🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: RX-7 Generation: FC3S (Third Generation - S5) Years Covered: 1989-1991 Codes Chassis Code: FC3S Engine Code Primary: 13B-T (Rotary) 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Class: Compact Sports Car / Grand Tourer Target Audience: Enthusiast owners, professional mechanics, and DIY repairers of the Mazda RX-7 FC S5 generation. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk3), Mitsubishi Starion/Chrysler Conquest. Key Features Vehicle Selling Points: Unique rotary engine, balanced chassis, pop-up headlights, rear-wheel drive, optional convertible. Manual Value Proposition 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. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Focus: Maintenance and Repair Procedures Technical Depth: Comprehensive Factory Service Manual Level Page Count Estimated Pages: Refer to specific product listing for exact page count, typically 1000+ pages for full factory manuals. Manual Type Type: Service Repair Manual (Factory Original) Language Language: English Format Format: Electronic (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered 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. Procedures Included 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. Technical Depth Level: In-depth, covering complete engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and complex electrical system repairs. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format Details: Searchable PDF with indexed sections for easy navigation. High-resolution scans of original factory documents. Print Quality Quality: Excellent, preserving all diagrams, schematics, and text legibility of the original. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Electronic Format) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Electronic Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Rotary (Wankel) Engine Code: 13B-T Configuration: Twin-Rotor, Naturally Aspirated (NA) and Turbocharged (T) Displacement: 1.3L (654cc x 2) Performance 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 System 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). Fluid Specifications 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). Known Issues Rotary 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. 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-Speed Manual (RX-7 Turbo II, GTUs, GXL) Optional Type: 4-Speed Automatic (RX-7, Convertible) Features Limited Slip Differential: Optional on Turbo II and GXL models. Fluid Specifications 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). 📐 Dimensions Exterior 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) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1,270 kg - 1,400 kg (2,800 lbs - 3,100 lbs) depending on trim and equipment. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Ratings: Information may vary by year and market; early 1990s vehicles generally had less rigorous testing than modern standards. Active Features Antilock Brakes: Standard on Turbo II, GXL; Optional on other trims (ABS). Passive Features 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. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM/Cassette stereo with optional CD player. Speaker configuration varied by trim. (Upgrade potential exists). Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most models. Anti Lock Brakes: As mentioned in safety, ABS was available. Connectivity OBD Ii: N/A - OBD-I compliant (Mazda's proprietary diagnostic system). The manual will detail how to access and interpret these codes. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or 6 months. Rotary specific oil is recommended. Air Filter Replacement:...
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.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Primary Focus:
Maintenance and Repair Procedures
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive Factory Service Manual Level
Page Count
Estimated Pages:
Refer to specific product listing for exact page count, typically 1000+ pages for full factory manuals.
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).
Fluid Specifications
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).
Known Issues Rotary
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.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-Speed Manual (RX-7 Turbo II, GTUs, GXL)
Optional
Type:
4-Speed Automatic (RX-7, Convertible)
Features
Limited Slip Differential:
Optional on Turbo II and GXL models.
Fluid Specifications
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).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
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)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,270 kg - 1,400 kg (2,800 lbs - 3,100 lbs) depending on trim and equipment.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Ratings:
Information may vary by year and market; early 1990s vehicles generally had less rigorous testing than modern standards.
Active Features
Antilock Brakes:
Standard on Turbo II, GXL; Optional on other trims (ABS).
Passive Features
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.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette stereo with optional CD player. Speaker configuration varied by trim. (Upgrade potential exists).
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Anti Lock Brakes:
As mentioned in safety, ABS was available.
Connectivity
OBD Ii:
N/A - OBD-I compliant (Mazda's proprietary diagnostic system). The manual will detail how to access and interpret these codes.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
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).
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent.
Known Issues
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.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
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.
Model Evolution
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.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
Production Years:
1989-1991 (S5 models)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
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.
Ratings
Handling Dynamics:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its excellent weight distribution, independent suspension, and balanced handling characteristics.