Hmmm - had an appointment to have the gearbox in my '79 removed and rebuilt (it is bad) by Neptune but they just indicated that they don't work on early RX7's anymore?

They were my go-to on this, so looking for other ideas now.

Mazdatrix has suggest a later gearbox that will bolt up but it will move my gearshift lever back and I don't want to hack my SA interior.

Any ideas to pass along?

 

There are writeups here on shortening the shifter linkage by cutting the linkage and drilling a hole (IIRC). I've got a 85 SE transmission Im going to modify for my REPU over the winter months.

 

Get a used box and swap it in.

 

What should a known to be good gearbox sell for? Is there a place that rebuilds these that you guys could turn me on to?

Thanks!

 

Doesn't an NA miata box work?

 

Bump for a noob needing some help please :-)

 

'79-80 boxes will bolt in. So will RX-3/4 but those are rarer.

A super late '80 box can have its tailhousing swapped onto FB. The difference is the shift rod is in a different place SA vs. FB, and so the shift fingers are different. The fingers attach with bolts on 79-early 80 and with roll pins on late 80-up, so you need the late '80 box so you can use the FB/FC fingers... or the reverse, you need the late '80 fingers/tailhousing to use on an FB/FC box.

 

The best solution depends on how mechanically inclined you are. If you have a place to work, access to some precision measuring devices and some patience you can rebuild it yourself. I believe rebuild kits are available online. Seems like the company is driveline.com maybe? There are some write-ups on here that can help and there is information in the manual, and an additional mazda manual just on the transmission with step by step guidance. I am not a mechanic, but I was able to do mine and it works fine, doesn't even whine!!

Or if that is not for you may be able to still find one from junkyards for about $250.00 - $350.00 that would be warrantied. The problem with that is you may have to go through more than one to find a good one. You could also try a WTB add on the forum classified, the guys on here would have a better idea of the condition of the trans, so you may have a better chance of getting a good one first time out. Keep in mine that these cars a so old that good ones are rare.

Or just search for transmission shops in your area, there is nothing unique about these units, any shop that does manual trans rebuild should be able to do it.

 

Thanks for the responses guys.

I've never rebuilt a transmission, but I suppose since it needs to come out anyway I could pull it and then find a shop or give it a go.

Mazdatrix has a later box ready for me, which I'd use if not for the shift issue.

Sound right?

 

I wouldn't swap in a later box. Stay with an SA trans. If you weren't in California, I'd help you out. I have a 4pd and a 5spd transmission ready to go at the house.

I would go on craigslist and look for RX-7 parts in your area. Post a want to buy ad here on the forum. Post one in your regional classifieds section as well.

 

I found a whole SA, box supposedly good but car doesn't run, for $600.

Don't really have space unfortunately.

 

You may not end up needing it, but just in case, here is a link to the parts source for rebuild kits:

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

 

Thanks!

 

I'd give you a 4 speed I have laying around if you pay shipping. PM me if interested.

 

That is very generous- thank you.