This is Taken From www.Rx7club.com from Moderator Icemark.
Table of contents
Post 1
-Abbreviations
-Body and wheels
-Electrical (including radio wiring and wrnings/beeps)
Post 2
-Emissions and Exhaust
-Engines ( including and the quest for more power)
-General Questions (not covered in other headings)
Post 3
-Lubricants and cooling
-Manuals ans links
-Specifications
Post 4
- Suspension and driveline (including transmission questions)



Abbreviations

The following abbreviations are often used here and in the 2nd Generation Specific section:

AAS = Auto Adjusting suspension
ACV = Air Control Valve
AFM = Air Flow Meter (also see MAF)
A-spec = North American Spec
ATF = Automatic transmission fluid
Auto = Automatic transmission
AWS = Accelerated Warm-Up System
BAC = Bypass Air Control
CAS = Crank Angle Sensor
CPU = Central Processing Unit (the Body computer)
DEI = Dynamic Effect Intake (found on 84 and later 13B engines)
DMM = Digital Multi-Meter (required for most electrical testing on cars)
DTSS = Dynamic tracking suspension system (found on all 2nd gen RX-7s)
ECU = Emissions Control Unit (also called Engine Control unit)
EFI = Electronic Fuel Injection
EGI = Electronic Gasoline Injection
EMS = Engine Management System (aftermarket engine computer)
FB = 1st gen RX-7 81-85 production
FC = 2nd gen RX-7 86-92 production
FC3C = 2nd gen RX-7 convertible
FC3S = 2nd gen RX-7 Coupe
FCD = Fuel Cut defender (aftermarket- used only on Turbos with modifed exhaust and stock ECU)
FD = 3rd gen RX-7
FI = Fuel Injection
FMIC = Front Mount Intercooler
GS = Sporty Model (in CAN)
GT = Sporty Model with Turbo
GT Limited = fully loaded every option turbo model.
GTU = Sporty model in 88, base model in 89-90 (in USA)
GTUs = Sporty model in 89-90 (in USA)
GX = Luxury Coupe model (in CAN)
GXL = Top line Luxury non turbo model
J-Spec = Japanese/NZ/AUS spec model
LSD = Limited Slip Differential (sometimes incorrectly called Posi or Positraction which is GM's in-house brand name for their Limited Slip Differential)
MAF = Mass Air Flow sensor
MOP = Metering Oil Pump. Oil Metering Pump as called in the service manual. (also see OMP)
NA = 1st gen Miata
NA = Normally aspirated/ Non turbo
N/A = Normally aspirated/ Non turbo
NB = 2nd gen Miata
OE = Original Equipment
OEM = Original Equipment Manufacture
OMP = Oil Metering pump
PD = Pulsation Dampener
PS = Power steering
PW = Power windows
SA = 1st gen RX-7 79-80 production
Savanna = The name the 1st and 2nd gen RX-7 was sold under in Japan.
SE = Base model in the USA in 87.5-88
Series 1 / S1 = 1979-1980 RX-7 models
Series 2 / S2 = 1981-1983 RX-7 models
Series 3 / S3 = 1984-1985 RX-7 models
Series 4 / S4 = 1986-1988 RX-7 models
Series 5 / S5 = 1989-1992 RX-7 models
Series 6 / S6 = 1992-1995 RX-7 models
Sport = 86-87 Sporty model (in USA also see GS)
TB = Throttle Body
TBM = Throttle body modification
TID = Turbo Intake Duct
TMIC = Top Mount InterCooler (factory style)
TPS = Throttle position sensor
TII = Turbo model (does not mean twin turbo)
T2 = Turbo model (does not mean twin turbo)
VDI = Variable Dynamic Intake
WOT = Wide Open Throttle
6PI = 6 Port Induction the auxiliary ports, or the not so correct term - 5th/6th ports
13B = Normally aspirated/ Non turbo, 2 rotor, rotary engine.
13BT = Turbo charged, 2 rotor, rotary engine
13B-RE = J-spec Cosmo twin turbo, 2 rotor, rotary engine.
13B-REW = FD twin turbo, 2 rotor, rotary engine.
20B = J-spec Cosmo three rotor, rotary engine.

Body & Wheels
Can I use a 89-91 (S5) tail light on my 86-88 (S4)?
Yes with minor modifications to the body of the 86-88.
Here is a link on converting: http://www.aaroncake.net/RX-7/taillights.htm

Will 89-91 (S5) mouldings or bumpers fit on my 86-88 (S4) RX-7?
other than some minor mounting hole differences on the front bumpers, the mouldings and bumpers will fit fine.

What size are my wheels?
The stock sizes all have an offset of 40mm or 40 ET and are:
14x6 w/ 114.3x4 bolt pattern (Base, Luxury, 87.5-88 SE)
15x6 w/ 114.3x5 bolt pattern (GXL, Sport, GTU, 91 coupe)
15x6.5 w/ 114.3x5 bolt pattern (convertible)
16x7 w/ 114.3x5 bolt pattern (Turbo, GTUs, Infini IV)

In addition please see below in this thread for stock wheel type and weight.

On the same vein, the stock tire sizes are:
14x6 = 185/70HR14
15x6 & 15x6.5 = 205/60VR15
16x7 = 205/55VR16

Will 3rd Gen RX-7 (FD) wheels fit on my 2nd Gen RX-7?
If you have 5 lug hubs and use spacers. Typically you need spacers around 25mm (1"), depending on tires

I want to change my wheels to something bigger. What offset should I use???
http://www.1010tires.com/WheelOffsetCalculator.asp


Wheels:
86-87.5 Base/SE/Luxury model phone 14x6: (13.5 lbs)

88 Base/SE/Luxury model phone 14x6: (13.2 lbs)

86-87.5 GXL/Sport 15x6:

87.5-88 GXL/Sport/GTU 15x6:

87 Turbo 16x7 :

88 Turbo 16x7 (simular to 87 except polished and 7 spokes)

10thAE same as 88 except painted Crystal White(21.1 lbs w/center cap and valve)

88-92 Convertible 15x6.5" (11.0 lbs)

89-90 GXL, GTU 15x6

89-90 GTUs, 89-91 Turbo 16x7" (17.1 lbs)

91 coupe 15x6


Electrical (includes radio wiring and warnings/beeps)
My wipers only work on low speed
The wiper switch has a relay inside that has failed. It will need to be replaced. There are several people that replace them, or you can do it yourself.

My tail lights don't work, but my head lights do.
The light switch connections may have burnt out. Check the back of the light switch.

My dash lights don't work
Did you check the dimmer control??? If you did and they still don't work the light switch connections may have burnt out. Check the back of the light switch.

What type of bulb is used?
A full listing of the different types of bulbs is found in the Specifications section of this FAQ.

All my warning lights are on.
It is normal for all the lights to come on, if the key is on, and the engine is not running, but they should turn of when the engine is running.
With the engine running the Alternator failure warning circuit in the CPU will switch the lights on when the voltage in the car drops under 12 volts. Either your alternator, belts, underhood fuse box connections may have failed. The voltage in the car and the voltmeter on the dash (only in non-turbo models) needs to be above 12.6 volts. If it is below 12.6 volts your alt is not producing enough power to run the car.
You also need it to stay at or above 13.6 volts to charge the battery.

What are the wire colors for adding aftermarket radio?
LTBlue/Red= 12v+
LtBlue/White= +Accessory
LtBlue/Yellow= -power ant trigger
Red/Black=+ Lumination
White=Factory Amp Turn on

Ground to the body, use the 10mm bolt behind the center console front drivers access panel. Do not use the Red/Black as ground it will damage the interior light circuit

 

Emmisions and Exhaust
My car is having trouble passing emissions, but I have new spark plugs, filters, cats, etc. What do I do?


and:
J-rats Recipe for cheating emissions if its ABSOLUTELY necessary:

1. Turn variable resistor to full lean, or as lean as you can get and still run.
2. Trick ACV into pumping air to the cat all the time by removing the FORWARD UPPER vac hose, and capping it.
3. Run 87 octane
4. Run your tank down till your almost empty.
5. 2-3 bottles of alcohol in the tank. Drive VERY GINGERLY to the emissions station.
6. Once you pass go, DIRECTLY to a gas station and fill up with regular unleaded.

What emissions equipment can I remove?

This is a pretty good thread on that:
http://www.rx7club.com/forum/showth...threadid=112251


My idle sucks or is erratic
Most likely the TPS is out of adjustment, but here is a further article to help:
http://www.teamfc3s.org/info/articles/idle.html


Can I use a Cherry Bomb/ Glass Pack Muffler?
The rotary engines exhaust temperature is very high, and often will melt the contents of cheaper mufflers that use fiberglass or glass packing. This (depending on quality) can happen in a month or two or in some cases in a few hours.

Engines (including engine swaps and the quest for more power).

My RX-7 rev's up to 3000 RPM everytime I start it when cold
Yep, part of the accellerated warm up process. Start the car with the clutch pressed in, and the car in gear if you don't want it to do that.


My car doesn't start
Remember when starting a fuel injected car you should never pump or press the accellerator pedal, but if it won't start it is probably flooded, Hold the accelerator pedal all the way down while cranking, do not pump the pedal. If it still doesn't start after a few tries, Then remove the EGI fuse and crank a couple more times, then re-install the fuse and try starting again. If then the car still fails to start it then you need to remove and clean the spark plugs, put in a teaspoon of ATF into the lower sparkplug holes, re-install the spark plugs and try again. Make sure you change your oil after you have started and run the car ASAP.


I just got my car and I want to make it faster, what are the first modifications I should do?
Do a full 60K tune up, replacing all the fluids (including brake, clutch, tranny, engine oil, coolant, and rear end lube), spark plugs and cables, all filters (including fuel, oil and air), belts, any hoses that are leaking or bulging, and the O2 sensor. In addition if the car is more than 10 years old or has more than 120K miles on it, the Pulsation Dampener (or pimary fuel rail and integrated Pulsation Dampener on 89-91 FCs) should be also replaced.


I have this hesitation whenever I accelerate right around 3500-4000 RPM
The dreaded 3800 RPM hesitation is cause 90% of the time by poor ground connections between the engine, the battery, and the car. Clean or replace all the under hood ground connections. On 86 model year cars , replacing/regrounding the pressure sensor's ground wire has helped (do not re-ground a 87 or later model year). If there is still a problem after that, look at cleaning the fuel injectors and (on a N/A) that your 5th/6th ports are operating correctly.


My idle sucks or is erratic
Most likely the TPS is out of adjustment, but here is a further article to help:
http://www.teamfc3s.org/info/articles/idle.html


I think my engine has been overheated. How can I check to see if the coolant seals are good?
Fill coolant system ALL THE WAY UP (engine cold). Make sure that the fluid level is as high as you can get it. Leave the filler cap off. Remove the EGI fuse. Crank the motor (it should not start). If you get a LARGE amount of coolant coming out of the coolant fill, its safe to assume your coolant seals are blown. Also, a good indication is a fuel/exhaust smell in the coolant.


Do I need to upgrade my fuel injectors in my NA?
Most likely, no. The stock NA fuel system can support up to about 250HP, which you will not be anywhere near unless you are running a big bridge port or a peripheral port. The stock NA actually runs quite rich, so you will see some gains by leaning out the mixture quite a bit. Adding larger injectors is just going to cost you power and waste gas.


What size injectors does my RX-7 use? What colour are they?
Year Engine Plug Size Colour Part #
84-85 13B NA, low square center, 680cc, orange, 195500-0900
86-87 13B NA, low square center, 460cc, red, 195500-1350
86-87 13B Turbo, low square center, 550cc, tan, 195500-1370
88 13B NA, high square offset, 460cc, purple, 195500-1350
88 13B Turbo, high square offset, 550cc, purple, 195500-1370
89-91 13B NA, high oval center, 460cc, red, 195500-2010
89-91 13B Turbo, high oval center, 550cc, purple, 195500-2020


My engine cuts out when turning, but there is plenty of gas... whats wrong?
Fuel tank sock is dirty and needs to be cleaned or replaced, and or the baffles in the fuel tank are rusted away.


How long does a rotary engine run? Do I need to rebuild my engine?
Most 13Bs can last over 150-200K miles, while most 13BT engines usually last 125-175K miles, but remember that regular proper maintenance for the engines entire life is required for higher lifespan.


Can I swap a Turbo engine/Jspec engine/13BT/etc into my Non Turbo?
Yes, check these links:
http://www.rx7club.com/forum/showth...&threadid=26647
http://www.rotaryresurrection.com/r...oconversion.htm


What Turbo kits can I add onto my non turbo RX-7?
There are no longer kits formally made at the time of this post, however there are companies from time to time that do make available non turbo to Turbo Kits. Because most of these companies stop building the kits, or go out of business in short time, it is impossible to keep active links for them.

Most people that turbo a non turbo make their own kits:
http://www.rx7club.com/forum/showth...&threadid=88540
http://www.rx7club.com/forum/showth...&threadid=88758
http://www.rx7club.com/forum/showth...threadid=124232
http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7/naturbo.htm
http://users2.ev1.net/~ccoutts/turb...n_a_project.htm

Turbo-NA Forum:
http://www.aaroncake.net/forum/foru...Turbocharged+NA


Will a 3rd Gen RX-7 (FD) motor (13B-REW) fit in my 2nd gen RX-7?
The simple answer is No! The motor mounts are in different locations as well as other issues; however if you have enough time and money it can be done. It is generally cheaper and easier however to put in a 20B (typically around $10,000 installed) than it is an 13B-REW from a FD. Here is a basic write up: http://fc3spro.com/TECH/SWAP/FD3S/rew.html


Can I put the RX-8 engine (Renesis) in the 2nd gen?
Well, technically yes. But it is not a simple bolt-in swap. The Renesis uses different mounts, and an entirely different ECU and wiring harness. Anything can be done, but this is much more complicated then swapping any 2nd gen engine into the car. Lots of fabrication, wiring and other things must be done to support this engine. It is generally easier (and probably cheaper) to swap in the 20B three rotor, or the 13B turbo from the Turbo II.


I want to replace my rotary engine with a piston motor, what can I do?
Some people have done that, but it is generally not covered or even recommended to be brought up here in the 2nd Gen Sections, but rather in the Other Engine Section of this board. There are also other websites out there that cater to helping conversion issues.


How much Horsepower did my car come with from the factory?
At the Flywheel ratings:
86-88 NA = 146 HP @ 6500 RPM w/ 138 Ft/lb @

 

Lubricants and Cooling

My car seems to use a lot of oil. How often do I need to check it?
Everytime you get gas, you should check your oil level. The Rotary motor by design is supposed to inject oil into the engine based on throttle position. If you keep your foot on the gas a lot, you will use more oil. It is normal to use about 1 quart of oil every 1000 to 3000 miles.


Can I use synthetic oils in my Rotary engined car?
Yes and no. Mazda offically does not recommend the use of synthetic oils in rotary engines, however, long term and racing use has shown that the better synthetics (Redline, Amsoil, Neo, Royal Purple, Mobil1) are perfectly fine to use in a rotary engine, and will generally result in a 1 to 2% horsepower gain. However use of poor quality synthetics (like Valvoline, Castrol Syntec, Havoline, Etc) will result in build up due to high ash content left from these oils when they are burned. It is believed that is why Mazda did not recommend synthetics, because the couldn't pick favorites.


What oil should I use in the FC?
According to Mazda:
In starting and operating temperatures below 20F, use 5W30
In starting and operating temperatures between 0F and 80F, use 10W30.
In starting and operating temperatures above 30F, use 20W50

As far as brand any good quality oil that meets the API SL or SM standards should be fine.


How do I kill that buzzer in the dash that goes off when the cooling system or oil is low?
You need to bleed the coolant or fill the oil. The buzzer is there to help you from blowing up your motor.


I want to install an electric fan. How well will it cool? How much power does it give me? Which fan, and how do I install it?
In short, you gain a small amount of throttle response when free-revving in neutral, and any power gained (less then 1HP) is almost immeasurable. Cooling will be no better then using the stock clutch fan since the fan is only used at idle or very low speed driving, and it is the thermostat that regulates the temperature of the engine and not the fan. There's really no compelling reason to install an electric fan unless you need the space (FMIC, 20B install, etc.) or your stock clutch fan died. Remember that the stock clutch fan freewheels when it is not needed, so it doesn't suck any power from the engine.

Lots of info on e-fans:
http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7/efanmyth.htm
http://www.rx7club.com/forum/showthread.php?t=435289
http://www.rx7club.com/forum/showthread.php?t=430082
http://www.rx7club.com/forum/showthread.php?t=385994
http://www.rx7club.com/forum/showthread.php?t=397450
http://www.rx7club.com/forum/showthread.php?t=393234

Manuals and Links

I don't want to buy a shop manual for my car, is there a place where I can still find out the information from one
Shop manuals for both series can be found on-line at:
http://www.cochran-racing.com/FSM/index.html
http://208.62.166.66:82/guest/shop_manuals/
or (86-88)
http://www.teamfc3s.org/main/factor...nual/1986_1988/
and (89-91)
http://www.teamfc3s.org/main/factor...nual/1989_1991/

Where can I find the dealer fiche/parts catalog?
http://www.mazdamotorsports.com/web.../servlet/PubRX7

Where can I find links on specific 2nd Gen RX-7 information and models?
Searching this site is good. The search function can be found at the top right hand corner of the site. In addition these sites are recommended and can help with models and technical information:
http://2ndgenrx7.freeservers.com/page1.html
http://www.fc3s.org/
http://fc3spro.com/
http://www.mazdamark.com/about_the_fc.htm
http://www.iluvmyrx7.com/
http://www.aaroncake.net/RX-7/
http://www.geocities.com/huguesdc1/
http://www.mazdatrix.com/faq.htm

Specifications

How much Horsepower did my car come with from the factory?
86-88 NA = 146 HP @ 6500 RPM w/ 138 Ft/lb @ 3500 RPM
86-88 Turbo = 182 @ 6500 RPM w/ 183 Ft/lb @ 3500 RPM
89-91 NA = 160 HP @ 7000 RPM w/ 140 Ft/lb @ 4000 RPM
89-91 Turbo = 200-202 @ 6500 RPM w/ 196 Ft/lb @ 3500 RPM
Infini IV = 215 @ 6500 RPM w/ 206 Ft/lb @ 3500 RPM

What type of bulb is used in my USA spec MAZDA RX-7 in the..

High & low beam headlamp
H6054
H6054ST Silverstar High Performance Lighting: the whitest and brightest Halogen

Parking light
1157

Front turn signal
1157

Rear turn signal
1156

Tail light
1157

Stop light
1157

High mount stop light/Third Brake light
1156

Fog/Driving light
H3C-55W

License plate
168
89

Back up light
1156

Front sidemarker
194

Rear sidemarker
194

Ash tray
158

Map light
168

Dome light
DE3175
168 (spot lights on models equipped with factory sunroof)

Trunk/Cargo area
DE3022

Instrument-general
158
74

Hi-beam indicator
158

Automatic transmission indicator
158

Directional signal indicator in dash
158


The following weights are from Ted at FC3Spro.com:

All items weighed on a Toledo shipping scale (200lbs. maximum, 0.05lbs. resolution) and NCI shipping scale (100lbs. maximum, 0.02lbs. resolution).

We will initially be throwing up random measurements as we weigh items.
It will all be restructured as time permits, but for now there is no particular order to which the items are listed...

Toledo scale accuracy +/- 0.10lbs. - absolute accuracy +/- 0.20lbs.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1989 GTUs rims (two measured): used, both include valve stems and balancing weights = 17.10# / 17.05#
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1987 Turbo II stock pre-cat - used, O2 sensor attached = 13.50#
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1987 non-turbo stock exhaust manifold - used = 16.75#
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1987 Turbo II stock spare tire and rim - 24.85#
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1987 Turbo II stock turbo: used, dirty, NO lines except for rubber lines on wastegate = 21.70#
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aluminum flywheel: used, stamped "MI" (Mueller Industry/Midway Industry?), NO counterweight, NO fasteners = 10.25#
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1987 Turbo II stock flywheels (two measured): used, NO fasteners = 27.55# / 27.40#
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1987 Turbo II stock front brake rotor: used, 10.9" (Mazda spec, NOT measured), rotor width measured at 5 different positions (5 lug positions) average 21.174mm (actual measured are 21.16mm, 21.18mm, 21.19mm, 21.18mm, 21.16mm; +/- 0.1mm) [Note: Mazda spec new is 22.00mm], used = 12.25#
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
K2RD Stage 1 brake kit rotor: 12.19" x 1.25", new, two piece steel rotor with aluminum hat, fasteners (safety wired) included = 11.40#
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Racing Beat 3" downpipe: used, NO fasteners = 6.50#
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Racing Beat 3" pre-silencer - 15.65#
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nippon Denso AC compressor: used, dirty, no fittings but black plastic caps on valves attached = 14.90#
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1987 Turbo II stock steel hood: used, windshield spray nozzles and hoses attached, all underhood insulation and front rubber flaps attached, 5A blue paint

 

Suspension & Driveline (including transmission questions)

Can I install the Turbo II transmission into an NA?

Certainly. But you need to also install:
-TII flywheel, clutch, pressure plate
-TII slave cylinder
-TII starter
-TII driveshaft, differential, axels
-Adapt the wiring.

MazdaTrix makes a TII transmission to NA rear end driveshaft, so if you don't want to swap your rear end, you can use that shaft instead.

Can I install the RX-8 6 speed transmission into my 2nd Gen RX-7?
5th gear on the FE tranny is the same as the 4th on FC trannys anyway, so there is no real advantage of using the RX-8 tranny, and 6th on the FE tranny is actually taller (.83 vs .71) than the FC, resulting in lower gas mileage at highway speeds.
Using a RX-8 tranny would be like adding a extra gear between 2nd and 3rd to a standard 2nd gen RX-7 M or R type transmission.


Did my 2nd Gen RX-7 come with a Limited Slip Differential?
Only the following USA model 2nd gen RX-7s had a LSD from the factory:
86-88 GXL
87-91 T2
88 GTU
89-90 GTUs (however not the 89-90 GTU)
It is also rumored that a few rare 91 coupes with both the A (upgraded the interior trim, added a power sunroof, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, and 4 piston front disc brakes and vented single piston rear brakes) and the B package (leather seating, a CD player, and rear cargo cover) came with a LSD, but you should note that Mazda denies that any FC other than the T2 came with a LSD in 91). You can also tell by looking at the differential as there will be a LSD tag on S4 cars with a LSD.

Non US models with LSD info to come

 

very informative... great and in depth material knowledge!

 

thanks, it took a bit of time to copy all the image codes into it. I'ts mainly copied and pasted, but I got permission from the original author also I had to modify it a bit. It had a few site specific references. I hope it helps people out a bit. I din't know how many people have used it, I can only see views. I guess people don't reply to a sticky FAQ when they have the problem solved, because there is no more need to post.

 

Hi guys.
I have a problems with my 87 Turbo II
The oil meter in the dash board do not work. I change the sensor in the engine for a new one but nothing.

My back up light do not work, The bulbs is news
I chek the transmision sensor with a multimeter, but work well.
What is the posible problem with this two things.???


And for complete my drama, my car engine run very down in RPM wend the car is stop and the engine down off. I try to up RPM but i dont now how.
Where the TPS in the Turbo II engine? andhow ajust the TPS?
Thank you very much.

 

What kind of MSD is recomendet to use in my Tuebo II 87?
Any body have idea of that?
Thanks.

 

Thank you very much! That was very helpful. Seriously.


















I have a convertible.. is that a GXL?

 

can u tel me wat year and spec this fc is?