1980 Tranny
 

Guys, while I have the engine and tranny out of the car, is there anything that can be checked? How much would the usual shop charge to go through and check and replace seals and gaskets... How much if synchros need replacing? Is replacing the seals and gaskets an easy task?

Also, there are 3 electric sensors on the transmission and 1 for the speedo... What are the three electric sensors for? May be a temp warning light sensor and the other 2??

Also, while out, I'm going to replace the clutch. Any recommendations? Not looking for a triple carbon Kevlar ceramic composite with quad core springs or anything... Just a nice reliable streetable unit. I like to drive my cars a bit hard but not looking to break the bank either. Saw an Exedy set for $120. Is this a good one?

Thanks for the help!

The three electric swiches (having 3 indicates a California-model trans) are:
Reverse Gear switch (controls back-up lights)
Top-Gear Switch (4th gear switch)
Overdrive Switch (5th gear switch)

The last two interconnect with the ECU and ignition for emission purposes.

The speedo drive isn't electrical; it's a reduction-gear that drives a rotating cable.

i've heard good things about Exedy, but have never used one. i've been using ACT since about 2001 now. i am eager to try an Exedy though.

i've only ever changed the front seal on a tranny and it was easy. if you happen to need the tranny opened (you mentioned synchros), then that's a whole different ball of wax. it appears (from what i've seen) to be special-tool- and very labor- intensive, so expect to pay for that.

Thanks for the info...
Divin' so since all my emissions are removed, can I remove the 2 gear switches without any effect? I would love to cut up the harness to make it simpler. Is this the same for all the carburetor solenoid wires?

Diabolical, yeah, I was expecting that about a rebuild. Transmissions are a different beast. Just wondering about it. I would hate to pull it out and put it back in only to find out something is bad!

I use the 2 gear switches to turn off my electric fans when in 4th or 5th gear.

Nice thanks.

brilliant idea tim. do they come back on for a split sec from 4th to 5th?

I expect dirt would get in the tranny if you remove them.

Oh, didn't mean physically remove.. Just not plug in. Thanks

You can likely replace most of the external seals (and should!) yourself:
-rear
-speedo (there are 2)
-shifter (there are 3 rubber boots, but I think at least one of these is discontinued)
-might be worth the $15 or so and replace the shifter-lever bits under the shift lever while you are at it. I think Mazda actually calls it a shift-kit.
-I would recommend replacement the FRONT Tx seal too, but this is NLA for SA gearboxes now. Its actually a metal component WITH seals. you see it as the unit the shaft comes thru to the clutch. It is bolted to the rear of the bell housing area.
-you might want to at least have a spare pilot bearing around for the install, as these can sometimes be damaged if you get careless sliding the tranny shaft into the back of the engine.

As to an actual rebuild, unless you actually know you have damaged syncros or whatever, I would leave it alone. I would be surprised if any Mazda dealership would touch an SA tranny beyond simple seal replacements (and you prob wouldn't want them too anyway…)
There is a company that sells the rebuild kits:

Mazda Built 4 and 5 speed manual transmission parts, and overhaul kits - Drivetrain

Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

I don't think so but have never confirmed.

7aull, that was exactly what I was looking for. Thanks

So assuming I buy a trans seal kit, I saw one at AutoZone for $20+. Is it easy to replace the front and rear housing gaskets? Once opened up, stuff is not just going to fall apart is it? Anyone have pics?
Thanks

So can anyone that has replaced the seals and gaskets help?
Thanks

Nothing should come tumbling out. Take a look the FSM for the details on how to do this, its not
hard. FSM available online at Foxed.ca - Mazda RX-7 Manuals.