🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: RX-7 Generation: FC Years Covered: 1986-1988 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The Mazda RX-7 FC generation (1986-1988) represented a significant evolution in the RX-7 lineage, offering improved handling, refined styling, and potent rotary engine performance, positioning it as a capable and sporty coupe in the premium sports car segment. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Competed against models like the Toyota MR2, Nissan 300ZX (Z31), Porsche 944, and Chevrolet Camaro/Pontiac Firebird during its production run. Key Features Features: Iconic rotary engine, lightweight chassis, sophisticated independent suspension, rear-wheel drive dynamics, pop-up headlights, and a balanced 50/50 weight distribution. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Engine: Rotary (13B) Trim Levels: All models and trims Page Count Estimated Pages: 1500+ Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual (FSM) Language Language: English Format Format: Print 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Complete rebuild, component inspection, timing adjustments, apex seal replacement, rotor housing machining specifications Fuel System: Fuel injection system diagnostics and repair, injector testing, fuel pump pressure specifications, fuel filter replacement Ignition System: Ignition timing, spark plug specifications, coil pack testing, distributor maintenance (if applicable) Transmission: Manual transmission disassembly, assembly, clutch replacement, automatic transmission service (if applicable) Brakes: Brake system bleeding, pad and rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, parking brake adjustment, ABS system diagnostics Suspension: Strut replacement, spring replacement, ball joint inspection, bushing replacement, alignment specifications Steering: Power steering system, steering column, tie rod end replacement, steering rack overhaul Electrical System: Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, component testing, starter and alternator service, battery maintenance Body And Chassis: Door panel removal, interior trim, exterior panel alignment, rust repair procedures, chassis reinforcement details HVAC: Air conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, heater core replacement, climate control panel repair Emissions Control: Emission control systems, catalytic converter inspection, exhaust system repair, EGR valve testing Procedures Included Maintenance Tasks: Oil and filter changes, coolant flushes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, fluid level checks Troubleshooting Guides: Diagnostic flowcharts for common drivability issues, no-start conditions, electrical faults Diagnostic Procedures: Engine performance diagnostics, fuel system troubleshooting, electrical system testing using a multimeter Repair Procedures: Step-by-step instructions for all major component replacements and overhauls Specifications And Tolerances: Torque specifications for critical fasteners, component clearances, wear limits Technical Depth Depth Level: Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds) 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Quality: N/A (Print Edition) Print Quality Paper Quality: High-quality, durable paper designed for workshop use Binding Type Binding: Professionally bound, designed to lay flat for ease of use ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: 13B (Naturally Aspirated and Turbocharged) Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel) Displacement: 1.3 L (1308 cc), 2 rotors Compression Ratio: 9.4:1 (Naturally Aspirated) Engine Type Turbo: Turbocharged Rotary (Wankel) Displacement Turbo: 1.3 L (1308 cc), 2 rotors Compression Ratio Turbo: 8.5:1 (Turbocharged) Performance Horsepower Na: 146 hp @ 6500 rpm Torque Na: 125 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm Horsepower Turbo: 182 hp @ 6500 rpm (Turbocharged) Torque Turbo: 183 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (Turbocharged) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-speed Manual Optional Type: 4-speed Automatic Features Clutch: Hydraulically operated, single dry plate 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 167.9 inches Width: 69.1 inches Height: 49.8 inches Wheelbase: 95.7 inches Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 2800-3000 lbs (varies by model/trim) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Overall: Not extensively rated by modern standards, but generally considered a stable chassis. Active Features ABS: Available on higher trims and Turbo models Passive Features Seatbelts: Three-point retractable seatbelts Airbags: Driver-side airbag became standard during this generation. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM/Cassette stereo systems, often with amplifier and speaker upgrades available on higher trims. CD players were less common or optional early in the generation. Driver Assistance ABS Availability: Available on select models, enhancing braking control. Connectivity Connectivity Features: Limited by era; primarily focused on the vehicle's core functions. No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type). Spark Plug Replacement: Refer to manual for specific interval based on plug type; typically every 30,000 miles for standard plugs. Timing Belt Replacement: Not applicable to rotary engines; uses a timing chain. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (check manual for specific ambient temperature viscosity). Engine Oil Capacity: Approximately 5.5 US quarts (5.2 L) with filter change. Coolant Type: Mazda Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors. Transmission Fluid Type Manual: API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil. Transmission Fluid Type Automatic: Dexron-II or equivalent ATF. Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Known Issues Rotary Engine Specific: Apex seal wear, thermal degradation of rotor housings, oil seal deterioration,...
The Mazda RX-7 FC generation (1986-1988) represented a significant evolution in the RX-7 lineage, offering improved handling, refined styling, and potent rotary engine performance, positioning it as a capable and sporty coupe in the premium sports car segment.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Competed against models like the Toyota MR2, Nissan 300ZX (Z31), Porsche 944, and Chevrolet Camaro/Pontiac Firebird during its production run.
Key Features
Features:
Iconic rotary engine, lightweight chassis, sophisticated independent suspension, rear-wheel drive dynamics, pop-up headlights, and a balanced 50/50 weight distribution.
Air conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, heater core replacement, climate control panel repair
Emissions Control:
Emission control systems, catalytic converter inspection, exhaust system repair, EGR valve testing
Procedures Included
Maintenance Tasks:
Oil and filter changes, coolant flushes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, fluid level checks
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common drivability issues, no-start conditions, electrical faults
Diagnostic Procedures:
Engine performance diagnostics, fuel system troubleshooting, electrical system testing using a multimeter
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for all major component replacements and overhauls
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications for critical fasteners, component clearances, wear limits
Technical Depth
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds)
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Quality:
N/A (Print Edition)
Print Quality
Paper Quality:
High-quality, durable paper designed for workshop use
Binding Type
Binding:
Professionally bound, designed to lay flat for ease of use
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
13B (Naturally Aspirated and Turbocharged)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
Displacement:
1.3 L (1308 cc), 2 rotors
Compression Ratio:
9.4:1 (Naturally Aspirated)
Engine Type Turbo:
Turbocharged Rotary (Wankel)
Displacement Turbo:
1.3 L (1308 cc), 2 rotors
Compression Ratio Turbo:
8.5:1 (Turbocharged)
Performance
Horsepower Na:
146 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque Na:
125 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Horsepower Turbo:
182 hp @ 6500 rpm (Turbocharged)
Torque Turbo:
183 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (Turbocharged)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-speed Manual
Optional
Type:
4-speed Automatic
Features
Clutch:
Hydraulically operated, single dry plate
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
167.9 inches
Width:
69.1 inches
Height:
49.8 inches
Wheelbase:
95.7 inches
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2800-3000 lbs (varies by model/trim)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Overall:
Not extensively rated by modern standards, but generally considered a stable chassis.
Active Features
ABS:
Available on higher trims and Turbo models
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Three-point retractable seatbelts
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag became standard during this generation.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette stereo systems, often with amplifier and speaker upgrades available on higher trims. CD players were less common or optional early in the generation.
Driver Assistance
ABS Availability:
Available on select models, enhancing braking control.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; primarily focused on the vehicle's core functions. No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual for specific interval based on plug type; typically every 30,000 miles for standard plugs.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not applicable to rotary engines; uses a timing chain.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (check manual for specific ambient temperature viscosity).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 5.5 US quarts (5.2 L) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Mazda Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
Dexron-II or equivalent ATF.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Known Issues
Rotary Engine Specific:
Apex seal wear, thermal degradation of rotor housings, oil seal deterioration, leading to compression loss and increased oil consumption. Requires diligent maintenance and proper break-in procedures.
Fuel System Specific:
Clogged fuel injectors, fuel pump weakening over time, aging rubber fuel lines.
Common in areas with road salt; check wheel arches, rocker panels, and suspension mounting points.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage Context:
The RX-7 lineage is synonymous with Mazda's commitment to innovative rotary engine technology and sporty, driver-focused vehicles. The RX-7 has a storied history in motorsports, particularly in endurance racing and drifting.
Model Evolution
Fc Generation:
The FC generation, introduced in 1985 for the 1986 model year, replaced the SA22C (FB) RX-7. It featured a more aerodynamic design, independent rear suspension for all models, and the introduction of the Turbo II model, significantly enhancing its performance credentials.
Production
Production Period:
1985-1992 (FC generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Mazda's Hofu Plant, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
The FC generation RX-7 (particularly the Turbo II) was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' lists for its performance and handling capabilities.
Ratings
Sports Car International:
Often praised by automotive publications for its driving dynamics and rotary engine character.
Een selectie kiezen resulteert in het geheel verversen van de pagina.