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Were there any package variations in Japan, maybe dealer installed?
I’ve got a very low mileage 94 Type R with black leather and Bose wave. Seems like an otherwise bone stock car wouldn’t be treated to a seat and sound system swap when you could buy the Type X. But, anything is possible!
Finally, the "99 spec" we all love. Many changes, not going into detail here.
Power increased to 280ps. ONLY ON TYPE R and TYPE RS. Other variants were 265ps for manual and 255ps for auto
Updated turbos. Type R and Type RS only
New front bumper, adjustable rear wing.
Passenger airbag added.
Cluster redesign with tachometer starting at 6 o clock. OIL PRESSURE GAUGE REPLACED WITH BOOST GAUGE
Highlight silver metallic Brilliant Black Chaste White
Innocent Blue mica Vintage Red
Type R - Hard suspension, 280ps, 16" wheels, 2 oil coolers, foglamps, strut brace
Type RB S Package, 265ps, rear spoiler
Type RB - Base model, 265ps (255ps auto), no spoiler
Version 6 - Oct 2000
ABS computer updated from 8 bit to 16 bit. Electronic Brake Distribution
Cluster faces changed to white with amber illumination.
Side impact bar added.
Steering wheel design changed to Mazda flying M logo in the horn pad and Nardi badge below
Vintage Red Sunlight silver metallic Brilliant Black Pure White Innocent Blue mica Sunburst Yellow (Type R Bathurst R only)
Titanium Grey (Spirit R only)
Type RB
Type RB S-Package
Type R
Type RS
Type RZ (6) - Similar to previous RZ models. NOT REALLY. It's the same as the Version VI Type RS but with red carbon kevlar Recaros, red interior stitching, cross-drilled brakes, no rear seats, gunmetal 17" BBS wheels and special RZ decals on the B billar. 175 units made. Although initial press releases announced 175 models, Mazda ended up making 325. Only available in Snow White Pearl Mica.
Type R Bathurst R (2001 only) - 500 units made. Same as Type R but with Showa height adjustable shocks, carbon look dash panels, lightest weight (1260kg). Available in special Sunburst Yellow
Type R Bathurst (2002 only) - same as Type R but with Showa height height adjustable shocks, lightest weight (1260kg)
Spirit R Type A - Manual, Recaros, no rear seats, gunmetal 17" BBS, larger cross-drilled brakes. Otherwise same as Type RS
Spirit R Type B - Manual, 4 seater, silver 17" BBS, larger cross-drilled brakes. Otherwise same as Type RS
Spirit R Type C - Auto, 4 seater, 255ps, silver 17" BBS, regular sized brakes. Otherwise same as Type RB
This may not be inclusive or 100% accurate. Will revisit as I can. Feel free to add to or pose any questions.
I can't edit the above post, but for the Type RS / RZ / Spirit R Type A/B it should read that the 5th gear is TALLER not shorter. This was to compensate for the shorter 4.3 diff ratio and thereby counteract poorer cruising fuel economy.
I can't edit the above post, but for the Type RS / RZ / Spirit R Type A/B it should read that the 5th gear is TALLER not shorter. This was to compensate for the shorter 4.3 diff ratio and thereby counteract poorer cruising fuel economy.
The parts catalog goes by wheel size, 17" wheel cars get the 4.3 Diff and the different 5th gear, basically like you say. Parts catalogs usually go by attribute and not by model
The parts catalog goes by wheel size, 17" wheel cars get the 4.3 Diff and the different 5th gear, basically like you say. Parts catalogs usually go by attribute and not by model
Yes and to reduce confusion this is probably the best way to think about the series 8 model designations. There are 3 basic spec levels with special editions based off them:
Base spec (255/265ps - Type RB, RB-S, Spirit R Type C)
Mid spec (280ps but 294mm brakes and 16" wheels, Type R, Type R Bathurst R, Type R Bathurst)
Top spec (280ps with 314mm brakes and 17" wheels, Type RS, RZ, Spirit R Type A and Type B)
Other features like dual oil coolers, 4.3 diff ratio, taller 5th gear come along with the basic configuration changes described above.
Yes and to reduce confusion this is probably the best way to think about the series 8 model designations. There are 3 basic spec levels with special editions based off them:
Base spec (255/265ps - Type RB, RB-S, Spirit R Type C)
Mid spec (280ps but 294mm brakes and 16" wheels, Type R, Type R Bathurst R, Type R Bathurst)
Top spec (280ps with 314mm brakes and 17" wheels, Type RS, RZ, Spirit R Type A and Type B)
Other features like dual oil coolers, 4.3 diff ratio, taller 5th gear come along with the basic configuration changes described above.
I had recently came across this and had seen it in a few posts ...
AND I HAVE WONDERED THIS ...
is it correct that the version 5 (99-00) series 8, RB's and RBS's base models have the old series 7 (version 4) engine in it and all automatics aswell ?
Can anyone confirm if in fact these are de-tuned new series 8 engines OR what is more likely they are the old series 7 ( version4 ) design to save money ie they are not fitted with the new series 8 turbos and computers etc and are thus 255/265ps the same power listed as series 7 version 4 (96-98)
riddle me this ...
AND to further my desire to know is because the v5 s8 RB's are being imported more and more out of japan and sold at true s8 prices, i dont think they are true s8s in the sense you DONT get the big bad engine, but not enough people know this. I can only speak for NZ but the last year of imported s8s have been v5 RBs...
AND i want know how much cheaper BRAND NEW was a RB compared to the next model above ?
I had recently came across this and had seen it in a few posts ...
AND I HAVE WONDERED THIS ...
is it correct that the version 5 (99-00) series 8, RB's and RBS's base models have the old series 7 (version 4) engine in it and all automatics aswell ?
Can anyone confirm if in fact these are de-tuned new series 8 engines OR what is more likely they are the old series 7 ( version4 ) design to save money ie they are not fitted with the new series 8 turbos and computers etc and are thus 255/265ps the same power listed as series 7 version 4 (96-98)
riddle me this ...
AND to further my desire to know is because the v5 s8 RB's are being imported more and more out of japan and sold at true s8 prices, i dont think they are true s8s in the sense you DONT get the big bad engine, but not enough people know this. I can only speak for NZ but the last year of imported s8s have been v5 RBs...
AND i want know how much cheaper BRAND NEW was a RB compared to the next model above ?
The difference between the power output levels is solely due to the abradable seal turbocharger and higher boost levels used in the 280ps spec models.
The engines are the same.
There wasn't really much difference between the 13B-REW in the version 4 and version 5/6 anyway. The major design change was to the metering oil system, which introduced a narrower oil check valve orifice combined with a spacer to make up the difference. New rotor housings from Mazda are the series 8 (version 5/6) style and you can only get the new style oil check valves now. All of version 4/5/6 JDM models use the same higher capacity OMP. The ECU however did change between version 4 and version 5.
In version 5, the RB spec was a fair bit cheaper new 2.898 million yen, compared to 3.778 million yen for the top spec Type RS.
There is a nice detailed summary on the model breakdown here: FD Models
Were there any package variations in Japan, maybe dealer installed?
I’ve got a very low mileage 94 Type R with black leather and Bose wave. Seems like an otherwise bone stock car wouldn’t be treated to a seat and sound system swap when you could buy the Type X. But, anything is possible!
Sorry, I am not familiar with how the Japanese dealers worked. Haven't seen any discussion on added/swapped items like we know happened here in the US. I could see the seats, but putting bose in a non bose car? Lots of panel swapping, assuming different/additional harnesses as well?
Appreciate the additional discussion, corrections, etc.
The different series are like this, from the parts catalog again. The Japanese tend to say version, and the series seems to be Australian. The series nomenclature includes ALL of the Rx7's, 1978 being an S1, etc. the Japanese seem to use the version for only the FD, so its FD version 1, etc. the FC is early/late. when you mix the two systems its confusing.
Version 1, Badged as an Efini Savanna Rx7 Vin FD3S-1xxxxx from 10/1991, like the USA 1993
Version 2, Badged as an Efini Savanna Rx7 Vin FD3S-2xxxxx from 7/1993-6/1994, like the USA 1994
Version 3, Still an Efini but just an Rx7, no Savanna, Vin FD3S-3xxxxx from 7/1994-11/1995, like the USA 1995
Version 4, an Efini up to 10/1997 and then after its just a Mazda, Rx7. Vin FD3S- 4xxxxx from 12/1995 to 11/1998, we would call this the 96-97
Version 5, Mazda Rx7. Vin FD3S-5xxxxx from 12/98-8/2000. we call this the "99"
Version 6, Mazda Rx7, Vin FD3S-6xxxxx from 9/2000 to the end.
Sorry, I am not familiar with how the Japanese dealers worked. Haven't seen any discussion on added/swapped items like we know happened here in the US. I could see the seats, but putting bose in a non bose car? Lots of panel swapping, assuming different/additional harnesses as well?
Appreciate the additional discussion, corrections, etc.
That was my thoughts as well about the Bose. It is an awesome thread, and hopefully more people can share even more info!
The different series are like this, from the parts catalog again. The Japanese tend to say version, and the series seems to be Australian. The series nomenclature includes ALL of the Rx7's, 1978 being an S1, etc. the Japanese seem to use the version for only the FD, so its FD version 1, etc. the FC is early/late. when you mix the two systems its confusing.
Yes, referring to the models by series is actually how Mazda Australia marketed these vehicles and referred to them in official publications. We got the FD through to 1998 and they were sold as Series 6 from 92-95 and Series 7 from 96-98. As the version 5 JDM model, which Australia didn't get (due to how expensive the RX-7 got and lack of demand at the time), was a major facelift model, we and Kiwis naturally referred to that as Series 8 (being the next series from Series 7). We refer to Version 6 as Series 8 as well, as it was only a minor change from Version 5. I don't think I've seen any Japanese materials refer to Version 5 and 6 collectively as Series 8, so I assume it is just an Aussie and Kiwi thing.
Yes, referring to the models by series is actually how Mazda Australia marketed these vehicles and referred to them in official publications. We got the FD through to 1998 and they were sold as Series 6 from 92-95 and Series 7 from 96-98. As the version 5 JDM model, which Australia didn't get (due to how expensive the RX-7 got and lack of demand at the time), was a major facelift model, we and Kiwis naturally referred to that as Series 8 (being the next series from Series 7). We refer to Version 6 as Series 8 as well, as it was only a minor change from Version 5. I don't think I've seen any Japanese materials refer to Version 5 and 6 collectively as Series 8, so I assume it is just an Aussie and Kiwi thing.
Interesting, i didn't know that it was Mazda Australia, no wonder we've all adopted it, it does work (the Series 1-8)
Version 5 and 6 have a different Vin, and a different catalog, but i think the difference is mostly the special editions that got added. its sometimes a surprisingly minor thing can be changed and it gets a new series and catalog.
i won't bore you with details like which ones, but it actually still works the same today.
the ND Mx-5 is on Version 4, with a the 2021 due in ~2 weeks, we will see if its still Version 4. the fun quirk with those is that the 2019's were Version 3, but the 2019 30th Anniversary (the orange one, its a great color) was a 2019 but Version 4.
yep, the US Catalog numbers are AUFAxx instead of AJFAxx. so the catalog number tells you the Market and Chassis
i built ca catalog of the catalogs so i know what i'm looking up, for example AUFA07 is the 2004-2008 Rx8, there is no need to look up a 2004 and a 2008 separate, they are in the same catalog
The difference between the power output levels is solely due to the abradable seal turbocharger and higher boost levels used in the 280ps spec models.
The engines are the same.
There wasn't really much difference between the 13B-REW in the version 4 and version 5/6 anyway. The major design change was to the metering oil system, which introduced a narrower oil check valve orifice combined with a spacer to make up the difference. New rotor housings from Mazda are the series 8 (version 5/6) style and you can only get the new style oil check valves now. All of version 4/5/6 JDM models use the same higher capacity OMP. The ECU however did change between version 4 and version 5.
In version 5, the RB spec was a fair bit cheaper new 2.898 million yen, compared to 3.778 million yen for the top spec Type RS.
There is a nice detailed summary on the model breakdown here: FD Models
Nice, yes you’re right.
However it still leaves some mystery on the true specifics of the Ver 5 (and maybe 6) RB engines. They don’t have the 280hp tune or turbos so they WILL have a different 265hp tune in their ECU, correct ?
So I’m wondering if anyone’s seen the computers and or if they have the s7 plugs and the series 8 RBs just have the S7 engine computer and tune.
Also on a further note if you’ve ever owned or sat in a v5 then v6 you’ll notice the v6 are much nicer aesthetically with the white dash and Mazda badges steering wheel. If you sat back in a v5 after a v6 you’d think it was the economic model Rx7 .
also the v6 had a reflashed ABS module which I think is nice touch for a daily driven FD.
You’d think aswell with the rising prices of FDs and its merge into the classic car realm that RBs would be valued less. I guess it will happen in time much like the muscle cars.
However it still leaves some mystery on the true specifics of the Ver 5 (and maybe 6) RB engines. They don’t have the 280hp tune or turbos so they WILL have a different 265hp tune in their ECU, correct ?
True - but that doesn't say anything about the engine itself.
What I can confirm is that there are different part numbers for the short engine block for manual and auto engines. When you look at the parts catalogues you see that the engine seal kit, rotors, housings and plates are identical between manual and auto EXCEPT there are different part numbers for the rear plate, eccentric shaft, balance weight and flywheel vs rear counterweight. These changes are all solely due to the differing transmissions, eg the e-shaft has a different part for manual because it has a needle bearing and seal included - the shaft itself is identical. I think you can infer from this that the engines are identical in terms of strength/power output and the different part numbers for the short engine is due to the fact they come packaged with flywheel/rear counterweight to suit the different transmissions.
The quoted power difference from the factory is due to the different turbos, different tune and different exhaust (the 280ps versions got a different muffler for example).
Also on a further note if you’ve ever owned or sat in a v5 then v6 you’ll notice the v6 are much nicer aesthetically with the white dash and Mazda badges steering wheel. If you sat back in a v5 after a v6 you’d think it was the economic model Rx7 .
also the v6 had a reflashed ABS module which I think is nice touch for a daily driven FD.
Agree! There were quite a few changes to the braking in the version 6. There was the upgrade from 8bit to 16bit ABS module but also (as noted in one of my posts above) the introduction of electronic brakeforce distribution.
So. Is there an Australian (English) version of the JDM RHD catalogues? Or ones for UK RHD cars?
No - 99 onwards were JDM only and have Japanese parts manuals and service manuals. We have parts manuals for our Australian delivered cars (series 6 and series 7, 1993-1998) but not anything after. Google Translate does a decent job but it requires some interpretation and model knowledge (eg Type RS specific parts might be written "Bill Shin Tain Damper, Spirit R Nozoku" or "17 inch wheel, Spirit R Nozoku" which I gather roughly says "Bilstein damper, excluding Spirit R" or "17 inch wheel excluding Spirit R.).
No - 99 onwards were JDM only and have Japanese parts manuals and service manuals. We have parts manuals for our Australian delivered cars (series 6 and series 7, 1993-1998) but not anything after. Google Translate does a decent job but it requires some interpretation and model knowledge (eg Type RS specific parts might be written "Bill Shin Tain Damper, Spirit R Nozoku" or "17 inch wheel, Spirit R Nozoku" which I gather roughly says "Bilstein damper, excluding Spirit R" or "17 inch wheel excluding Spirit R.).
I guess that is partially what I am looking for: An Englsih (Australian) RHD manual /parts list for series 6 and 7 is a good start. Also helpful for comparing parts numbers etc. for LHD/RHD convertibility.
So. Is there an Australian (English) version of the JDM RHD catalogues? Or ones for UK RHD cars?
as Kypreo says the Japanese catalogs are in Japanese. i've never seen a UK catalog, presumably there is one, but it would only be for 93-94. the EU catalogs (remember Europe is LHD) are AEFA03 for 92-93 and AEFA05 for 95
actually i say Europe, because its on the Europe tab, but the catalog is in English, and its a LHD car, so i don't know where that would be, Sweden/Denmark the Netherlands? they all speak English.
I assume that at the same time USDM were being exported to the US, Australia market RHD were being exported to Australia. Did Australia get English version manuals/parts catalogues for Series 6 Australia RHD?
Ironically, a good deal of the language in the Japanese parts manuals is actually English words written in Katakana. So the translating programs are, in many cases, translating English to English.
10-08-20, 09:56 AM
