wecycle

Anyone know of a source for a shift kit for the 3 speed first gen RX-7 automatic trans?

woodonastick

iTrader: (1)

wats a shift kit?

Rx-7Doctor

iTrader: (13)

It is a kit that is designed to change how the A/T shifts.

It can change the shift points under full throttle, how hard it shifts,etc.....



wecycle, have never done research on this for our cars. You might want to try products made by B&M. They were the pioneers of shift kits.

85rotarypower

There probably isn't one made for the 1st gen auto as they are actually kinda rare. I've seen enough of the autos, but they are outnumbered by the 5 speed manuals by probably 100 to 1, most likely more. Search B&M, if any company will have one its them.

It is possible to modify parts of your stock tranny to essentialy make your own shift kit. It will take a LOT of reading in the FSM and other manuals, but possible. It involves drilling out specific holes larger in the valve plate and getting stiffer springs for certain sections. Here is how to do it on a Ford 4T60 RWD tranny from the MN12 Thunderbird and Cougar. You'll obviously have to drill out different holes to different sizes, but with a little research I think it would be possible.

jonjonwells

85 RP is correct. There is NO shift kit available for either the 3 or 4 speed autos. I checked into having a transmission shop do the mods to the stock and it was going to be around $1500. Just not worth it IMO. The only thing that I found I could do is have the torque converter rebuilt with a higher stall speed. The shop would do that for $150. But hey, it's your money...........

wecycle

Looks like there is stuff available from Austrailia.

info@automatictransmission.com.au

This is the reply I received from Wholesale automatics

Hi it's Rodney here from Wholesale Automatics

Valve Body Options:

1/ Heavy Duty Stage 2 Valve Body Complete $595 Aus = Approx $476 U.S.

2/ Heavy Duty Full Manual Valve Body Complete $795 Aus = Approx $636 U.S.

3/ Transbrake Full Manual Valve Body $985 Aus = Approx $788 U.S.

Other Options:

Billet Servo $125 Aus = Approx $100 U.S

Cast Aluminium Sump $345 Aus = Approx $276 U.S.

Vasco Billet Input Shaft $485 Aus = Approx $388 U.S.

In the case of both the billet servo and the valve body you would have to send your servo and valve body over for us to do.

Return freight via TNT Air Express is $179 Aus = Approx $143 U.S.

Hope this helps.
Kind Regards
Rodney
Wholesale Automatic Transmissions
factory 1/58 Barry St
Bayswater
Victoria 3153
Phone: 011-613-97628004 Direct phone number from the United States
Fax: 011-613-97628108

----- Original Message -----

From: Dennis & Sherry
To: info@automatictransmission.com.au
Sent: Saturday, March 24, 2007 1:54 AM
Subject: Jatco 3N71B

I am looking for a shift kit for the Jatco 3N71B as installed in my 1979 Mazda RX-7.
Can you send me details and prices on what is available for this transmission?
Thank You
Dennis L. Cote
Delhi, California, USA

Jeff20B

iTrader: (13)

Dave Atkins once had a shift kit for a '76 Cosmo Jatco tranny. This was a few years ago when I called. Now I have a 5 speed for the Cosmo and the other parts to convert it to manual so no need for a shift kit. Maybe the Cosmo kit is compatible with the later autos?

wecycle

Jeff 20B
do you have any idea where he bought the trans kit?
Dennis

Jeff20B

iTrader: (13)

No, I'm a frayed knot. From memory, he said he'd sell it to me for $200 and it was a B&M kit. Try calling up Atkins because it's such a useful kit it may still be there.

skrewloose78

its a good possibility that it will.

another thing you can try is look up shift kits for 2nd,3rd gen and rx8's. a 2nd gen auto tranny shouldnt be that hard to swap and the other may fit and work.


edit: just so you know you have to modify the driveshaft,the crossmember mount, maybe the shift cable and connections.
i have a 2nd gen auto parts car here so ill check and take pics of the tranny.

Bigmotoxer

Wecycle, good find, wish 1st gens were as popular in the USA. I was about to swap to a 5-speed(I have an option of bolting in a 13b 5speed or a 12a 5speed to my 12a, I know the gearing's a little different, not sure which to use) BUT if I could find a stall-converter, shift-kit, and maybe a bang shifter(I know B&M makes those for other cars, Hurst would be another company too) I'd probably keep the auto. It sucks off the line(that's where the stall helps) BUT it is way more fun to drive on back-roads at fast, winding speeds(IF your kick-down is adjusted right)when you need both hands on the wheel. And then build another 7 w/a 5speed, dang this stuff is addicting I just realized I'm gonna build another car, tehe.