Featured Post

SA / FB RX7 Drift Tune Index

Thursday, February 15, 2018

RX-7 Yearly Model Differences

RX-7 Yearly Model Differences

SCHWARCZ_LARRY/...
Tue, 4 Aug 92 17:48:33 EDT
From: SCHWARCZ_LARRY/...
Subject: RX-7 Yearly Model Differences
Hey, y'all,
Well, there had been some discussion on the list about the differences between the different years of RX-7's.
Well, I've compiled the following which lists a good deal of the changes from year to year. It also lists some info about reading the VIN, performance, prices, etc.
I compiled this document from many different sources and I've already corrected some of the errors in it. There are a few spots where I have "?" indicating that I'm not sure of a figure. If anyone can add to this or correct any errors, please e-mail me (and the list). Maybe we can get a decent document.
The bulk of this came from a book called, "Mazda RX-7: The First Generation" by John Ball and from the Mazda RX-7 Parts Catalog.
Later...
Larry Schwarcz



Yearly Model Differences.

To determine when a specific car was built, check the emmission control
label on the rear of the driver's door jamb.  The month and year of
manufacture is given.  There was a delay of approximately six weeks
from this date to the arrival in this country.

EXTERIOR:

1979 - '80   Nearly identical.  Doors appeared smooth - actually narrow
             rubber molding covered the body crease.  Taillights were
             separated by painted indentation.  License plate mounted
             above bumper.

             Radio antenna 8 inches longer in 1980 for better reception.

             Early 1979 models (built in 1978) had only a left rearview
             mirror and the hood propping rod was on the right side
             instead of the left.

             There were 3,000 fully optioned Limited Edition cars built -
             all painted black.

1981 - '85   Few differences among them.  Wider side molding located below
             body crease.  Taillights extended across entire body.

             Power mirrors, and rear window washer and wipers were optional.
             Longer wiper blades and two washer jets in '84.  Front bumper
             and air dam changes produced lower drag and less lift at high
             speeds.  Radio antenna controlled by engine ignition switch
             instead of separate console switch

             Electric fuel filler door release standard.  In 1983 the key
             operated fuel door release was eliminated.

1984 & '85   Panel below front bumper contained slots next to grille.

             "IMSA" appearance package available.  Includes front airdam,
             rear spoiler and brushed-finish roof band. [1]

INTERIOR:

1979:        Console was uncluttered with coin holders behind the shifter
             boot (they weren't made to fit American coins).  Speedometer
             range to 130 mph.  No oil pressure gauge.  Fabric seats.  No
             hidden storage bins.  Early 1979 models had no map pockets in
             doors.

1980:        Vinyl seats available.  Speedometer top speed was 85 mph.
             Sunroof mechanism improved.

             3,000 "LS" model cars had all options.

1981:        Console was updated with switches located behind the shifter
             where the coin holders were previously.  Clock moved to console.

             Switches for windshield wipers/washers and lights were reversed
             from previous models.  Dome light design changed.

             Better instrument lighting.  Separate voltmeter.  Needle and
             number colors reversed to orange numbers and white needles.
             Oil pressure gauge added.

             Storage bin located behind seats.  Leather seats and power
             windows optional.  Upgraded radio.

             Handbrake vinyl boot replaced with a plastic cover.  Shifter
             control shortened.  Vinyl boot on shifter lever replaced with
             rubber "accordian" style.

1982:        Better audio system available.

1983:        Firmer foam in seats and lumbar adjustment improved.

1984:        Dial type ventilation controls on console.  Ventilation much
             better with a four speed fan.

             Steering wheel spoke design change.  Instruments numbers changed
             to red from previous orange.  Storage bins gained lights and
             locks.  Seats received more support and plusher fabrics.

MECHANICAL DESIGN:

1979:        Engine was a 12A (1200 cc producing 100 HP) with 3 electrode
             sparkplugs.  Only leading plugs fired under certain conditions.
             Mechanical points/condenser ignition.  Emission control-system
             used a "thermal reactor".

             Brakes were vaccum boosted with discs in front and drums in back.
             Only GS model had rear antiroll bar.

1980:        Similar to '79, but with electronic ignition.  Brake power boost
             increased.

             All models had front and rear antiroll bars.

1981:        Catalytic converter replaced thermal reactor.  Hotter electronic
             ignition.  Both sparkplugs  (4 electrodes) fired all the time.
             When engine decelerating, all air/fuel diverted to front rotor
             to prevent backfire.  Lighter flywheel.

             Disc brakes on rear and limited slip differential were optional
             (standard on GSL).  Gas tank capacity increased to 16.5 gallons
             from 14.

             Cruise control optional.  Only manual transmission available was
             five speed.

1982:        Wider tires.  Minor changes to engine for better fuel economy.

1983:        Oil cooler moved from below the radiator to the top of engine
             under the oil filter (12A).  Stronger clutch.  Shorter throw
             on shifter.

1984:        SE model introduced (see below).

             Optional automatic transmission was a 4 speed type - a 3 speed
             with an overdrive gear.  Power steering (variable with speed)
             became an option on GSL and SE models only.

1985:        Similar to '84.

1984 and '85 GSL-SE:
             13B engine - 1300 cc, 135 HP, special six port design,
             electronic fuel injection.  14 inch wheels standard.  Larger
             disc brakes.  Limited slip differential.  Power steering
             optional.  Improved interior.  Separate oil cooler mounted
             under radiator.

Dimensions/Capacities/Performance figures

Dimensions:

Length:       169   in.  (170.1 in. for 1981 and later)
Width:         65.7 in.
Height         49.6 in.
Wheelbase      95.3 in.  (front wheels to rear wheels)
Track, f/r     55.9/55.1 in.  (left wheels to right wheels)

Weight:

Empty Wt - Varies with options and model year; 2350 lbs for 1979
           4 spd S model to 2500 lbs for GSL model.
           Average wt = 2450 lbs
           1984 & '85 GSL-SE 2512 lbs [1]

Engine specs:
                        1979                 198? +
                         12A                  12A                  13B
Displacement:      1146 cc/70 cu in     1146 cc/70 cu in     1308 cc/80 cu in
Compression:            9.4:1                9.4:1                9.4:1
Horsepower:          100 @ 6,000          101 @ 6,000          135 @ 6,000
Torque:              105 @ 4,000          107 @ 4,000          133 @ 2,750
Induction:         Nikki 4 bbl carb     Nikki 4 bbl carb    Bosch L Jetronic FI

Transmissions:

4 spd man, 5 spd man, 3 spd auto in 1979 and '80.
No 4 spd man in 1981 and later models.
4 spd auto available in 1984 & '85.

             1979          198? +
Ratios:     1st  3.674       3.622
            2nd  2.217       2.186
            3rd  1.432       1.419
            4th  1.000       1.000
            5th  0.825       0.758  SE: 0.807
        Reverse  3.542       3.493

Steering Radius:  16 ft.

Fluid Capacities:

Fuel tank:   14.5 gal (1979 & '80)  16.4 gal (1981 & later)

Engine oil:   5.5 qts (thru 1982)    4.8 qts (1983 & later)
              6.1 qts (SE model)

Oil meter pump flow:
              2.0 - 2.5 cc/6 min (1979 & '80)
              1.8 - 2.2 cc/6 min (1981 & later)
              0.8 - 1.2 cc/6 min (13B engine)

Transmission oil:
              1.8 qts (1979 - '81)
              2.1 qts (1982 & later - including 13B)
              7.9 qts (automatic) Type "F"

Coolant:      10 qts

Wheels and tires: added by jes, May 27, 2000
            Wheels   Tires
   Steel    5"x13"   165 HR 13     (S, GS)
   Aluminum 5.5"x13" 185/70 HR 13  (option non-SE models)
   Aluminum  ?   14"    ?      14  (Limited and SE)

Performance Figures:

These are general figures due to the differences in driver technique,
road surfaces, air temperature, etc on tests done at different places
and times.  Most published results were achieved with nearly new, well
maintained cars.

0 - 60 accel         9 - 10 secs    varies with engine/trans
                     8 -  9 secs    SE model (13B engine) [2]

1/4 mile accel      17 - 18 secs/80 - 83 mph
                    16 - 17 secs/84 - 85 mph  (SE model) [2]

60 - 0 mph braking  150 - 160 (drum rear brake)
                    160 - 170 (rear disc brakes)  [2]

cornering "g"       approx .78
                    approx .85 (SE model-different tires)

Vin Info:

Model Year     VIN Ser Numbers
1979           SA22C - 500001 +
1980           SA22C - 600001 +
1981           FB33  - 500001 +  (USA)
1982           FB33  - 600001 +
1983           FB33  - 700001 +
1984           FB33  - 800001 +
1985           FB33  - 856209 +

How to interpret the VIN (Chassis No.)

Vehicle Identification System for Mazda RX-7 series (1981 - )

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for RX-7 (1981 and later year models)
consists of World Manufacturer Identifier, Vehicle Description Section (VDS),
Check Digit, Model Year Code and Production Serial Number which is sequentially
numbered within each VDS.

Shown below as an example is the VIN for a Mazda RX-7 (1981 model).

          ____ VDS (Vehicle Description Section)
          |
      ____V____
J M 1 F B 3 3 1 4 B O 5 1 2 3 4 5
----- --- --- - - - - -----------
  ^    ^   ^  ^ ^ ^ ^      Production Serial Number
  |    |   |  | | | |
  |    |   |  | | | |__ Assembly Plant Code (O = Hiroshima)
  |    |   |  | | |
  |    |   |  | | |__ Model Year Code (B= 1981, C = 1982, D = 1983...)
  |    |   |  | |
  |    |   |  | |__ Check Digit *
  |    |   |  |
  |    |   |  |__ Miscellaneous Identification Code **
  |    |   |
  |    |   |__ Body Style Code
  |    |
  |    |__ Car Line Code (FB = RX-7 Series)
  |
  |__ World Manufacturer Identifier (All Mazda Passenger Cars are
      identified by JM1.)

* Check Digit is included as a VIN security feature to permit law enforcement
  verification of the authenticity of a suspected illegal VIN plate.  This
  single digit number is determined, based upon a complex mathematical
  formula which is applied to each vehicle's VIN number.

** Miscellaneous Identification Code identifies major components such as
  engine, brake system, cab type, etc.  However, if all models of the same
  car line use the same such components, this code is indicated as a numeric
  character "1" only.

List of Monthly starting VIN (Chassis No.):

       1983    1984           1985
JAN           815218         881177
FEB           819695         885029
MAR           824687         889474
APR           829422         893766
MAY           834333         899625
JUNE          839137/850001  905108
JULY          850015         909988
AUG           856209         912608
SEPT  800001  861829
OCT   800882  866965
NOV   806531  871511
DEC   811185  876904

Factory List Prices:

Actual prices varied throughout production year, area of country, and
of course depending on options.

           S        GS       GSL     GSL-SE
1979   $ 6,395   $ 6,995  (when introduced '78)
       $ 7,195   $ 7,995  (early in '79)
1980   $ 7,645   $ 8,395   $ 9,795 ("LS")
1981   $ 9,395   $ 9,895   $11,395
1982   $ 9,695   $10,295   $11,895
1983   $ 9,895   $10,915   $12,595
1984   $10,195   $11,295   $13,095   $15,095
1985   $10,945   $11,845   $13,645   $15,645

Footnotes:

[1] From 1984 Mazda RX-7 Sales Literature.

[2] From Feb. 1984 Motor Trend article on GSL-SE:

      0 - 60 accel:    7.96 sec.
      1/4 mile accel:  16.06 sec @ 85.1 mph
      60 - 0 braking:  135 ft

Sources:

Mazda RX-7:  The First Generation 1979 - 1985 by John Ball (1990)
Mazda RX-7 owners manual (1984)
Mazda RX-7 shop manual (1984)
Mazda USA Part Catalog: 1984 - 1985 (1990)
Haynes RX-7 shop manual
Motor Trend, Feb. 1984

No comments:

Post a Comment