🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: RX-7 Model Code: SA22C Year: 1979 Codes Chassis Code: SA22C 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Sports Car / Personal Luxury Coupe Target Audience: Enthusiasts and owners interested in the technical specifics and engineering of the first-generation RX-7 Competitive Analysis Competitors: Datsun Z-cars (280Z), Toyota Celica Supra, Porsche 924 Key Features Powertrain: Unique rotary Wankel engine offering a compact and smooth power delivery Handling: Lightweight construction, balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive, contributing to agile handling Design: Sleek, aerodynamic styling with a distinctive clamshell hood 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage: Service Highlight Manual Page Count Page Count: Not specified in product description (typical for digital highlight manuals) Manual Type Type: Service Highlight Manual Language Language: English (assumed based on product description) Format Format: Downloadable Digital File (likely PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Rotary engine (12A) technical details, lubrication, cooling, ignition, fuel delivery Drivetrain: Manual transmission service highlights, clutch operation, driveshaft, rear axle Brakes: Hydraulic brake system operation, disc and drum brake details Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, steering system operation Electrical: Basic electrical system overview, battery, charging system, lighting, starter Body: Body structural highlights, exterior trim, door mechanisms Procedures Included Maintenance: Key maintenance points and checks for rotary engine and general vehicle operation Troubleshooting: Highlights for diagnosing common rotary engine and vehicle issues Technical Details: Specific technical data and specifications for 1979 RX-7 components Technical Depth Depth: Technical Highlights - focuses on key aspects and specifications rather than exhaustive repair procedures 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: Digital Download (likely PDF) Searchability: Likely text-searchable PDF for efficient information retrieval Print Quality Printability: Printable for workshop use (assuming standard PDF) Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Rotary Wankel Engine Code: 12A Configuration: Two-rotor, naturally aspirated Displacement: 1146 cc (2 x 573 cc rotor chambers) Bore X Stroke: Not directly applicable to Wankel (Equivalent to 98mm x 75mm per rotor) Performance Horsepower: 100-110 hp (SAE Gross) depending on emissions equipment and market Torque: 110-120 lb-ft (SAE Gross) depending on emissions equipment and market Redline: Approx. 7000 RPM Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Carburetor (Hitachi DCAS 2x1B or similar twin-barrel downdraft carburetor) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 Octane minimum) Ignition System: Distributor-based, electronic ignition (often with trailing and leading plugs) Cooling System Cooling Type: Water-cooled Lubrication System Oil Type: Rotary-specific engine oil (e.g., Mazda ROTARY OIL or equivalent high-quality API SG/SH rated oil) Oil Capacity: Approx. 5.8 US quarts (5.5 liters) with filter change Emissions Emissions Control: Air pump, catalytic converter (in later models/markets), exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 4-speed manual transmission Optional Type: 3-speed automatic transmission (less common) Features Clutch: Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated Transmission Fluid: API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil Rear Axle Ratio: Typically 4.10:1 or 4.375:1 depending on transmission and options 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 161.4 inches (4100 mm) Width: 65.0 inches (1651 mm) Height: 49.4 inches (1255 mm) Wheelbase: 95.3 inches (2420 mm) Front Track: 54.1 inches (1375 mm) Rear Track: 53.5 inches (1360 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 2300-2500 lbs (1043-1134 kg) depending on equipment Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Not specified in product description Weight Distribution: Near 50/50 front/rear for manual transmission models due to engine placement 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Rating: Not available for this era of vehicles Active Features Braking System: Front: 10.2-inch disc brakes; Rear: 9.0-inch drum brakes (some later models/markets had rear discs) Parking Brake: Mechanical, operates on rear wheels Steering System: Recirculating ball, manual steering (power steering optional on some trims/markets) Passive Features Seatbelts: 3-point inertia reel front seatbelts Interior Safety: Energy-absorbing steering column, padded dashboard, side-impact beams (basic) Lighting: Halogen headlamps, standard interior and exterior lighting 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: AM/FM Radio with cassette player (optional or standard depending on trim) Gauges: Comprehensive gauge cluster including tachometer, speedometer, oil pressure, oil temperature, and voltmeter. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Optional cruise control system Wiper System: Variable intermittent front wipers Connectivity Connectivity Features: N/A for this era 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions Spark Plug Replacement: Every 20,000-30,000 miles (32,000-48,000 km) for leading and trailing plugs Timing Belt Replacement: N/A (Rotary engines do not have timing belts) Coolant Flush: Every 24,000 miles (38,000 km) or 24 months Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Specification: Rotary-specific oil, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (check manual for exact spec) Coolant Type: Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water) Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid Transmission Fluid Type: API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil Known Issues Apex Seals: Wear or failure of apex seals is...
Halogen headlamps, standard interior and exterior lighting
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
AM/FM Radio with cassette player (optional or standard depending on trim)
Gauges:
Comprehensive gauge cluster including tachometer, speedometer, oil pressure, oil temperature, and voltmeter.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control system
Wiper System:
Variable intermittent front wipers
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
N/A for this era
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000-30,000 miles (32,000-48,000 km) for leading and trailing plugs
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (Rotary engines do not have timing belts)
Coolant Flush:
Every 24,000 miles (38,000 km) or 24 months
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
Rotary-specific oil, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (check manual for exact spec)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid
Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil
Known Issues
Apex Seals:
Wear or failure of apex seals is a primary concern for rotary engines, leading to compression loss and performance degradation. Proper maintenance and avoiding over-revving are crucial.
Carburetor Tuning:
Carburetors can be sensitive to altitude and require periodic adjustment and cleaning. Issues with vacuum leaks are common.
Cooling System:
Rotary engines generate significant heat; maintaining the cooling system's integrity (radiator, hoses, thermostat) is critical to prevent overheating.
Chassis Rust:
As with many vehicles of this era, rust can be a significant issue, particularly in areas exposed to salt and moisture.
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring and connectors can lead to intermittent electrical problems.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mazda Rotary:
Mazda's pioneering commitment to the Wankel rotary engine, starting with the Cosmo.
Model Evolution
First Generation:
The RX-7 (SA22C) marked Mazda's entry into the affordable sports car market with a unique powertrain.
Design Influence:
Inspired by European sports coupes, particularly the Porsche 924, but with a distinct Japanese flair.
Production
Production Years:
1978-1985 (for the SA22C platform, with the 1979 model being the initial North American release)
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
Mazda RX-7 (various iterations) was a consistent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best list in subsequent years, solidifying its sports car credentials.
Road And Track:
Praised by automotive journalists for its handling and unique rotary engine.
Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.