🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: RX-2 Year: 1970 Codes Chassis Code: S102A (Coupe), S124A (Sedan) Engine Code Primary: 10A (Rotary) 👋 Introduction Market Position Era: Early 1970s sports coupe/sedan, distinctive for its rotary engine. Segment: Compact Sporty Car / Personal Luxury Coupe Competitive Analysis Competitors: Datsun 240Z, Toyota Corolla Levin/Sprinter Trueno, Ford Capri (in some markets), Alfa Romeo Giulia Key Features Engine Type: Mazda's unique Wankel rotary engine, offering a smooth, high-revving power delivery. Styling: Often praised for its European-influenced styling, particularly the coupe variant. Handling: Lightweight construction and balanced chassis contributed to enjoyable handling characteristics. Value Proposition For Buyers: Essential reference for owners and mechanics looking to maintain, restore, or repair this classic rotary Mazda. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Full Workshop and Repair Secondary Coverage: Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Wiring Diagrams, Bodywork, Chassis, Electrical Page Count Estimated Pages: Approx. 500-700 (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era) Manual Type Type: Workshop Manual / Service Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Rotary Engine (10A), Carburetor System, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System Transmission: 4-Speed Manual Transmission, Optional 3-Speed Automatic Transmission Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive, Driveshaft, Differential, Axles Chassis: Suspension (Front: Independent Coil Spring, Rear: Leaf Spring), Steering System, Brakes (Front Disc, Rear Drum) Electrical: 12V Electrical System, Battery, Alternator, Starter Motor, Lighting System, Gauges, Switches, Wiring Diagrams Body: Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Glass, Seals Procedures Included Engine Repair: Engine Reassembly, Apex Seal Replacement, Rotor Housing Inspection, Oil Seals, Cooling System (Air-Cooled Rotary) Transmission Service: Transmission Fluid Change, Clutch Replacement, Gearbox Overhaul Brakes Service: Brake Pad/Shoe Replacement, Brake Fluid Flush, Caliper/Cylinder Rebuild Suspension Steering: Shock Absorber Replacement, Bushing Replacement, Wheel Alignment Specs, Steering Gearbox Adjustment Electrical Diagnostics: Troubleshooting Faulty Circuits, Component Testing, Fuse/Relay Identification Scheduled Maintenance: Oil Change Intervals, Spark Plug Replacement, Filter Changes, Lubrication Points Bodywork Repair: Dent Repair, Rust Treatment, Panel Replacement, Glass Installation Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic tune-ups and fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and body repair. Diagnostics: Detailed troubleshooting guides with symptoms, causes, and corrective actions for common issues. Specifications: Includes torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, and electrical resistance values. Diagrams: Detailed illustrations, exploded views, and wiring diagrams for precise identification and assembly. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF (Portable Document Format) Searchability: Likely text-searchable PDF, allowing for quick access to specific topics. Printability: Printable, enabling users to create hard copies for workshop use. Print Quality Quality: Digital scan quality will vary based on original source. Aim for clear, legible text and diagrams. Binding Type Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Type: Wankel Rotary (Twin Rotor) Engine Code: 10A Displacement: 993 cc (total rotating volume) Bore Stroke Rotary: Internal geometry rather than traditional bore/stroke; typically 105mm rotor radius with 50mm eccentric shaft throw. Performance Horsepower Hp: Approx. 120-130 hp (SAE Gross) depending on market and specific tuning Torque Lb Ft: Approx. 118-125 lb-ft (SAE Gross) depending on market and specific tuning Redline Rpm: Approx. 6500-7000 RPM Fuel System Carburetion: Hitachi Twin-Barrel Down-Draft Carburetor(s) (e.g., 2x Hitachi DCG 340) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (though leaded was common and engines might have hardened valve seats) Cooling System Type: Air-Cooled (with integrated oil cooling) Oil System Oil Type Spec: SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 API SE/SF (consult manual for specific year/climate recommendations). Crucial to use oil suitable for rotary engines to prevent apex seal damage. Oil Capacity Quarts: Approx. 5-6 quarts (including oil cooler) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 4-Speed Manual Optional Type: 3-Speed Automatic (e.g., Mazdaspeed AT3) Features Clutch Type: Single Dry Plate, Hydraulically Operated Transmission Fluid Spec: Dexron III (or equivalent) for automatic; Gear Oil GL-4 (SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90) for manual. Consult manual for exact specifications. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Coupe Length In: Approx. 166.5 inches (4229 mm) Coupe Width In: Approx. 64.2 inches (1630 mm) Coupe Height In: Approx. 51.2 inches (1300 mm) Coupe Wheelbase In: Approx. 97.2 inches (2469 mm) Weights Coupe Curb Weight Lbs: Approx. 2300-2500 lbs (1043-1134 kg) Coupe Gross Vehicle Weight Lbs: Approx. 3100 lbs (1406 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Era: No standardized crash testing as per modern NHTSA/Euro NCAP standards in 1970. Active Features Braking System: Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes. No ABS or advanced brake assists. Steering: Recirculating Ball Steering. Optional power steering may have been available on some trims/markets. Passive Features Seatbelts: Lap belts standard; shoulder belts may have been optional or standard on later production. Airbags: N/A Crumple Zones: Basic body structure design; no engineered crumple zones as understood today. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Basic AM/FM Radio, potentially with AM only, or an optional FM/AM unit. Cassette players were not common in 1970. Driver...
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic tune-ups and fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and body repair.
Diagnostics:
Detailed troubleshooting guides with symptoms, causes, and corrective actions for common issues.
Specifications:
Includes torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, and electrical resistance values.
Diagrams:
Detailed illustrations, exploded views, and wiring diagrams for precise identification and assembly.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable PDF, allowing for quick access to specific topics.
Printability:
Printable, enabling users to create hard copies for workshop use.
Print Quality
Quality:
Digital scan quality will vary based on original source. Aim for clear, legible text and diagrams.
Binding Type
Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Type:
Wankel Rotary (Twin Rotor)
Engine Code:
10A
Displacement:
993 cc (total rotating volume)
Bore Stroke Rotary:
Internal geometry rather than traditional bore/stroke; typically 105mm rotor radius with 50mm eccentric shaft throw.
Performance
Horsepower Hp:
Approx. 120-130 hp (SAE Gross) depending on market and specific tuning
Torque Lb Ft:
Approx. 118-125 lb-ft (SAE Gross) depending on market and specific tuning
Unleaded Gasoline (though leaded was common and engines might have hardened valve seats)
Cooling System
Type:
Air-Cooled (with integrated oil cooling)
Oil System
Oil Type Spec:
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 API SE/SF (consult manual for specific year/climate recommendations). Crucial to use oil suitable for rotary engines to prevent apex seal damage.
Oil Capacity Quarts:
Approx. 5-6 quarts (including oil cooler)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
4-Speed Manual
Optional
Type:
3-Speed Automatic (e.g., Mazdaspeed AT3)
Features
Clutch Type:
Single Dry Plate, Hydraulically Operated
Transmission Fluid Spec:
Dexron III (or equivalent) for automatic; Gear Oil GL-4 (SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90) for manual. Consult manual for exact specifications.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Coupe Length In:
Approx. 166.5 inches (4229 mm)
Coupe Width In:
Approx. 64.2 inches (1630 mm)
Coupe Height In:
Approx. 51.2 inches (1300 mm)
Coupe Wheelbase In:
Approx. 97.2 inches (2469 mm)
Weights
Coupe Curb Weight Lbs:
Approx. 2300-2500 lbs (1043-1134 kg)
Coupe Gross Vehicle Weight Lbs:
Approx. 3100 lbs (1406 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Era:
No standardized crash testing as per modern NHTSA/Euro NCAP standards in 1970.
Active Features
Braking System:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes. No ABS or advanced brake assists.
Steering:
Recirculating Ball Steering. Optional power steering may have been available on some trims/markets.
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Lap belts standard; shoulder belts may have been optional or standard on later production.
Airbags:
N/A
Crumple Zones:
Basic body structure design; no engineered crumple zones as understood today.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM Radio, potentially with AM only, or an optional FM/AM unit. Cassette players were not common in 1970.
Driver Assistance
Features:
N/A - This vehicle predates modern driver assistance systems.
Connectivity
Features:
N/A - No connectivity features.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Miles:
Typically every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first.
Filter Replacement Miles:
Oil filter at every oil change.
Spark Plug Type:
Specific long-reach platinum or copper plugs (e.g., NGK DP7EA-9 or equivalent). Requires 2 per rotor (4 total).
Spark Plug Replacement Miles:
Check/gap at 15,000 miles, replace at 30,000 miles (or as per manual).
Fluid Specifications
Coolant Type:
Water with appropriate anti-freeze (Ethylene Glycol base). Capacity approx. 3-4 quarts. No radiator cap, pressure is regulated by the engine block.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4. Capacity approx. 1 quart.
Known Issues
Apex Seals:
Wear and failure of apex seals is the most critical and common issue with rotary engines. Requires engine rebuild.
Carburetor Issues:
Tuning difficulties, vacuum leaks, and wear on Hitachi carburetors.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume some oil for lubrication of apex seals; excessively high consumption indicates potential seal wear.
Ignition System:
Distributor, points, and coils can require regular maintenance and tuning.
Part Numbers Example
Oil Filter Part Number:
Typical: Fram PH8A, Wix 51515, or Mazda OEM (consult manual for exact fitment)
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mazda Rotary Pioneering:
Mazda's commitment to the Wankel rotary engine, which began with the Cosmo Sport.
Model Evolution
Predecessor:
Mazda R100 (Familia Rotary)
Successor:
Mazda RX-4 (Capella Rotary)
Production
Production Years:
1972-1978 (though manual is for 1970, implying earlier designation or very early production spec).
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Significance
Rotary Popularity:
Key model in popularizing Mazda's rotary engine in export markets, particularly North America.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Rotary Engine Impact:
While not a specific award for the RX-2 itself, it was instrumental in showcasing Mazda's rotary technology, which later earned accolades for innovation and performance.
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