Alphabet Soup & Vehicle Identification

Alphabet Soup

RX-7 Nicknames

SA - 1979-1980 US

FB - 1981-1985 US

FC - 1986-1991 US

FD - post-1991 US

GTR - 186 HP Turbo 2

GTX - 200 HP Turbo 2

T2 - Turbo 2

13B-REW - Twin turbo 13B

Basic Production Mazda Rotary Engine Types

10A - 0982 cc, 2 60 mm wide rotors, carbureted

12A - 1146 cc, 2 70 mm wide rotors, carbureted

13A - 1310 cc, 2 rotors, carbureted

13B - 1308 cc, 2 80 mm wide rotors, carbureted or EGI

20B - 1962 cc, 3 80 mm wide rotors, EGI

Other Rotary Acronyms

ABS - Anti-lock Braking System

ABSV - Air Bypass Solenoid Valve

ACV - Air Control Valve

ATS - Air Temperature Sensor

AWS - Accelerated Warm-up System

BAC - Bypass Air Control valve

BOV - Blow Off Valve

CAS - Crank Angle Sensor

DEI - Dynamic Effect Intake (DEI FC engine)

ECU - Electronic Control Unit (engine computer)

EGI - Electronic Gasoline Injection

EGR - Exhaust Gas Recirculation

EGT - Exhaust Gas Temperature

EVC - Electronic (boost) Valve Controller

FCC - Fuel Cut Controller

FCD - Fuel Cut Defenser

FPR - Fuel Pressure Regulator

LSD - Limited Slip Differential

MBC - Manual Boost Controller

MSP-RE - Multi Side Port Rotary Engine

NA - Naturally/Normally Aspirated (non-turbo)

N/A - Not Applicable

OBD - On Board Diagnostic system

OBDII - OBD2 - On Board Diagnostic system, 2nd generation

OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer

OMP - Oil Metering Pump

PEG - Popular Equipment Group

PEP - Preferred Equipment Package (slang for PEG)

RB - Racing Beat

REPU - Rotary Engined Pick-Up truck

RICE - Rotary Internal Combustion Engine

RTV - Room Temperature Vulcanizing silicone sealer

TK - Toyo Kogyo, Mazda prior to name change

TPS - Throttle Position Sensor

TSB - Technical Service Bulletin

VDEI - Variable Dynamic Effect Intake

WOT - Wide Open Throttle

Did I miss any? Email Felix.

Rotary Glossary

Vehicle Identification

FAQ - Which model RX-7 do I have?

Wonder what model or year your RX is?

Pre-RX-7 Rotary VIN ID US

VIN Detail for RX-7 US

1979-1980

SA22C500025 (first US bound production vehicle)

SA2 - model code RX-7 1979-1980

2 - engine code 2=12A

C - body code C=coupe

500025 = serial number

1981-1995

JM1FB332XF0873069 (example - 1985 GSL-SE)

JM1 - manufacturer Mazda passenger car

FB - car line FB=RX-7 (see list)

33 - body style code (35=convertible)

2X - engine ID code (number, see below) & alphanumeric check digit

F - model year code (See list)

0 - plant 0=Hiroshima

873069 - serial number

For car line from above

FB= 1981-1985 models

FC= 1986-1991 models

FD= 1993-1995 models

For engine code from above

1= 12A, 1981-1985 models

2= 13B, 1981-1985 models

1= NA, 1986-1991 models

2= Turbo, 1987-1991 models

1= 1993-1995 models

For model year code from above

B=81

C=82

D=83

E=84

F=85

G=86

H=87

J=88

K=89

L=90

M=91

P=93

R=94

S=95

Production Numbers US

For UK RX-7 *

August 1979-May 1981

JMZSA22C00650001

JMZ - manufacturer identification=Mazda

SA2 - model code SA2=RX-7

2 - engine code 2=12A

C - body code C=coupe

00 - factory code 00=Hiroshima

650001 - serial number

May 1981 - March 1986

JMZFB131200700001

JMZ - manufacturer identification=Mazda

FB1 - model code FB=RX-7

3 - body code 3=2 Door Coupe

1 - engine code 1=12A

2 - transmission code 2=manual 5-speed

00 - factory code 00=Hiroshima

700001 - serial number

* As listed in the Official Mazda Dealers Manual (1993/03)

Japanese VIN Model Codes

SA122C - Initial 1st generation

FB3S - Later 1st generation

FC3S - 2nd generation

FD3S - 3rd generation

RX-7 Model subtypes and years produced

For US RX-7

For UK RX-7

Weights by year and model *

1st gen RX-7

79 4-speed calif, or federal S model 2350

79 5-speed calif, or federal GS model 2385

79 automatic calif, GS model 2410

79 automatic federal, GS model 2420

82 GSL, 4-port 13B, Racing Beat street port exhaust, Holley intake, A/C, 2385

84 GSL-SE, 4-port 13B, Racing Beat street port exhaust, OEM SE EGI intake, A/C, 2537

* Accessories like air add weight. For specific breakdown and extras for each year you should refer to "Illustrated MAZDA Buyers Guide" by John Matras, Motorbooks International, 1994. Excellent guide for any Mazda or RX-7 enthusiast.

An often asked question is why a GSL-SE weighs so much more than a GSL. If you actually compare two using the same scale, you'll probably find that the difference is smaller than published specs indicate. Official published weights are for the cars as shipped from Japan. All GSL-SE's were shipped with factory installed air conditioning, so this is included in published specs. All 12A cars were lumped together for weight publication except for transmission distinction. Most of these cars were shipped from Japan without air conditioning, and many without sunroof. The published weights reflect this. Most 12A cars with air conditioning had it installed either by Mazda at its US ports of entry before distribution to dealers, or by dealer technicians prior to delivery to customers.

Actual weight difference between GSL-SE and 12A models reflects in largest part whether the car has air conditioning. The larger wheels, tires and brakes make up the second largest difference. The larger engine does weigh roughly 20 lbs more, making the third largest difference. The removable roof panel and its protective cover weigh 13 lbs. The fixed portion of the roof structure to accomodate the removable panel weighs little different from the non-sunroof models in spite of the hole with panel removed.

Last Modified
2003/03/03
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