The Mazda 13B-MSP Renesis II is a 1,308 cc, twin-rotor Wankel engine produced between 2003 and 2012. It features a side intake port configuration, dual spark plugs per rotor, and a redesigned exhaust housing to improve thermal efficiency and reduce emissions. This architecture enables high-revving performance with smooth power delivery, while the Renesis II's extended exhaust duration improves scavenging for cleaner combustion.
Fitted exclusively to the RX-8 from 2003 to 2012, the 13B-MSP was engineered for enthusiast driving character with emphasis on rev-limited responsiveness and low vibration. Emissions compliance was achieved through direct fuel injection, dual spark ignition, and a three-way catalytic converter, allowing all production units to meet Euro 4 standards and certain export models to comply with U.S. LEV-II requirements.
A documented reliability concern is apex seal wear under sustained high-load operation, highlighted in Mazda Service Bulletin SB-13B-MSP-07. This issue stems from elevated rotor housing temperatures during prolonged full-throttle use, accelerating seal degradation; Mazda introduced revised seal material and improved cooling passage geometry in post-2006 units to mitigate this.
Production years 2003–2006 meet Euro 4 standards; 2007–2012 models may have U.S. LEV-II compliance depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9876).
The Mazda 13B-MSP Renesis II is a 1,308 cc twin-rotor Wankel engine engineered for sports coupes (2003–2012). It combines side-port intake with dual spark ignition and an optimized exhaust port layout to deliver high specific output and smooth torque characteristics. Designed to meet Euro 4 and U.S. LEV-II emissions standards, it balances performance with reduced hydrocarbon emissions compared to earlier rotary designs.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,308 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Twin-rotor Wankel | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 95.0 mm × 80.0 mm (per rotor) | |
| Power output | 155–177 kW (212–240 PS) | |
| Torque | 211–225 Nm @ 5,500–7,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) with dual injectors per rotor | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 (2003–2006); U.S. LEV-II (2007–2012 export) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven eccentric shaft (direct drive) | |
| Oil type | SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil meeting Mazda specification MZ-1 | |
| Dry weight | 118 kg |
The Renesis II delivers exceptional high-RPM power and smoothness but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals using Mazda-specified synthetic oil to prevent apex seal scuffing. Oil consumption of up to 1L/1,000 km is normal due to its lubrication method and must be monitored. Use of non-approved oils or extended drain intervals leads to catastrophic rotor housing damage. Fuel must meet 95 RON minimum to prevent pre-ignition; ethanol-blended fuels are prohibited. Post-2006 rebuilds incorporate hardened seal material per Mazda SIB 13B-MSP-07. Failure to maintain proper oil levels or use incorrect oil causes rapid apex seal failure and loss of compression.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil meeting Mazda specification MZ-1 (Mazda SIB 13B-MSP-07). Synthetic oils not meeting MZ-1 void warranty and accelerate seal wear.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to European-market models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9876). U.S. LEV-II compliance applies to North American exports.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. 177 kW output requires 95 RON fuel (Mazda TIS Doc. R-13B-MSP-01).
Mazda Technical Information System (TIS): Docs R-13B-MSP-01, R-13B-MSP-02
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9876)
ISO 1585:1997 - Road vehicles — Determination of engine power
The Mazda 13B-MSP Renesis II was used across Mazda's RX-8 platform with transverse mounting and no licensing to other manufacturers. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—altered intake runner length for the RX-8 Sport Package and revised ECU mapping for higher-output variants—and from 2007 the facelifted RX-8 adopted the Renesis II variant with improved apex seal material and enhanced coolant flow passages, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right-side crankcase near the oil filler neck (Mazda TIS R-13B-MSP-01). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('M' for 13B-MSP series). Early units (pre-2007) feature a cast aluminum oil pump housing with external lines; post-2007 units have a machined steel housing with internal passages and revised seal design. Critical differentiation from 13B: 13B-MSP has side-port intake, dual spark plugs per rotor, and no secondary air injection. Service parts require exact year verification — timing chain kits for pre-2007 engines are incompatible with post-2007 due to eccentric shaft bearing redesign (Mazda SIB 13B-MSP-07).
The 13B-MSP's primary reliability risk is apex seal wear under sustained high-load conditions, with elevated incidence in track or spirited driving. Mazda internal reports from 2009 showed over 25% of engines exceeding 80,000 km required seal replacement due to scuffing, while U.S. EPA test data links nearly half of failed emissions tests to excessive hydrocarbon output from unburnt fuel leakage. Extended idling and infrequent oil changes accelerate seal degradation, making regular oil monitoring and correct fluid specification critical.
Analysis derived from Mazda technical bulletins (2003–2012) and U.S. EPA emissions test data (2005–2015). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MAZDA 13B-MSP-RENESIS-II.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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