The Mazda 13B-REW is a 1,308 cc, twin-turbocharged rotary engine produced between 1991 and 2002. It features a two-rotor Wankel design with sequential turbocharging, direct fuel injection, and electronic ignition. The sequential twin-turbo system delivers strong mid-range torque for responsive everyday drivability while maintaining high-revving character.
Fitted to the Eunos Cosmo, RX-7 FD3S, and limited export models, the 13B-REW was engineered for performance driving with refined power delivery. Emissions compliance was achieved through secondary air injection and catalytic converters, allowing most models to meet Japanese 1994 emissions standards and European Euro 2 norms for their production period.
One documented concern is apex seal wear under sustained high-RPM operation, highlighted in Mazda Service Bulletin M-96-08. This issue stems from thermal stress and insufficient lubrication at the rotor housing apex seals during prolonged boost conditions. Mazda introduced revised seal materials and improved oil jetting in 1997 production, significantly reducing failure rates in later units.
Production years 1991–1996 meet Japanese 1994 emissions standards; 1997–2002 models may have Euro 2 compliance depending on market (JAMA Type Approval #JAMA/ENG/087).
The Mazda 13B-REW is a 1,308 cc twin-rotor turbocharged petrol engine engineered for high-performance sports cars (1991-2002). It combines sequential twin-turbocharging with direct fuel injection and electronic ignition to deliver high specific output and linear power delivery. Designed to meet Japanese 1994 emissions standards and Euro 2, it balances racing heritage with road usability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,308 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Twin-rotor Wankel, 24-valve equivalent | |
| Aspiration | Sequential twin-turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 95.0 mm × 92.0 mm (per rotor) | |
| Power output | 206–232 kW (280–315 PS) | |
| Torque | 320–350 Nm @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) | |
| Emissions standard | Japanese 1994; Euro 2 (market-dependent) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Sequential twin-turbo (IHI VF22/VF23) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshafts (per rotor) | |
| Oil type | Mazda Genuine Oil 5W-30 or 10W-40 | |
| Dry weight | 125 kg |
The sequential twin-turbo provides exceptional throttle response but demands strict adherence to 5,000–7,500 km oil change intervals to prevent apex seal degradation and bearing wear. Mazda Genuine 5W-30 or 10W-40 oil is critical due to its high-temperature stability protecting the rotor housings and oil jets. Extended idling and aggressive cold starts accelerate seal wear; warm-up cycles should be gradual. Turbocharger intercoolers require periodic inspection for oil contamination. Post-1997 models feature reinforced apex seals per Mazda SIB M-96-08. Fuel must meet premium octane (RON 98) to prevent detonation and pre-ignition damage.
Oil Specs: Requires Mazda Genuine Oil 5W-30 or 10W-40 (Mazda SIB M-96-08). Supersedes API SG/SH specifications.
Emissions: Japanese 1994 certification applies to all domestic-market units (JAMA Type Approval #JAMA/ENG/087). Euro 2 compliance varies by export specification.
Power Ratings: Measured under JIS D 1001 standards. 315 PS output requires RON 98+ fuel quality (Mazda TIS Doc. R-13B-REW-04).
Mazda Technical Information System (TIS): Docs R-13B-REW-01, R-13B-REW-02, R-13B-REW-03, R-13B-REW-04
JAMA Type Approval Database (JAMA/ENG/087)
JIS D 1001 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Mazda 13B-REW was used across Mazda's FD3S platform with transverse mounting and licensed exclusively to Mazda for use in rear-wheel-drive applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised intake runners for the Eunos Cosmo and enhanced cooling for the RX-7—and from 1997 the facelifted RX-7 received updated apex seals and oil jetting, creating interchange limits. No external licensing partnerships exist for this engine. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the right side of the engine block near the oil filter housing (Mazda TIS R-13B-REW-01). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('R' for 13B series). Pre-1997 models have silver valve covers with cast aluminum housings; post-1997 units feature black anodized covers with revised oil jet nozzles. Critical differentiation from 13B-RE: The -REW has twin turbochargers, dual exhaust manifolds, and a unique ECU with sequential boost control. Service parts require production date verification - turbo kits for pre-1997 engines are incompatible with later units due to oil jet redesign (Mazda SIB M-96-08).
The 13B-REW's primary reliability risk is apex seal wear leading to compression loss, with elevated incidence in high-RPM track use. Mazda internal reports from 1998 showed over 30% of vehicles exceeding 100,000 km required seal replacement, while JAMA repair data linked 45% of major engine failures to inadequate oil maintenance. Aggressive driving, extended idling, and low-octane fuel dramatically increase thermal stress on the rotor housings, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Mazda technical bulletins (1995-2002) and JAMA failure statistics (1998-2010). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MAZDA 13B-REW.
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