Mazda 13B, also named Mazda Wankel Engine, is a 1.3 L (1308 cc) motor, manufactured for more than 30 years and employed for many brand’s vehicles, including the celebrated sports car RX-7. Having much in common with the 12A engine and looking like its elongated modification, this one also keeps a two-rotor construction without any changes in rotors’ radius, which remained the same since the manufacture of 10A. Rotors are 80 mm (3.1 inches) thick.
Primary versions of 13B featured carbureted fuel system and single ignition system, distributor. Such motors were produced from 1974-1980 and were utilized for vehicles with AP mark. Later, 13B went with injection. In 1984, 13B-RESI motor (Rotary Engine Super Injection) kept Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system along with intake manifold with 2-level intake box, acting as turbocharger from the Helmholtz resonance. As a result, these naturally aspirated engines gained better power and torque. They reached 135 hp (101 kW) and a torque of 180 Nm (130 ft-lb).
13B-DEI motor, employed for RX-7 Gen 2, was a non-turbo version, featuring 6PI, DEI systems together with electronic fuel injection with 4 injectors. It gained 146 hp (109 kW) at 6,500 rpm and a torque of 187 Nm (138 ft-lb) at 3,500 rpm.
13B Rotary Engine Specs
| Manufacturer | Mazda |
| Production years | 1973-2003 |
| Cylinder block material | Aluminum |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Fuel system | Carburetor / Fuel injection |
| Configuration | Rotary engine |
| Number of cylinders | Two rotors |
| Displacement, cc | 1308 (79.81 cu in) |
| Type of internal combustion engine | Wankel engine, naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions |
| Compression Ratio |
9.2:1 – 1974-1978 NA engine; 9.4:1 – 1984-1988 NA engine; 9.7:1 – 1989-1992 NA engine; 8.5:1 – 13B-T 1986-1988; 9.0:1 – 13B-T 1989-1991; 9.0:1 – 13B-REW and 13B-RE. |
| Power, hp | 135-280 (101-209kW) |
| Torque, lb ft | 130-231 (180-314 Nm) |
| Engine weight | 330 lbs (150 kg) – 13B;337 lbs (153 kg) – 13B |
| Engine oil weight |
20W-50 / 10W-30 – 13B turbo rotary engine; 10w-30 / synthetic 5w-40 – 13B twin turbo rotary engine. |
| Engine Oil Capacity, liter |
4.4 – 13B and 13B-T; 3.3/3.5 – 13B twin turbo rotary engine |
| Oil change interval, mile | 7500 miles (12,000) / 7.5 months |
What Cars Have A Mazda 13B?
- Mazda RX-7
- Mazda Cosmo
- Mazda RX-4
- RX-5
- Mazda Luce
13B-T Engine
13B-T contains fuel injection with 4 injectors from 13B-DEI and a twin-scroll turbocharger. Having no variable intake and 6PI systems, it keeps intake design with 4 ports resembling one of 13B motors, released in the 1970s. Output was enhanced due to a turbocharger. It resulted in a power of 185 hp (138 kW) at 6,500 rpm and a torque of 248 Nm (183 ft-lb) at 3,500 rpm.
13B-REW Engine
Being first released in 1991 and employed for RX-7 Gen 3, 13B-REW was an absolutely restyled variation of 13B. It was the first mass-produced rotary engine, featuring twin sequential turbochargers. 13B-REW gained 2 large Hitachi HT-12 turbochargers. Two main functions of the second turbocharger were to share exhaust flow and augment acceleration of the first turbo after 4,500 rpm.
13B-RE, applied for Mazda JC Cosmo vehicles, featured Hitachi HT-15 turbocharger with 57 mm diameter along with Hitachi HT-10 of 51 mm size. The smaller one gave the boost from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. Simultaneously, the bigger one provided a boost up to 8,000 rpm. Such a combination of turbochargers prevented any delays in their work.
13B-REW featured tempered apex seals to deal with high boost and perform some other tasks. This motor kept cast-iron rotors with narrow walls, 4 spark plugs with platinum tips, free flow exhaust, modernized cooling and intake, and an improved lubrication system. Besides, more efficient control of air-fuel ratio, ignition timing, and boost pressure was provided by the new management system. The engine featured a classic air-to-air intercooler.
The primary engines of this type achieved 255 hp (190 kW) at 6,500 rpm and a torque of 293 Nm (217 ft-lb) at 5,000 rpm. In 1993, the output rose to 265 hp and in 1999, it was equal to 280 hp. In 2003, Mazda discontinued 13B-REW motors. However, they are still widely applied by tuners and racers in lots of competitions.
Applications:
- 1992–1995 Mazda RX-7, 255 hp (190 kW)
- 1996–1998 Mazda RX-7, 255 hp (190 kW)
- 1999–2002 Mazda RX-7, 280 hp (209 kW)
13B Engine Problems and Reliability
Rotary engines consume much fuel and need regular maintenance. That’s why they are not popular for daily use. Though they are applied for racing cars as power is more crucial there than lifespan. Simultaneously, if enough service is provided and high-quality fuel and oil are used, this engine can be rather durable and secure.
13B consumes much oil as it’s injected into the combustion chamber lubricating it plus increasing the lifespan of apex seals. It’s crucial to control the oil level and oil pressure. Besides, you can improve motor durability by adding oil to the gas, and lubricating the fuel. Thus, it permits to complete removal oil metering system.
Moreover, you are free to do the same with RX-7 (1989-1991) with an electronic oil metering system, giving 25% less amount of oil in comparison with models, produced between 1986 and 1988.
Moreover, it’s not advisable to allow the engine to overheat. The thermostat may stop functioning if any cooling leakage happens. Once a year or a year and a half, it’s recommended to replace the coolant and thermostat. Mazda OEM thermostat is the most preferable. Besides, you need to examine hoses and belts.
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The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. The author and publisher make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information presented. The reader is advised to consult a qualified professional, such as a mechanic or dealership, before making any decisions related to their vehicle's engine oil or maintenance.
