Trans Problems: Rebuild or replace??
 

I have the typical 5th gear grind, and lost reverse the other night. I am trying to weigh out my options. If I repair the trans I wanna replace all the synchros, not just the 5th. Keep in mind I dont know whats causing the reverse problem yet either!! The other option is to find a good used unit. I have located on on ebay which is a J-spec trans from a 95. Like all J-spec parts, they claim it has 30,000 miles on it and the seller has a good record. From those who have dont a manual trans rebuild (would do it myself) or bought a used trans, which do you believe is better? I realize your taking a chance with a used trans, but I am thinking Ill have 600-1000 bucks wrapped up in rebuilding!! Thoughts anyone??

A lot of people have had good success with transmissions from this guy:

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/great-source-inexpensive-low-mileage-used-fd-transmissions-393397/

Thanks Mahjik! Sent him an email.....we'll see what happens!

5th and reverse aren't too bad to fix as long as you fix it now. You can keep your rebuild job to as little as $100 (new 5th synchro, rev synchro, and 5/r clutch sleeve). Or you can go whole hog and buy a full bearing kit for $300.

The low-mileage j-specs seem like a good gamble, the gamble being that you'll probably get very good condition internals, but there is no guarantee of it. You can't really tell on the bench if a smooth-shifting and quiet spinning tranny will behave the same way under load and at a few thousand RPM. So check on the return policy first just to be safe.

Dave

Thanks Dave. I read up on your rebuild and it made me really think if I am going that far (removing and splitting the case), might as well replace all the synchros and bearings.....since I am not one to half ass things!! But then I thought if I could find a nice used trans, maybe I would be farther off, and money ahead. But then there is always the chance the the next trans would grind also since there is no way to check them on a bench!!
The worst part is that my wife has been up my ass about spending too much time and money om the car already!! After performing all the reliability mods and just getting it on the road two weeks ago, shes a little upset!! But it wasnt my fault it went out, not that it matters to her!! I guess we will see what happens with this guy with the used trannies and go from there.

Thanks
frank

FWIW, I think this guy Brian is on this forum as Japan2LA.

I took a gamble on a j-spec, installed it and it made more noise then my original. I had the original one rebuilt, it ended up costing less then the J-spec after adding in shipping. At least now I have a spare rebuildable trans waiting as a backup.

i don't know if anyone noted this, but doesn't a j-spec tranny have a better 5th gear that's shorter ? someone please clarify.

Yes. I think (don't quote me, I didn't search to verify) that all j-spec trannys have the shorter 5th gear.

BlueTII: was the noise from bearings or bad gears?

Dave

If you rebuild it yourself you're gonna need to make some special tools. The bearing puller with extended arms isnt that hard to make, but the super deep socket requires access to a welder. You can replace 5th and reverse without needing the special socket though.

If you need the super-deep socket you can borrow mine.

Same Brian as here?

https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=513047

If so I'd think twice before giving him money.

I wouldn't necessarily condemn someone for one mishap (or misunderstanding). There are quite a few owners on here who have bought transmissions from him and have had good sucess with them. Heck, even Fritz was going to send him more business.

We'd never buy from the RX7Store if we stopped at the first sign of problems. ;) It's always buyer beware with used items though.

If you need more proof then there was another such "mishap" with someone else saying they had a shop compression check an engine that Brian sent him and it was also blown. The guy was, however, discredited because he couldn't tell the difference between an S4 and S5 engine which was a moot point with regards to a blown engine (and this is probably the reason that Fritz tried to keep his thread focused on the health of the engine rather then the other disagreements and problems him and Brian had).

That same thread was also full of both praise and questionable feedback for Japan2LA which is why I recommended the thread starter and everyone else think twice before doing business with Brian.

The scariest part was that after Fritz provided proof of low compression, proof that Brian had promised him a 120+ psi engine, and was willing to send the engine to a 3rd party for disassembly and evaluation he was compensated with a measly $100 and left with the rebuild, install, and pulling fees.

Since I didn't say anything about RX7Store I won't comment on their business practices.

Agreed.

I'm well aware of the thread and don't plan on rehashing it here. However, we are talking about trannies, not engines. The tranny that his received was apparently good (and was resold for quite a bit of money).

You suggested that a single incident shouldn't discredit a seller's reputation so I stated that it wasn't a single incident, then disagreed and went into the details of the transaction with Fritz to suggest that even a single incident (especially a transaction for a large sum) can clue you in to someones selling practices.

Transmissions or engines; both are costly items that can hurt someone's wallet if you receive a lemon. Seemed like a fair comparison to me.

That fine as that's your opinion. I would have no problem ordering a later model transmission from him. However, I would not buy a used engine from anyone unless I was expecting to rebuild it.

...and I never represented it as anything more. I just wanted the potential buyers to be aware of his feedback and suggest that they think twice based on that feedback.

And that's fine with me since that's your opinion.

Well, I think we have most of the special tools since I work at a ford dealer, and we have a huge assortment of special tools. If not, I have access to a welder as well and can get creative when needed! :icon_tup: I have considered the used trans idea, but I cant bring myself to take the chance on something like that knowing I could rebuild my own and KNOW everything is good!! It just bumms me out knowing I have spend countless hours and thousands of dollars just getting the car to the point of being maintained (silicone lines,fuel lines, coolant lines, fuel filter, plugs,wires, etc.) and now this?? I am really considering selling it after fixing the trans and being relieved of the headache, but on the other hand I have the only FD in town.......and its nice having something unique!! Another thing troubling me is I like to drag race on the weekends at times and I dont know how much the RX7 likes drag racing that well!! I have got some serious thinking to do...........really serious! Thanks for the help everyone!

Frank

yea from what i have read as well the 96 and up jspec trannys have a shorter 5th and that will reduce top speed to like 170ish....IMHO if you were to get the jspec tranny i would offset the short 5th gear with a longer ring/pinion gear in the diff from rotary performance

Not really sure why BLUEREX is on my ass?? I do not beleive I have ever sold him anything nor have I ever met him personally... Cant seem to understand why he has been going out of his way to try and convince people that I am someone to stay away from??? It cant be business, as again, I do not recall selling ANYTHING to him me.....

Regadless of all that, I have about 10 FD Jspec gear boxes left and the price is $550.00 plus shipping...Shipping usually less than $125.00 (lower 48 states). I have probally sold 50 to 80 and I am almost 100% sure everyone has been happy with the condition and quality of them... They are a good alternative to doing a costly rebuild... There are a few fourm members who have posted there success with them....

I'm not on your ass, I was just making potential buyers aware of your feedback. Mahjik replied to my posts so I responded accordingly, nothing more. I've posted links to negative feedback about other sellers in the past (though I'm not going to name names now) so don't think I'm going out of my way to discredit you.

And no I've never purchased anything from you before, but whether or not we did business together has nothing to do with me posting your feedback.