This thread is updated and corrected regularly

Please feel free to add extra information or provide corrections... Provided you have documented proof or first hand experience!
Build dates for Australian released models*.

RX7 Series 1 Build 02/79 ~ 10/80
RX7 Series 2 Build 11/80 ~ 09/83
RX7 Series 3 Build 10/83 ~ 12/85

Chassis numbers not available at this time.
* Information provided from Mazda Australia P/L.

1978: Cumulative production reaches 1 million units for rotary-engine cars.

Mazda introduces the Mazda Savanna RX-7 (RX-7).
The 300,000th Mazda imported to Australia, a new RX-7 rotary.

Production Information (world wide)
Model: 1979 SA22C######
Commonly known as Series 1
Series 1 RX7 TV Ad (USA)
Series 1 Savanna RX7 TV Ad (Japan)
Series 1 Savanna RX7 TV Ad II (Japan)
Series 1 Savanna RX7 TV Ad III (Japan)
SA2=RX7 2=1146cc 12a Rotary C=Coupe ###### =Serial/Chassis Number
March 1978 - June 1979
Chassis Numbers 500001 – 568500

Model: 1980 SA22C######
Commonly known as Series 1
SA2=RX7 2=1146cc 12a Rotary C=Coupe ###### =Serial/Chassis Number
June 1979 – September 1980
Chassis Numbers 5685001 – 650000

Series 1 Specifications (Approximate)

Engine Type 12A
Displacement 1146 cc
Power output 75kW @ 6,000rpm (approx 100hp)
Torque 144Nm @ 4,000rpm
Approx. weight 1050kg's.
Redline 7000 rpm
0-100KPH 9.5 seconds
Qtr. Mile 17.0 s@80 mph
Lat. Acc. .78 g
Top Speed (est) 195kph or 122 mph

Gear ratios and speed in gear @ 6,000rpm:

First ......... 3.674 ... 47kph
Second ...... 2.217 ... 77
Third ........ 1.432 ... 119
Fourth ....... 1.000 ... 170
Fifth ......... 0.825 ... 207 = 34.5kph per 1,000rpm

Final drive ratio (Diff): 3.9:1
Tyres: 185/70HR13 or 165HR13
Wheels: Alloy 13 x 5.5"

Capacities:

Fuel 55 litres
Coolant 9.5 litres
Engine Oil 4.2 litres or 5.2 with EOM filter change.
5 speed transmission 1.7 litres
Rear axle 1.2 litres

Recommended Lubricants (as per Haynes manual):
Engine

-10° to +50°C ...20W/50
-10° to +40°C ... 20W40
-18° to +50°C ... 10W/50
-18° to +40°C ... 10W/40
-18° to +30°C ... 10/W30

Dimensions:

Width 1675mm with side protector moulding... 1650mm without
Height 1260mm
Length 4285mm
Wheelbase 2420mm

Model: 1981
Commonly known as Series 2
Series 2 RX7 TV Ad (Aus)
Series 2 RX7 TV Ad (USA)
Series 2 RX7 TV Ad II (USA)
SA2=RX7 2=1146cc 12a Rotary C=Coupe ###### =Serial/Chassis Number

May 1981 - June 1982
Chassis Numbers 60001 – 700000
In Australia SA22C was used instead of the US Govt mandated extended VIN.JM1FB331 BO######

Model: 1983
Commonly known as Series 2
SA2=RX7 2=1146cc 12a Rotary C=Coupe ###### =Serial/Chassis Number

May 1981 - June 1982
Chassis Numbers 70001 – 800000
In Australia SA22C was used instead of the US Govt mandated extended VIN.JM1FB331 BO######

Model: 1984
Commonly known as Series 3
SA2=RX7 2=1146cc 12a Rotary C=Coupe ###### =Serial/Chassis Number

September 1983 - July 1984
Chassis Numbers 800001 – 850000
In Australia SA22C was used instead of the US Govt mandated extended VIN.JM1FB331 BO######

Model: 1985
Commonly known as Series 3
SA2=RX7 2=1146cc 12a Rotary C=Coupe ###### =Serial/Chassis Number

July 1984 - May 1985
Chassis Numbers 850001 – 899999
In Australia SA22C was used instead of the US Govt mandated extended VIN.JM1FB331 BO. The FB Prefix was also used on models released in Greece######

Sport $19,490
Delux $20,300
Limited $21,990
Finale $?????? only 150 made,unique black-outs outside of car, badge on pass door trim saying ...#/150 "last of the legends "

Specs on the S3 Sport:
5.5 x 14" steel wheels
no washers on the front bar
no electrics in the interior
No rear wipers
S1 style seats(one piece no head rests)
rear foam spoiler

These sports models were only mentioned in the standard S3 brochure, they had their own "Sports brochure" its black and white.

If anyone's got a copy post it up please.


These are some rare articles from my large road test collection, enjoy..
Take you time and read these , the S3 rx-7 was/is a great sports car!


Here is another test with the same car,however this time the rx-7 is up against some very tough competition !


Colour Chart


First Gen Competition Manual
1979 Wiring Diagram
First Gen Work Shop Manual
Interesting US First Generation Info
Nissan R31 Struts into first gen RX7
1st Gen Handling Thread
Hard to get brake parts (Mazdatrix USA)


What fits what
Series 1 - Series 2
Wheels both 110mm PCD
Front brakes/hub rotor assy
S2 (55ltr) Fuel Tank to S1 (55ltr) : Best to use sender type specified for each tank for accurate gauge readings.
Diff Centers S1 to S2
Seats S1 - S3
Dash Pads S1 - S3
Tail shaft S1 - S2


What can fit
Rear End Solid Disc Brake S2 to S1 : Requires adaptor hose*.
Brake Master Cylinder S2 to S1 : Requires new brake lines to Metric Fine, also front and rear chambers are opposed.
Clutch Master Cylinder/Slave Cylinder S2-3 to S1 : Requires adaptor hose* or whole variant change... No mix and match!
Gear Boxes S2 to S1 : Requires gear shift hole enlarged to rear.
Motor S2/3 to S1 (long port/extra 10Kw) : Consideration for oil cooler, Distributor/Ignitors.
Rear End Vented Disc Brake S3 to S1-2 : Requires S3 Tail shaft or modified end to S1/S2 shaft. Also requires adaptor hose.
Front Struts S3 to S1-2 (larger front brake rotors) : Requires adaptor hoses*
Steering Column/Shaft/Ignition Lock Housing S2 to S1 : Must be changed as a whole Assy... No mix and match!
Wheels and Bolts S1 to S2 (S2 are much shorter): No mix and match!
Wiring Loom S2 to S1 : Firewall Grommets are round on S1 vs. rectangular (longer) on S2, best to cut out S2 panels as fillers. Rear light plugs are basically the same on S1, S2 and S3.

*Series 1 uses Metric Course threads on the brake and clutch hydraulic systems where S2-3 use Metric Fine Threads. ENZED can usually supply either rubber or ADR approved Braided replacement lines same day.

What won't fit
Pedal Box S2-3 to S1
Brake Booster S2-3 to S1
Front Shock Inserts S2 to S1 (different lengths)
Wheels S1-2 (110mm PCD) to S3 (114.3mm PCD)
Rear Lights S2-3 to a S1
S1/S2 Fuel Tank from S3 as it is larger (S3 has Space Saver spare tyre)

What looks different or visually determines specific models

1978 Savanna RX7's some of which found there way to Australia and are different to a S1 by:

Savanna has chrome number plate light lamps and side repeater/indicators in front guard/s (Aus delivered has no repeaters) Savanna has 180kph on speedo Aus delivered has 210kph

Originally had wing mirrors (mirrors mounted on front guards)

Smaller front brakes

Light weight doors (No side intrusion bars)

Rear brake drums not ribbed for cooling

Credits
Thank you to the following contributors:

Jobro engine information
1980rx-7 colour chart and competition and wiring link manuals
13BEEF Savanna RX7 information
BradRX7 Savanna RX7 information & confirmation
AD RX Series RX7 information & confirmation
Nickerz Series 3 RX7 Fuel Tank information & confirmation
1980rx-7 First Generation Workshop Manual Link
baltsiotis FB Model Prefix Info Greece
Sammy BSavanna Rear Shot
R2 CoupeUS First Gen Info

here is a leaflet which shows the US S3 RX-7 with the factory 6 port EFI 13B engine.

Note, There was two types early(pre S4) EFI 6port 13B's. One for the US market (rx-7) the other for the JDM in the early/mid 80's cosmos.
These EFI 6ports 13B's had 2 injectors not like the S4 6port 13B's.These engines are rare in Australia, in the 90's there was a few around at the importers these days you won't find them. Australian importers mainly had the JDM type 6 port 13B.
The US and JAP 6ports differed by having different logos/castings on the inlet manifolds the JDM had "RE SUPER INJECTION" and the US had "RE EGI"

Mazda leaflet.




US S3 6port EFI 13B road test.

Mazda’s Street Racer – Groundwork for a 1980s race program

1716%5F002[1].pdf

4976%5F001[1].pdf


In short, this is the information contained in what appears to be the genesis of the Moffat RX7s.

Only 25 Series 1 RX7 Mirage cars were built, each wearing the distinctive sunrise red livery completed with black striping.

This is a Mazda model, not dealership add ons.

At a cost of $13,995 they were $875 less than the “regular” model!

In the interests of weight saving the air conditioning, radio/cassette player and quartz clock were deleted. Gone too was the distinctive velour interior to be replaced with austere vinyl.

The front was revised with a deep air dam. The bonnet a scoop air intake, the wheel arches were flared and at the rear a full size spoiler fitted.

7 inch wide 60 series Dunlop SP Sport steel radial tyres fitted to their Aunger ‘Hotwire’ mag wheels. The spare wheel is fitted with a Goodrich ‘Spacesaver’ tyre .

A race orientated extended gearshift lever is also fitted.

Interestingly, a prototype of the Mirage was built for Penfold Mazda in Melbourne as a one-off by Peter Arcadipane. This was based on the standard RX7 however, and in addition to the fibreglass bits, it also featured a sliding sun roof. The bonnet scope was not fitted to this car which was white with a blue “Mazda” stripe fitted along the sides.

The spoilers and flares on these 26 cars were based on the full race RX7 exhibited at the Melbourne Motor Show in 1979.

All information taken from “Motor Manual” – Christmas Special 1979.

One of the 25 Mirage RX7s was sold by Phil’s Rotaries last year. Unfortunately it had been fitted with a turbo engine but at one stage I negotiated a potential sale price less the engine for around $5000. The car retained its original livery but had been resprayed. This was the second time the car had been sold by Phils during its life.

I believe it may have been the car photographed on the front of the Motor Manual as Warren from Phils advised the car had spent its early life been sent to dealerships on promotional duties by Mazda.

Warren emailed to me confirmation from Mazda that it was one of the 25 Mirages.

Found a note I made of the details of this car.

July 79 Build
Delivered Feb 80
Sunrise Red, black stripes
Factory flares, spoiler etc
Dealer Demonstrator model
One of twenty six odd Series 1 RX7s imported to Australia “Mirage”. 980 Series 2 Models


Note this information contained in a post on this forum under Hansford RX7. This may be the white prototype as in the above pdf.
Post subject: Re: Wanted: Old Series 1 Greg Hansford Special Rx7Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 7:06 pm


Rotor Junkie


Joined: Sat Aug 10, 2002 5:43 am
Posts: 4802
Location: REACT, Canberra There did seem to be a factory demonstrator that was a group c type body kit on an s1. There was one for sale or year or two back in Geelong or similar, apparently had supporting documentation. I'd almost be interested in a s1 version as it would almost be eligible for historic rego!

'Tweety' sold one a while back with a 12aT that was apparently a Hansford special - also had the body kit and a leather interior. Was dark grey.

The problem is that some of these are not Mazda Factory things as such but local dealer 'specials' so it is sometimes hard to authenticate just what they are and if indeed they are something special.





I was also advised up to 150 Series 2 Mirages may have been built but I cannot confirm this advice.

i would be interested to see this

Thanks guys, I'll add this ASAP.

Whats the difference between the deluxe and limited s3?

Unfortunately I have deleted the email from my system. The email from Mazda confirmed that the car (VIN was provided and the car manufactured in 1979) was as specified by Phils Rotaries ie Mirage Mazda.

Warren is extremely reliable and has always provided accurate advice, service and genuine Mazda parts.

I may have falsely quoted some of the FINALE details in this thread,
1) i quoted that the build plate say #/150, it clearly only shows the build number only and NOT the total production number which is still unclear, the letter provided by ROTAME states in one sentence that 25 were made, then in the second sentence it mentions 25 were made in NSW.
was the Finale a NSW MAZDA thing?
Did Mazda make 25 for each state?

2) The positioning of the plate is now up for question. I quoted that it should be on the passenger side door trim as my FINALE's plate ( I owned No2 )was on the passenger side door trom just like the one below ,I save this pic from carsales, however ROTAME owns No8 and his plate is on the dash, now I suggested that his plate may have been moved when the doortrims were retrimed(possibly) however ROTAME recalls seeing another Finale where the plate was also on the dash?!
where these plates fitted by dealers or Mazda( I would assume mazda) if dealers whre fitting them then MAYBE each dealer had their own specifi position where they fitted the plates.


anyhow to this date i have not seen a build number higher then 16..so MAzda may have only made 25 as the letter states !!! these things are rarer then i thought !!!!!!!!!








ROTAME's FINALE plate




IF anyone has Finale info please post it up !!!!!!

here you go.

Good work mate I'll get all this added ASAP.
I hereby crown thee S3 Guru

Thanks mate. I was just trying to find out whether I had a limited s3 or a deluxe s3. I have a Limited s3, however every other s3 I've seen have had a leather wrapped steering wheel, mine is all rubber.

when the leather wears it looks shit so what people do is remove the leather(cut the stiching) and simply peel off the leather...and bingo a brand new rubber wheel.

I wonder if that's why my S1 Wheel feels like rubber, but has that stiched look/imprint

Roland,

Add this to the first post and maybe start a separate section in the first post for the FINALE model. I know the info is incomplete at the moment but we can always add to it.

Finale decal info:(THANKS TO ROTAME)

i didn't think S1 had leather wheel?

The sale brochure says it does

As well as the Mirage, there was also a "Super Deluxe" that had the air conditioning, radio/cassette player and quartz clock deleted and had the "distinctive velour interior replaced with austere vinyl". It had steel wheels and didn't have the body kit of the Mirage.

I bought a Sunrise Red one new in 1980. Price was about $11,500.

Just trying to find out both paint codes for my two tone, silver and dark grey mazda rx-7 s3.

It says R7 on the build plate, but that corresponds to the wrong colour.

Anyone know how to figure out both paint codes on the car, its in my avatar, standard paint.

It seems the S1 "Super Deluxe" is the first Sport model RX7.

The Mirage and "Super Deluxe" are two distinct manufacturer's models in the S1 range.

I have a series 3 ( interior, steering, suspension, fuel tank, seats, steering wheel, engine, rad oil cooler, brakes, brake vents etc all s3) with an SA22C700*** chassis no. Just thought i would add that in so the info in the first post might be a bit out.

Was an early build car, late 83, compliance 84 I think.