i just got an rx7 about 3-4 months back. had to replace all of the intake gaskets, and while i was at it, replaced ALL of the vacuum lines i could physically touch. it ran great for awhile, but now whenever i try to shift into 5th, something makes a grinding sound right as i throw the tranny into 5th, but it doesnt grind while IN 5th.
any solutions, cause if it IS the clutch, im going to order a stage 2 clutch anyways.
thanks if you can help

PEACE

 

Check your clutch master, clutch slave and hoses first, sounds like one of them is goin out. Beleave me i learned the hard way.. these cars are almost 20 years old.
On mine I have a rebuild Clutchmaster cylincer, new stainles stell braded hose and 10 dollars rebuild kit for the clutch slave. Each was changed on a separete ocation.

SO, just change all three and get it over with.. Have fun..


Gil..

 

It's probably your 5th gear synchro giving you the finger.

 

Yea, it sounds like a syncro... Instead of throwing it into 5th really fast, try stopping in neutral revving the engine a little, and then clutch it again and try to put it in to 5th...

 

+1 for 5th gear syncro. I have this same problem with 3rd Helps to shift at a lower RPM in my car.

 

ok, ya, the syncro is what i am assuming it is. crap, i dont want to have to rebuild it, due to it being my daily driver!
oh well, if needbe, i can rebuild the engine/tranny!
thanks

PEACE

 

You can buy one already rebuilt from Rx7World.com for about $600.00 plus shipping and a $300.00 Core charge.

 

What kind of oil do you use in your tranny? I used to have a grinding problem sometimes into third, but recently used synthetic and the tranny shifts much smoother. When was it last changed? It's a lot cheaper than a rebuild if it works.

 

+3 to 5th gear syncro.

Try some synthetic fluid like gregk says, it MIGHT help you out a little. Other than that, you might just have to live with a 5th gear grind until you overhaul the tranny.

 

I've heard a lot of ppl say that this helps a lot but I put valvoline synthetic in mine and the difference was minimal. Transmission noise did go down though.

 

I used Royal Purple Syncromax if that makes any difference.

 

Pennzoil Synchromesh FTW!!! Its pretty thin, but Ive had good luck with it. My old 95 Prelude had a worn 5th synchro and after using the synchromesh it reduced the grinding alot. Might only grind 5% of the time after using it. Can pick it up at almost any parts store for about $5 a bottle, probably need 3 bottles. Never used any on an RX7 or heard of anyone using it, but I dont see how it would be much different from any other tranny

 

hm, ok, well, i just changed my oil like 500 miles ago. alright, ill look into a rebuilt unit or just ignoring it until i overhaul it. it doesnt do anything besides grind into 5th. no power loss. alright, thanks all!

PEACE