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In need of tranny opinions..

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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 08:52 AM
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In need of tranny opinions..

So I was doing some research on tranny rebuilds or buying a use one. I'm pretty sure some of you know how I feel so many variables about this. So the thing is I wondering your guys input about this. And also if you guys can recommend some good trustworthy tranny rebuild shops and buying a good used tranny shops. I really appreciate all your guys input.
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 11:45 AM
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What is wrong? Are you saying a full rebuild with new synchros and bearings and all springs and clips? Or do you need a fifth gear synchro replacement?

Symptoms will help people guide you in the right direction.
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 12:09 PM
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My bad.The problem I'm having is it will not go into reverse at all! I unbloted the bottom plate of the tranny, and from what I can see the synchros look good, also the gears don't have any missing teeth on them. It seems like the reverse is in the back of the tranny, right? Before any of this the tranny was fine. It doesn't seem to make any sense.
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 01:07 PM
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From: https://www2.mazda.com/en/100th/
reverse and 5th are in the back, and you can't see them by taking off the bottom plate.

i think most people buy used transmissions because the cost of the rebuild parts was more than a used transmission.
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 01:23 PM
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if you do go with a used trans if you can afford it I'd go with a series 7 or 8 trans .

the 5th gear is shorter so your MPGs will suffer a bit ,

But they are supposed to be quite a bit better .
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 01:42 PM
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Originally Posted by Tem120
if you do go with a used trans if you can afford it I'd go with a series 7 or 8 trans .

the 5th gear is shorter so your MPGs will suffer a bit ,

But they are supposed to be quite a bit better .
How would you be able to tell which are series models? Would anyone know were to buy used trannys?
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 01:42 PM
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Message Japan2LA for a used series 7/8 transmission. I bought a low mileage series 8 from him and the cost of that is less than a rebuild unit.

-AzEKnightz
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 01:58 PM
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Originally Posted by AzEKnightz
Message Japan2LA for a used series 7/8 transmission. I bought a low mileage series 8 from him and the cost of that is less than a rebuild unit.

-AzEKnightz
he was banned . I think that may be a bit difficult
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 01:59 PM
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Originally Posted by solrever
How would you be able to tell which are series models? Would anyone know were to buy used trannys?
unfortunately The importer I knew about was banned . but i'm sure there are others who do the same . hopefully someone else will chime in
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 02:01 PM
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Originally Posted by AzEKnightz
Message Japan2LA for a used series 7/8 transmission. I bought a low mileage series 8 from him and the cost of that is less than a rebuild unit.

-AzEKnightz
Thanks man I will do that.
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 02:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Tem120
...if you can afford it I'd go with a series 7 or 8 trans... they are supposed to be quite a bit better .
^In what way? Any specifics? With the exception of the early 93 models 5th synchro, I always thought the S6 transmissions were pretty stout. Never had issues with mine.


I'd want to have alot of confidence in a seller representing a transmission as sound and low-mileage. Otherwise I'd R & R it myself to save money, take it to a local reputable shop to have it rebuilt....and be done with it. No crossing my fingers about it's condition, no shipping charges. And I'd have more confidence that I won't be pulling it back out again anytime soon with an issue.
My .02.
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 02:24 PM
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I am sure he's around in the OTHER forum. Search up r o t a r y c a r c l u b . c o m and see if he's over there.

-AzEKnightz
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 02:25 PM
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Originally Posted by solrever
Thanks man I will do that.
Put a WTB thread on the parts section .
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 02:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Sgtblue
In what way? Any specifics? With the exception of the early 93 models 5th synchro, I always thought the S6 transmissions were pretty stout.

I'd want to have alot of confidence in a seller representing a transmission as sound and low-mileage. Otherwise I'd R & R it myself to save money, take it to a local reputable shop to have it rebuilt....and be done with it. No crossing my fingers about it's condition, no shipping charges. And I'd have more confidence that I won't be pulling it back out again anytime soon with an issue.
My .02.
Supposed to handle more power , smoother shifting , more robust synchros

I actually read all this on a thread on here a few months ago . I regretted buying a S6 tranny LOL But my tranny has been pretty solid . so I cant complain

Last edited by Tem120; Mar 20, 2013 at 02:29 PM.
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 02:31 PM
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Originally Posted by solrever
Thanks man I will do that.
I'd be careful if japan2LA responds. He was banned for taking members money and not shipping them anything nor giving a refund if I remember correctly. Do a search for him in the bad feedback thread and you can read all about it.
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 02:34 PM
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Dont know anything about the company but here is a JDM trans.

http://www.jdmenginescorp.com/transm...btt-5spd-trans
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 02:39 PM
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From: https://www2.mazda.com/en/100th/
Originally Posted by Tem120
the 5th gear is shorter so your MPGs will suffer a bit ,
.
on the JDM cars, the 17" wheel cars get the short 5th, and the 16" wheel cars do not.

the rest of the trans is the same, its just not old enough to vote
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 02:51 PM
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Originally Posted by j9fd3s
on the JDM cars, the 17" wheel cars get the short 5th, and the 16" wheel cars do not.

the rest of the trans is the same, its just not old enough to vote
nope all JDM tranny's have a short 5th even the series 6 ones . JDM tranny's dont have issues with 5th gear synchro weather if its because of the shorter 5th or something else I cant testify to that.

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...-782752/page2/ quick search , there are alot more

but its not like its the end of the world ... really

Last edited by Tem120; Mar 20, 2013 at 03:04 PM.
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 02:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Reno_NVFD
I'd be careful if japan2LA responds. He was banned for taking members money and not shipping them anything nor giving a refund if I remember correctly. Do a search for him in the bad feedback thread and you can read all about it.
Really? Good to know. But I've dealt with him for 5+ times. Every time parts arrived correctly as advertised.

-Eric
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 03:13 PM
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Originally Posted by AzEKnightz
Really? Good to know. But I've dealt with him for 5+ times. Every time parts arrived correctly as advertised.

-Eric
I also got parts from him and was pleased with his service. I recommended him in a thread a few months ago and was told what had happened recently. Read here if you want some details

https://www.rx7club.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1028720
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 03:22 PM
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Originally Posted by AzEKnightz
Really? Good to know. But I've dealt with him for 5+ times. Every time parts arrived correctly as advertised.

-Eric
Yeah i never had a bad experience with him . But I cant argue with the current state of things
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 03:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Reno_NVFD
I'd be careful if japan2LA responds. He was banned for taking members money and not shipping them anything nor giving a refund if I remember correctly. Do a search for him in the bad feedback thread and you can read all about it.
yep


I had mine rebuilt. Anyone that does Miata trannys can do RX7 trannys since the design and tools are the same.

Given your location, I'd maybe try KD Rotary in PA
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 04:33 PM
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The 5th gear synchro is a common problem. There are excellent write ups on fixing it. I can scan the one I have printed out if you need.
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 04:43 PM
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given shipping costs you're better off finding a local transmission shop to rebuild it if you need it rebuilt. or find a low mile transmission and hope the 5th gear syncro is intact, or buy one with the premise of replacing the 5th gear syncro at least and go from there.

i try to sway people from sending me transmissions because you will be out close to $1200 for it after shipping to and from with a full rebuild. a local transmission shop could do it for under $1000.
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 05:37 PM
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Heck, I bet if you took the transmission out and brought it to a shop, it would be less than $300. Unless you do a full freshen up rebuild. Parts for all new bearings and synchros and pins and c clips and seals is around $500-$700. Plus probably $400-$500 in labor. However, just removing the tail section is pretty easy.
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