Got the PPF out of the car this morning. There is a crack on the bottom just after the transmission. The crack is starting to go up the vertical part of the PPF. Can this be welded, I assume some extra gussets around the weld would be a good idea also? Or should I just get a new one?

TIA
Derek Vanditmars

 

Personally, I'd use it as an excuse to get the Mazdaspeed one:

http://66.216.67.51/product.asp?0=207&1=295&3=238

 

I was kinda wondering the same thing, couldnt you just tig/mig weld it back up?

 

i have heard of someone welding there ppf and it cracked more afterwards. rxecret7.com some for $350 its not mazdaspeed but its still an upgraded one

 

I just found a couple cracks in mine and had it welded up and reinforced on the larger crack. I havent had the car back on the road yet but I will let you know how it holds up.

 

i found mine was cracking at the welds so i'm just gonna get it rewelded for now!

 

Hey, I do like the look of the MazdaSpeed unit!
It would take longer to wash the car as I would have was the PPF as well!
There is a local speedshop that know RX-7s, I will see what they think. A new part may be the best route.

 

symptoms of bad PPF?

 

Well what mine was doing was the stick shift was bouncing up and down like it was loose or something, can cause real problems if let go unchecked. I got mine rewelded and reinforced, I get my car back tomorrow. I'll let you know how good it holds up.

 

Initially the whole drivetrain 'felt loose'. I thought the gear shifter was moving more than before, but could not really tell visually. I had previously replaced the differental bushings with nylon ones as one was shot. Had also checked that the engine mounts were solid as well.
After a while, (I assume the PPF got weaker) the there would be some shuddering when releasing the clutch, especially under very light movement, like parking the car. This was way worse when going in reverse.
The whole process took about 1/2 year. Daily driver, (I do not do any drag type lauches but once going the go pedal drops to the floor :-). Thinking about this I probably have adjusted my driving style due to the PPF problem that may have been there for more than 1/2 year.

Derek Vanditmars

 

Well if you do weld it, realize that you need to add metal. Maybe some .050 in 2 inch wide strips and weld it over the cracks or crack, and then seal it up, save the $350 for something useful

 

From my experience with aircraft maintenance welding structural cracks back together in a high stress area will yield cracks in the same place and they will usually be worse than they were the first time. Just my experience though. Take it for what you will. Laterz.

Zach

 

Allright. I have seen the upgraded PPFs, and I wonder when they might be needed. As I look at the mods shown here, I don't see heavy duty engine mods, more like breathing mods.

That makes me wonder

1) What is your HP/torque
2) How many miles.

In terms of upgrades I have seen the Mazdaspeed for $350. You can also send back yours to RE, for a reinforced one with 20% greater strength for 375.

I just sent out email to M2 and Pettit, to see what they say about PPFs. I hope I get a response...

 

The PPF cracking I would say has nothing to do with HP. I know a 600HP FD that has well over 80,000 on the body and it has the original PPF with NO cracks.

As for welding cracks. I would agree with BoostedREX thats why dont weld the crack itself. If you do it actually will make the welded area bridle and very easy to crack, thats why I said place the pieces of metal around the crack, welding just the crack itself is dumb. Just my opinion though

 

Hmm after putting the repaired PPF back on... I still have similar symptoms. Must be that my diff is too tight then.

 

what do you mean by the diff being too tight

 

what if brazing the crack and epoxy over it?

 

Don't confuse clutch chatter with a broken PPF. It is normal for an aftermarket clutch and lightweight flywheel to chatter a little, especially in reverse or starting out in 1st. A broken PPF my amplify the problem buts its not alwayw a sign of a broken PPF.

 

Ray from PFS said the shims might be too tight. I have a cusco 2 way lsd in there and at first I never noticed any clunking or anything then it got progressively worse. Now it is very annoying. I have replaced the rear control arms, toe links, and welded the ppf. I have searched forever for an answer to my problem but I still cannot locate it. Diff bushings seemed fine.. maybe i need to take a closer look at the diff mount itself. Well... I think its time i start a new thread and see if i can get some feedback.