Mazda RX-7 (1978-02)
Production Total: 811,634
Recorded in UK 2024
Licensed=203 SORN=459
R Licensed=7 SORN=31
RB Licensed=2 SORN=4
RS Licensed=5 SORN=4
The Mazda RX-7, known for its rotary engine and sporty design, has a few common issues reported by owners. Here are some of the most frequently encountered problems:
1. Apex Seal Failure: The rotary engine’s apex seals can wear out, leading to low compression and poor engine performance.
2. Oil Leaks: Oil leaks, particularly at the rear stationary gear seal and O-ring, are common and can lead to significant engine damage if not addressed.
3. Starting Issues: Intermittent no-start problems, especially in turbo models, often due to a malfunctioning engine control module (ECM)3.
4. Clutch Failure: Issues with the clutch, such as surging forward or juddering when releasing the pedal, indicating the need for a replacement.
5. Suspension Problems: Knocking noises from the suspension, usually caused by failing rear suspension bushes.
6. Interior Trim Issues: The interior door trim, handles, and storage pockets are prone to breaking due to poor quality.
7. Heat Damage: Components in the engine bay can suffer from heat damage, especially in high-performance models.
Regular maintenance and addressing these issues promptly can help keep your RX-7 running smoothly.
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Generations
The Mazda RX series has seen several generations over the years, primarily focusing on the RX-7 and RX-8 models:
1. Mazda RX-7:
o First Generation (SA/FB): Produced from 1978 to 1985.
o Second Generation (FC): Produced from 1985 to 1992.
o Third Generation (FD): Produced from 1992 to 2002.
2. Mazda RX-8:
o Single Generation: Produced from 2003 to 2012, with a significant refresh in 2008.
Each generation brought its own unique advancements and design changes, particularly with the rotary engine technology.
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Trim Levels
Trim levels from 1978 to 2002.
1. **First Generation (SA/FB)**:
- The **Series 1** RX-7, produced from 1978 until 1980, is affectionately known as the **SA22C** (because alphanumeric codes make everything cooler, right?). Here's what it brought to the rotary party:
- **Base Model**: This was the starting point—a minimalist canvas. It came with a **12A carbureted rotary engine** humming away behind the front axle. Standard features included a limited-slip differential, a tape player (remember those?), and cloth seats. Not too shabby!
- **Leathersport Models**: In May 1980, Mazda sprinkled some magic dust and introduced a limited production run of special North American models called the **Leathersport Models**. These added a touch of luxury with—you guessed it—leather upholstery. Fancy, right?
2. **Second Generation (FC)**:
- The **FC** era (1986–1991) brought more curves and even more rotary goodness. Here's what was on the menu:
- **S**: The base trim, keeping things simple and sporty.
- **GS**: A step up, offering a bit more pizzazz.
- **GSL**: The top-tier trim, with extra features and a side of flair. Think of it as the RX-7 wearing its Sunday best.
3. **Third Generation (FD)**:
- The **FD** (1992–2002) was the RX-7's swan song, and boy, did it sing! Here's what it brought to the rotary fiesta:
- **Base Model**: Still sporty, still rear-wheel-drive, but now with a **sequentially-turbocharged 13B REW engine**. Fancy tech, right? The base model was like the cool kid who didn't need to show off.
- **Touring**: A bit more comfort-oriented, perfect for those long drives on twisty roads.
- **R1**: The track-focused trim. Lighter, stiffer, and ready to tackle corners like a champ.
- **R2**: The ultimate enthusiast's choice. Stripped-down, raw, and ready to make your heart race.
And there you have it—a rotary symphony in trim levels! From the SA22C to the R2, the RX-7 left its mark on the asphalt and in our hearts.
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Engines
The Mazda RX-7 featured several different rotary engines across its three generations:
1. First Generation (SA/FB):
o 12A: A 1.1-liter twin-rotor engine producing around 100-115 horsepower.
o 13B: A 1.3-liter twin-rotor engine with electronic fuel injection, available in later models.
2. Second Generation (FC):
o 13B-DEI: A naturally aspirated 1.3-liter twin-rotor engine.
o 13B-Turbo: A turbocharged version of the 13B engine, producing up to 200 horsepower.
3. Third Generation (FD):
o 13B-REW: A sequentially turbocharged 1.3-liter twin-rotor engine, delivering between 252 and 276 horsepower depending on the market.
These engines are known for their unique design and high-revving nature, contributing to the RX-7’s reputation as a performance car.
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Spares
You can find Mazda RX-7 spares at several places in the UK and Ireland. Here are some options:
1. AutoPartsPro: They offer a wide range of original RX-8 parts online with fast and free shipping available.
2. EUspares: This site provides OE original parts for the RX-8 with various payment and shipping options.
3. BreakerLink: They connect you with hundreds of quality breaker yards throughout the UK and Ireland to find both new and used parts.
4. PartsGateway: Known as the UK’s #1 destination for discount car parts, they offer both new and used original Mazda RX-8 spares.
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Specialists
If you're in Northern Ireland and your beloved **Mazda RX-7** needs some rotary TLC, I've got a few options for you. Let's keep those apex seals spinning smoothly!
1. **Jimmy's Mazda Rotary Specialists**:
- Jimmy's is like the secret clubhouse for RX-7 and RX-8 owners. They're all about that rotary life! Here's what they offer:
- **Advice**: Whether you're pondering the mysteries of apex seals or just need a friendly chat about your RX-7, Jimmy's has your back.
- **Used Parts**: They've got a treasure trove of used parts for all models. From quirky little gaskets to more serious bits, they'll help keep your RX-7 or RX-8 purring.
- **New Parts**: Need something fresh off the assembly line? They've got you covered.
- **Quality Cars**: If you're in the market for a rotary-powered beauty, check out their selection.
- **Diagnostic and Repair Services**: When your RX-7 throws a tantrum (it happens to the best of us), Jimmy's will diagnose and fix it.
- **Contact**: You can reach them at **07584 136772** or visit their [website](http://www.jimmys-rx7.co.uk/). And hey, they even have an eBay shop—because rotary parts deserve an online auction too!
2. **ClickMechanic**:
- These folks are like the digital pit crew for Mazda owners. They connect you with expert mechanics who know their way around rotaries. Just hop onto their [Northern Ireland Mazda Mechanics page](https://www.clickmechanic.com/locations/northern-ireland/mazda) and let them work their magic.
3. **Local Mazda Dealers**:
- Sometimes, the official dealerships surprise us. Check out your [local Mazda dealership](https://www.mazda.co.uk/dealers/northern-ireland/)—they might have rotary enthusiasts hiding in the service bays, armed with wrenches and smiles.
4. **AutoVillage**:
- If you're on the hunt for used RX-7s or just want to explore the rotary scene, AutoVillage has your back. Check out their [Used Mazda RX-7 Cars for Sale in Northern Ireland](https://www.autovillage.co.uk/used-car/local/northern-ireland/cars/mazda/rx-7) section. Who knows? Maybe you'll find your next rotary love there!
5. **Approved Garages**:
- These folks specialize in MOTs, servicing, and repairs for Mazda vehicles. Find a trusted and reliable car service provider near you on their [Mazda page](https://www.approvedgarages.co.uk/mot-servicing-and-repairs/car-brands/mazda/). Your RX-7 will thank you!
Remember, when you find that perfect garage, give your RX-7 a little pat on the hood from me. And if you hear a faint rotary hum, it's probably just Jimmy's RX-7 whispering secrets to the wind.
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Racing
The **Mazda RX-7** wasn't just a stylish street cruiser; it also had a fiery alter ego on the racetrack. Buckle up, because we're about to hit the apex of its racing career!
1. **Daytona Dominance**:
- When the first-generation Mazda RX-7 hit the scene in 1978, it was like a rotary-powered comet streaking across the racing sky. At the **1979 24 Hours of Daytona**, the RX-7s made their debut and pulled off a jaw-dropping **1-2 finish in class**. Imagine those little rotary engines humming in harmony as they tore around the track!
- But wait, there's more: The RX-7s didn't stop there. They went on to **win IMSA's GTU production-based racing class** not just once, not twice, but **seven years in a row**! Talk about rotary resilience.
2. **GTO Glory**:
- The RX-7 wasn't content with just GTU victories. Nope! It decided to flex its rotary muscles in the **GTO championship** as well. And guess what? It clinched the title an **incredible 10 years in a row**. That's like winning the rotary Olympics—gold medals galore!
3. **Privateers and Podiums**:
- American privateers (those gutsy independent racers) fell head over heels for the RX-7. They fielded their own rapid RX-7s, and suddenly, Mazda became the secret sauce for success in the category reserved for cars with engines under 2.5 liters.
- Picture this: RX-7s slicing through corners, their rotary engines singing a high-revving symphony. Podiums were their second home.
The **Mazda RX-7** wasn't content with conquering local tracks; it spread its rotary wings and took on the world. Let's dive into its international racing adventures!
1. **Daytona Glory**:
- Picture this: The year is 1979, and the Mazda RX-7 is strutting its stuff at the **Daytona 24 Hours**. Guess what? It not only participated but also **won the GTU class**! That's like the RX-7 winking at the competition and saying, "Rotary power, baby!"
- But wait, there's more: In 1981, at the **Spa 24 Hours** in Belgium, the RX-7 achieved something truly special—it nabbed **Mazda's first outright 24-hour race win**. Driven by Pierre Dieudonné and Tom Walkinshaw, the RX-7 made history. Imagine the rotary engine humming through the Ardennes forest—sheer magic!
2. **IMSA Dominance**:
- The RX-7 didn't just dip its toe; it cannonballed into the **IMSA racing scene** in the United States. Here's where it truly made its mark:
- **GTU Class**: The RX-7 racked up an **unmatched 100 wins** in just 12 years of IMSA competition. That's like a rotary symphony echoing across American racetracks.
- **GTO Championship**: Not satisfied with GTU victories alone, the RX-7 went on to claim the **GTO championship** for an incredible **10 consecutive years**. It was like the RX-7 had a permanent reservation on the winner's podium.
The **Mazda RX-7** wasn't content with merely conquering local tracks; it spread its rotary wings and took on the world, including the European racing scene. Let's dive into its international racing adventures!
1. **Le Mans and Spa Triumphs**:
- The RX-7 made its motor racing debut in **1979** at the **Le Mans 24 Hours**. Impressive enough, it finished **21st overall**, holding its own against formidable competition. But it was in **1981** that the RX-7 truly made headlines.
- For its annual assault on Le Mans, the factory team Mazdaspeed unveiled the **RX-7 253**. This beast featured streamlined bodywork and a more potent **300bhp twin-rotor 13B engine**. At the **Silverstone 6-Hours race**, Englishman Win Percy nearly pulled off a remarkable feat. Despite starting at the back, he worked his way up to second place, only to be thwarted by a turbo-troubled Porsche. Still, the RX-7 won the GTU class and finished eighth overall. It could have been even better!
- A few weeks later at Le Mans, a differential failure dashed their hopes. But within a decade, Mazda would triumph outright in the world's greatest sports car race. And in the meantime, plenty of other people witnessed the RX-7's prowess on the other side of the Atlantic.
2. **Consistent Success in America**:
- Competing in the **GTU class** (for cars with engines smaller than 2.5 liters), the RX-7 achieved remarkable feats:
- It won the **24 Hours of Daytona** on its first attempt in **1979**.
- It secured the **GTU championship** for **seven consecutive years**.
- From **1982**, it also dominated the **GTO class** (for cars with engines bigger than 2.5 liters) for an astounding **10 consecutive seasons**.
- Even as class structures evolved, the RX-7's success remained undiminished—it has won more **IMSA races** than any other model in history.
3. **Rallying Exploits**:
- While its track exploits are well-documented, the RX-7's rallying adventures are less known. In **1984**, it was homologated for the **Group B category** of rallying.
- Unlike other Group B cars (which were four-wheel drive), the RX-7 was **rear-wheel drive**. Nonetheless, it recorded successes, including winning the **1984 Polish round** of the European Rally Championship.
- Perhaps even more notable was its **third-place finish** on the **1985 World Rally Championship Acropolis event**, piloted by Ingvar Carlsson.
So, whether it was the howl of its twin-rotor powerplant on European circuits or its rally exploits, the Mazda RX-7 left a trail of rotary legends across the globe. It wasn't just a car; it was a **rotary revolution** with a passport!