I have searched transmission noise and it seems to be fairly common, especially in the lower gears. It also seems like the transmissions will go a long time whining without failing.
My newly purchased 83 is a bit more whiny than I want to tolerate. I am new to rx7s but not new to transmissions so I will rebuild it myself. Can bearings be had from a bearing shop or does Mazda use some oddball bearings I can get only from them for 3 times their real value?
Don

 

'83 tranny bearings are common. You should have no problem getting them from a bearing house. PM me if you run into problems.

 

I got a front bearing from a universal place once for my 2nd gen once, it was about $25 but didn't help that much, if at all. You could get a new tranny for $50 bucks from a yard. They're plentiful around here.

 

Thanks guys. That's great to hear. The local wrecker wants $150 ($100US) for a transmission, so I'll rebuild if I can.
Anything tricky I should watch out for? Funny little snap rings, hidden lock screws? shims that fall out and roll under the bench?
Don

 

I'd like to rebuild my tranny sometime, or have it done because it used to make a grinding in every gear but 4th, and a softer whirring noise in neutral with the engine running and the clutch up...

This translates into input shaft bearing and one other input shaft bearing.

While it's apart, might as well replace the brass rings on the synchros and all the seals.

I was wondering if there was a basic rebuild kit that combined all of those common wear items.

 

I paid between $18 and $72 CDN depending on the bearing when I rebuilt mine a month ago.

 

yeah, i was curious about a rebuid kit as well. i've got 2 extra trannies, and i'd like to rebuild one of them - just for the experience.