Lizard

Hi there. I had another post asking for some help on my FC3S lack of power. Thought it could be many different things but it turned out to be a clutch problem. It was slightly noticeable and I had already mentioned that, but yesterday my clutch almost died. I went for a roll-on @3000rpm in 4th gear, fully pressed the accelerator pedal and well, rpms went crazy, showing that the clutch is definitively dead. When I arrived home the car almost couldn't climb the ramp to the garage.

So by this time, as this is a half owned car and the we're not really willing to spend much money in expensive repairs (because we still have to paint the car, get some new rims, and make one or two slight cosmetic repairs), I'm thinking if this will be another RX7 parked for good. The engine seems to be good but spending money to fix the clutch without being sure it's kinda scary.

Anyway, I'm wondering how much will I have to pay for a clutch and if it's usually a very expensive job to do since I can't mount it on my own. I'm not in the US, so things are more expensive around here, but I'd like to have an idea, and I can take a risk and try importing one from the US hoping it won't be caught in the Customs... Can you just give me some light in this?...

matt87FC

iTrader: (12)

Why paint and do cosmetic repairs to a car that cannot be driven? Id reolace the clutch first. Doesnt matter how goof the car LOOKS if it cant move under its own power. Id rather (and do) own a car that runs well and looks like crap than own a car that looks pretty but has to be pushed everywhere. Thats my own opinion though, i am sure others feel differently.

On a different note, there are members here selling stock clutches for not a whole lot. Not sure if any of them are familiar with shipping out of country (i never have so idk if its different than normal shipping besides it being more expensive)though so your best bet might to be to buy it from a supplier that can handle out of country shipping.

nycgps

iTrader: (4)

customs not gonna care about a clutch, its not even a big f-king deal.

It does sound like your clutch is "gone". how much does it cost to buy a new clutch in portugal anyway? new OE and aftermarket.

Lizard

Well, that was not what I meant
I mean, we didn't want to spend too much money at the moment, and painting the car + those small fixes + repairing the rims should take us around $1000. Now we have to think about a new clutch too, so we'll need to spend more. I don't have a clue on the price here, but on ebay i've found some kits from Exedy for about $1000... too expensive for me I guess. If I can get a kit for less money it would be great but I don't to be afraid of having the same problem soon. The car has only 42000 miles and this one is gone!!

Shall you have a nice idea for a place to search in Europe or even in the US, please tell me. i'd really appreciate.

nycgps

iTrader: (4)

rofl? 1K ?

why are you looking at carbon plates?

You just need some regular stuff, feel free to pm me if u want more info.

Lizard

yeah... 1k for a kit from Exedy ( RACING CLUTCH KIT MAZDA RX7 ) - it say's "stage 1" so i guess it was the "entry" kit from Exedy. Anyway, maybe it's too good for what I need. I will not run many miles, but many of them will be driven for pure fun.

The funny thing is that this Exedy clutch is not even carbon, and it costs £513.36 plus shipping from the UK...

Drakkar

ask racing beat europe if they can import this for you

or you can buy it directly from the standard us racing beat

Lizard

That's a great price! I will try contacting them right away.
I should have been prepared to this kind of surprises in such an old car. I know, it's a brilliant old car, but time doesn't forgive!

Lizard

By the way, what should I buy when changing the clutch?

I have seen only the clutch/pressure plate, but there is indication that i should also buy this:
- transmission front and rear seal kit
- throw-out bearing

Is this a good idea? The car is 22 years old, around 44k miles on the clock (how did that clutch is gone with such a low mileage?!?!)

Tks

canonize-ryda

i changed my own clutch for under 200.. got a heavey duty clutch for 130 and bought all the tranny oils and that was that. changed in 2 days working 5 hours a day

theflatlander

iTrader: (3)

Throwout bearing, pilot bearing should come with clutch kit. Realistically it should only take an hr to a clutch if u know what ur doing.

canonize-ryda

was my first time and most the time was spent figuring out what was what. but yea if you could just dropp your exhuasts your shaft, then your trannys then yea it would be quick if all went smoothly