Use the tranny as an alignment tool...
1. Get the clutch as centered as you can.
2. Attach, but do not tighten down the pressure plate--leave it loose enough for the clutch to be able to move around, but not so loose that it does not stay centered.
3. Attach the transmission.
4. Tighten the flywheel bolts as much as you can using a 14mil socket with an extension thru the starter hole. -- make sure to use a criss-cross pattern of tightening the bolts.
5. Remove the tranny and torque the flwheel bolts down properly.

 

Problem with using and the trans, is that the RX7 trans is heavy and awkward, and the angle to install the trans can present major problems when the disc is not secured.

When I did a great many clutch jobs and not having a front shaft from an old trans, or the alignment spline, I always used a long screwdriver and bright light to get it aligned, naturally just eyeballing and centering the disc. Never had a problem.

 

$3.00 Tool vs. time and energy wasted aligning clutch using transmission method.... Installing the transmission is hard enough, I can't picture doing this.

 

Most quality clutch replacements come with a plastic alignment tool.

Or you an just cut the input shaft stub off of a broken transmission.

You can also do a fairly good job by just snugging down the clutch bolts enough so the disk doesn't slip, then run a screwdriver along the inside of the eccentric and and clutch hub. With a calibrated eyeball, you'll get it pretty close.

 

Or you could go down to a parts store and pick up a clutch alignment tool. I know Autozone has a whole mess of them in the back.

 

A socket extension (1/2" drive IIRC) works well!

 

+1

Why risk it? Dig in your couch and scounge up enough change to buy one

 

Obviously if you have the tool, use the tool.

You'll picture doing this if your local parts store doesn't have a clutch alignment tool, you drive 15 mis to autozone and they dont have one in stock, then you borrow one from a friend and it doesn't fit. You'll either do this and get it perfect the first time, or waste an hour plus messin with a screwdriver, socket extension, eyeballin, etc.

This method takes all of 3 mins, works the first time and you're done. Our tranny's ain't that heavy.

 

if it's a turbo clutch the alignment tool is readily available at most auto parts stores on the "help" aisle, as it's also used on many ford clutches.

 

I work in a tranny shop and some transmissions dont have pilots and you just eyeball them. Never had a problem. on the other hand all the other ones that do and i have the tool of course i use it.

 

i just bought one last week. It was 2.99 and in stock at autozone. Why would you do it any other way?