OEM aluminum brace doesn't fit?!
 

Hi all, I don't even know what this part is called, and can't find a part number for it but the OEM aluminum brace on the middle (the one with two bars) doesn't line up correctly. The two closer holes work, but the farther ones seem to be about a half inch farther than the through holes in the brace. It also doesn't seem to clear the Racing Beat exhaust I have. Is this a common issue?! I'm holding it up in my picture. In the picture of the car that's upside down, it's the one right behind the catalyst that I'm referring to.https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...534840cfc3.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...c8524d5899.jpg

Flip it over. There's a top and bottom side.

That brace is not supposed to be bent. I'll post a pic.

I should clarify I have a 94 and there was a slight difference in spacing with the 93 and 94 on the rear most brace (there one right under the diff) so maybe the shape is slightly different too.

earl,

Is that your car in the 2nd photo? If so, then a bent support brace is the least of your worries! Either way, I hope the driver & passenger made it out to tell the tale. Poor FD!

Mine is a 94, and i think mine was bent too, but no as much as your if i can remember.

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no, not my car. I googled fd underbody and that's the first image that shows up. Does anyone know what the part number is? I guess I'll have to find a replacement. Not sure how it could bend so much, I would've expected to crack if it was that mishaped

earl,

Thanks for clearing that up. How on earth did that support member bend like a twist-tie?

Look at the chassis parts fiche, section 3900 (Engine & Transmission Mountings), Item 56-3B1. The part is called the Tunnel Member 'B'. Part #: FD01-56-3B1. The bolts are listed as part #: 9GGB0-0825.

Please verify this is your part. Reach out to Ray Crowe if you are looking for a replacement.

Cheers,
George

Know this is a sold listing, but at least a good view of the part, and even enlarge the picture:
MAZDA RX-7 oem Transmission Tunnel Braces FD3S 93-95 | eBay

Thanks for the help everyone. Off topic, but by chance, does anyone happen to know where this cover goes? I thought I remembered it going by the starter but it doesn't slip over it. I've been going over the harness and can't seem to figure out where it should go.https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...8ee4ff65c7.jpg

^ that goes over the oil pressure sending unit.

Your tunnel brace is damaged, you could try to flatten it out

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...dbdd58d8fe.jpg

Don't know how it got bent like that without breaking. You should just buy a new one. I wouldn't trust it after bending it again.

Yeah man...that is crazy bent! WTF happened to it? When did you take it off, etc? When did you notice it was so fawked up?

Also those braces should be a dime a dozen used. I'd find someone (fritz) with one for sale. They rarely go bad so there's little to no demand for them.

Dale