🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: RX-7 Generation: 1st Generation (SA22C/FB) Model Years Covered: 1979, 1980 Codes Chassis Code: SA22C 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: Mazda RX-7 owners, enthusiasts, and DIY mechanics Value Proposition: Save time and money by enabling owners to perform repairs and maintenance themselves, avoiding costly dealership mistakes. Competitive Analysis Alternative Sources: Expensive retail repair manuals (cited as $200-$500), less knowledgeable technicians Key Features Knowledge Enhancement: Expands knowledge of the Rotary engine and the vehicle's systems. Convenience: Accessible on personal computers, printable pages for use during work. Completeness: Includes all specified shop manuals for the make and model in one resource. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Comprehensive repair and maintenance for the 1979-1980 Mazda RX-7 Specific Systems: Engine (Rotary), Transmission, Chassis, Body, Electrical, Fuel, Cooling, Brakes, Steering, Suspension, HVAC, Interior Components, Exterior Trim Page Count Estimated Page Count: Hundreds of pages (exact count not specified, but described as extensive) Manual Type Type: Repair and Maintenance Manual / Factory Shop Manuals Language Language: English Format Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Yes Rotary Engine Specifics: Yes (Emphasis on Rotary engine, troubleshooting, and potential rebuilds) Transmission Manual: Yes Transmission Automatic: Yes (Implied by inclusion of Automatic Transaxle sections) Cooling System: Yes Fuel System: Yes Ignition System: Yes Exhaust System: Yes Brake System: Yes Steering System: Yes Suspension Front: Yes Suspension Rear: Yes Electrical System: Yes Wiring Diagrams: Yes Body Repair: Yes Interior Components: Yes (e.g., Instrument Panel, Seats, Roof Headlining) HVAC System: Yes (Heater & Air Conditioner) Lighting System: Yes Wheel And Tire System: Yes Emission Control Systems: Yes Procedures Included Maintenance: Yes (Implied by title and description, focus on saving money) Troubleshooting: Yes (Explicitly mentioned for Rotary engines to diagnose issues) Engine Rebuild: Yes (Mentioned as capable of assisting with engine rebuilds) Transmission Rebuild: Yes (Mentioned as capable of assisting with transmission rebuilds) Disassembly Assembly: Yes (Described as having everything to take the car apart) Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering all parts and their locations, with extensive technical data for repair and knowledge expansion. Visual Aids: Detailed pictures included Instruction Style: Does not have step-by-step instructions, but details part locations and access. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Compatibility: All PC and Mac based operating systems Print Quality Printability: Printable pages Binding Type Type: Not applicable (Digital PDF) Paper Type Type: Not applicable (Digital PDF) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Type: Rotary (Wankel) Displacement: 573 cc per rotor (1.15 L total displacement) Rotor Housing: Single Rotor (for some early models), but typically described as a 12A Rotary Engine for this generation. Aspirated: Naturally Aspirated (early models) / Fuel Injection (later/optional models) Performance Horsepower Estimated 1979: 100-110 hp Torque Estimated 1979: 110-115 lb-ft Fuel System Carburetion: Typically a two-barrel carburetor (e.g., Hitachi DCAS 30-30) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline Engine Control ECU: Engine Control Unit (ECU) for fuel injection and ignition timing, though carbureted models are common. Rotary Specifics Apex Seals: Critical component for engine sealing and performance, detailed in manual coverage. Oil Injection: Automatic oil injection system for lubrication of apex seals and housings. 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 4-speed manual Optional Type: 3-speed automatic Features Clutch Type: Single dry plate Manual Transmission Fluid Spec: GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or equivalent (refer to manual for exact spec) Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec: Dexron III or equivalent (refer to manual for exact spec) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: approx. 95.0 inches (2413 mm) Length: approx. 165.5 inches (4204 mm) Width: approx. 65.2 inches (1656 mm) Height: approx. 49.6 inches (1260 mm) Weights Curb Weight: approx. 2400-2500 lbs (1089-1134 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Not specified, but typically around 3300 lbs Towing Capacity: Not recommended 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Rating: Not applicable (NHTSA ratings were not standardized for this era) Active Features Brakes Front: Ventilated Disc Brakes Rear: Drum Parking Brake: Mechanical, acting on rear wheels Passive Features Seat Belts: Standard three-point front seat belts Body Structure: Unitized body construction with crumple zones Windshield: Laminated safety glass 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player (optional) Driver Assistance ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was not a standard or common option on early models. Cruise Control: Available on some trim levels or as an option. Connectivity Connectivity Features: None (Basic analog systems) 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for specific recommendation) Spark Plug Replacement: Check/replace every 15,000-30,000 miles (Rotary specific) Coolant Flush: Every 24,000-30,000 miles or 2 years Belt Inspection Replacement: Inspect annually, replace as needed (Drive belts, Alternator belt, etc.) Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type Capacity: API SG or higher, 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended. Capacity: approx. 4.5-5 quarts (refer to manual for exact spec and oil filter part number, e.g., Mazda B607-14-302 or equivalent). Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 or DOT...
Typically a two-barrel carburetor (e.g., Hitachi DCAS 30-30)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Engine Control
ECU:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) for fuel injection and ignition timing, though carbureted models are common.
Rotary Specifics
Apex Seals:
Critical component for engine sealing and performance, detailed in manual coverage.
Oil Injection:
Automatic oil injection system for lubrication of apex seals and housings.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
4-speed manual
Optional
Type:
3-speed automatic
Features
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or equivalent (refer to manual for exact spec)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
Dexron III or equivalent (refer to manual for exact spec)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
approx. 95.0 inches (2413 mm)
Length:
approx. 165.5 inches (4204 mm)
Width:
approx. 65.2 inches (1656 mm)
Height:
approx. 49.6 inches (1260 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
approx. 2400-2500 lbs (1089-1134 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not specified, but typically around 3300 lbs
Towing Capacity:
Not recommended
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Rating:
Not applicable (NHTSA ratings were not standardized for this era)
Active Features
Brakes Front:
Ventilated Disc
Brakes Rear:
Drum
Parking Brake:
Mechanical, acting on rear wheels
Passive Features
Seat Belts:
Standard three-point front seat belts
Body Structure:
Unitized body construction with crumple zones
Windshield:
Laminated safety glass
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player (optional)
Driver Assistance
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was not a standard or common option on early models.
Cruise Control:
Available on some trim levels or as an option.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
None (Basic analog systems)
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for specific recommendation)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Check/replace every 15,000-30,000 miles (Rotary specific)
Coolant Flush:
Every 24,000-30,000 miles or 2 years
Belt Inspection Replacement:
Inspect annually, replace as needed (Drive belts, Alternator belt, etc.)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type Capacity:
API SG or higher, 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended. Capacity: approx. 4.5-5 quarts (refer to manual for exact spec and oil filter part number, e.g., Mazda B607-14-302 or equivalent).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent (if equipped with power steering)
Known Issues
Apex Seal Wear:
Common issue with high mileage or poor maintenance; can lead to low compression and starting/running problems.
Carburetor Issues:
Can become clogged or out of adjustment, affecting performance and fuel economy.
Rotary Specific Maintenance:
Requires specific knowledge for rebuilding and maintaining apex seals and lubrication systems.
Rust And Corrosion:
Common for vehicles of this age, particularly in areas exposed to salt.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mazda Rotary Pioneering:
Mazda is renowned for its development and successful implementation of the Wankel rotary engine in production vehicles, beginning with the Cosmo Sport.
Model Evolution
Rx-7 Introduction:
The first generation RX-7 (SA22C) was introduced in 1978 as a 1979 model year vehicle, designed as a lightweight, affordable, and sporty coupe.
Generation Design:
The RX-7 featured a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, a sophisticated suspension for its time, and distinctive styling.
Production
Production Period:
1978-1985 (for the SA22C/FB generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver Ten Best:
The first generation RX-7 was named to Car and Driver's Ten Best list multiple times in its early production years.
Automotive Journalism Acclaim:
Widely praised for its handling, sporty feel, and unique rotary engine.
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