Hey Guys,

I recently acquired a 1988 RX-7 GXL 2+2 and one of the main problems it currently has is a slipping clutch that needs to be replaced. I was searching for some replacements online and wasn't sure which vendor was reliable. I found that sites like Atkins Rotary are an absolute scam and should be avoided. Does anyone know any good companies that offer OEM or better aftermarket parts and are there any parts I should get for a slipping clutch?

 

I have a similar situation. I am replacing the clutch master, slave and hose first. It could be all that you need. My daily driver clutch has lasted more than a year past what the shop recommended by just replacing the fluid in the master/slave. If you want to do all of it at once... you can do that too.

Edit: Why would you say that Atkins is not recommended? Sometimes they are the cheaper option. I will tell you, the ship times are very quick, the packaging of parts is overkill and when needed, they will call you with order issues. I highly recommend using them. I wouldn't just assume my experience is an anomaly.

I would be interested in reading about anyones bad experiences with them in a separate thread.

 

I got an Exedy from Rockauto years ago. It's got around 100,000 mile on it now.
More Information for EXEDY 10025 (rockauto.com)
My current master and slave cylinders came from Rockauto as well.

 

Not sure why atkins is a “scam”. It just seems odd on how they’re “in stock” items quantities look on their website. They’ve been quite valuable resource for the rx7 community. I’ve bought from them multiple times and currently running many of their brand internal engine components in a s5 t2 which has been great, I probably have more rotary specific tools from them.

in terms of clutch brands, I like exedy, act and os giken, and have ran clutch components from all 3 brands on rx7’s and other cars. Even a mismatch of exedy and act parts will be fine.

As I mentioned the discrepancy on atkins in stock quantities, I’d recommend the contacting them to inquire if parts are actually in stock, or at least what the lead times are. I doubt they have 998,268 86-95 rx7 corner seal sets in stock… as shown on their website.

I actually just ordered an exedy slave cylinder (although from mazdatrix for no reason) for my t2 since my autozone one I bought a decade ago is leaking. Was surprised the exedy slave was only $30.00. Still yet to install it, probably this weekend but I don’t foresee any problems.

 

I think some research online and found that Atkins were using non OEM parts and rebranded them as OEM. There was a whole debate and eventually led to an unsavory comment by the Aktins Company. I personally haven't bought any parts yet so I'm just unsure as which companies I should or should not trust.

Regarding the clutch, the previous owner did do some work on trans, replacing the clutch slave cylinder and other things like replacing the fluid, but even with that, it is still slipping.

I kind of want to keep the car maintained and not interested in modifying it right now, so was just wondering if you had any suggestion on which clutch kits to get(probably will be resurfacing my flyhweel). I saw RockAuto had a clutch had Perfection going for a good price and other brands like Racing Beats selling Exedy. Just was wondering which would be better.

EDIT: I appreciate all the info guy. Really helpful information. Can't wait to fix her up and get her back on the road where she belongs!

 

I've purchased many things from Atkins over the years. They provide a great service to our community. I do agree there has been some issues with customer service, stocking QTY's and not clearly labeling certain items as non-OEM. However, I wouldn't not buy from them in the future as there aren't many other businesses selling OEM and performance parts for our cars. The real complaint I have is their shipping cost is pretty high compared to the average small business.

Find the clutch you want and find a vendor that sells it. Exedy has a great OEM replacement option. They also sell performance clutches for our application too. There's also Racing Beat, OS Giken, ACT, and many others.

FWIW, I bought my ACT clutch and lightweight flywheel from Summit. They offered free shipping and the price was comparable to other vendors.

 

Thanks for keeping this civil everyone. I will take the the criticism with some thought and will report back when I can parse the information. Hopefully the OP can figure out what to do.

 

I agree with the critsisms and praise. When I tought about it some, I see things clearer, thanks.

To the OP, best wishes on the clutch replacement.

 

Thanks man! I just bought an Exedy clutch replacement off of Amazon because of the free Prime shipping and I think it'll be a good choice for a daily NA GXL. I appreciate all the help!