A bit of a silly question, actually...
07-22-09, 12:23 PM
#1
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A bit of a silly question, actually...
So, hello everyone. It's been awhile. I'm still a little new to the rotary world, so please bear with me being a tremendous moron.
I have a bit of a problem. Two, actually, they're pretty minor and probably easy to fix.
I have an 85 GSL, and I can't see out of it too well. I love the car far, far too much to let this be a determining factor, because I know people a few inches taller than me who don't have this problem so I must be on the special bus or something.
Mostly, I can't put the clutch to the floor unless I'm sitting with my nose in the steering wheel and my forehead against the windshield. Not quite literally, but it's pretty bad. If I'm at proper driving distance from the wheel, I can't depress the clutch fully. :\ Anything I can do about this, aside from sitting on a pillow, having my nose about two inches from the steering wheel and running the risk of looking really retarded? I'm about 5'4", so I'm thinking this really shouldn't be such a problem. [Also, do you *ever* get used to being that close to the ground?]
I have the same problem in the 300zx, but much worse.
[damn shame, I love those cars.]
Second weirdness.
Question being, what's it feel like to stall a rotary? Is it violent and shaky like in piston engines? I'm trying to decide if I can't effing drive [likely] or if I need to track down a vacuum leak or adjust the idle. I'm fine with either, I just need to know if I'm retarded or not.
-Jia.
I have a bit of a problem. Two, actually, they're pretty minor and probably easy to fix.
I have an 85 GSL, and I can't see out of it too well. I love the car far, far too much to let this be a determining factor, because I know people a few inches taller than me who don't have this problem so I must be on the special bus or something.
Mostly, I can't put the clutch to the floor unless I'm sitting with my nose in the steering wheel and my forehead against the windshield. Not quite literally, but it's pretty bad. If I'm at proper driving distance from the wheel, I can't depress the clutch fully. :\ Anything I can do about this, aside from sitting on a pillow, having my nose about two inches from the steering wheel and running the risk of looking really retarded? I'm about 5'4", so I'm thinking this really shouldn't be such a problem. [Also, do you *ever* get used to being that close to the ground?]
I have the same problem in the 300zx, but much worse.
[damn shame, I love those cars.]Second weirdness.
Question being, what's it feel like to stall a rotary? Is it violent and shaky like in piston engines? I'm trying to decide if I can't effing drive [likely] or if I need to track down a vacuum leak or adjust the idle. I'm fine with either, I just need to know if I'm retarded or not.
-Jia.
07-22-09, 12:43 PM
#2
Jia,
I suppose you have already tried, but maybe try some different combinations of the seat adjustment. Maybe slide the seat forward so you can reach the clutch and then adjust the tilt on the back so you are not so close to the steering wheel. You should be able to find some combination that works for you. You are about average (not short) for an American female and I know there were a lot of ladies driving 7s especially when they were new. I don't really have any other tips as I am about 6" taller, so what works for me may not work for you.
Most people on here have the opposite problem (too tall, too big) and have to fold themselves in half to get in/out of the car.
Being low to the ground is all part of the fun. I always smile when I have a passenger new to RX-7s try to get themselves out of the car.
The engine stalls are much like a piston engine. What is your idle set at (should be about 750-800 rpm)? Also, your clutch could need adjustment or you may have air in the clutch hydraulics. If the idle and clutch hydraulics are good, it might just be a matter of technique. Give it a little gas, slowly release until it starts to grab, and let off the rest of the way. We don't have much for low end torque, so it can be easier to stall the engine than in some cars. Just keep working on it. You'll get it.
Good luck.
Kent
I suppose you have already tried, but maybe try some different combinations of the seat adjustment. Maybe slide the seat forward so you can reach the clutch and then adjust the tilt on the back so you are not so close to the steering wheel. You should be able to find some combination that works for you. You are about average (not short) for an American female and I know there were a lot of ladies driving 7s especially when they were new. I don't really have any other tips as I am about 6" taller, so what works for me may not work for you.
Most people on here have the opposite problem (too tall, too big) and have to fold themselves in half to get in/out of the car.
Being low to the ground is all part of the fun.
I always smile when I have a passenger new to RX-7s try to get themselves out of the car. The engine stalls are much like a piston engine. What is your idle set at (should be about 750-800 rpm)? Also, your clutch could need adjustment or you may have air in the clutch hydraulics. If the idle and clutch hydraulics are good, it might just be a matter of technique. Give it a little gas, slowly release until it starts to grab, and let off the rest of the way. We don't have much for low end torque, so it can be easier to stall the engine than in some cars. Just keep working on it. You'll get it.
Good luck.
Kent
07-22-09, 12:54 PM
#3
there's is also a second lever near the recliner, it's a seat tilt, it helps me to have that set all the way down so my thighs don't rub against the steering wheel, i'm also a bit further away from the clutch, i'm about 5'9" so can't help you much on that. set the lumbar support comfortably also, there's a **** on the side closest to the center console that controls that.
07-22-09, 01:07 PM
#4
At 6'5, I can't help you much with how to adjust your seat, as mine sits almost all the way back at all times.
As far as stalling the car, it could be either scenario. My car idles between 500 and 750rpm, and throttle tip in is a bit wonky (need a carb rebuild, WINTER PROJECT!), so sometimes it's a pain to get away from a light in my car. Lucky for us, rotary engines have a very low stall speed, so if you feel like it's going to shut off on you, clutch, and feather the throttle, and it should come back to life. I have gotten used to doing it after DD-ing my car for the past 6000 miles.
As far as stalling the car, it could be either scenario. My car idles between 500 and 750rpm, and throttle tip in is a bit wonky (need a carb rebuild, WINTER PROJECT!), so sometimes it's a pain to get away from a light in my car. Lucky for us, rotary engines have a very low stall speed, so if you feel like it's going to shut off on you, clutch, and feather the throttle, and it should come back to life. I have gotten used to doing it after DD-ing my car for the past 6000 miles.
07-22-09, 04:13 PM
#5
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Put a spacer on the clutch pedal to make it stick out farther where you can reach it!
My son had the same problem when I was teaching him to drive the riding lawn mower. I made a simple spacer from a piece of 2x4 wood and drilled a couple of holes and bolted in to the pedal. This brought the pedal closer to him, instead of trying to bring him to the pedal.
You can get a fabrication shop to make you a nicer (and more expensive) spacer out of metal plate welded to your clutch pedal, and they can reinstall the rubber pad over it, so it will feel right. I would guess that a fab shop would charge about $100 for that.
My son had the same problem when I was teaching him to drive the riding lawn mower. I made a simple spacer from a piece of 2x4 wood and drilled a couple of holes and bolted in to the pedal. This brought the pedal closer to him, instead of trying to bring him to the pedal.
You can get a fabrication shop to make you a nicer (and more expensive) spacer out of metal plate welded to your clutch pedal, and they can reinstall the rubber pad over it, so it will feel right. I would guess that a fab shop would charge about $100 for that.
07-23-09, 01:19 AM
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I'm only 5 10 and I drive with the seat all the way back. I couldn't imagine being 6'5" in this little thing. If I brake to hard I hit my head on the roof. I also drove with the seat all the way back on my lancer also. Maybe I'm put together funny.
Does your clutch not release till its all the way to the floor? Mine only takes about 1/3 to disengage. If its not disengaged till the floor. You may need new master and slave, but I'd try bleeding it first. the way I feel where my clutch engages/ disengages is to put it in 1st and with no gas slowly let the peddle out till I see the rpm drop and feel the car start to creep forward. I don't let it all the way out. I do this it feel where it is. I've always been good with a clutch. the first time I drove an auto I didn't know how to put it in gear (it was on the column). also when ever I stop I either stomp on the floor trying to find the clutch or manage to hit the brake with my left foot braking way to hard. I'm just *** backwards all around I guess.
Does your clutch not release till its all the way to the floor? Mine only takes about 1/3 to disengage. If its not disengaged till the floor. You may need new master and slave, but I'd try bleeding it first. the way I feel where my clutch engages/ disengages is to put it in 1st and with no gas slowly let the peddle out till I see the rpm drop and feel the car start to creep forward. I don't let it all the way out. I do this it feel where it is. I've always been good with a clutch. the first time I drove an auto I didn't know how to put it in gear (it was on the column). also when ever I stop I either stomp on the floor trying to find the clutch or manage to hit the brake with my left foot braking way to hard. I'm just *** backwards all around I guess.
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07-23-09, 01:27 AM
#9
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I like the clutch spacer Idea, but here's another option. Put some spacers (i.e. washers) under the seat to lift you a little higher and tilt the seat back a little bit. but then the issue would be you may hit your knees on the steering wheel, but that would probably happen with the spacer also. you can swap to a seat with height adjustment. I know all newer Mitsubishi's have seats that raise and lower.
You will learn to love being soo low. Its like a 5 speed go cart driven on the street.
You will learn to love being soo low. Its like a 5 speed go cart driven on the street.
07-23-09, 01:32 AM
#10
Smoke moar
I sit pretty close too the roof though, maybe I don't notice
07-23-09, 07:25 AM
#11
It is funny to see someone short commenting on having issues in a FB, as Kent said its almost always the opposite, us tall lanky types trying to squeeze ourselves into them lol. I'm 6'-3" btw... But as he said you should be able to figure out some kind of comfortable seating position...
Good luck with the stalling, you might just need practice, every car is a little different, just have to get used to it...
Good luck with the stalling, you might just need practice, every car is a little different, just have to get used to it...
07-23-09, 10:15 AM
#12
Jia (love the name, btw; unique!), you might want to make sure your clutch pedal linkage is actually adjusted right. They can get out of adjustment, requiring excessive travel for full disengagement.
It's an easier job for a person of compact stature, too... space up under the dash is pretty limited for us larger folks.
Pedal adjustment procedure is in the FSM, and it's not hard; just a couple wrenches needed to adjust the length of the linkage & position of the stop.
And yes, you do get used to the seating height - - so much so that after daily-driving one for a while, sitting in a sedan feels like being in a pickup truck.
It's an easier job for a person of compact stature, too... space up under the dash is pretty limited for us larger folks.
Pedal adjustment procedure is in the FSM, and it's not hard; just a couple wrenches needed to adjust the length of the linkage & position of the stop.
And yes, you do get used to the seating height - - so much so that after daily-driving one for a while, sitting in a sedan feels like being in a pickup truck.
07-23-09, 12:04 PM
#13
i'm a poser
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I'm 6'3 and i have the seat set all the way back, and tilted down and angled back a little. on a few bumps i've almost hit my head on the sunroof. So consider yourself lucky.
my girlfriend is 5'3 and has to push the seat forward all the way. I tried teaching her how to drive it... always has clutch problems. but i always figured that was related to this being the first car she ever drove... let alone stickshift. ahh the pain she has put my car through!
the spacer sounds like a good idea, and do make sure that the clutch's hydraulics and adjustments are well within spec.
jia, jiayou. chinese for good luck / come on!
my girlfriend is 5'3 and has to push the seat forward all the way. I tried teaching her how to drive it... always has clutch problems. but i always figured that was related to this being the first car she ever drove... let alone stickshift. ahh the pain she has put my car through!
the spacer sounds like a good idea, and do make sure that the clutch's hydraulics and adjustments are well within spec.
jia, jiayou. chinese for good luck / come on!
07-23-09, 04:43 PM
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Yeah, I do have stubby legs and a longer torso, but still sit with seat all the way back. I can sit a little closer, but sitting far back keeps me from gassing too hard. I can put the peddle to the floor, I just have to push with the tip.
so back to the OP thread the clutch peddle and arm are a simple contraption. I bet someone could make you one for cheep. If I had the tools and some measurements I could do it. But I don't. just have to make a longer arm with a few bends. make a pad and a bracket for master cylinder, heat treat it..
But do the other things first before you spend money on a mod that will only band aid the problem.
so back to the OP thread
the clutch peddle and arm are a simple contraption. I bet someone could make you one for cheep. If I had the tools and some measurements I could do it. But I don't. just have to make a longer arm with a few bends. make a pad and a bracket for master cylinder, heat treat it.. But do the other things first before you spend money on a mod that will only band aid the problem.
07-23-09, 06:53 PM
#16
I'm only 5 10 and I drive with the seat all the way back. I couldn't imagine being 6'5" in this little thing. If I brake to hard I hit my head on the roof. I also drove with the seat all the way back on my lancer also. Maybe I'm put together funny.
Does your clutch not release till its all the way to the floor? Mine only takes about 1/3 to disengage. If its not disengaged till the floor. You may need new master and slave, but I'd try bleeding it first. the way I feel where my clutch engages/ disengages is to put it in 1st and with no gas slowly let the peddle out till I see the rpm drop and feel the car start to creep forward. I don't let it all the way out. I do this it feel where it is. I've always been good with a clutch. the first time I drove an auto I didn't know how to put it in gear (it was on the column). also when ever I stop I either stomp on the floor trying to find the clutch or manage to hit the brake with my left foot braking way to hard. I'm just *** backwards all around I guess.
Does your clutch not release till its all the way to the floor? Mine only takes about 1/3 to disengage. If its not disengaged till the floor. You may need new master and slave, but I'd try bleeding it first. the way I feel where my clutch engages/ disengages is to put it in 1st and with no gas slowly let the peddle out till I see the rpm drop and feel the car start to creep forward. I don't let it all the way out. I do this it feel where it is. I've always been good with a clutch. the first time I drove an auto I didn't know how to put it in gear (it was on the column). also when ever I stop I either stomp on the floor trying to find the clutch or manage to hit the brake with my left foot braking way to hard. I'm just *** backwards all around I guess.
07-24-09, 10:24 AM
#17
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
Thread Starter
Oh my~! It seems like everyone's got the opposite problem of me. Thank you, I like my name. I think I'm one of the few people that does. Also, I didn't know that jiayou meant good luck, that's kinda cool. 
To clarify, the clutch engages just fine, the car shifts just fine, [except when my dumbass stalls it. Does anyone have a stock shifter they could take a picture of so I know where the blasted gears are?] it's just when I sit far enough back not to be eating the steering wheel, I can't reach it with my feet. As in, my legs are not long enough. :|
The problem with the idling was in fact, me not knowing that the FBs have a manual choke. I did not, in fact, use the choke when I've driven it because I didn't know the car uh, had one. I talked to one of my mechanics yesterday about this yesterday.
Apparently I'm going to be the only one out of any of you who looks normal in this thing. That sort of amuses me. What's with all the really tall guys curling up eighteen ways to get into these things? Aside from the fact that the FB really is the most elegant out of all the RX-7s.
Also, I've decided when I get plates for it, they will say "SPINSTR" because, well. I'm female, and it's a rotary. XD
Here's another couple of questions. How much stuff do you think you could fit into the FB? What kind of mileage are you guys getting on average, and how do these cars stand up to extended [Florida to California] kinds of roadtrips?
To clarify, the clutch engages just fine, the car shifts just fine, [except when my dumbass stalls it. Does anyone have a stock shifter they could take a picture of so I know where the blasted gears are?] it's just when I sit far enough back not to be eating the steering wheel, I can't reach it with my feet. As in, my legs are not long enough. :|
The problem with the idling was in fact, me not knowing that the FBs have a manual choke. I did not, in fact, use the choke when I've driven it because I didn't know the car uh, had one. I talked to one of my mechanics yesterday about this yesterday.
Apparently I'm going to be the only one out of any of you who looks normal in this thing.
That sort of amuses me. What's with all the really tall guys curling up eighteen ways to get into these things? Aside from the fact that the FB really is the most elegant out of all the RX-7s. Also, I've decided when I get plates for it, they will say "SPINSTR" because, well. I'm female, and it's a rotary. XD
Here's another couple of questions. How much stuff do you think you could fit into the FB? What kind of mileage are you guys getting on average, and how do these cars stand up to extended [Florida to California] kinds of roadtrips?
07-24-09, 10:56 AM
#18
As long as they are well maintained a FB will take you anywhere you want to go with little problems. I have been getting 23mpg in mine with a combined city/highway commute. As for storage I've had plenty of stuff packed in mine, but in reality its probably not much lol
As for the shifter its the usual 5 speed pattern, left and up for 1st, right and back for reverse with the rest inbetween.
DivinDriver, couldn't agree more, after driving nothing by my FB the last few weeks I got in my Accord and felt like I was in a bus lol
As for the shifter its the usual 5 speed pattern, left and up for 1st, right and back for reverse with the rest inbetween.
DivinDriver, couldn't agree more, after driving nothing by my FB the last few weeks I got in my Accord and felt like I was in a bus lol
07-24-09, 12:58 PM
#19
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my gas milege varys day to day. sometimes its ok, sometimes it sucks. My FB was abused by the po and has had a new issue just about every week, but has always got me home. So I'd say its a pleanty reliable car.
07-24-09, 03:35 PM
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I would suggest a couple of things. The first is that an aftermarket steering wheel and seat will probably fix most of your driver control issues, provided you find a solution that meets your needs. The increased safety from a harness is worth the potential discomfort.
As far as reliability and economy go, until you drive-it-til-something-breaks it's hard to know what's going to fall apart. In our cars the weak links are the cooling and ignition system, poorly functioning water pumps, pinhole leaks in the radiatior and assorted ignition bits being out of whack are common to see on ill-maintained cars.
There's also a list of no-nos that well intentioned previous owners commit: Incorrect thermostat, bad oil, high-octane fuel (in the N/A carb'ed cars, don't flame me,) not-the-best spark plugs, etc...
A good piece of advice is to check the latter list, and wait until there's a systemic failure that needs fixed before taking it on long-distance trips. Just my two copper.
As far as reliability and economy go, until you drive-it-til-something-breaks it's hard to know what's going to fall apart. In our cars the weak links are the cooling and ignition system, poorly functioning water pumps, pinhole leaks in the radiatior and assorted ignition bits being out of whack are common to see on ill-maintained cars.
There's also a list of no-nos that well intentioned previous owners commit: Incorrect thermostat, bad oil, high-octane fuel (in the N/A carb'ed cars, don't flame me,) not-the-best spark plugs, etc...
A good piece of advice is to check the latter list, and wait until there's a systemic failure that needs fixed before taking it on long-distance trips. Just my two copper.
07-25-09, 01:09 PM
#22
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Thread Starter
My FB has been in the hands of the best shop in town for about the last 2.5 years and has been overhauled by them. The guy who technically owns it is a former [retired] Mazda rotary mechanic, so I imagine the car has been taken very good care of. I think I'm lucky in that regard.
She's got a few spots of rust. Recommendations?
[Also, many thanks to you guys for being so helpful and informative..]
She's got a few spots of rust. Recommendations?
[Also, many thanks to you guys for being so helpful and informative..]
07-25-09, 01:10 PM
#23
Banned. I got OWNED!!!
Thread Starter
07-25-09, 11:17 PM
#25
Oh my~! It seems like everyone's got the opposite problem of me. Thank you, I like my name. I think I'm one of the few people that does. Also, I didn't know that jiayou meant good luck, that's kinda cool.
To clarify, the clutch engages just fine, the car shifts just fine, [except when my dumbass stalls it. Does anyone have a stock shifter they could take a picture of so I know where the blasted gears are?] it's just when I sit far enough back not to be eating the steering wheel, I can't reach it with my feet. As in, my legs are not long enough. :|
The problem with the idling was in fact, me not knowing that the FBs have a manual choke. I did not, in fact, use the choke when I've driven it because I didn't know the car uh, had one. I talked to one of my mechanics yesterday about this yesterday.
Apparently I'm going to be the only one out of any of you who looks normal in this thing. That sort of amuses me. What's with all the really tall guys curling up eighteen ways to get into these things? Aside from the fact that the FB really is the most elegant out of all the RX-7s.
Also, I've decided when I get plates for it, they will say "SPINSTR" because, well. I'm female, and it's a rotary. XD
Here's another couple of questions. How much stuff do you think you could fit into the FB? What kind of mileage are you guys getting on average, and how do these cars stand up to extended [Florida to California] kinds of roadtrips?
To clarify, the clutch engages just fine, the car shifts just fine, [except when my dumbass stalls it. Does anyone have a stock shifter they could take a picture of so I know where the blasted gears are?] it's just when I sit far enough back not to be eating the steering wheel, I can't reach it with my feet. As in, my legs are not long enough. :|
The problem with the idling was in fact, me not knowing that the FBs have a manual choke. I did not, in fact, use the choke when I've driven it because I didn't know the car uh, had one. I talked to one of my mechanics yesterday about this yesterday.
Apparently I'm going to be the only one out of any of you who looks normal in this thing.
That sort of amuses me. What's with all the really tall guys curling up eighteen ways to get into these things? Aside from the fact that the FB really is the most elegant out of all the RX-7s. Also, I've decided when I get plates for it, they will say "SPINSTR" because, well. I'm female, and it's a rotary. XD
Here's another couple of questions. How much stuff do you think you could fit into the FB? What kind of mileage are you guys getting on average, and how do these cars stand up to extended [Florida to California] kinds of roadtrips?
I've been keeping a tally of my mileage that I've been getting this summer, and I've averaged about 20mpg. I do need a carb rebuild. I averaged 23mpg on my 1100 mile road trip last weekend (550 each way).
The FB is a very reliable car, so long as it's well taken care of. As stated above, do proper maintenance and they will run for a long time.