IDM RX-7 Auto to Manual
10-15-04, 04:02 PM
#1
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IDM RX-7 Auto to Manual
Hey, I'm getting ready to buy a JDM RX-7 with RHD and the 13BTT, but it's an auto!! Not only do I hate AT's but if you ask me that's kind of tearing away half the fun of a car like that!
I have about $5,000 to spend on the conversion but I live in Michigan and we have almost NO import shops that will do that kind of stuff, or have the parts to do it. I have a place where I can get a 5 speed transmission, I just need a clutch pedal that I know of. Is there any other parts I'm going need?
Oh yea, and is there an enormous difference between US Spec. and J Spec. RX-7 transmission, any that I MUST know before I buy?
I have about $5,000 to spend on the conversion but I live in Michigan and we have almost NO import shops that will do that kind of stuff, or have the parts to do it. I have a place where I can get a 5 speed transmission, I just need a clutch pedal that I know of. Is there any other parts I'm going need?
Oh yea, and is there an enormous difference between US Spec. and J Spec. RX-7 transmission, any that I MUST know before I buy?
10-15-04, 04:20 PM
#2
RX-7 Bad Ass
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Are you planning on driving the car on the street? Registering an imported car is VERY tricky, I hope you know...
As far as the swap is concerned, hit up the search button - it's been covered pretty well. Mechanically, most things should be similar, but electronically it might be a real chore. There are some wiring differences between US and Japanese cars, and locations of components will be different since the car is right hand drive. Not to mention some of the parts will be radically different - the clutch hard line, for example, will be traveling much farther to the slave cylinder than on a left-hand drive car. You'll have to either fab some stuff up, or try and find RHD parts.
Dale
As far as the swap is concerned, hit up the search button - it's been covered pretty well. Mechanically, most things should be similar, but electronically it might be a real chore. There are some wiring differences between US and Japanese cars, and locations of components will be different since the car is right hand drive. Not to mention some of the parts will be radically different - the clutch hard line, for example, will be traveling much farther to the slave cylinder than on a left-hand drive car. You'll have to either fab some stuff up, or try and find RHD parts.
Dale
10-15-04, 04:20 PM
#3
RX-7 Bad Ass
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BTW, why not just buy a nice US car that's a stick to begin with?? Save you a lot of trouble!
Dale
Save you a lot of trouble!Dale
10-15-04, 04:24 PM
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TRINGLS
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The same information for the LHD applied to the RHD models. The only variance will be the clutch lines for a USDM model wont work as they are bent for a LHD configuration.
The pedal assemblies, trans, driveshaft, clutch system, etc should all bolt right up mechanically. Just assure you have all the other odds and ends before you get into it. I've found myself missing several bolts and some bushings, and various cheap covers.
The wiring may be an issue if it is a 96+(series 7/8) model but if it is a 92/93/94/95 model from Japan than it will be cake. I'm doing this swap right now on my LHD RX-7 and most of the wiring scares have been laid to rest, now I'm just getting that thirst for knowledge and I keep searching more into it.
Here are a couple helpful links:
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...l&pagenumber=3
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...06#post2569106
Thats funny, I wasnt aware that Japan had automatic FD's at all, I figured Mazda felt only the lazy Americans needed them :/ Guess not -- I know they dont have the security system or the cruise control (not worth it in the busy land of Japan)
Good luck and lots of pics!
~Kris
The pedal assemblies, trans, driveshaft, clutch system, etc should all bolt right up mechanically. Just assure you have all the other odds and ends before you get into it. I've found myself missing several bolts and some bushings, and various cheap covers.
The wiring may be an issue if it is a 96+(series 7/8) model but if it is a 92/93/94/95 model from Japan than it will be cake. I'm doing this swap right now on my LHD RX-7 and most of the wiring scares have been laid to rest, now I'm just getting that thirst for knowledge and I keep searching more into it.
Here are a couple helpful links:
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...l&pagenumber=3
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...06#post2569106
Thats funny, I wasnt aware that Japan had automatic FD's at all, I figured Mazda felt only the lazy Americans needed them :/ Guess not -- I know they dont have the security system or the cruise control (not worth it in the busy land of Japan)
Good luck and lots of pics!
~Kris
10-17-04, 12:22 AM
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Originally Posted by iNOS_DragRacer
Hey, I'm getting ready to buy a JDM RX-7 with RHD and the 13BTT, but it's an auto!! Not only do I hate AT's but if you ask me that's kind of tearing away half the fun of a car like that!
I have about $5,000 to spend on the conversion but I live in Michigan and we have almost NO import shops that will do that kind of stuff, or have the parts to do it. I have a place where I can get a 5 speed transmission, I just need a clutch pedal that I know of. Is there any other parts I'm going need?
Oh yea, and is there an enormous difference between US Spec. and J Spec. RX-7 transmission, any that I MUST know before I buy?
I have about $5,000 to spend on the conversion but I live in Michigan and we have almost NO import shops that will do that kind of stuff, or have the parts to do it. I have a place where I can get a 5 speed transmission, I just need a clutch pedal that I know of. Is there any other parts I'm going need?
Oh yea, and is there an enormous difference between US Spec. and J Spec. RX-7 transmission, any that I MUST know before I buy?
Are you buying the "Black Parts Car" if you know what I mean. It is not titled and you would have to send it through an import compliance business to get a title.
If you get it titled, it usually costs $$$ to convert it over to US spec for emissions.
If it is a 1996+ car, you can forget importing and getting a title because it has to meet OBDII and they did not.
Tim
Good Luck
