🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: RX-7 Year: 1981 Generation: 1st Gen (SA22C) Codes Chassis Code: SA22C 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The 1981 Mazda RX-7 (SA22C) was a highly influential sports car, celebrated for its lightweight design, balanced handling, and unique rotary engine. It occupied a niche for affordable, driver-focused performance. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Competed with vehicles like the Datsun 240Z/260Z/280Z, Toyota Celica Supra, and Porsche 924, offering a distinctive alternative with its rotary powertrain. Key Features Vehicle Highlights: Unique rotary engine, excellent weight distribution, sharp styling, affordable sports car performance, rear-wheel drive. Manual Value Proposition Value: This manual is invaluable for owners and independent workshops aiming to maintain and repair the 1981 RX-7, providing the authoritative, dealership-level technical information required for accurate servicing. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Summary: All models and all repairs A-Z for the 1981 Mazda RX-7 (1st Gen) Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approximately 800-1200 pages (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual of this era, exact count not provided in product info but implied by 'all repairs A-Z') Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Likely printed manual, potential for digital format (PDF) depending on reseller. Assuming printed for detailed specs. 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Rotary engine (12A), lubrication, cooling, fuel injection (Bosch L-Jetronic), ignition system, emissions control Transmission: Manual transmission (4-speed and 5-speed), clutch system, drivetrain, rear axle assembly Brakes: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, hydraulic system, parking brake Suspension: Front independent suspension (struts, control arms), rear live axle with Panhard rod, shock absorbers, springs Steering: Rack and pinion steering system, power steering (if equipped) Electrical: Wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting, instrumentation, fuses and relays, diagnostic procedures Body: Body and frame construction, exterior trim, doors, windows, interior components, heating and ventilation (HVAC), air conditioning (if equipped) Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement (specific to rotary apex seals), belt adjustments Troubleshooting: Diagnostic flowcharts for common issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical system diagnostics Repair: Engine rebuild (rotary specific), transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair Specifications And Data: Torque specifications, engine clearances, valve timing (where applicable for auxiliary components), fluid capacities, wiring harness routing Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance, in-depth diagnostics, component-level repair, and full vehicle overhauls. Designed for professional technicians. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format Considerations: If digital (PDF), expect searchable text for quick information retrieval and high-resolution diagrams. Print quality would be dependent on the source. Print Quality Diagram Quality: Factory service manuals from this era typically feature clear, detailed line drawings and schematics. Black and white is standard. Binding Type Binding: If printed: Likely a sturdy, comb-bound or perfect-bound format designed for workshop use, allowing pages to lay flat. Paper Type Paper Quality: If printed: Typically printed on durable, thicker paper stock to withstand repeated use in a workshop environment. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Rotary (Wankel) Engine Code: 12A Displacement: 1146 cc (two rotors, 573 cc per rotor equivalent) Performance Horsepower: 100-101 hp @ 6000 rpm (for US market models with emissions controls) Torque: 105 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (for US market models) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch L-Jetronic Fuel Injection (for 1981 model year) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline Cooling System Cooling Type: Liquid-cooled Lubrication Oil Type Specification: API SF or SG, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended. Specific Mazda rotary oil additive might be recommended for certain conditions. Emissions Emission Controls: Catalytic converter, air injection system (ASR - Air Suction Response), exhaust gas recirculation (EGR - if equipped), fuel vapor control 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 4-speed manual transmission Optional Type: 5-speed manual transmission (likely optional on higher trims or later in production year) Automatic Transmission: 3-speed automatic transmission (less common, but available) Features Clutch Type: Dry, single-plate, diaphragm spring clutch Transmission Fluid: API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 hypoid gear oil recommended for manual transmissions. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approximately 163.8 inches (4160 mm) Width: Approximately 65.6 inches (1666 mm) Height: Approximately 49.2 inches (1250 mm) Wheelbase: Approximately 95.7 inches (2430 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 2300-2500 lbs (1043-1134 kg) depending on equipment Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Typically around 3100 lbs (1406 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Data Availability: Limited official NHTSA/IIHS crash test data readily available for this specific year and model from that era. Active Features Brakes: Power-assisted front disc brakes, rear drum brakes Steering: Rack and pinion steering (standard), optional power steering Passive Features Seat Belts: Three-point seat belts (driver and passenger) Headrests: Integrated headrests Body Structure: Reinforced safety cage construction for occupant protection 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player, typically with 2-4 speakers. Dashboard Instruments: Comprehensive analog gauges including tachometer, speedometer, oil...