The Rotary Pickup (REPU) Info Thread

[Whizbang]

Base specifications of the Rotary Engine Pick Up (REPU)

***Special thanks to Jeff20B for information in this section***

The Mazda Rotary Engined Pickup was a unique vehicle sold in the US market only. Based on the B-series, it cut against the grain in the mini truck market of the 1970's offering buyers a special blend of style and performance. From its first appearance in 1974 to its demise in 1977 around 15,000 where produced.

1974 / 1975

General info here

Specifications

Wheelbase: 104.0 inches
Length: 173.0 inches
Width: 67.0 inches
Height: 61.0 inches
Ride Height: 8.0 inches
Usable Bed Space: 37.7 Cu. Ft.
Track: Front 57.0 / Rear 56.0
Curb Weight: 2,865 lbs
Payload Rating: 1400lbs

*A vacuum assisted, 10.1 in front disc with 10.2 x 1.75 rear drum, braking system.
*Standard wheels where made in steel sized to 5.5Jx14

*Steering system was reciprocating ball possessing a 4.5 turn lock to lock, an overall ratio of 17.6:1 and a 38 foot turning circle.

*EPA estimates of this time are less than credible, but tests say around 20 Mpg freeway.
*20.4 Gallon Gas Tank

*The engine was carbureted with a 4 barrel Hitachi, 13B four port engine with a 9.2:1 compression ratio. Rated at 110 HP @ 6000 and 117 ft/lbs @ 3500.

*There were two transmission choices available, a four speed manual and a three speed automatic.

Manual gearing was as follows:

For 1974
1st: 3.683
2nd: 2.263
3rd: 1.397
4th: 1.000
For 1975
1st: 3.683
2nd: 2.263
3rd: 1.397
4th: 1.000
*The 1974 REPU had a final drive of 4.625 for the manual transmissions and 4.33 for the automatics.

*The 1975 REPU had a final drive of 4.33 for the manual transmissions and 4.11 for the automatics.


1976

For 1976, a few modest changes were made, most notedly the offering of the 5 speed transmission.

*There were two transmission choices available, a five speed manual and a three speed automatic.

Manual gearing for 1976 was as follows:
1st: 3.683
2nd: 2.263
3rd: 1.397
4th: 1.000
5th: 0.862

*The 1976 REPU had a final drive of 4.11 for the manual transmission and 3.91 for the automatic.


1977

For 1977, Mazda elected to use the larger cab design yielding about 4 inches more leg room. This was to be the last year of the Mazda REPU.

Specifications

Wheelbase: 104.0 inches ?????????????? new dimensions????
Length: 173.0 inches
Width: 67.0 inches
Height: 61.0 inches
Ride Height: 8.0 inches
Usable Bed Space: 37.7 Cu. Ft.
Track: Front 57.0 / Rear 56.0
Curb Weight: 2,865 lbs
Payload Rating: 1400lbs

*There were two transmission choices available, a five speed manual and a three speed automatic.

Manual gearing for 1977 was as follow:
1st: 3.683
2nd: 2.263
3rd: 1.397
4th: 1.000
5th: 0862

*The 1977 REPU had a final drive of 3.91 for both automatic and manual transmissions.

[Rotarydave]

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if anyone has ideas for these threads please PM the info to either one of us so that we can add/edit the info thread and keep the thread as uncongested as possible

Thank you

[89 black Met Turbo2]

Hi so A guy i know has one , doesnt really know how special his truck is, he still hasnt given me a price, I really want it. but dont know if they are worth alot ? since theres not many out there to compare, are they worth alot restored ? $10,000 ? $15,000 $30,000 or just like $2,000 since you can buy a bunch of late 1990s early 2000 trucks for cheap and are more user friendly ? please any input will help, i want it and want to put a nice newer 13B turbo and have lots of street fun. I am adding a photo album after posting this post!

[Whizbang]

im sure a 100 percent original one will carry more value, but the market is somewhat of a niche and so its hard to guess. I see them in various condition here idaho from 500 to 2000 dollars quite often. I could not imagine they would go for anything near 10,000 unless it was some show room condition survivor.

[89 black Met Turbo2]

true that ! just found out $950 buys this one, I want it. but over heard some people at the Mazda Fest claiming some people sold some totally done up ones at some show for $10K to $15 K , gives me hopes to put some work into it and if some day I need to sell it I can get some of my $ $ $ back. good paint Jobs aint cheap now days! well will see ! if I pick this one up! not too many left specially for the first year 1974 .

[GySgtFrank]

Sounds like a really good buy. You most likely will never get your money back out of a car build. How much you can sell for depends on finding the right buyer. The REPU is not well known, but it is well loved by those of us that do know about them. I had a 75 yellow w/black stripes truck a long time ago. I loved that truck, but like an idiot, I sold it. I kick myself regularly.

[GoopyPerformance]

Good post...lets keep the Rotary truck alive.

[91GSL-SE]

I have one for sale. $900 in Oregon.
Message me for details.

[Usacapoc]

I read the info on the rotary engine trucks. I owned the three speed automatic of the 1977 rotary pickup and moved on to a 1979 RX7 and then a 1985 RX7 GSL. We still have my dad's 1977 rotary pickup. We are looking at selling it, the transmission has been changed from the 5 speed to 4 speed manual (local mechanic stated he couldnt find the five speed transmission). There are a large number of extra parts with this vehicle which includes a hard find front logo for the pick up, a radiator and things of that nature. I really like the rotary engine and on my fourth one now, a 2008 40th anniversary RX8. If you know anyone that may be interested in this pick up please contact me. Thanks,

[djmtsu]

We are looking at selling it, the transmission has been changed from the 5 speed to 4 speed manual (local mechanic stated he couldnt find the five speed transmission). There are a large number of extra parts with this vehicle which includes a hard find front logo for the pick up, a radiator and things of that nature. I really like the rotary engine and on my fourth one now, a 2008 40th anniversary RX8. If you know anyone that may be interested in this pick up please contact me. Thanks,

If this is the case, you should post a classified in the Old School section. Also, put contact info, pics and of course LOCATION!!!

Thanks!