🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: RX-7 Generation First Generation Chassis Code: SA22C / FB Codes Engine Code: 12A (early models), 13B (later models) 👋 Introduction Market Position Original Market Segment: Sports Coupe / Grand Tourer Competitive Analysis Key Competitors Era: Datsun 280ZX, Toyota Celica Supra, Porsche 924, Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT Key Features Unique Selling Proposition: Rotary engine technology, distinctive styling, balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive dynamics. Target Audience: Enthusiasts appreciating unique engineering, performance-oriented drivers, and classic Japanese sports car collectors. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Systems Covered: Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Transmission, Driveline, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Body, Interior, Heating & Air Conditioning, Emissions Control Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approximately 600-800 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era) Manual Type Manual Type: Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital PDF (downloadable) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Complete overhaul procedures for the Wankel rotary engine, including apex seals, rotor housings, side seals, oil seals, and rotor assembly. Fuel System Rotary: Details on fuel pump operation, fuel filter replacement, carburetor (Solex or Hitachi variation) diagnosis and overhaul, and fuel injection systems (if applicable for later models). Ignition System Rotary: Spark plug specifications, ignition timing adjustment, distributor maintenance, ignition coil testing, and electronic ignition system components. Cooling System Rotary: Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and coolant specifications. Specific considerations for rotary engine cooling unique design. Transmission Manual: Disassembly, assembly, and repair of the 5-speed manual transmission. Clutch inspection and replacement procedures. Transmission Automatic: Diagnosis and repair for the optional automatic transmission, including torque converter and valve body service. Suspension And Steering: Front and rear suspension component replacement (struts, control arms, bushings), steering gear diagnosis and repair, power steering system service. Braking System: Disc brake component specifications (pads, rotors, calipers), hydraulic system bleeding, parking brake adjustment, and power brake booster service. Electrical System Diagnosis: Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, starter motor, alternator, battery service, lighting system troubleshooting, and instrument cluster diagnosis. Bodywork And Trim: Panel removal and installation, glass replacement, interior trim components, door and lock mechanisms, and body repair techniques. Procedures Included Preventative Maintenance: Routine checks, fluid level adjustments, filter replacements, and belt inspections. Troubleshooting Guides: Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems, often with flowcharts. Component Overhaul: Detailed step-by-step instructions for disassembling, cleaning, inspecting, repairing, and reassembling major vehicle components. Torque Specifications: Precise torque values for all critical fasteners, essential for proper assembly and preventing damage. Special Tool Requirements: Identification of specific tools needed for particular repair or maintenance tasks. Diagnostic Troubleshooting: Methodologies for identifying the root cause of malfunctions across various systems. Technical Depth Depth Of Coverage: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics. Diagnostic Capabilities: Advanced diagnostic information, including symptom-cause-remedy tables and electrical schematic interpretation. Rebuild Procedures: Detailed step-by-step instructions for complete overhauls of the Wankel rotary engine and other major components. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Print Quality Digital Quality: High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of text, diagrams, and illustrations. Searchable text capabilities often included. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital PDF) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Wankel Rotary (Two-Rotor) Engine Displacement Cc: 1146 cc (nominal for 12A), 1308 cc (nominal for 13B) Engine Designation Early: 12A Engine Designation Late: 13B (introduced later in the first generation) Performance Horsepower 12A Early: Approx. 100-110 HP Horsepower 13B Late: Approx. 125-135 HP (naturally aspirated), 160 HP (turbocharged - common in later FB models) Torque 12A Early: Approx. 110-120 lb-ft Torque 13B Late: Approx. 125-135 lb-ft (naturally aspirated), 170 lb-ft (turbocharged) Fuel System Fuel Delivery Early Models: Two-barrel downdraft carburetor (e.g., Hitachi or Mazda-branded Solex variations) Fuel Delivery Late Models Turbo: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for turbocharged models Recommended Fuel Octane: Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane) Engine Features Rotary Specific Features: Eccentric shaft, rotors, apex seals, side seals, uniform combustion chamber, high RPM capability. 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 4-Speed Manual (early models), 5-Speed Manual (later models) Optional Optional Transmission: 3-Speed Automatic Features Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Clutch Type: Dry single plate (manual transmission) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length Mm: 4210-4375 mm (depending on year and specific model variant) Width Mm: 1650-1700 mm Height Mm: 1265-1295 mm Wheelbase Mm: 2400 mm Weights Curb Weight Kg: 1050-1200 kg (depending on trim and transmission) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Ratings: Not available for this era with modern standardized testing. Active Features Braking System: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (early models), four-wheel disc brakes (later/performance models like GT/GSL-SE). Parking Brake: Mechanical, rear drum actuation Passive Features Seatbelts: Three-point front seatbelts Chassis Construction: Unibody construction with integrated safety cage elements. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM radio, often with cassette player. Aftermarket upgrades common. Driver Assistance ABS: Available on...
Approximately 600-800 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)
Manual Type
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Digital PDF (downloadable)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul procedures for the Wankel rotary engine, including apex seals, rotor housings, side seals, oil seals, and rotor assembly.
Fuel System Rotary:
Details on fuel pump operation, fuel filter replacement, carburetor (Solex or Hitachi variation) diagnosis and overhaul, and fuel injection systems (if applicable for later models).
Ignition System Rotary:
Spark plug specifications, ignition timing adjustment, distributor maintenance, ignition coil testing, and electronic ignition system components.
Cooling System Rotary:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and coolant specifications. Specific considerations for rotary engine cooling unique design.
Transmission Manual:
Disassembly, assembly, and repair of the 5-speed manual transmission. Clutch inspection and replacement procedures.
Transmission Automatic:
Diagnosis and repair for the optional automatic transmission, including torque converter and valve body service.
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension component replacement (struts, control arms, bushings), steering gear diagnosis and repair, power steering system service.
Braking System:
Disc brake component specifications (pads, rotors, calipers), hydraulic system bleeding, parking brake adjustment, and power brake booster service.
Electrical System Diagnosis:
Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, starter motor, alternator, battery service, lighting system troubleshooting, and instrument cluster diagnosis.
Bodywork And Trim:
Panel removal and installation, glass replacement, interior trim components, door and lock mechanisms, and body repair techniques.
Procedures Included
Preventative Maintenance:
Routine checks, fluid level adjustments, filter replacements, and belt inspections.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems, often with flowcharts.
Component Overhaul:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for disassembling, cleaning, inspecting, repairing, and reassembling major vehicle components.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners, essential for proper assembly and preventing damage.
Special Tool Requirements:
Identification of specific tools needed for particular repair or maintenance tasks.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Methodologies for identifying the root cause of malfunctions across various systems.
Technical Depth
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic information, including symptom-cause-remedy tables and electrical schematic interpretation.
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for complete overhauls of the Wankel rotary engine and other major components.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Print Quality
Digital Quality:
High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of text, diagrams, and illustrations. Searchable text capabilities often included.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital PDF)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Wankel Rotary (Two-Rotor)
Engine Displacement Cc:
1146 cc (nominal for 12A), 1308 cc (nominal for 13B)
Engine Designation Early:
12A
Engine Designation Late:
13B (introduced later in the first generation)
Performance
Horsepower 12A Early:
Approx. 100-110 HP
Horsepower 13B Late:
Approx. 125-135 HP (naturally aspirated), 160 HP (turbocharged - common in later FB models)
4210-4375 mm (depending on year and specific model variant)
Width Mm:
1650-1700 mm
Height Mm:
1265-1295 mm
Wheelbase Mm:
2400 mm
Weights
Curb Weight Kg:
1050-1200 kg (depending on trim and transmission)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Ratings:
Not available for this era with modern standardized testing.
Active Features
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (early models), four-wheel disc brakes (later/performance models like GT/GSL-SE).
Parking Brake:
Mechanical, rear drum actuation
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts
Chassis Construction:
Unibody construction with integrated safety cage elements.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio, often with cassette player. Aftermarket upgrades common.
Driver Assistance
ABS:
Available on select higher-trim models or as an option, particularly later in the generation.
Connectivity
Availability:
N/A (No modern connectivity features typical of this era).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval Rotary:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months. Crucial for rotary engines due to oil dilution and lubrication needs.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Refer to manual; typically between 15,000-30,000 miles depending on plug type and condition.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (typical for the era).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type Rotary:
Specific rotary engine oil blend or high-quality API SG/SH rated conventional oil. Check manual for exact viscosity (e.g., 10W-30, 10W-40).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (e.g., Mazda Genuine Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 gear oil (specific viscosity often 75W-90 or 80W-90).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron II or equivalent ATF.
Known Issues
Rotary Engine Apex Seals:
Wear and failure of apex seals leading to loss of compression and engine damage. Regular oil changes and proper warm-up/cool-down are critical.
Rotary Engine Carbon Buildup:
Carbon deposits can form in the combustion chambers, leading to rough idling, misfires, and reduced performance. Decarbonization procedures are often recommended.
Carburetor Performance:
Carburetors can become gummed up or require frequent adjustments due to age and fuel quality.
Cooling System Reliability:
Aging hoses, radiators, and water pumps can lead to leaks and overheating. Rotary engines are particularly sensitive to overheating.
Rust And Corrosion:
Common for vehicles of this era, particularly in areas exposed to road salt. Check wheel wells, rocker panels, and floor pans.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mazda Rotary Pioneering:
Mazda's long-standing commitment and development of Wankel rotary engine technology.
Model Evolution
First Generation Codename:
SA22C (North America), FB (Japan and other markets)
Key Facelifts And Updates:
1978: Introduction. 1981: Major facelift (FB chassis) with revised styling, suspension, and engine updates (introduction of 13B). 1984: Introduction of turbocharged models.
Production
Production Years:
1978-1985
Manufacturing Location:
Mazda plants, Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Period Reviews:
Often praised for its unique rotary engine, handling, and styling by automotive publications of the time.
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