🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: RX-3SP Production Years: 1977-1978 Codes Chassis Codes: S124A (Coupe), S108A (Sedan - though SP was typically coupe/GT) 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Position: The Mazda RX-3SP was a sporty variant of the RX-3, aimed at enthusiasts seeking performance and distinctive styling, particularly appealing to those interested in rotary engine technology. Competitive Analysis Competitive Analysis: Competed with other sporty compacts and pony cars of the era, such as the Datsun 240Z/260Z, Toyota Celica GT, Ford Mustang, and Chevrolet Camaro, differentiating itself with its unique Wankel rotary engine. Key Features Key Features: Distinctive styling (often a coupe or hatchback), powerful and smooth rotary engine, sporty suspension tuning, SP badging denoting performance enhancements. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Systems Covered Overview: Comprehensive service and repair for all major vehicle systems, including engine, drivetrain, chassis, electrical, and body. Page Count Page Count: Estimated 500-700 pages (typical for a complete factory service manual of this era) Manual Type Manual Type: Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Likely Printed (original) or Digital (PDF - common for reproduction) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Systems: Rotary engine (12A), lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery (carburetion), ignition, emissions control, engine disassembly/assembly, troubleshooting. Transmission Systems: Manual transmission (likely 4 or 5-speed), clutch operation, removal/installation, internal component service, troubleshooting. Drivetrain Systems: Rear axle, driveshaft, U-joints, wheel bearings, differential service. Suspension Steering: Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, steering gear, power steering system (if equipped), wheel alignment specifications. Brake Systems: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, hydraulic system, parking brake, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, component replacement. Electrical Systems: Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting, ignition system, instrument cluster, wiring diagrams, fuse/relay identification, diagnostic procedures. Body Chassis: Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, bumpers, chassis lubrication, frame specifications. Emissions Control: Air pump system, EGR valve, catalytic converter (if applicable), emission control component testing and adjustment. Fuel System Details: Detailed information on the Hitachi/Nikki carburetor, fuel pump, fuel lines, and related components, including adjustments and overhaul. Cooling System Details: Covers radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and fan operation. Rotary engines have specific cooling requirements due to their design. Lubrication System Details: Explains oil pump, oil pan, oil filter, and the crucial oil injection system or pre-mix requirements for apex seal lubrication. Electrical System Details: Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component identification, testing procedures for alternator, starter, ignition coil, etc. Procedures Included Maintenance Procedures: Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, ignition timing adjustment, carburetor adjustment, fluid checks and changes. Troubleshooting Procedures: Systematic diagnostic steps for common problems, including no-start conditions, engine performance issues, electrical faults, and braking problems. Repair Procedures: Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, overhaul, and reinstallation for all major vehicle systems. Diagnostic Procedures: Methods for identifying faults, including visual inspections, measurement of electrical components, and performance testing. Torque Specifications: Provides precise torque values for all critical fasteners, essential for engine, transmission, and chassis work. Engine Rebuild Procedures: Detailed instructions for disassembling, inspecting, and reassembling the 12A rotary engine, including apex seal installation and housing lapping (if applicable). Technical Depth Technical Depth: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications and clearances. Diagnostic Charts: Includes detailed diagnostic charts and flowcharts for troubleshooting electrical and mechanical issues. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: If digital, typically PDF with searchable text and clear imagery. Print Quality Print Quality: Originals would have factory print quality; digital reproductions should aim for high resolution for diagrams and text legibility. Binding Type Binding Type: Originals were often perfect bound or spiral bound for lay-flat usability. Digital copies are not applicable. Paper Type Paper Type: Originals used durable paper stock suitable for workshop environments. Digital copies are not applicable. Completeness Completeness: This is a comprehensive service and repair manual covering all aspects necessary for maintenance and repair. It is not a condensed or owner's manual. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Mazda 12A Rotary (Wankel) Engine Configuration: Two-rotor, naturally aspirated Displacement: 1146 cc (69.9 cu in) - This is the effective displacement for the 12A rotary. Performance Horsepower: Approx. 100-110 hp (depending on specific market and emissions equipment) Torque: Approx. 105-115 lb-ft (depending on specific market and emissions equipment) Fuel System Carburetor Type: Hitachi or Nikki two-barrel downdraft carburetor (e.g., DCH-280 or similar) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane or higher) Engine Management Ignition System: Distributor-based, points or electronic ignition (depending on specific build date/market) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-speed manual transmission (most common) Optional Transmission Type: 5-speed manual transmission (available on some variants, including SP models), 3-speed automatic transmission (less common for SP) Features Clutch Type: Single dry plate, hydraulically operated 📐 Dimensions Exterior Body Styles: Coupe, Hardtop Coupe, Sedan (SP designation most commonly associated with Coupe/Hardtop) Wheelbase:...
S124A (Coupe), S108A (Sedan - though SP was typically coupe/GT)
👋 Introduction
Market Position
Market Position:
The Mazda RX-3SP was a sporty variant of the RX-3, aimed at enthusiasts seeking performance and distinctive styling, particularly appealing to those interested in rotary engine technology.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis:
Competed with other sporty compacts and pony cars of the era, such as the Datsun 240Z/260Z, Toyota Celica GT, Ford Mustang, and Chevrolet Camaro, differentiating itself with its unique Wankel rotary engine.
Key Features
Key Features:
Distinctive styling (often a coupe or hatchback), powerful and smooth rotary engine, sporty suspension tuning, SP badging denoting performance enhancements.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Systems Covered Overview:
Comprehensive service and repair for all major vehicle systems, including engine, drivetrain, chassis, electrical, and body.
Page Count
Page Count:
Estimated 500-700 pages (typical for a complete factory service manual of this era)
Manual Type
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Likely Printed (original) or Digital (PDF - common for reproduction)
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, steering gear, power steering system (if equipped), wheel alignment specifications.
Air pump system, EGR valve, catalytic converter (if applicable), emission control component testing and adjustment.
Fuel System Details:
Detailed information on the Hitachi/Nikki carburetor, fuel pump, fuel lines, and related components, including adjustments and overhaul.
Cooling System Details:
Covers radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and fan operation. Rotary engines have specific cooling requirements due to their design.
Lubrication System Details:
Explains oil pump, oil pan, oil filter, and the crucial oil injection system or pre-mix requirements for apex seal lubrication.
Electrical System Details:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component identification, testing procedures for alternator, starter, ignition coil, etc.
Procedures Included
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, ignition timing adjustment, carburetor adjustment, fluid checks and changes.
Troubleshooting Procedures:
Systematic diagnostic steps for common problems, including no-start conditions, engine performance issues, electrical faults, and braking problems.
Repair Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, overhaul, and reinstallation for all major vehicle systems.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Methods for identifying faults, including visual inspections, measurement of electrical components, and performance testing.
Torque Specifications:
Provides precise torque values for all critical fasteners, essential for engine, transmission, and chassis work.
Engine Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed instructions for disassembling, inspecting, and reassembling the 12A rotary engine, including apex seal installation and housing lapping (if applicable).
Technical Depth
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications and clearances.
Diagnostic Charts:
Includes detailed diagnostic charts and flowcharts for troubleshooting electrical and mechanical issues.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
If digital, typically PDF with searchable text and clear imagery.
Print Quality
Print Quality:
Originals would have factory print quality; digital reproductions should aim for high resolution for diagrams and text legibility.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
Originals were often perfect bound or spiral bound for lay-flat usability. Digital copies are not applicable.
Paper Type
Paper Type:
Originals used durable paper stock suitable for workshop environments. Digital copies are not applicable.
Completeness
Completeness:
This is a comprehensive service and repair manual covering all aspects necessary for maintenance and repair. It is not a condensed or owner's manual.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Mazda 12A Rotary (Wankel)
Engine Configuration:
Two-rotor, naturally aspirated
Displacement:
1146 cc (69.9 cu in) - This is the effective displacement for the 12A rotary.
Performance
Horsepower:
Approx. 100-110 hp (depending on specific market and emissions equipment)
Torque:
Approx. 105-115 lb-ft (depending on specific market and emissions equipment)
Fuel System
Carburetor Type:
Hitachi or Nikki two-barrel downdraft carburetor (e.g., DCH-280 or similar)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane or higher)
Engine Management
Ignition System:
Distributor-based, points or electronic ignition (depending on specific build date/market)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-speed manual transmission (most common)
Optional
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual transmission (available on some variants, including SP models), 3-speed automatic transmission (less common for SP)
Features
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Body Styles:
Coupe, Hardtop Coupe, Sedan (SP designation most commonly associated with Coupe/Hardtop)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 97.0 inches (2464 mm)
Length:
Approx. 165.4 inches (4200 mm)
Width:
Approx. 64.6 inches (1640 mm)
Height:
Approx. 51.6 inches (1310 mm) for Coupe
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2100 - 2300 lbs (950 - 1040 kg), depending on body style and equipment
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Safety Ratings:
No specific government safety ratings (NHTSA/IIHS) available for this era of vehicle.
Active Features
Active Features:
Standard front disc brakes, rear drum brakes.
Passive Features
Passive Features:
Lap belts, padded dashboard, collapsible steering column (basic passive safety features of the time).
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment Features:
Basic AM/FM radio, optional cassette player. Focus on driving experience rather than advanced electronics.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
None in the modern sense. Features were limited to basic vehicle operation.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
No electronic connectivity features.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first. Rotary engines require specific oil type and are sensitive to oil level.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Check at 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Rotary engines use two spark plugs per rotor. Specific plugs like NGK DP8EA-9 or equivalent.
Ignition Timing Adjustment:
Check and adjust at 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or as per symptom diagnosis. Specific timing marks vary, typically around 5-10 degrees BTDC.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
API SF or SG classification, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40. Rotary engines also require pre-mix oil in fuel (or separate oil injection system) for apex seal lubrication. Consult manual for specific pre-mix ratio or oil injection system requirements.
Apex seal wear (leading to low compression), oil seal degradation, overheating due to cooling system inefficiency, carburetor tuning challenges, rust on body panels and chassis.
Rotary Specific Maintenance:
Regular use of quality pre-mix or ensuring the oil injection system is functioning correctly is critical for apex seal longevity. Carbon buildup in exhaust ports can occur.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Heritage:
Mazda's commitment to innovative engineering, particularly the development and refinement of the Wankel rotary engine, is a cornerstone of its automotive history.
Model Evolution
Model Evolution:
The RX-3 (Savanna in Japan) was introduced in 1971 as a successor to the R100. The RX-3SP was a performance-oriented trim level, often featuring upgraded engine components, suspension, and styling elements, building on the RX-3's sporty reputation.
Production
Production Period:
RX-3: 1971-1978. RX-3SP specifically targeted the later years of this generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Recognitions:
While the RX-3SP itself may not have specific awards, the RX-3 series, and especially Mazda's rotary technology, gained significant recognition in motorsports and enthusiast communities for its unique performance characteristics.