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Workshop Manual Specifications (13B-MSP)

Technical specifications extracted from the official Mazda RENESIS Rotary Engine Workshop Manual (Part No. 9999-95-E13B-MSP09, Ref. 1773-1U-03C, revised October 2008). These values apply to the 13B-MSP (Multi Side Port) engine as used in the RX-8.

Sources:

:::info Type A vs Type B The manual distinguishes two engine types based on VIN:

  • Type A: All VINs except those listed below
  • Type B: VINs starting with JM1FE172/174/17M/17P *9# 400001+ Type B corresponds to Series 2 (2009-2012) engines with revised oil system (6 oil injectors, higher pressure oil pump, OCV system). :::

Exploded Views Index​

DiagramSource PageDescription
Housing Disassembly I01-10 p.4Oil pan, baffle plate, water pump, thermostat
Housing Disassembly II01-10 p.6Front cover, oil pump, pulley, chain
Housing Disassembly III01-10 p.8Main engine exploded view — flywheel, rotors, housings, e-shaft
Rotor Disassembly01-10 p.12Rotor seals — apex, side, corner, oil seals, springs
Rotor Assembly01-10 p.30Rotor reassembly — seal and spring installation order
Housing Assembly I01-10 p.34Main engine reassembly — housings, rotors, e-shaft, tension bolts
Housing Assembly II01-10 p.42Oil pump, front cover, pulley reassembly
SST Tools Overview01-60 p.1All Special Service Tools with photos

1. Engine Identification​

CharacteristicStandard Power (4-port)High Power (6-port)
Engine type13B-MSP13B-MSP
Compression ratio10.0:110.0:1
Spark plugs (leading)NGK RE7C-LNGK RE7C-L
Spark plugs (trailing)NGK RE9B-TNGK RE9B-T

(Workshop Manual)

2. Side Housing Inspection (Front, Intermediate, Rear)​

Side Housing Inspection Diagram

Side Housing Inspection

2.1 Distortion​

ParameterSpecification
Maximum distortion0.04 mm (0.0016 in)

Measured at four positions using a straight edge and feeler gauge. Replace the housing if distortion exceeds 0.04 mm.

2.2 Wear (Rotor Contact Area)​

Wear TypeMaximum
Vertical wear0.10 mm (0.0039 in)
Convex oval - oil seal inner path (A)0.01 mm (0.0004 in)
Convex oval - oil seal outer path (B)0.10 mm (0.0039 in)
Oil seal stepped path wear0.02 mm (0.0008 in)

:::caution Anti-Wet Port Carefully inspect the anti-wet port on the intermediate housing — it is essential for proper engine operation. If clogged, replace the housing. :::

3. Rotor Housing Inspection​

Rotor Housing Inspection Diagram

Rotor Housing Inspection

ParameterSpecification
Maximum width difference (A vs smallest of B/C/D)0.06 mm (0.0024 in)

Width is measured at four points (A, B, C, D) using a micrometer. Point A is 20 mm from the tension bolt hole.

4. Rotor Inspection​

Rotor Inspection Diagram

Rotor Inspection

4.1 Rotor and Side Housing Clearance​

Specification
Standard clearance0.05–0.19 mm (0.0020–0.0074 in)
Minimum clearance0.05 mm (0.002 in)

Calculation: clearance = rotor housing width − maximum rotor width

tip

Move the sheet metal piece out of the way when measuring rotor housing width.

4.2 Rotor Round Protrusion​

Specification
Standard projection0.12–0.18 mm (0.0048–0.0070 in)
Minimum projection0.10 mm (0.0039 in)

Measure on both front and rear sides, at all three apexes of the rotor. Be careful not to confuse the two levels of the rotor round.

4.3 Apex Seal Groove Clearance​

Specification
Standard clearance0.042–0.101 mm (0.0017–0.0039 in)
Maximum clearance0.15 mm (0.0059 in)

Measure with a feeler gauge. If clearance exceeds 0.15 mm, replace the apex seal. If still out of spec after replacement, replace the rotor.

4.4 Corner Seal Groove Inspection​

Use SST 49 0839 165 (corner seal gauge):

  • If 1/2 or more of either end can be inserted into the groove → replace the corner seal
  • If 1/2 or more of both ends can be inserted → replace the rotor

When replacing corner seals, match the S or L inscription on the rotor.

5. Seal Specifications​

5.1 Apex Seal​

Apex Seal Inspection Diagram

Apex Seal Inspection

ParameterStandardMinimum
Apex seal height5.3 mm (0.20 in)4.3 mm (0.17 in)
Apex seal spring height5.4 mm (0.213 in)3.5 mm (0.148 in)

Always replace the apex seal spring when replacing the apex seal.

5.2 Side Seal​

When replacing with a new side seal, select from the side seal groove length rank stamped on the rotor:

Rank StampPart Number
F, G, H, IN3Z1 11 C10*
J, K, L, MN3Z2 11 C10*
N, O, P, QN3Z3 11 C10*
R, S, T, UN3Z4 11 C10*
V, W, X, YN3Z5 11 C10*

* = Revision indication (alphabetical order)

note

If a new side seal is installed, measuring the clearance is NOT recommended (to maintain appropriate clearance value).

When reusing a side seal:

  • Maximum side seal-to-corner seal clearance (sum of both ends): 0.4 mm (0.016 in)

5.3 Cut-Off Seal​

ParameterStandardMinimum
Height3.95 mm (0.1555 in)3.8 mm (0.15 in)
Spring projection—0.5 mm (0.02 in)

5.4 Side Seal Spring​

ParameterMinimum
Projection (installed)0.5 mm (0.02 in)

5.5 Corner Seal Spring​

ParameterMinimum
Projection (installed)0.5 mm (0.02 in)

5.6 Oil Seal​

ParameterMaximum
Contact width (lip)0.5 mm (0.02 in)
Circumferential lip damage width2.5 mm (0.098 in) or 10+ nicks

5.7 Oil Seal Projection (Rotor Assembly)​

ParameterSpecification
Oil seal projection (installed in rotor)0.5–0.6 mm (0.020–0.023 in)

6. Eccentric Shaft (E-Shaft) Specifications​

6.1 Runout​

Specification
Standard runout0.02 mm (0.0008 in)
Maximum runout0.06 mm (0.0024 in)

Set the main journals on V-blocks and a surface plate. Measure runout at the end of the shaft using a dial gauge.

6.2 End Play​

Specification
Standard end play0.04–0.09 mm (0.0016–0.0035 in)

Adjust using spacers of varying thickness:

MarkingDimension (mm)
A7.985
B8.005
C8.025
D8.045
E8.065
tip

If end play is not within specification even after installing an A-marked spacer, grind it and reuse.

6.3 Pulley Lockbolt Torque​

ParameterTorque
Pulley lockbolt300–340 N·m (30.6–34.6 kgf·m, 222–250 ft·lbf)
Pulley boss bolt14.2–17.2 N·m (1.45–1.75 kgf·m, 10.5–12.6 ft·lbf)

6.4 Eccentric Shaft Bypass Valve​

ParameterSpecification
Minimum projection at 60°C (140°F) oil temp6 mm (0.24 in)

7. Bearing Clearances​

7.1 Rotor Bearing Oil Clearance​

Specification
Standard clearance0.06–0.08 mm (0.0024–0.0030 in)
Maximum clearance0.10 mm (0.0039 in)

Rotor bearing oil clearance = rotor bearing inner diameter − rotor journal outer diameter.

caution

Measure the rotor journal slightly off-center, as the center section is raised and does not contact the bearing.

If clearance exceeds 0.10 mm, replace the rotor bearing. If still out of spec after replacement, replace the eccentric shaft.

7.2 Main Bearing Oil Clearance​

ConfigurationStandardMaximum
Without stopper screw0.045–0.085 mm (0.0018–0.0033 in)0.10 mm (0.0039 in)
With stopper screw0.055–0.075 mm (0.0022–0.0029 in)0.10 mm (0.0039 in)

If clearance exceeds the maximum, replace the main bearing. If still out of spec after replacement, replace the eccentric shaft.

7.3 Pilot Bearing (MT only)​

ParameterSpecification
Installation depth (bearing)11.5–12.25 mm (0.4528–0.4822 in)
Installation depth (oil seal)5.5–6.3 mm (0.217–0.248 in)

8. Oil Pump Specifications​

Type A (Series 1)​

ParameterStandardMaximum
Body clearance (outer rotor to body)0.20–0.25 mm (0.0079–0.0098 in)0.30 mm (0.0118 in)
Tip clearance (inner to outer rotor)0.03–0.12 mm (0.0012–0.0047 in)0.15 mm (0.0059 in)
Side clearance (rotor to housing)0.03–0.125 mm (0.0012–0.0049 in)0.15 mm (0.0059 in)

Type B (Series 2)​

info

The Type B oil pump is a non-serviceable precision unit. If any malfunction occurs, replace the entire oil pump assembly.

9. Critical Torque Specifications​

9.1 Housing Assembly​

FastenerTorque
Tension bolts31.4–39.2 N·m (3.21–3.99 kgf·m, 23.2–28.9 ft·lbf)
Flywheel locknut (MT)392–490 N·m (40.0–49.9 kgf·m, 290–361 ft·lbf)
Counterweight locknut (AT)392–490 N·m (40.0–49.9 kgf·m, 290–361 ft·lbf)
Oil pan drain plug (Type A)29.4–39.2 N·m (3.00–3.99 kgf·m, 21.7–28.9 ft·lbf)
Oil pan drain plug (Type B)29.4–41.2 N·m (3.00–4.20 kgf·m, 21.7–30.3 ft·lbf)
Pulley lockbolt300–340 N·m (30.6–34.6 kgf·m, 222–250 ft·lbf)

9.2 Front Cover and Oil Pump​

FastenerTorque
Front cover bolts18.6–25.5 N·m (1.90–2.60 kgf·m, 13.8–18.8 ft·lbf)
Oil pump sprocket locknut31.4–46.1 N·m (3.21–4.70 kgf·m, 23.2–34.0 ft·lbf)
Oil pump drive gear nut254–294 N·m (25.9–29.9 kgf·m, 188–216 ft·lbf)
Main bearing stopper screw3.2–4.7 N·m (33–47 kgf·cm, 29–41 in·lbf)

9.3 External Components​

FastenerTorque
Oil pan bolts (Type A)7.8–10.8 N·m (80–110 kgf·cm, 69–95.5 in·lbf)
Oil pan upper block bolts (Type B)18.6–25.5 N·m (1.9–2.6 kgf·m, 13.8–18.8 ft·lbf)
Oil pan bolts (Type B)7.8–10.8 N·m (80–110 kgf·cm, 69–95.5 in·lbf)
Thermostat housing18.6–25.5 N·m (1.90–2.60 kgf·m, 13.8–18.8 ft·lbf)
Water pump bolts18.6–25.5 N·m (1.90–2.60 kgf·m, 13.8–18.8 ft·lbf)
Oil jet plug3.9–11.7 N·m (40–119 kgf·cm, 35–103 in·lbf)
Engine hanger bolts31.4–46.1 N·m (3.21–4.70 kgf·m, 23.2–34.0 ft·lbf)

10. Oil Seal Spring Identification Colors​

During rotor assembly, oil seal springs must be installed with the correct orientation. The identification colors indicate position:

PositionFront RotorRear Rotor
Engine Front SideEngine Rear SideEngine Front SideEngine Rear Side
Inner springWhiteBlueWhiteBlue
Outer springWhite + PinkBlue + PinkWhite + PinkBlue + Pink
tip

If the identification color is not visible on reused springs: assemble with the rounded end towards the rotor side and the squared end upward. Position the rounded end within 0–15 mm of the oil seal spring rotation lock.

11. Assembly Notes and Critical Procedures​

11.1 Tension Bolt Tightening Order​

Tension Bolt Tightening Order Diagram

Tension Bolt Tightening Order

Tension bolts must be tightened in the numbered sequence shown in the workshop manual (2–3 passes):

 9  8  7
 5  4  3
10  1
18 17 15 16 14 13
11
 6  2
12
danger

Always apply engine oil to tension bolt threads. Always use new seal washers (rubber projection facing the housing side).

11.2 Front Cover Bolt Tightening Order​

Tighten in this sequence:

7  5  4  3
   1  2
6

11.3 Silicone Sealant Application​

When applying silicone sealant (oil pan, oil pan upper block, rotor housing joints):

  • Bead thickness: 2.5–6.5 mm (0.10–0.26 in)
  • Apply in a single unbroken line around the entire perimeter
  • Install parts within 5 minutes of applying sealant
  • Clean old sealant from bolts before reuse — old sealant on bolts can cause housing cracks

11.4 Eccentric Shaft End Play Measurement​

  1. Assemble spacer, needle bearing, thrust plate, balance weight, oil pump drive gear, and metering oil pump drive gear (Type A)
  2. Assemble pulley, position plate, and pulley boss
  3. Tighten pulley lockbolt to 300–340 N·m
  4. Measure end play with dial gauge: 0.04–0.09 mm

11.5 Rotor Housing Seal Rubber​

Rotor Housing Assembly Diagram

Rotor Housing Assembly

  • Apply petroleum jelly to new seal rubber
  • Outer seal rubber: white paint facing direction shown in manual
  • Inner seal rubber: joint placed between points A–B
  • Do not get oil or grease on the seal rubber

12. Special Service Tools (SST)​

SST Tools Overview Diagram

SST Tools Overview

The following Mazda SSTs are required for proper engine service:

SST ReferenceDescriptionPurpose
49 0107 680AEngine standEngine support
49 L010 1A0Engine hanger setLifting and mounting
49 J010 3A0AEngine stand hangerAlternative lifting
49 1881 055ACounterweight stopper (AT)Locking flywheel/counterweight
49 F011 101Ring gear brake (MT)Locking flywheel
49 0820 035Flywheel box wrenchFlywheel locknut
49 0839 305ACounterweight pullerCounterweight removal
49 0813 250Seal caseOrganizing seals during disassembly
49 0813 215ADowel puller / oil pump pullerDowel and pump removal
49 0813 225AOil seal removerOil seal extraction
49 0813 235Main bearing puller and installerMain bearing R&R
49 0813 240Rotor bush puller and installerRotor bearing R&R
49 0839 165Corner seal gaugeCorner seal groove inspection
49 F011 1A1Bearing installer set (MT)Pilot bearing installation
49 1285 071Needle bearing puller (MT)Pilot bearing removal
49 G030 797Handle (MT)Bearing installer handle
49 F010 401AInstallerFront oil seal installation
49 J027 001Bearing installerRear oil seal installation

:::tip Aftermarket Alternatives Many SSTs can be substituted with generic tools. See the Rebuild Guide for recommended aftermarket equivalents. :::

13. General Workshop Practices (from Section 00)​

Parts That Must Always Be Replaced​

The workshop manual mandates replacement of the following parts upon removal:

  • Oil seals
  • Gaskets
  • O-rings
  • Lock washers
  • Cotter pins
  • Nylon nuts

Torque Formula (SST + Torque Wrench)​

When using a torque wrench with an SST, recalculate:

Torque = Specified Torque × [L / (L + A)]

Where:

  • L = Length of the torque wrench
  • A = Length of the SST past the torque wrench drive

14. Fluid Capacities and Vehicle Specifications​

Specifications from the 2011 Mazda RX-8 Owner's Manual and 2010 Mazda Specification Deck (MNAO).

Fluid Capacities​

FluidCapacity
Engine oil (with filter)4.4 L (4.6 US qt, 3.9 Imp qt)
Engine oil (without filter)4.2 L (4.4 US qt, 3.7 Imp qt)
Engine coolant (MT)10.0 L (10.6 US qt, 8.8 Imp qt)
Engine coolant (AT)9.8 L (10.4 US qt, 8.6 Imp qt)
Manual transmission oil1.95 L (2.1 US qt, 1.7 Imp qt) — API GL-4, 75W-90
Automatic transmission fluid8.0 L (8.5 US qt, 7.1 Imp qt) — JWS3309 / ATF M-V
Rear differential oil1.3 L (1.4 US qt, 1.1 Imp qt) — API GL-5
Fuel tank64.0 L (16.9 US gal)
Brake fluidDOT 3
A/C refrigerantHFC-134a (R-134a)

(2011 Owner's Manual)

Spark Plugs​

PositionPart Number (Mazda)NGK EquivalentGap
Leading (lower)N3Y1 / N3H1RE7C-L1.15–1.25 mm (0.045–0.049 in)
Trailing (upper)N3Y8 / N3Y9 / N3H5RE9B-T1.15–1.25 mm (0.045–0.049 in)
tip

Replace all 4 spark plugs as a set. Do not mix leading and trailing plugs — they have different heat ranges (7 vs 9).

Vehicle Dimensions​

DimensionValue
Length4,460 mm (175.6 in)
Width1,770 mm (69.7 in)
Height1,340 mm (52.8 in)
Wheelbase2,700 mm (106.3 in)
Track (front, 18" wheels)1,500 mm (59.1 in)
Track (rear, 18" wheels)1,505 mm (59.3 in)
Track (front, 19" wheels)1,505 mm (59.3 in)
Track (rear, 19" wheels)1,510 mm (59.4 in)
Curb weight (MT)~1,350 kg (2,976 lb)
Curb weight (AT)~1,375 kg (3,031 lb)
GVWR (MT)1,732 kg (3,818 lb)
GVWR (AT)1,752 kg (3,862 lb)
Payload308 kg (680 lb)
Trunk capacity290 L (7.6 cu ft)
Cd (Sport / GT)0.29
Cd (R3)0.30

(2011 Owner's Manual, Car and Driver)

Chassis Specifications​

ComponentSpecification
Front suspensionDouble wishbone (forged aluminum arms)
Rear suspensionMulti-link (tubular arms)
Stabilizer bar (front)26.5 mm
Stabilizer bar (rear)16.0 mm
Brakes (front)12.7" (322 mm) ventilated disc
Brakes (rear)11.9" (302 mm) ventilated disc
SteeringRack and pinion, 2.9 turns lock-to-lock
Driveshaft (MT)Carbon fiber
Final drive (MT, 2004-2008)4.444 (LSD)
Final drive (MT, 2009-2011)4.777 (LSD)
Final drive (AT)4.300
Tire size (18")225/45R18 91W
Tire size (19")225/40R19 89W
Tire pressure220 kPa (32 psi) cold
Battery12V — 55 AH / 5 hr

Engine Output by Year (US Market)​

YearTransmissionPowerTorqueRedline
2004–20056MT (6-port)238 hp @ 8,500 rpm159 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm9,000 rpm
2004–20054AT (4-port)197 hp @ 7,200 rpm164 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm7,500 rpm
2006–20086MT (6-port)232 hp @ 8,500 rpm159 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm9,000 rpm
2006–20086AT (6-port)212 hp @ 7,500 rpm159 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm7,500 rpm
2009–20116MT (6-port)232 hp @ 8,500 rpm159 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm9,000 rpm
2009–20116AT (6-port)212 hp @ 7,500 rpm159 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm7,500 rpm

:::info Power Rating Change US power ratings dropped from 238 hp to 232 hp between 2004 and 2006 due to the adoption of the SAE J1349 standard for engine power measurement, not an actual loss of power. The 4-speed automatic was replaced by a 6-speed Sport AT with paddle shifters starting in 2006. :::

Note: The 2004-2005 4AT was initially rated at 197 hp but was later revised to 189 hp under the SAE J1349 standard. The 6AT (introduced 2006) uses a 6-port engine.

(Wikipedia, Car and Driver)

Gear Ratios​

GearManual (6MT)Automatic (6AT)
1st3.8153.520
2nd2.2602.045
3rd1.6361.361
4th1.2631.000
5th1.0000.756
6th0.7870.585
Reverse3.7143.714
Final drive (2004-2008)4.4444.300
Final drive (2009-2011)4.7774.300

(2010 Mazda Spec Deck)

15. Bearing and Front Cover Reference​

From Bearing & Front Cover Reference Dimensions. Critical for engine rebuilds — bearings are selected by measuring and matching to the correct color-coded size.

Stationary Bearings (Main Bearings)​

Size (mm)Part NumberColor Code
1.980NF01-10-E04Yellow
1.983NF01-10-E05Green
1.986NF01-10-E06Brown
1.988NF01-10-E22Yellow
1.989NF01-10-E07Black
1.991NF01-10-E23Green
1.992NF01-10-E08Blue
1.994NF01-10-E24Brown
1.997NF01-10-E25Black
2.000NF01-10-E26Blue

Rotor Bearings​

Size (mm)Part NumberColor Code
3 mm (−0.005 to −0.010)N3A1-11-B11Yellow
3 mm (−0.000 to −0.005)N3A2-11-B11Green
3 mm (−0.000 to +0.005)N3A1-11-B11Black

Front Cover Spacers (E-Shaft End Play)​

The spacer letter (A–E) determines e-shaft end play. Refer to Section 6.2 for the measurement procedure.

MarkingDimension (mm)
A7.985
B8.005
C8.025
D8.045
E8.065

All specifications sourced from the official Mazda RENESIS Rotary Engine Workshop Manual (1773-1U-03C, revised October 2008) and the 2011 RX-8 Owner's Manual. Always refer to the latest version of the workshop manual for your specific vehicle.

(Bearing Reference PDF)