🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: RX-7 Year: 1989 Codes Chassis Code: FC Generation Designation: Second Generation (FC) 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: Performance-oriented sports coupe, renowned for its rotary engine and distinctive styling. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Toyota Supra (MkIII), Nissan 300ZX (Z31), Porsche 944. Key Features Engine Type: Rotary (Wankel) Engine. Handling: Balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive, advanced suspension technologies (e.g., DTSS). Design: Sleek, aerodynamic coupe body with pop-up headlights. Manual Utility Target Audience: DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Covered Models: 1989 Mazda RX-7 (FC chassis) Page Count Estimated Page Count: Extensive (typically 1000+ pages for a full workshop manual) Manual Type Type: Workshop Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF (Downloadable) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Rotary Engine (13B), Lubrication, Cooling, Fuel, Ignition, Exhaust Systems Drivetrain: Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Clutch, Driveshafts, Differential, Axles Suspension: Front Suspension (Independent), Rear Suspension (Independent, DTSS - Dynamic Suspension System), Steering System Brakes: Front Brakes (Disc), Rear Brakes (Disc), Parking Brake, ABS (where applicable) Electrical: Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Gauges, Instrumentation, Wiper/Washer System, Power Accessories, Audio System, Engine Control Unit (ECU), Sensors, Wiring Diagrams Body: Exterior Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Interior Trim, Seats, HVAC System, Body Sealing Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Inspections Diagnostics: Troubleshooting Guides, Fault Code Diagnosis (OBD-I), Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Repair: Engine Rebuild, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Service, Electrical Component Repair, Body Panel Repair Installation: Component Installation and Removal, Accessory Installation Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical troubleshooting and wiring diagrams) 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: PDF Print Quality Printability: All pages printable, high-resolution scans Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: 13B Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel) Displacement Cc: 1308 cc (80 cu in) - typically referred to as 1.3L Apex Seal Material: Initially cast iron, later updated to carbon-composite or ceramic depending on model year and manufacturer updates. Performance Horsepower Hp: Approx. 160-170 hp (depending on market and exact trim) Torque Lb Ft: Approx. 150-155 lb-ft Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Fuel Injection (Electronic Fuel Injection - EFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating as specified by manufacturer) Cooling Cooling System: Water-cooled rotary engine, typically with a large radiator and fan. Lubrication Lubrication System: Wet-sump, with oil metering injection for apex seals. 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-Speed Manual Transmission Optional Transmission Type: 4-Speed Automatic Transmission Features Clutch Type: Hydraulic, single-plate dry clutch. Transmission Fluid Spec: Refer to manual for specific SAE viscosity grade (e.g., GL-4 or GL-5 for manual, Dexron-II for automatic). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length Mm: Approx. 4315 mm Width Mm: Approx. 1690 mm Height Mm: Approx. 1295 mm Wheelbase Mm: Approx. 2500 mm Weights Curb Weight Kg: Approx. 1200-1300 kg (depending on trim and options) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Safety Ratings: N/A (No comprehensive crash testing data readily available from that era as standardized as today). Active Features ABS: Available on higher trims (Anti-lock Braking System). Passive Features Seatbelts: Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts. Airbags: Driver airbag not standard on all models, may be optional or absent. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional premium sound system. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available on most models. Connectivity OBD System: OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics - First Generation), requiring specific diagnostic tools or procedures for fault code retrieval. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (refer to manual for exact recommendation based on driving conditions). Spark Plug Replacement: Refer to manual; rotary engines have specific plug types and replacement schedules. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Spec: Refer to manual for recommended SAE viscosity grade and API service category (e.g., 10W-30, 10W-40, check for specific rotary oil recommendations). Coolant Spec: Ethylene glycol-based coolant (e.g., Mazda specific or equivalent meeting JIS K 2234 standards). Brake Fluid Spec: DOT 3 or DOT 4. Known Issues Apex Seal Wear: Common concern for rotary engines, requiring proper lubrication and maintenance. Signs include loss of compression, rough idle, and increased oil consumption. Oil Metering System: The oil metering injection system needs to be functional to ensure proper lubrication of apex seals. Vacuum Lines: Degradation of rubber vacuum hoses can lead to vacuum leaks and driveability issues. Rotary Specific Maintenance: Requires specific knowledge regarding engine internals, lubrication, and occasional 'de-carbonizing' procedures. 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Mazda Heritage: Mazda has a long history of innovation, including its pioneering work with rotary engines, notably the Cosmo and RX series. Model Evolution Rx-7 Evolution: The FC generation (1985-1992) succeeded the SA/FB RX-7 and introduced significant design and engineering updates, including the optional DTSS rear suspension and a more powerful 13B rotary engine. Production Production Period:...
Component Installation and Removal, Accessory Installation
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical troubleshooting and wiring diagrams)
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
PDF
Print Quality
Printability:
All pages printable, high-resolution scans
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
13B
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
Displacement Cc:
1308 cc (80 cu in) - typically referred to as 1.3L
Apex Seal Material:
Initially cast iron, later updated to carbon-composite or ceramic depending on model year and manufacturer updates.
Performance
Horsepower Hp:
Approx. 160-170 hp (depending on market and exact trim)
Torque Lb Ft:
Approx. 150-155 lb-ft
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel Injection (Electronic Fuel Injection - EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating as specified by manufacturer)
Cooling
Cooling System:
Water-cooled rotary engine, typically with a large radiator and fan.
Lubrication
Lubrication System:
Wet-sump, with oil metering injection for apex seals.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Features
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic, single-plate dry clutch.
Transmission Fluid Spec:
Refer to manual for specific SAE viscosity grade (e.g., GL-4 or GL-5 for manual, Dexron-II for automatic).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length Mm:
Approx. 4315 mm
Width Mm:
Approx. 1690 mm
Height Mm:
Approx. 1295 mm
Wheelbase Mm:
Approx. 2500 mm
Weights
Curb Weight Kg:
Approx. 1200-1300 kg (depending on trim and options)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Safety Ratings:
N/A (No comprehensive crash testing data readily available from that era as standardized as today).
Active Features
ABS:
Available on higher trims (Anti-lock Braking System).
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts.
Airbags:
Driver airbag not standard on all models, may be optional or absent.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional premium sound system.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available on most models.
Connectivity
OBD System:
OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics - First Generation), requiring specific diagnostic tools or procedures for fault code retrieval.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (refer to manual for exact recommendation based on driving conditions).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual; rotary engines have specific plug types and replacement schedules.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Spec:
Refer to manual for recommended SAE viscosity grade and API service category (e.g., 10W-30, 10W-40, check for specific rotary oil recommendations).
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant (e.g., Mazda specific or equivalent meeting JIS K 2234 standards).
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Known Issues
Apex Seal Wear:
Common concern for rotary engines, requiring proper lubrication and maintenance. Signs include loss of compression, rough idle, and increased oil consumption.
Oil Metering System:
The oil metering injection system needs to be functional to ensure proper lubrication of apex seals.
Vacuum Lines:
Degradation of rubber vacuum hoses can lead to vacuum leaks and driveability issues.
Rotary Specific Maintenance:
Requires specific knowledge regarding engine internals, lubrication, and occasional 'de-carbonizing' procedures.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mazda Heritage:
Mazda has a long history of innovation, including its pioneering work with rotary engines, notably the Cosmo and RX series.
Model Evolution
Rx-7 Evolution:
The FC generation (1985-1992) succeeded the SA/FB RX-7 and introduced significant design and engineering updates, including the optional DTSS rear suspension and a more powerful 13B rotary engine.
Production
Production Period:
1985-1992 (FC Generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
Often recognized for its performance and handling by automotive publications like Car and Driver during its production run.
Ratings
Handling Reputation:
Highly acclaimed for its balanced chassis and engaging driving dynamics.