Motor Car History
 Veteran - Vintage - Classic - Modern
Motor car history
Understanding the Automobile
Toggle Navigation
  • You are here:  
  • Motor Car
  • Make and Model
  • M
  • Mazda
  • Mazda RX-7 2nd gen S4 S5 (1986-1991)
  • Home
  • Makes and models
  • Motor car History
  • Motor Car Guide
    • Induction & Exhaust
    • Tyres wheels Brakes
    • Vehicle Body types
    • Electrical & electronic
    • Gearbox & Drivetrain
    • Engine Components
    • Suspension Types
    • Engines
  • Trivia
    • Advertising
    • Race events
    • Film & TV
    • Museums
  • links
    • Advertise your business
    • About us
    • Help with a donation
  • Log in
  • Register
  • Advertise
  • Motor Car
  • Make and Model
  • M
  • Mazda
Categories
Mazda
Sports Cars
1980s
Japan

History

Mazda RX-7 Second generation S4 S5 FC

Mazda RX-7 Second generation S4 S5 FC history
Also called Mazda Savanna
Production S4 (1986-1988) –S5 (1989-1991) 272,027 produced
Engine

1.3L 146 hp (109 kW) S4 Naturally aspirated 13B

1.3L 182 hp (136 kW) S4 Turbocharged 13B

1.3L 160 hp (119 kW) S5 Naturally aspirated 13B

1.3L 202 hp (151 kW) S5 Turbocharged 13B
Wheelbase 95.7 in (2,431 mm)
Length 1986-88: 168.9 in (4,290 mm) 1989–1991: 169.9 in (4,315 mm)
Width 66.5 in (1,689 mm)
Height 49.8 in (1,265 mm)
Curb weight 1,191 kilograms (2,630 lb) - 3,071 lb (1,393 kg)

 

The Series 4 (1986–1988) was available with a naturally aspirated, fuel-injected 13B-VDEI producing 146 hp (108 kW). An optional turbocharged model, (1987–1988) known as the Turbo II in the American market, had 182 hp / 185 ps (135 kW). The Series 5 (1989–1992) featured updated styling and better engine management, as well as lighter rotors and a higher compression ratio, 9.7:1 for the naturally aspirated model, and 9.0:1 for the turbo model. The naturally aspirated Series 5 FC made 160 hp (119 kW), while the Series 5 Turbo made 200 hp / 205 ps (147 kW).

The second generation RX-7 ("FC", VIN begins JM1FC3 or JMZFC1), still known as the Savanna RX-7 in Japan, featured a complete restyling reminiscent of the Porsche 944 or Porsche 924. Mazda's stylists, led by Chief Project Engineer Akio Uchiyama, focused on the Porsche 944 for their inspiration in designing the FC because the new car was being styled primarily for the American market, where the majority of first generation RX-7's had been sold. This strategy was chosen after Uchiyama and others on the design team spent time in the United States studying owners of earlier RX-7's and other sports cars popular in the American market. The Porsche 944 was selling particularly well at the time and provided clues as to what sports-car enthusiasts might find compelling in future RX-7 styling and equipment. While the SA22/FB was a purer sports car, the FC tended toward the softer sport-tourer trends of its day. Handling was much improved, with less of the oversteer tendencies of the FB. The rear end design was vastly improved from the FB's live rear axle to a more modern, Independent Rear Suspension (rear axle). Steering was more precise, with rack and pinion steering replacing the old recirculating ball steering of the FB. Disc brakes also became standard, with some models (S4: GXL, GTU, Turbo II, Convertible; S5: GXL, GTUs, Turbo, Convertible) offering four-piston front brakes. The rear seats were optional in some models of the FC RX-7, but are not commonly found in the American Market. Mazda also introduced Dynamic Tracking Suspension System (DTSS) in the 2nd generation RX-7. The revised independent rear suspension incorporated special toe control hubs which were capable of introducing a limited degree of passive rear steering under cornering loads. The DTSS worked by allowing a slight amount of toe-out under normal driving conditions but induced slight toe-in under heavier cornering loads at around 0.5 G's or more; toe-out in the rear allows for a more responsive rotation of the rear, but toe-in allowed for a more stable rear under heavier cornering. Mazda also introduced Auto Adjusting Suspension (AAS) in the 2nd generation RX-7. The system changed damping characteristics according to the road and driving conditions. The system compensated for camber changes and provided anti-dive and anti-squat effects. The Turbo 2 uses a turbo charger with a twin scroll design. The smaller primary chamber is engineered to cancel the turbo lag at low engine speeds. At higher revolutions the secondary chamber is opened, pumping out 33% more power than the naturally aspirated counterpart. The Turbo 2 also has an air-to-air intercooler which has a dedicated intake on the hood. The intake is slightly offset toward the left side of the hood.

Mazda RX-7 Second generation x ray view

Though about 800 lb (363 kg) heavier and more isolated than its predecessor, the FC continued to win accolades from the press. The FC RX-7 was Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year for 1986, and the Turbo II was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for a second time in 1987.

In the Japanese market, only the turbo engine was available; the naturally aspirated version was allowed only as an export. This can be attributed to insurance companies penalizing turbo cars (thus restricting potential sales). This emphasis on containing horsepower and placating insurance companies to make RX-7's more affordable seems ironic in retrospect. Shortly after the discontinuance of the second generation RX-7's in 1992, an outright horsepower "arms race" broke out between sports car manufacturers, with higher and higher levels of power required to meet buyer demands. This rising horsepower phenomena arose from the US CAFE standards remaining stable while engine technologies marched forward rapidly.

Mazda RX-7 Second generation 1988 turbo

Mazda sold 86,000 RX-7's in the US alone in 1986, its first model year, with sales peaking in 1988.

Australian Motors Mazda released a limited run of 250 'Sports' model Series 4 RX-7's; each with no power steering, power windows or rear wiper as an attempt to reduce the weight of the car. In Japan, there was a special limited release of the FC called Infini with only 600 made for each year. Some special noted features for all Infini series are: infini logo on the back, upgraded suspension, upgraded ECU, higher horsepower, lightened weight, 15-inch BBS aluminum alloy wheels, Infini logo steering wheel, aero bumper kits, bronze colored window glass, floor bar on the passenger side, aluminum bonnet with scoop, flare and holder. The car was thought as the pinnacle of the RX-7 series (until the FD came out). The Infini IV came with other special items such as black bucket seats, 16-inch BBS wheels, Knee pads, and all the other items mentioned before. There are differing years for the Infini, which noted the series. Series I was introduced in 1987, Series II was introduced in 1988, Series III was introduced in 1990, and Series IV was introduced in 1991. Series I and II came in White or Black, Series III came in Forest Green only, and Series IV came in Forest Green or Noble Green. There are only minor differences between the series, the biggest change which was from the Series II being an S4 (1986–1988) and the Series III and IV being an S5 (1989–1991).

Convertible

Mazda RX-7 Second generation 1990 convertable

Mazda introduced a convertible version of the RX-7 in 1988 with a normally aspirated engine — introduced to the US market with ads featuring Hollywood actor James Garner, at the time featured in many of Mazda's television advertisements.

The convertible featured a removable rigid section over the passengers and a folding textile rear section with heatable rear glass window. Power operated, lowering the top required unlatching two header catches, power lowering the top, exiting the car (or reaching over to the right side latch), and folding down the rigid section manually. Mazda introduced with the convertible the first integral windblocker, a rigid panel that folded up from behind the passenger seats to block unwanted drafts from reaching the passengers — thereby extending the driving season for the car in open mode. The convertible also featured optional headrest mounted audio speakers and a folding leather snap-fastened tonneau cover. The convertible assembly was precisely engineered and manufactured, and dropped into the ready body assembly as a complete unit — a first in convertible production.

Several leading car magazines at the time also selected the convertible as one of the best rag-tops available on the market (see Automobile Magazine/January 1988, Performance Car Magazine/January 1989). Mazda exported approximately five thousand convertibles to the United States in 1988 and fewer in each of the next three model years, although it is difficult to confirm these figures, as Mazda USA did not keep RX-7 import records by model type. Production ceasing in 1991 after Mazda marketed a limited run of 500 example for 1992 for the domestic market only. In Japan, the United Kingdom, and other regions outside the US, a turbocharged version of the convertible was available.

10th Anniversary RX-7

Mazda introduced the 10th Anniversary RX-7 in 1988 as a limited production run based on the RX-7 Turbo II. Production was limited to 1,500 models. The 10th Anniversary RX-7 features a Crystal White monochromatic paint scheme with matching white body side mouldings, taillight housings, mirrors and 16-inch alloy 7-spoke wheels. Another distinctive exterior feature is the gold rotor-shaped 10th Anniversary Edition badge on the fenders. The interior is all black with leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel (with 10th AE centerpiece) and genuine MOMO shifter and boot. Glass windows are bronze tinted. Other 10AE specific items are headlight washers (the only RX7 in the US that got this feature), glass breakage detectors added to the factory alarm system, 10AE floormats, 10AE "bra", and an aluminum under pan.

GTUs (1989-1990)

In 1989, with the introduction of a face-lifted FC RX-7, and to commemorate the RX-7's IMSA domination, Mazda introduced a limited model labeled the GTUs. Starting with the lightweight base model GTU, which came with manual windows, no rear wiper, no sunroof, and A/C was dealer optioned, the GTUs added items found on the Turbo model such as four piston front brakes, rear ventilated brake rotors, vehicle speed sensing power steering, 1 piece front chin spoiler, cloth covered Turbo model seats, leather wrapped steering wheel, 16 inch wheels, 205/55VR tires, and a GTUs only 4.300 Viscous-type limited slip differential (all other FC LSD's where 4.100). This allowed quicker acceleration from the non-turbo powered 13B. Although the GTU and GTUs did not come with a sunroof, many dealers offered an aftermarket glass sunroof to help with sales. Mazda built 1100 GTUs's in 1989, with the last 100 re-stamped as 1990 models.

Mazda RX-7 Second generation rear view

Technical

  • Mazda RX-7 2nd gen S4 S5 Technical details and specifications (1986-1991)


    DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT:
    Wheelbase 243cm
    track 145/144cm
    clearance approx 15cm
    turning circle 9.8m
    Load space 19.4/19.8cu ft (550/560dm3)
    Length 429-431cm
    width 169cm, height 126.5cm.
    Weight: 3-door Coupe, 2 + 2 seater, kerbweight (DIN) from 1205kg
    Weight: USA 1190— 1235kB 2-door Convertible (only USA), 2 seater; kerbweight (DIN) approx 1280kg.
    fuel tank 63L (13.8Gal) [16.6US Gal]
    export model fuel tank 72L (15.8Gal) [19US Gal]

    ENGINE:
    Wankel rotary engine.N/A injection
    Engine construction: 13B designation
    Light—alloy rotary engine with 2 rotors
    Fuel Injection
    Double—vane rotary Wankel engine, chamber volume 654cm3
    equivalent engine capacity 2616cm3
    compression ratio 9.4:1
    USA version: Compression ratio 9,4:1;
    110kW (147hp) [150PSJ at 6500rpm, 42kW/L (56.3hp/L) [57.3PS/Ll; 182Nm (134.21bft) at 3000rpm
    USA version:109kW (146hp) [148PS] at 6500t-pm; 187Nm (137.91bft) at 3500rpm.
    leaded regular grade.
    cooling system capacity 8.7L.
    Oil capacity 6.2L (5.9US qt)
    oil—cooler
    electronic fuel injection

    Wankel rotary engine.turbocharger
    Type-Rotary 13B; in line mounted

    Double—vane rotary Wankel engine, chamber volume 654cm3
    2.6 Litre Wankel 136kW-182hp-185PS
    equivalent engine capacity 2616cm3
    Turbo/Fuel Injection As 147hp version
    13B Turbo designation. 1 turbocharger, charge-air cooler.
    Number of cylinders- Twin rotors
    Cubic capacity-Rated 2354cm9; Actual 2x654cmS
    Compression ratio'pressure- 9.0:1
    Brake horsepower- 200 at 6500rpm
    Torque (DIN) Nm (1b ft) -183 (135) at 3000rpm
    Valve operation-6 port induction; 2 port exhaust
    Distributor make/type- Electronic
    Centrifugal advance - Computer Controlled -
    Ignition make- Nippon Denso Electronic multi point
    Idle speed - 750rpm±25

    COOLING SYSTEM
    Type- Water pump radiator
    Thermostat opens - 80.5°

    TRANSMISSION DRIVE LINE:
    Drive to rear wheels
    5-speed manual
    Gear ratios:5—speed : 1st 3.475, 2nd 2.002; 3rd 1.366; 4th 1; 5th 0.758,
    Gear ratios:5—speed turbocharged: 1st 3.483; 2nd 2015; 3rd 1.391; 4th 1; 5th 0.806,
    Usa 0711; R 3.493.
    final drive ratio 4.300, USA 4.100.
    Automatic, hydraulic torque converter and 3--speed Planetary gear set with OD
    Automatic ratios: 1st 2841; 2nd 1.541; 3rd 1; OD 0.720; R 2.400.
    Automatic final drive ratio 3.909.
    turbocharge final drive ratio 4.100. Limited slip differential.
    Optional limited slip differential.
    Type-Rear wheel drive
    Clutch- 225mm
    Manual gearbox type- 5 speed
    Manual gearbox ratios-0,719; 1; 1,391; 2,015; 3,483; R 3,228:1

    BRAKES:

    power assisted disc brakes
    (ventilated), front disc diameter 27.6cm rear 27.3cm
    optional ABS (Nippon system)
    mechanical handbrake to rear wheels
    type- Dual circuit
    Power assistance-Vacuum servo
    Front-Ventilated discs thickness 22mm (min 20)
    rear- Ventilated discs thickness 20mm (min 18)
    Handbrake -Mechanical on rear wheels
    Linings—front-Thickness 11mm (min 2)
    Linings—rear -Thickness 8mm (min 1)

    STEERING:
    type- Rack and pinion
    Camber- 0° 20'±30'
    Castor- 4° 40'±45'
    King pin inclination- 13° 45'
    Wheel alignment—front- Toe in 3mm±3
    Turning circle diameter- 10,6m

    ELECTRICAL
    Battery- 12V 50Ah neg earth
    Alternator-50/70A or 80A
    Starter-1,2kW

    SUSPENSION:
    front and rear independent suspension with lower A arms
    Rear semi-trailing arms, diagonal auxiliary arm and coil springs, front and rear antiroll bars, telescopic dampers

     

    WHEELS TYRES:
    Tyres 205/60 VR 15, 185/70 HR 14
    turbocharged tyres 205/55 VR 16 or 205/60 HR 15,
    wheels 6, USA 5.5J.
    turbocharged wheels 7 or 6J.

    © Motor car History

Service

  • Mazda RX-7 2nd gen S4 S5 Maintenance and Service Guide (1986-1991)

    Service intervals- 6000 miles or every 6 months


    Valve timing Prim: open 45° AT close 50° AB
    Valve timing sec: open 32° AT close 50° AB
    Exhaust timing:open 75° BB close 48° AT
    Spark plugs make/type- NGK BUR9EQ
    Spark plugs Gap-1.1/1.7mm (0.04/0,06in)
    Timing marks-Pulley

    Engine oil change- 5,8 litres inc filter
    Gearbox oil- 2,5 litres
    Differential oil- 1,4 litres
    Cooling system- 8,7 litres
    Fuel tank- 72 litres
    Max towing weight- 1200kg (26461b)
    Hydraulic fluid type- DOT 4 spec

    © Motor car History

Related

motor car on you tube

Also read (Members)
  • Mazda B series 1st Gen (1961-1965)
  • Mazda Familia 2nd gen (1967-1973)
  • Mazda Carol 360 (1962-1970)
  • Mazda MX-5 4th gen (2015-)
Japanese Vehicles from 1990s | Japanese Vehicles from 1980s | Vehicles launched in 1986 | Mazda RX-7 | Rotary engine | Sports Cars

Can’t see this article ?  >>  Register here. <<

Read more in this section (Registered)

Mazda Capella 626 6th Gen GF (1997-2002)
Mazda Capella 626 6th Gen GF (1997-2002)
Read more...
Mazda 929 6th gen (1996-1997)
Mazda 929 6th gen (1996-1997)
Read more...
Mazda Capella 626 2nd Gen CB (1978-1982)
Mazda Capella 626 2nd Gen CB (1978-1982)
Read more...

Back to Top

© 2023 Motor Car History