🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: RX-7 Year: 1980 Generation Chassis Code: SA22C 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The 1980 Mazda RX-7 (SA22C) was a groundbreaking sports car, pioneering the affordable rotary-engine sports car segment. It competed against established players like the Datsun Z-cars and Toyota Celica. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Datsun 280Z, Toyota Celica GT, Porsche 924 (though more premium). Key Features Distinguishing Features: Rotary engine's smooth operation and unique character, lightweight chassis, balanced handling, distinct styling. Manual Value Proposition Value: Provides DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics with the exact procedures and specifications used by dealerships, enabling efficient and accurate maintenance and repair. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: 1980 Mazda RX-7 (SA22C) Manual Type Type: Factory Service/Repair/Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format File Format: PDF Compatibility: All Versions of Windows & Mac Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Rotary Engine (12A) disassembly, assembly, overhaul, timing, seals, lubrication Lubrication System: Oil pump, oil cooler, oil filter, oil pan, oil passages Cooling System: Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, coolant passages, hoses, heater core Fuel System: Carburetor (likely Hitachi or Nikki), fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel tank, lines, emissions control Emission Control: Air injection system, EGR valve, PCV system, catalytic converter (if applicable for market), evaporative emission control Engine Electrical: Ignition system (distributor, coils, spark plugs), starting system, charging system (alternator), ECU, wiring diagrams Transmission: Automatic Transaxle (likely 3-speed), service, overhaul, fluid specifications Drivetrain: Front and Rear Axles, driveshaft, differential, CV joints (if applicable), wheel bearings Steering System: Steering gear, steering column, linkage, power steering system (if equipped), components Braking System: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, master cylinder, brake booster, lines, calipers, wheel cylinders, parking brake Traction Control: Likely not applicable for this model year, but manual may include related components if present. Wheels And Tires: Wheel specifications, tire fitment, lug nut torque, rotation Suspension Front: MacPherson struts, control arms, sway bar, bushings, alignment specifications Suspension Rear: Live axle, trailing arms, Watt's linkage (likely), Panhard rod (likely), shock absorbers, springs, alignment specifications Body: Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, hood, trunk, glass, seals, corrosion protection Body Electrical: Lighting (headlights, taillights, turn signals), wipers, washers, horn, door locks, power windows (if equipped), dashboard instruments, interior lighting HVAC: Heating system, ventilation, air conditioning system (if equipped), blower motor, controls, refrigerant (if applicable) Technical Data: Specifications, torque values, tolerances, fluid capacities, engine data, performance figures Special Tools: List of Mazda-specific tools required for certain repairs Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks Diagnostics: Troubleshooting common issues, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic charts Repair: Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major systems Rebuilds: Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuild, suspension component replacement Adjustments: Carburetor adjustment, ignition timing, brake adjustment, clutch adjustment (if manual transmission covered) Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed exploded views and diagrams. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Print Quality: Printable. High-resolution scans suitable for printing. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Mazda Wankel Rotary Engine Code: 12A Displacement: 1146 cc (two rotor, 573 cc per rotor) Configuration: Two-Rotor Wankel Performance Horsepower: Approx. 100-110 hp (varies by market and emissions equipment) Torque: Approx. 105-115 lb-ft Fuel System Carburetion: Single Downdraft Two-Barrel Carburetor (e.g., Hitachi DCV-221 or Nikki 5000 series) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline Ignition System Ignition Type: Distributor, Ignition Coil, Spark Plugs Lubrication Oil Type Capacity: Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 10W-30 or 10W-40) and capacity (approx. 5 quarts with filter). Cooling System Coolant Type Capacity: Ethylene Glycol based coolant. Capacity approx. 7-8 quarts. 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-Speed Manual or 3-Speed Automatic Transaxle Optional Transmission Options: 3-Speed Automatic Transaxle Features Transaxle Layout: Integrated Transmission and Differential Fluid Specifications Automatic Transaxle Fluid: Dexron II or equivalent (confirm with manual) Manual Transmission Fluid: GL-4 Gear Oil 75W-90 (confirm with manual) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 95.4 inches (2423 mm) Length: 166.7 inches (4234 mm) Width: 65.0 inches (1651 mm) Height: 50.2 inches (1275 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 2300-2500 lbs (1043-1134 kg), depending on transmission and equipment. Wheels And Tires Standard Wheel Size: 13x5.5 inches or 14x5.5 inches Standard Tire Size: 185/70R13 or 195/70R14 Bolt Pattern: 4x110 mm 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Data: Limited data available for this era. Focus was on active safety (handling). Active Features Handling Dynamics: Excellent weight distribution, low center of gravity, responsive steering contribute to active safety. Passive Features Seatbelts: Lap and shoulder belts 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM radio, optional cassette player. Basic analog controls. Driver Assistance Driver Aids: No electronic driver assistance systems like ABS or traction control. Focus is on driver engagement. Connectivity Connectivity Features: N/A 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically...
The 1980 Mazda RX-7 (SA22C) was a groundbreaking sports car, pioneering the affordable rotary-engine sports car segment. It competed against established players like the Datsun Z-cars and Toyota Celica.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Datsun 280Z, Toyota Celica GT, Porsche 924 (though more premium).
Provides DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics with the exact procedures and specifications used by dealerships, enabling efficient and accurate maintenance and repair.
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed exploded views and diagrams.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Print Quality:
Printable. High-resolution scans suitable for printing.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Mazda Wankel Rotary
Engine Code:
12A
Displacement:
1146 cc (two rotor, 573 cc per rotor)
Configuration:
Two-Rotor Wankel
Performance
Horsepower:
Approx. 100-110 hp (varies by market and emissions equipment)
Torque:
Approx. 105-115 lb-ft
Fuel System
Carburetion:
Single Downdraft Two-Barrel Carburetor (e.g., Hitachi DCV-221 or Nikki 5000 series)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Ignition System
Ignition Type:
Distributor, Ignition Coil, Spark Plugs
Lubrication
Oil Type Capacity:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 10W-30 or 10W-40) and capacity (approx. 5 quarts with filter).
Cooling System
Coolant Type Capacity:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant. Capacity approx. 7-8 quarts.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Manual or 3-Speed Automatic Transaxle
Optional
Transmission Options:
3-Speed Automatic Transaxle
Features
Transaxle Layout:
Integrated Transmission and Differential
Fluid Specifications
Automatic Transaxle Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent (confirm with manual)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 Gear Oil 75W-90 (confirm with manual)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
95.4 inches (2423 mm)
Length:
166.7 inches (4234 mm)
Width:
65.0 inches (1651 mm)
Height:
50.2 inches (1275 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2300-2500 lbs (1043-1134 kg), depending on transmission and equipment.
Wheels And Tires
Standard Wheel Size:
13x5.5 inches or 14x5.5 inches
Standard Tire Size:
185/70R13 or 195/70R14
Bolt Pattern:
4x110 mm
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Data:
Limited data available for this era. Focus was on active safety (handling).
Active Features
Handling Dynamics:
Excellent weight distribution, low center of gravity, responsive steering contribute to active safety.
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Lap and shoulder belts
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio, optional cassette player. Basic analog controls.
Driver Assistance
Driver Aids:
No electronic driver assistance systems like ABS or traction control. Focus is on driver engagement.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
N/A
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (refer to manual for exact spec).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Check or replace as per manual recommendations, often around 30,000 miles. Note specific rotary spark plug types.
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (Rotary engines do not have timing belts; they use a chain or gear system for rotor timing).
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (confirm with manual)
Coolant Type:
50/50 mix of Ethylene Glycol antifreeze and distilled water
Known Issues
Apex Seals:
Wear and failure of apex seals is a common long-term issue for rotary engines, leading to compression loss. Regular oil changes and proper warm-up/cool-down are crucial.
Carburetor Issues:
Carburetors can become clogged or require adjustment over time, affecting fuel mixture and performance.
Cooling System Leaks:
Aging hoses and gaskets can lead to coolant leaks. Overheating can be detrimental to apex seals.
Rust And Corrosion:
As with many cars from this era, rust can be an issue, particularly in wheel wells, rocker panels, and around the windows.
Ignition System Maintenance:
Distributor cap, rotor, and spark plug wires require periodic inspection and replacement.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mazda Rotary Pioneering:
Mazda's commitment to the rotary engine, first introduced in the Cosmo, was cemented with the RX-7, offering a unique alternative to piston engines.
Model Evolution
First Generation Introduction:
Launched in 1978 (as a 1979 model in some markets), the SA22C RX-7 was designed as a budget-friendly, sporty coupe.
Production
Production Period:
1978-1985 (First Generation SA22C/FB)
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Journalism Awards:
Consistently praised by automotive press for its handling, performance, and value. Named to Car and Driver's 'Ten Best' list in 1979.
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