type Optional:
3-speed Automatic Transmission (less common)
Features
Clutch Type:
Dry, single-plate clutch.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase Inches:
Approx. 98.2 inches
Length Inches:
Approx. 162.6 inches
Width Inches:
Approx. 64.4 inches
Height Inches:
Approx. 50.2 inches (Coupe)
Weights
Curb Weight Lbs Est:
Approx. 2200 - 2400 lbs
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Safety Ratings:
N/A (Crash test data for this era is less standardized and publicly available compared to modern vehicles).
Active Features
Active Safety Features:
Standard braking system, no advanced active safety features typical of modern vehicles.
Passive Features
Passive Safety Features:
Seat belts (lap belts likely standard, shoulder belts optional or standard depending on market), strong unibody construction for its time.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Basic AM/FM radio, likely with a single speaker. Cassette player would be a rare dealer or aftermarket option.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
None.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
None.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first. Check manual for specific recommendation.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 15,000-20,000 miles, or as specified in the manual. Rotary engines use specific spark plug types.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Recommended every 24,000 miles or 2 years.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SE or SF service category oil. Viscosity grade typically 10W-30 or 10W-40, depending on ambient temperature. Consult manual for precise recommendations.
Transmission Oil Type Manual:
GL-4 gear oil, typically SAE 80W-90.
Differential Oil Type:
GL-5 gear oil, typically SAE 80W-90.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Known Issues
Rotary Engine Apex Seals:
Wear and eventual failure of apex seals is a common, albeit potentially catastrophic, issue with rotary engines, requiring engine rebuild.
Carburetor Performance:
Carburetors can become gummed up with age, leading to poor idle, stumbling, or hard starting.
Chassis Rust:
Like many cars from this era, the RX-3 can be susceptible to rust in common areas such as wheel wells, rocker panels, and floor pans.
Ignition System Reliability:
Older ignition components (coils, points if applicable) can degrade over time, affecting performance and starting.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mazda Rotary Pioneering:
Mazda's commitment to the rotary engine is a defining characteristic of its history, aiming for smoother, lighter, and more compact powerplants.
Model Evolution
Rx3 Positioning:
The RX-3 (also known as Savanna in Japan) was part of Mazda's sporty lineup, following the RX-2 and preceding the RX-7, offering a balance of performance and practicality.
Body Styles:
Available as a 2-door Coupe, 4-door Sedan, and a 5-door Station Wagon, catering to different consumer needs.
Production
Production Years:
1971-1978
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Historical Significance:
Recognized as a key model in Mazda's early adoption and popularization of rotary engine technology in passenger cars.
Motorsport Heritage:
The RX-3 chassis (Savanna) had a significant presence in Japanese touring car racing, particularly in the Fuji GC series.