🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: RX-7 Model Code: FC3S Generation: Second Generation (FC) Codes Chassis Codes: FC3S (Coupe/GT), FC3C (Convertible) Engine Codes: 13B 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The Mazda RX-7 (FC generation) was positioned as a sporty, performance-oriented coupe and convertible, rivaling cars like the Nissan 300ZX (Z31), Toyota Supra (MkII/MkIII), and Porsche 944. Known for its unique rotary engine and balanced chassis. Competitive Analysis Competition: Offered a distinct driving experience compared to its piston-engined competitors, prioritizing smooth power delivery and a lighter front end due to the compact rotary engine. Key Features Distinguishing Features: Rotary engine (13B Wankel), pop-up headlights, sophisticated independent suspension, available turbocharging (GXL/GTU/GT Turbo models), rear-wheel drive. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Years Covered: 1986, 1987, 1988 Body Styles Covered: Coupe, Convertible Regions Covered: Likely global, but focused on North American market for common distribution. Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1500-2500 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era, exact count not specified in product info) Manual Type Type: Workshop Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital Download (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine (rotary, lubrication, cooling, ignition, fuel injection), Transmission (manual and automatic), Drivetrain (rear-wheel drive, differential, axles) Chassis: Suspension (front strut, rear independent), Steering (power assisted rack and pinion), Brakes (front ventilated discs, rear discs, ABS option) Electrical: Wiring diagrams, lighting, instruments, ignition system, starting system, charging system, body electrical (windows, locks, wipers, HVAC controls), engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics Body: Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, seats, glass, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushing, belt inspections/replacement Repair: Engine rebuild (rotary apex seals, rotor housing, side seals), transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul, electrical component repair, body panel repair Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing procedures Technical Data: Torque specifications, clearance measurements, alignment specifications, electrical resistance values, pressure readings Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering detailed disassembly, repair, and reassembly of all major vehicle systems. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Includes diagnostic procedures and specifications not typically found in owner's manuals. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format Details: PDF. Expected to be searchable text with high-resolution diagrams and images. Print Quality Quality: Digital, so print quality is user-dependent. Original manuals were high-quality print. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel) Engine Code: 13B Configuration: Two-Rotor Displacement: 1.3L (1308cc, often referred to as 2.6L equivalent) Performance Horsepower Na: 145-160 hp @ 6500-7000 rpm (depending on year and trim) Torque Na: 135-140 lb-ft @ 3500-4000 rpm (depending on year and trim) Horsepower Turbo: 182-200 hp @ 6500 rpm (on Turbo models) Torque Turbo: 183-200 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (on Turbo models) Fuel System Induction: Fuel Injection (Electronic Fuel Injection - EFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-speed Manual Optional Type: 4-speed Automatic Features Drive: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Differential: Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) often available on higher trims (GT, GT Turbo) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 167.9 inches (4265 mm) for Coupe Width: Approx. 68.1 inches (1730 mm) Height: Approx. 49.8 inches (1265 mm) for Coupe Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 2700-3000 lbs (1225-1360 kg), varies by trim and options 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Ratings: Not readily available for this specific model year, as ratings systems were less standardized. Active Features ABS: Available as an option on certain models (e.g., GT Turbo) Passive Features Seatbelts: Three-point seatbelts Airbags: Driver's side airbag standard from 1988 onwards 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Typically AM/FM stereo with cassette player, often with optional premium sound systems. Climate Control: Manual or optional automatic climate control Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available on most models Connectivity Bluetooth Usb: Not applicable to this era of vehicle. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for specific rotary oil recommendations) Spark Plugs: Platinum-tipped plugs typically require replacement around 30,000-60,000 miles. Rotary-specific plugs are crucial. Coolant Flush: Every 2 years or 30,000 miles Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: Rotary engines require specific oil. Typically API SG or higher, viscosity grade 10W-30 or 10W-40. Crucially, dedicated 2-stroke oil may be required for the oil injection system (if equipped and operational). Coolant: Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze. Mazda typically specifies a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity: Approx. 1.8 gallons (7.0 Liters) Brake Fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid Transmission Fluid Manual: API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, viscosity 75W-90 or 80W-90 Transmission Fluid Automatic: Dexron-III/Mercon equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF) Differential Fluid: API GL-5 gear oil, viscosity 75W-90 or 80W-90 Known Issues Rotary Engine Apex Seals: Wear of apex seals leading to compression loss, rough idling, and starting issues is a...
The Mazda RX-7 (FC generation) was positioned as a sporty, performance-oriented coupe and convertible, rivaling cars like the Nissan 300ZX (Z31), Toyota Supra (MkII/MkIII), and Porsche 944. Known for its unique rotary engine and balanced chassis.
Competitive Analysis
Competition:
Offered a distinct driving experience compared to its piston-engined competitors, prioritizing smooth power delivery and a lighter front end due to the compact rotary engine.
Comprehensive, covering detailed disassembly, repair, and reassembly of all major vehicle systems. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Includes diagnostic procedures and specifications not typically found in owner's manuals.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format Details:
PDF. Expected to be searchable text with high-resolution diagrams and images.
Print Quality
Quality:
Digital, so print quality is user-dependent. Original manuals were high-quality print.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
Engine Code:
13B
Configuration:
Two-Rotor
Displacement:
1.3L (1308cc, often referred to as 2.6L equivalent)
Performance
Horsepower Na:
145-160 hp @ 6500-7000 rpm (depending on year and trim)
Torque Na:
135-140 lb-ft @ 3500-4000 rpm (depending on year and trim)
Horsepower Turbo:
182-200 hp @ 6500 rpm (on Turbo models)
Torque Turbo:
183-200 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (on Turbo models)
Fuel System
Induction:
Fuel Injection (Electronic Fuel Injection - EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-speed Manual
Optional
Type:
4-speed Automatic
Features
Drive:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Differential:
Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) often available on higher trims (GT, GT Turbo)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 167.9 inches (4265 mm) for Coupe
Width:
Approx. 68.1 inches (1730 mm)
Height:
Approx. 49.8 inches (1265 mm) for Coupe
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2700-3000 lbs (1225-1360 kg), varies by trim and options
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Ratings:
Not readily available for this specific model year, as ratings systems were less standardized.
Active Features
ABS:
Available as an option on certain models (e.g., GT Turbo)
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard from 1988 onwards
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Typically AM/FM stereo with cassette player, often with optional premium sound systems.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available on most models
Connectivity
Bluetooth Usb:
Not applicable to this era of vehicle.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for specific rotary oil recommendations)
Spark Plugs:
Platinum-tipped plugs typically require replacement around 30,000-60,000 miles. Rotary-specific plugs are crucial.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
Rotary engines require specific oil. Typically API SG or higher, viscosity grade 10W-30 or 10W-40. Crucially, dedicated 2-stroke oil may be required for the oil injection system (if equipped and operational).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze. Mazda typically specifies a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity: Approx. 1.8 gallons (7.0 Liters)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, viscosity 75W-90 or 80W-90
Wear of apex seals leading to compression loss, rough idling, and starting issues is a common concern for rotary engines. Regular maintenance and proper warm-up/cool-down are critical.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines naturally consume some oil as part of their lubrication. However, excessive consumption can indicate seal wear.
Fuel Injectors:
Clogging of fuel injectors can affect performance.
Electrical Gremlins:
Like many cars of this era, aging wiring harnesses and connectors can lead to intermittent electrical issues.
Rust Corrosion:
Susceptible to rust, especially in chassis and fender areas, in regions with harsh winters and road salt.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mazda Rotary Heritage:
Mazda is renowned for its pioneering work with the Wankel rotary engine, with the RX series (RX-2, RX-3, RX-4, RX-7) being its flagship sports car line.
Model Evolution
Generation Introduction:
The second generation RX-7 (FC) was introduced for the 1986 model year, replacing the SA22C (FB) generation. It featured a more modern design, independent rear suspension, and an optional turbocharged rotary engine.
Facelift:
A minor facelift occurred for the 1989 model year (which is outside this manual's scope), with revised styling and engine power bumps.
Production
Production Period:
1985-1992 for the FC generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
The RX-7 (FC) was named to Car and Driver's 10Best list for 1987 and 1988.
Ratings
Car And Driver Review:
Praised for its handling, balance, and rotary engine character.
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