🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: RX-2 / RX-3 Generation Codes: SA22C (RX-7 precursor, but RX-2/3 are distinct chassis) Model Years Covered: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: Owners of Mazda RX-2 and RX-3 vehicles, classic car enthusiasts, independent mechanics, and restoration specialists. Value Proposition: Provides detailed, year-specific repair and maintenance information crucial for preserving and servicing these iconic rotary-powered Mazda models. Competitive Analysis Manual Uniqueness: Explicitly states it's make, model, and year-specific, contrasting with less precise generic manuals. Focuses on the unique rotary engine and chassis of the RX-2/RX-3. Key Features Delivery Method: Instant Download via email link, ensuring immediate access without waiting for physical delivery. Payment Options: Credit Card or PayPal. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage Areas: Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Chassis, Electrical, Body, Maintenance, Troubleshooting Page Count Estimated Page Count: Varies by specific edition, typically 300-600 pages for comprehensive service manuals of this era. Manual Type Manual Type: Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Digital Format: PDF Additional Formats Delivery Method: Instant Download Compatibility Pc Mac Compatibility: YES 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Systems: Rotary engine (12A, 13B), fuel injection (if applicable for later models), carburetor, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust Transmission Drivetrain: Manual transmission (4-speed, 5-speed), clutch, driveshaft, rear axle, differentials Chassis Suspension: Front suspension (independent, strut-based), rear suspension (leaf springs, later models might have coil springs), steering, wheels, tires Braking System: Hydraulic drum brakes (front and rear), disc brakes (front on some models), parking brake, brake fluid specifications Electrical System: Battery, charging system (alternator), starter motor, ignition system, lighting, gauges, wiring diagrams, switches, fuses Body Interior: Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, HVAC (heater, ventilation) Procedures Included Major Repair Procedures: Engine rebuild (rotary apex seal replacement, rotor housing inspection), transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, suspension component replacement, brake system repair Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, fluid level checks and top-offs, lubrication points Diagnostic Procedures: Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, electrical system tracing, engine performance analysis Installation Replacement: Engine installation/removal, transmission installation/removal, starter motor replacement, alternator replacement, component re-wiring Technical Depth Depth Of Coverage: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic adjustments and fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and component testing procedures. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Likely searchable text-based PDF, allowing for keyword searches of procedures and specifications. Print Quality Printability: Printable pages, allowing users to print specific sections or the entire manual. Digital Viewing: Zoom in/out capability for clear viewing of diagrams and text on screen. Binding Type Digital Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Digital Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Rotary Engine (Wankel) Engine Displacements Common: 12A (1146cc effective displacement), 13B (1308cc effective displacement) Engine Designation Rx2: Likely 12A rotary Engine Designation Rx3: Likely 12A rotary, with potential for early 13B on later models. Performance Horsepower Range: Approximately 90-125 hp depending on specific engine variant, carburetion, and emissions controls. Torque Range: Approximately 100-120 lb-ft, varying with engine. Fuel System Carburetion: Typically downdraft twin-barrel carburetors (e.g., Hitachi, Solex) on early models. Later models may feature fuel injection. Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline Lubrication Oil Type Recommendation: Rotary-specific oil, often with a separate oil metering system. Manual will specify API service categories and viscosity grades (e.g., 10W-30, 20W-50). 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Standard: 4-speed manual transmission Optional Transmission Type Optional: 5-speed manual transmission (often a desirable upgrade), 3-speed automatic transmission (less common) Features Clutch Type: Single dry plate, hydraulically operated clutch Transmission Fluid Spec: Likely GL-4 gear oil (manual transmission). Manual will specify viscosity and API rating. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Body Styles: RX-2: Coupe, Sedan. RX-3: Coupe, Sedan, Wagon, Rotary Pickup (Savanna). Wheelbase Approx: RX-2 Coupe: ~95 inches. RX-3 Coupe: ~95 inches. RX-3 Sedan/Wagon: ~98 inches. Weights Curb Weight Range: Approximately 2000-2300 lbs depending on body style and equipment. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Safety Ratings Era: Vehicles from this era pre-date modern standardized crash testing (NHTSA, IIHS). Ratings are not applicable in the modern sense. Active Features Active Safety Features Era: Basic braking system, steering, lighting. Limited electronic aids. Passive Features Passive Safety Features: Lap seat belts (front), minimal crumple zones, basic structural integrity. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: Basic analog radio (AM/FM), cassette player (on later models). No modern infotainment or digital displays. Driver Assistance Driver Assistance Features: None by modern standards. Relies on driver input and basic vehicle dynamics. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months, but manual will provide precise recommendations based on driving conditions. Spark Plug Service: Inspection and potential replacement at intervals like 10,000-15,000 miles. Rotary plugs are specific. Transmission Fluid Interval: Recommended change every 15,000-30,000 miles, depending on use. Manual will specify. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Capacity 12A: Approximately 4.5 -...
SA22C (RX-7 precursor, but RX-2/3 are distinct chassis)
Model Years Covered:
1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977
👋 Introduction
Market Position
Target Audience:
Owners of Mazda RX-2 and RX-3 vehicles, classic car enthusiasts, independent mechanics, and restoration specialists.
Value Proposition:
Provides detailed, year-specific repair and maintenance information crucial for preserving and servicing these iconic rotary-powered Mazda models.
Competitive Analysis
Manual Uniqueness:
Explicitly states it's make, model, and year-specific, contrasting with less precise generic manuals. Focuses on the unique rotary engine and chassis of the RX-2/RX-3.
Key Features
Delivery Method:
Instant Download via email link, ensuring immediate access without waiting for physical delivery.
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic adjustments and fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and component testing procedures.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Likely searchable text-based PDF, allowing for keyword searches of procedures and specifications.
Print Quality
Printability:
Printable pages, allowing users to print specific sections or the entire manual.
Digital Viewing:
Zoom in/out capability for clear viewing of diagrams and text on screen.
Likely 12A rotary, with potential for early 13B on later models.
Performance
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 90-125 hp depending on specific engine variant, carburetion, and emissions controls.
Torque Range:
Approximately 100-120 lb-ft, varying with engine.
Fuel System
Carburetion:
Typically downdraft twin-barrel carburetors (e.g., Hitachi, Solex) on early models. Later models may feature fuel injection.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Lubrication
Oil Type Recommendation:
Rotary-specific oil, often with a separate oil metering system. Manual will specify API service categories and viscosity grades (e.g., 10W-30, 20W-50).
Lap seat belts (front), minimal crumple zones, basic structural integrity.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Basic analog radio (AM/FM), cassette player (on later models). No modern infotainment or digital displays.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
None by modern standards. Relies on driver input and basic vehicle dynamics.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months, but manual will provide precise recommendations based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Service:
Inspection and potential replacement at intervals like 10,000-15,000 miles. Rotary plugs are specific.
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Recommended change every 15,000-30,000 miles, depending on use. Manual will specify.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Capacity 12A:
Approximately 4.5 - 5.0 US quarts (including oil filter). Manual will confirm exact capacity.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 6-7 US quarts of a 50/50 coolant/water mix. Manual will specify type and capacity.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid. Manual will specify precise requirement.
Known Issues
Rotary Engine Wear:
Apex seal wear, oil seal failure leading to compression loss and oil consumption. Requires specialized knowledge for diagnosis and repair.
Carburetor Tuning:
Carburetors can be finicky and require regular tuning to maintain smooth operation and fuel efficiency.
Electrical Corrosion:
Age-related issues with wiring insulation, connectors, and grounding points can lead to intermittent electrical problems.
Rust:
Common in vehicles of this age, particularly in areas prone to salt exposure. Floor pans, wheel wells, and rocker panels are susceptible.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Rotary Pioneering:
Mazda's commitment to the rotary engine, beginning with the Cosmo Sport and continuing through iconic models like the RX-2, RX-3, RX-7, and RX-8.
Model Evolution
Rx-2 Introduction:
Introduced in 1970 as the Capella Rotary, marketed globally as RX-2, it was Mazda's second rotary-powered production car.
Rx-3 Introduction:
Introduced in 1971 as the Savanna Rotary, marketed globally as RX-3, it was a sportier, more compact variant. Offered in coupe, sedan, and wagon.
Production
Production Period:
RX-2: 1970-1978. RX-3: 1971-1978.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Awards List:
While specific awards for these models are rare by modern standards, they are recognized for their contribution to Mazda's rotary heritage and sporty image in their era.
Ratings
Club Recognition:
Highly regarded within classic Japanese car communities and rotary enthusiast circles.