1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 14, 2012 | 10:02 PM
  #1  
sbeers's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 403
Likes: 0
From: akron ohio
question

I have a auto rx7 I hate that its auto but its pretty clean you guys think I should trade it for a 5 speed or just keep it id do the swap but I'm clueless...
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2012 | 10:54 PM
  #2  
Qingdao's Avatar
HeyHeyHey..Its the Goose
Tenured Member: 10 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,055
Likes: 214
From: Charleston
Swap the transmission...

The holes you need to put the clutch pedal in are their they just aren't popped out.

All you'd need aside from the transmission is the clutch master/slave cylinders, clutch/flywheel, a pedal, and a driveshaft (possibly I would assume they are the same length, but someone else on here probably knows)

EDIT: oh and I guess you'd need interior bits and pieces to make it look nice.
Reply
Old Nov 15, 2012 | 01:41 PM
  #3  
sbeers's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 403
Likes: 0
From: akron ohio
hmmm .its so tempt in but remove in the whole engine idk if I could do that haha but I just want 5 speed so bad I feel like a slug
Reply
Old Nov 15, 2012 | 01:43 PM
  #4  
sbeers's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 403
Likes: 0
From: akron ohio
never swapped one before is the big thing hold in me back
Reply
Old Nov 15, 2012 | 05:02 PM
  #5  
ray green's Avatar
Gone
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 11,442
Likes: 210
It kind of depends on the original condition of the car. AT RX-7s have a reputation for being in better-than-average condition because they usually haven't been driven as hard and have been well cared for.

If it's a 79 SA and in good shape, it may have some special value being all original, including the AT. Early SA's in original condition are rare and highly desirable. In that case you may be able to sell the SA for enough to buy an even nicer FB or SE with the MT.

But yeah, doing the AT to MT swap is not a project for beginners. For starters, you'll need to find those parts James is talking about, which probably means finding a donor SA - finding and purchasing the individual parts would probably be more time and expense (SA parts are much harder to come by than FB parts).

The swap and installation of all those other components is straight forward but quite a bit of work that needs to be done right, the drive train and brakes are critical systems.

Got pics of the car?
Reply
Old Nov 15, 2012 | 06:40 PM
  #6  
Qingdao's Avatar
HeyHeyHey..Its the Goose
Tenured Member: 10 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,055
Likes: 214
From: Charleston
oh... I forgot you gonna need a piolet bearring... and I've never seen an AT rotary engine, but you might have to swap the E-shaft. Although, that would be an engineering blunder to make an incompatable engine with either transmission.

It really sounds more difficult than it is. You don't even need a cherry picker... or even jacks if you have some stout 4x4s or a shovel. lol



BUT I get the razzing all the time from my buddies grandad about stuff and one of the old man's rants is how AMMAZING the automatic transmission is. What a model of efficeincy and perfect engineering AT's are. AT's work better at higher rpms (at least thats what he says). *

* The old man drove an 18 wheeler for 40 some odd years; he's got no love for a manual.
Reply
Old Nov 15, 2012 | 06:41 PM
  #7  
GB7's Avatar
GB7
Full Member
Tenured Member: 15 Years
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 215
Likes: 1
From: hoschton Ga.
if it's a rust free 79 then just send it to me. Be sure to use the correct 79-80 flywheel. Correct trans otherwise you will have to cut the trans tunnel . and manual trans mount is different
Reply
Old Nov 15, 2012 | 10:02 PM
  #8  
sbeers's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 403
Likes: 0
From: akron ohio
yeah its all stock.bought it from this dude who let it sit for a year our to which he bought from a old lady who passed. but yeah nothing after market except the tune ups. no rust at all but the paint is faid in also only 90k miles... even though it is in so good condition I can't.get it off my hands cause its auto.but hmmm I think I'm just not going to swap things just got way more complicated
Attached Thumbnails question-forumrunner_20121115_230214.jpg   question-forumrunner_20121115_230225.jpg  
Reply
Old Nov 15, 2012 | 10:04 PM
  #9  
sbeers's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 403
Likes: 0
From: akron ohio
more pictures and under the car.is clean
Attached Thumbnails question-forumrunner_20121115_230301.jpg   question-forumrunner_20121115_230308.jpg  
Reply
Old Nov 15, 2012 | 10:06 PM
  #10  
mazdaverx713b's Avatar
Have RX-7, will restore
Veteran: Army
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (91)
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 22,577
Likes: 1,273
From: Ohio
you don't need the AT e-shaft..they are the same. i did a writeup on this a couple years back..

the cutouts for the clutch master are already cut out. you just need to unbolt them. parts you need for a 5spd doner car are as follows:

-5spd trans
clutch and brake pedal assembly
-interior shift boot, inner and outer
-shift ****
-starter wiring...they are different but the current wiring can be bypassed
-starter
-correct weight flywheel
-clutch kit
-MT crossmember
-MT trans mount
-driveshaft
-clutch maser and slave cylinder
-clutch hose and hard line

off the top of my head that's what i can remember.. i'll see if i can post a link to my writeup
Reply
Old Nov 15, 2012 | 10:07 PM
  #11  
mazdaverx713b's Avatar
Have RX-7, will restore
Veteran: Army
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (91)
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 22,577
Likes: 1,273
From: Ohio
also, you are about an hour away.. if you need any help i would be happy to lend a hand. i've been restoring these cars for awhile.
Reply
Old Nov 15, 2012 | 10:09 PM
  #12  
mazdaverx713b's Avatar
Have RX-7, will restore
Veteran: Army
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (91)
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 22,577
Likes: 1,273
From: Ohio
ok, i found my writeup of sorts:

https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generati...-begun-783169/
Reply
Old Nov 15, 2012 | 10:10 PM
  #13  
sbeers's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 403
Likes: 0
From: akron ohio
yeah so much more then I would need.... sad face I'll keep it auto its not to slow but low on budget it will prob cost a but to get done...
Reply
Old Nov 15, 2012 | 10:15 PM
  #14  
mazdaverx713b's Avatar
Have RX-7, will restore
Veteran: Army
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (91)
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 22,577
Likes: 1,273
From: Ohio
i would look into buying one that has a manual trans and either keeping that one original or selling it and funding a nice 5spd 7. i wouldn't mind seeing the car some time though! looks like a nice clean example!
Reply
Old Nov 15, 2012 | 10:19 PM
  #15  
sbeers's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 403
Likes: 0
From: akron ohio
yeah man thanks for the material. I am not to sure on what to do honestly I'm tight on a budget so .... its tough. no one will trade and hasn't found no buyers I'll just prob save for a 5 speed .
Reply
Old Nov 15, 2012 | 10:20 PM
  #16  
Qingdao's Avatar
HeyHeyHey..Its the Goose
Tenured Member: 10 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,055
Likes: 214
From: Charleston
I'll take your radio in a heartbeat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't cut that sucker up!
Reply
Old Nov 15, 2012 | 10:21 PM
  #17  
sbeers's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 403
Likes: 0
From: akron ohio
haha you can have it since its my dd I'll prob take it out
Reply
Old Nov 15, 2012 | 10:22 PM
  #18  
mazdaverx713b's Avatar
Have RX-7, will restore
Veteran: Army
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (91)
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 22,577
Likes: 1,273
From: Ohio
i'd save for the 5spd. i know what you paid for the car and i think its worth at least twice what you paid. there's no way to lose on this car. i'd be happy to lend a hand in repairs if you're ever stuck on something. not many local RX-7 guys around here. i hold a could meets at my place every spring and summer. i'll shoot you a pm about that stuff.
Reply
Old Nov 15, 2012 | 10:22 PM
  #19  
mazdaverx713b's Avatar
Have RX-7, will restore
Veteran: Army
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (91)
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 22,577
Likes: 1,273
From: Ohio
yeah man, DO NOT cut the radio surround.. they are no longer available and cutting one up would be nearly a crime..
Reply
Old Nov 15, 2012 | 10:24 PM
  #20  
sbeers's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 403
Likes: 0
From: akron ohio
thanks man I'll try keep it all stock . I might get it painted here soon ... but yeah I lowered him like 500. but cool what city you from?.I'm new to the whole car thing I'm only 17 haha this is my first car. but if I save right I'll have it after income tax but thanks I all ways need help every thing I do at the moment is new to me. soon here I need new brakes mine are start in to squeal
Reply
Old Nov 15, 2012 | 10:25 PM
  #21  
sbeers's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 403
Likes: 0
From: akron ohio
oh I won't I've saved almost every thing I changed even spark plugs haha
Reply
Old Nov 15, 2012 | 10:28 PM
  #22  
sbeers's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 403
Likes: 0
From: akron ohio
yeah I'm only one I know with a seven
Reply
Old Nov 15, 2012 | 10:30 PM
  #23  
mazdaverx713b's Avatar
Have RX-7, will restore
Veteran: Army
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (91)
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 22,577
Likes: 1,273
From: Ohio
i'm in vermilion, zip 44089. there's a sign in town on the highway that says that akron is 64 miles away, lol so about an hour from you. if you need help with the brakes, bring the car by and i'll give you a hand and show you some pointers on some stuff that i've learned over the years.
Reply
Old Nov 15, 2012 | 10:37 PM
  #24  
sbeers's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 403
Likes: 0
From: akron ohio
ok cool I can drive down there mabye next week after thanks give in mabye ? yeah I have no.clue how to change them.and I hate nag in people on here for answers. but cool.not far at allI have other little things mabye you could give me some answers to.
Reply
Old Nov 15, 2012 | 10:38 PM
  #25  
sbeers's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 403
Likes: 0
From: akron ohio
I've drove the seven about 300 miles now surprisingly.good on gas haha
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:43 PM.