hawaii rx-7

ok i wanna replace my clutch, but can't find a mechanic i trust so i was thinking i could do it myself. first of all, is replacing the clutch a diy job or will u need a profesional mechanic? If it can be done at home, how difficult is it on a scale of 1-10 1 being installing a k&n drop in air filter and 10 being a motor rebuild? in comparison to replacing the precat for a downpipe, are there any bolts/studs i should be worried about breaking? also, about how long does it take? 2-3 days? thanks any tips would be helpful.

kevinmfaust

The first special tool you need is a lift because you need to remove the transmition and you can not do that by blocking up the car.
Kevin

Flybye

Actually, there IS a special tool you can but to prevent the front of the engine from sagging down. Actually, you can probably makethe tool yourself.

You see the engine hook loopnext to the altnenator? The special too is basically a rod with feet that rests on the top of the inside of the fenders and it has a hook in the center that attaches to that loop and prevents the engine from sagging after the tranny is removed.

You can probably just use a jack under the car with a bar or a stick to hold up the engine, but this isn't recommend as it could slip.

hawaii rx-7

ok, anything else. can i trust the mazda dealership to replace my clutch for me? do u think they would do it if i brought them a new clutch and the car? i can't fina a rotary shop here in hawaii, and i definatly don't trust kma (local rotary shop that's a bit questionable about the quality of work.)

Flybye

Replacing the clutch is a pretty straight forward thing to do. Even though the FD has more stuff around the tranny to remove, replacing the clutch is almost the same for any RWD car.

For that, I wouldn't see a problem in letting the dealer do it.

user 84205

NO DEALERS HERE!!! thats crazy
HEY bro to answer your question
I would give it about an 8. just
cuz of the time and you can`t do
it be yourself. Best to take to a
specialist for RX7`s

hawaii rx-7

no there are mazda dealership. i said i can't find a rotary specific shop here. and listining to other's experience with mazda dealerships, i hear more cars are broke than fixed. anyway, new question...


all i have now is the basic reliability upgrades, (downpipe, all fluids changed, aliminum ast, a poor man's cold air intake, various guages that just got stolen ) 60,000 miles on engine and who knows what on the clutch. i mention the clutch because i think it's slipping at high rpm's, i'm only getting mid 15's at best at the track.

what, on this list, is of highest priority?

power fc
koyo radiator + viton vac lines
or clutch/flywheel combo?

i have only enough money for one.

mmaragos

If your water temps are looking good, I would let the radiator go for a little while and replace the clutch and flywheel (especially since it is slipping).

I just did the clutch & flywheel. I would give it a 7 or 8. It is time consuming, but nothing too complicated. If you have access to good tools (and air tools), then it is not so bad, but be advised that some of the nuts (for the PPF are a SOB to get off, the main cat bolts are not too fun either - especially w/o an impact wrench).

I was able to do this project with jack stands. You need to get the car at least 18" up...that is barely enough...and I couldn't keep my tranny on the tranny jack when I tried to move it out from under the car (don't really have to move it out of the tunnel area, but it helps).

If I had it to do over, I would do it again. The only thing that I really wish I had would be a lift...dare to dream.

If you are not comfortable with the mechanical end, then get someone else to do it. It is not much different than any other RWD car, so you probably don't need to go to a rotary specialist. I would think that a good tranny shop could do it (maybe you could buy the necessary parts and take it to them for the install?). And if you don't have the tools, then you are probably going to spend a good amount of cash there (rental of transmission jack, special tools, like the pilot bearing puller, flywheel stopper, flywheel nut socket and huge toque arm to remove it, flywheel puller + the bigger sockets for the PPF 21 mm (?) and the engine support (mazda or fabricated)).

Check this link out...it goes through the details pretty well.

http://www.scuderiaciriani.com/rx7/clutch_install.html

After the clutch and flywheel, I would do the vacuum lines. Not too much in cost (although the viton will cost significantly more than silicone), but a ton of labor, I would give that at least a 6 or 7.

more info on vac lines
http://www.scuderiaciriani.com/rx7/v...placement.html

Then the radiator (if you are having issues with it). Then the PFC and a couple more HP adders after the PFC.

DamonB

I changed mine with the car up on stands and without a lift or the special tool to support the motor. But god almighty the tranny is heavy; you need two people when you are actually ready to pull it off.

I give it a 7 as well. I didn't encounter anything that went wrong, but there is an awful lot to remove before you can finally jerk the tranny out. Check you rear seal while you're in there.