JDM FD3S Series 6 Type R vs Type S
Thread Starter
Full Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 100
Likes: 14
From: Chicago
JDM FD3S Series 6 Type R vs Type S
I'm considering importing a JDM FD3S Series 6 Type R vs Type S when it becomes legal next year (e.g. 1991 FD RX7 after 25 years).
Does anyone know the differences between a Series 6 Type R vs a Type S?
I realize the Type X was heavier with Bose, etc, so I'm not interested in that...
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...-fd3s-1087626/
I have found the following links, but would be happier with anything else.
Thanks!
Japanese FD Models and Specs
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...-x-z-s-279261/
Also, if anyone has any recommendations for an import shop, preferably near Chicago, I'm all ears!
Some good reviews of the following, but not near Chicago
http://www.gtr-garage.com/
http://www.japaneseclassicsllc.com/
Does anyone know the differences between a Series 6 Type R vs a Type S?
I realize the Type X was heavier with Bose, etc, so I'm not interested in that...
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...-fd3s-1087626/
I have found the following links, but would be happier with anything else.
Thanks!
Japanese FD Models and Specs
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...-x-z-s-279261/
Also, if anyone has any recommendations for an import shop, preferably near Chicago, I'm all ears!
Some good reviews of the following, but not near Chicago
http://www.gtr-garage.com/
http://www.japaneseclassicsllc.com/
Last edited by Balefire; Aug 10, 2015 at 05:40 AM.
OMG WTF
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 256
Likes: 14
From: Regina, SK
Good luck finding a 1991. There might be a few floating around, but the earliest I could find when they were available for import was a Feb. '92. Anyways, I don't think there is a Type S... Should just be a Type R, Type RZ, Type RB, and Type X, and then special models. Type RB is like the touring, and the Type X is the auto transmission. I thought this could be found in the FAQ, if not, wikipedia's information looks fairly accurate to me.
Edit: I'm not 100% sure on the RB, but when I was looking for FDs, there were pretty much only Type R and X available so I never really cared too much about it. It's only in the later years where the trim levels really made a difference.
Edit: I'm not 100% sure on the RB, but when I was looking for FDs, there were pretty much only Type R and X available so I never really cared too much about it. It's only in the later years where the trim levels really made a difference.
Last edited by L-Spec; Aug 10, 2015 at 11:12 PM.
1991-92. Good luck finding a nice one after 25 years.
There will be 3 main models to choose from which are:
Type R = R1
Type S = Base model
Type X = Touring
Type RZ exists but what's the point? 1992 RZ doesn't have big brakes and has stock wheels painted black. Recaro seats would probably be beat to hell or gone and the fancy Pirelli tires long thrown out.
There will be 3 main models to choose from which are:
Type R = R1
Type S = Base model
Type X = Touring
Type RZ exists but what's the point? 1992 RZ doesn't have big brakes and has stock wheels painted black. Recaro seats would probably be beat to hell or gone and the fancy Pirelli tires long thrown out.
10-8-10-8
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 848
Likes: 12
From: Australia
I have a Type S myself. You won't find many people on here know much about the Japanese versions as they are all about the USDM cars and don't understand right hand drive "series" talk.
FD3S-100001 to 199999, Dec1991-Aug1993, Mazda made 4 types in Japan as you may be aware: S, R, X and RZ
The Type R:
Had the suede seats, no sunroof. Had rear spoiler, front fog lights and were 4 seaters. No cruise control. No climate control, regular manual climate ***** only. Manual only. Stiffer suspension setup. Front flexible lip. Dual oil coolers and strut brace bar. Smooth interior plastic.
This was the basest of base cheapest cost option, set up to ride stiff and be the lighter weight, cheap sports option. Also the most common option in Series 6 cars.
Type S:
My car is this.
No sunroof. Could have manual or automatic trans. No airbag. No climate control, just regular controls. Smooth interior plastics. 4 seater. Suede seats. 1 oil cooler if auto, otherwise dual oil coolers if manual.
Front flexible lip, rear spoiler, front fog lights, strut brace bar. Softer suspension than R models.
The Type S is not as common to find. It is the in-between option between the sparse R model, and the luxury Type X model. Not many people went for the in-between option as a result.
Type X:
The heaviest, most luxury Japanese option.
This car has leather power seats, CD player, softest suspension of them all. Has sunroof. Has cruise control. Has airbag. Some even had weird things like rear parking sensors.. This was the pricey touring model in Japan, and with all its options, weighed the most. Was available in manual or automatic trans.
Only the S and X had the option of auto trans. (The makers codes for them were S auto 6937-051 F101 and X auto 6937-053 F106)
They selected the lightweight, sparse R model (R1 or later R2) as the base to build the racy "Bathurst R" and the RZ cars in Japan.
Type RZ:
Basically the 300 1992 RZ models made were different from regular 1992 models by mainly the carbon Recaro seats but also:
- only brilliant black paint (code PZ)
- no backseats, just storage bins.
- stiffer shocks
-Same factory 5 spoke 16 inch wheels as Type S/X/R but painted dark gunmetal
the 1992 RZ were popular enough that Mazda then periodically released more models and gradually upped the spec on them:
The 1993 RZ-2 got 17' wheels etc
and the 1994 RZ-3 got bigger wheels and brakes etc.
Hope this helps you out. I've imported many RHD JDM FDs here to Australia myself, and they are good cars. If you need any extra info, PM me and I'm happy to help
And no, just because it is an early car does not mean its been "bashed or flogged" to death.
My 1992 had only done 73,000km when I got it five and a half years ago and it is a gorgeous car, body, interior and engine wise. I could not have asked for better. And its been very reliable- in 5 years of daily driving, I've only needed to replace a failed coolant temp sensor. So don't generalize. If you pick the right car, you'll be fine. If you're crazy enough to pick a beaten car, you get what you pay for.....
Yes they made a Type S. I'm driving one...
And no, Wikipedia is not that accurate as its been partially written/overwritten by people in the US who have not seen the Japanese cars very much. If you can get in touch with Eric Eason (search this board) he also used to import RHD JDM cars to Australia, and he has the factory Japanese documentation and stats on how many were built, the packages, etc. He no longer plays with them but does remember. I learned a lot from him.
FD3S-100001 to 199999, Dec1991-Aug1993, Mazda made 4 types in Japan as you may be aware: S, R, X and RZ
The Type R:
Had the suede seats, no sunroof. Had rear spoiler, front fog lights and were 4 seaters. No cruise control. No climate control, regular manual climate ***** only. Manual only. Stiffer suspension setup. Front flexible lip. Dual oil coolers and strut brace bar. Smooth interior plastic.
This was the basest of base cheapest cost option, set up to ride stiff and be the lighter weight, cheap sports option. Also the most common option in Series 6 cars.
Type S:
My car is this.
No sunroof. Could have manual or automatic trans. No airbag. No climate control, just regular controls. Smooth interior plastics. 4 seater. Suede seats. 1 oil cooler if auto, otherwise dual oil coolers if manual.
Front flexible lip, rear spoiler, front fog lights, strut brace bar. Softer suspension than R models.
The Type S is not as common to find. It is the in-between option between the sparse R model, and the luxury Type X model. Not many people went for the in-between option as a result.
Type X:
The heaviest, most luxury Japanese option.
This car has leather power seats, CD player, softest suspension of them all. Has sunroof. Has cruise control. Has airbag. Some even had weird things like rear parking sensors.. This was the pricey touring model in Japan, and with all its options, weighed the most. Was available in manual or automatic trans.
Only the S and X had the option of auto trans. (The makers codes for them were S auto 6937-051 F101 and X auto 6937-053 F106)
They selected the lightweight, sparse R model (R1 or later R2) as the base to build the racy "Bathurst R" and the RZ cars in Japan.
Type RZ:
Basically the 300 1992 RZ models made were different from regular 1992 models by mainly the carbon Recaro seats but also:
- only brilliant black paint (code PZ)
- no backseats, just storage bins.
- stiffer shocks
-Same factory 5 spoke 16 inch wheels as Type S/X/R but painted dark gunmetal
the 1992 RZ were popular enough that Mazda then periodically released more models and gradually upped the spec on them:
The 1993 RZ-2 got 17' wheels etc
and the 1994 RZ-3 got bigger wheels and brakes etc.
Hope this helps you out. I've imported many RHD JDM FDs here to Australia myself, and they are good cars. If you need any extra info, PM me and I'm happy to help
And no, just because it is an early car does not mean its been "bashed or flogged" to death.
My 1992 had only done 73,000km when I got it five and a half years ago and it is a gorgeous car, body, interior and engine wise. I could not have asked for better. And its been very reliable- in 5 years of daily driving, I've only needed to replace a failed coolant temp sensor. So don't generalize. If you pick the right car, you'll be fine. If you're crazy enough to pick a beaten car, you get what you pay for.....
Yes they made a Type S. I'm driving one...
And no, Wikipedia is not that accurate as its been partially written/overwritten by people in the US who have not seen the Japanese cars very much. If you can get in touch with Eric Eason (search this board) he also used to import RHD JDM cars to Australia, and he has the factory Japanese documentation and stats on how many were built, the packages, etc. He no longer plays with them but does remember. I learned a lot from him.
Last edited by SA3R; Aug 11, 2015 at 12:42 AM.
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,425
Likes: 489
From: okinawa to tampa
i feel fortunate that i own a feb92 FD. according to your list my car doenst fall into any of those categories. i would say type s is the closest. when you say climate control, you mean like heat and ac?
Thread Starter
Full Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 100
Likes: 14
From: Chicago
I have a Type S myself. You won't find many people on here know much about the Japanese versions as they are all about the USDM cars and don't understand right hand drive "series" talk.
FD3S-100001 to 199999, Dec1991-Aug1993, Mazda made 4 types in Japan as you may be aware: S, R, X and RZ
The Type R:
Had the suede seats, no sunroof. Had rear spoiler, front fog lights and were 4 seaters. No cruise control. No climate control, regular manual climate ***** only. Manual only. Stiffer suspension setup. Front flexible lip. Dual oil coolers and strut brace bar. Smooth interior plastic.
This was the basest of base cheapest cost option, set up to ride stiff and be the lighter weight, cheap sports option. Also the most common option in Series 6 cars.
Type S:
My car is this.
No sunroof. Could have manual or automatic trans. No airbag. No climate control, just regular controls. Smooth interior plastics. 4 seater. Suede seats. 1 oil cooler if auto, otherwise dual oil coolers if manual.
Front flexible lip, rear spoiler, front fog lights, strut brace bar. Softer suspension than R models.
The Type S is not as common to find. It is the in-between option between the sparse R model, and the luxury Type X model. Not many people went for the in-between option as a result.
Type X:
The heaviest, most luxury Japanese option.
This car has leather power seats, CD player, softest suspension of them all. Has sunroof. Has cruise control. Has airbag. Some even had weird things like rear parking sensors.. This was the pricey touring model in Japan, and with all its options, weighed the most. Was available in manual or automatic trans.
Only the S and X had the option of auto trans. (The makers codes for them were S auto 6937-051 F101 and X auto 6937-053 F106)
They selected the lightweight, sparse R model (R1 or later R2) as the base to build the racy "Bathurst R" and the RZ cars in Japan.
Type RZ:
Basically the 300 1992 RZ models made were different from regular 1992 models by mainly the carbon Recaro seats but also:
- only brilliant black paint (code PZ)
- no backseats, just storage bins.
- stiffer shocks
-Same factory 5 spoke 16 inch wheels as Type S/X/R but painted dark gunmetal
the 1992 RZ were popular enough that Mazda then periodically released more models and gradually upped the spec on them:
The 1993 RZ-2 got 17' wheels etc
and the 1994 RZ-3 got bigger wheels and brakes etc.
Hope this helps you out. I've imported many RHD JDM FDs here to Australia myself, and they are good cars. If you need any extra info, PM me and I'm happy to help
And no, just because it is an early car does not mean its been "bashed or flogged" to death.
My 1992 had only done 73,000km when I got it five and a half years ago and it is a gorgeous car, body, interior and engine wise. I could not have asked for better. And its been very reliable- in 5 years of daily driving, I've only needed to replace a failed coolant temp sensor. So don't generalize. If you pick the right car, you'll be fine. If you're crazy enough to pick a beaten car, you get what you pay for.....
Yes they made a Type S. I'm driving one...
And no, Wikipedia is not that accurate as its been partially written/overwritten by people in the US who have not seen the Japanese cars very much. If you can get in touch with Eric Eason (search this board) he also used to import RHD JDM cars to Australia, and he has the factory Japanese documentation and stats on how many were built, the packages, etc. He no longer plays with them but does remember. I learned a lot from him.
FD3S-100001 to 199999, Dec1991-Aug1993, Mazda made 4 types in Japan as you may be aware: S, R, X and RZ
The Type R:
Had the suede seats, no sunroof. Had rear spoiler, front fog lights and were 4 seaters. No cruise control. No climate control, regular manual climate ***** only. Manual only. Stiffer suspension setup. Front flexible lip. Dual oil coolers and strut brace bar. Smooth interior plastic.
This was the basest of base cheapest cost option, set up to ride stiff and be the lighter weight, cheap sports option. Also the most common option in Series 6 cars.
Type S:
My car is this.
No sunroof. Could have manual or automatic trans. No airbag. No climate control, just regular controls. Smooth interior plastics. 4 seater. Suede seats. 1 oil cooler if auto, otherwise dual oil coolers if manual.
Front flexible lip, rear spoiler, front fog lights, strut brace bar. Softer suspension than R models.
The Type S is not as common to find. It is the in-between option between the sparse R model, and the luxury Type X model. Not many people went for the in-between option as a result.
Type X:
The heaviest, most luxury Japanese option.
This car has leather power seats, CD player, softest suspension of them all. Has sunroof. Has cruise control. Has airbag. Some even had weird things like rear parking sensors.. This was the pricey touring model in Japan, and with all its options, weighed the most. Was available in manual or automatic trans.
Only the S and X had the option of auto trans. (The makers codes for them were S auto 6937-051 F101 and X auto 6937-053 F106)
They selected the lightweight, sparse R model (R1 or later R2) as the base to build the racy "Bathurst R" and the RZ cars in Japan.
Type RZ:
Basically the 300 1992 RZ models made were different from regular 1992 models by mainly the carbon Recaro seats but also:
- only brilliant black paint (code PZ)
- no backseats, just storage bins.
- stiffer shocks
-Same factory 5 spoke 16 inch wheels as Type S/X/R but painted dark gunmetal
the 1992 RZ were popular enough that Mazda then periodically released more models and gradually upped the spec on them:
The 1993 RZ-2 got 17' wheels etc
and the 1994 RZ-3 got bigger wheels and brakes etc.
Hope this helps you out. I've imported many RHD JDM FDs here to Australia myself, and they are good cars. If you need any extra info, PM me and I'm happy to help
And no, just because it is an early car does not mean its been "bashed or flogged" to death.
My 1992 had only done 73,000km when I got it five and a half years ago and it is a gorgeous car, body, interior and engine wise. I could not have asked for better. And its been very reliable- in 5 years of daily driving, I've only needed to replace a failed coolant temp sensor. So don't generalize. If you pick the right car, you'll be fine. If you're crazy enough to pick a beaten car, you get what you pay for.....
Yes they made a Type S. I'm driving one...
And no, Wikipedia is not that accurate as its been partially written/overwritten by people in the US who have not seen the Japanese cars very much. If you can get in touch with Eric Eason (search this board) he also used to import RHD JDM cars to Australia, and he has the factory Japanese documentation and stats on how many were built, the packages, etc. He no longer plays with them but does remember. I learned a lot from him.
Full Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Medicine Hat, AB, CA
Thanks for this post. Very helpful.
And yeah, not every car from Japan is beat to hell.
Trending Topics
i got a type R with climate control...(could of been an option) 
an FD is an FD , i mean by that , that since you're going with an early models it comes with "basic stuff" . We all know the some of the upgrades Mazda did on it till 02
what i find nice about a RHD is that a lot of parts
are "up-gradable PNP" from later years (cluster hood,floor mats,passenger door handle,abs,etc,etc.)
shittiest thing will now be shipping...(probably insurance too) oh well
anyways my car is born in early Jan/91 and im proud to say that she still has the same beautiful body she had almost a 1/4 century ago
an FD is an FD , i mean by that , that since you're going with an early models it comes with "basic stuff" . We all know the some of the upgrades Mazda did on it till 02
what i find nice about a RHD is that a lot of parts
are "up-gradable PNP" from later years (cluster hood,floor mats,passenger door handle,abs,etc,etc.)
shittiest thing will now be shipping...(probably insurance too) oh well
anyways my car is born in early Jan/91 and im proud to say that she still has the same beautiful body she had almost a 1/4 century ago
I have a 91 December Type S and a Type R fd. It's going to be hard to find a 91 man... 92's are around. I have a customers one at the shop now with only 49,000km on it lol
Thread Starter
Full Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 100
Likes: 14
From: Chicago
i got a type R with climate control...(could of been an option)
an FD is an FD , i mean by that , that since you're going with an early models it comes with "basic stuff" . We all know the some of the upgrades Mazda did on it till 02
what i find nice about a RHD is that a lot of parts
are "up-gradable PNP" from later years (cluster hood,floor mats,passenger door handle,abs,etc,etc.)
shittiest thing will now be shipping...(probably insurance too) oh well
anyways my car is born in early Jan/91 and im proud to say that she still has the same beautiful body she had almost a 1/4 century ago
an FD is an FD , i mean by that , that since you're going with an early models it comes with "basic stuff" . We all know the some of the upgrades Mazda did on it till 02
what i find nice about a RHD is that a lot of parts
are "up-gradable PNP" from later years (cluster hood,floor mats,passenger door handle,abs,etc,etc.)
shittiest thing will now be shipping...(probably insurance too) oh well
anyways my car is born in early Jan/91 and im proud to say that she still has the same beautiful body she had almost a 1/4 century ago
JDM FD3S Series 6 Type R vs Type S
My FD3S is # 9XX ever build , and it was born January 6 1991....
Soooo I believe number before me from 1 to 9XX were made in 90
I had a 90 FC (Born in September 90) when I was looking at them, I was pretty impress about how an FC became an FD
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Jeff20B
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
73
Sep 16, 2018 07:16 PM
[For Sale] Scratch & Dent, Used, and Open-Box Sale!
SakeBomb Garage
Vendor Classifieds
5
Aug 9, 2018 05:54 PM