Do I need stronger tranny/clutch?
 

I have an 88 GXL with a 91 engine, HKS intake, and 2.5" dual exhaust (to 4" tips) w/ no cat. It's in the shop now with the tranny out. It's probably fixable, but I was just wondering if it might be a good idea to go ahead and put in a TII tranny and clutch in order to handle the extra power (I don't want more problems later on). I'll update as soon as I know what the problem is. See, I suddenly lost all gears but 1st and 2nd. Should I at least replace the clutch? Let me know. I need your advice . . . QUICK!!!

TII tranny, 6 puck clutch and at least 3000-3500 lbs pressure plate. over 3500 lbs will be too hard for daily driver. complete clutch set $250. if youre interested, let me know.

How is 160hp + exhaust making 'too much power'? I don't think it was the power that broke your tranny man, just put an NA tranny back in.

Well, I wasn't sure about the S4 n/a tranny. I know n/a clutches are notorious, and that's what I'm considering more -- upgrading the clutch while it's already in the shop. Of course, would it be a better idea to put in a S5 tranny to go with my S5 engine? Of course, if the tranny is fixable, should I mess with anything? I don't know . . . help me out here! I don't know what to do. This is my first RX-7, and I've only had it a month.

if the tranny is a cheap fix, fix it and put it back in. While everything is apart and the clutch is fucked, go ahead and upgrade. I don't think I'd go hardcore like a 6 puck, an ACT twin disk would be fine for your application. Not to crazy pedal feel but grips nicely. If the tranny is fubr'd get an S5 i guess. Tho I don't think the tranny gave out because of the power.

Well, I doubt it was the power too, but thinking ahead . . . I thought it might be a good idea. I bet it was actually the guy that had it last. Thanks for your advice.

how far ahead? and do your plans include turbocharging?
the N/A should be good enough for the power you have and ALMOST any N/A modifications you can throw at it (short of big bridgeys and peripherals that you plan to drag race constantly). i agree with what kyle@insight said - especially on the clutch issue. you definitely don't want to put too harsh a clutch in the car because it will find the weakest link in your driveline and tear it up! that usually means your tranny or rear end ...

Well, I definitely won't be turbocharging it. So, should I go for the ACT street/strip clutch? Are there any others you recommend? I would like to actually launch w/o being paranoid. I have always let up slowly on the clutch. Thanks, guys.

well ... you have some options as far as the clutch is concerned.

just make sure you get something that is sprung!

ACT makes great clutches, i'm not sure which one is the street/strip ... the one that i have in my MR2T is a six-puck, non-sprung unit - clearly unnecessary for your application.

ClutchMasters is another good idea ... get a Stage 2 or 3. they are pretty streetable.

a lot of people bash Centerforce, but i've never had any bad experiences with them. they are very streetable and will take some abuse (hard launches) but they WILL burn up if you overdo it - but i don't think they burn any faster than any other high performance clutches. try a stage 2 or dual friction ...

those are the 3 i have experiences with, never used ACT on my Rx-7, but it's doing well on my MR2. you could also look into Racing Beat's clutches - i've never used them, but i trust Racing Beat as a company.

hope this helps.

Thanks, does anybody else have clutch suggestions? I want more opinions.

Thanks, does anybody else have clutch suggestions? I want more opinions.

It appears that you are asking do you use a T2 tranny on your N/A car and what flywheel/clutch to use, right?

first, series on the tranny means nothing other than 5th gear is geared slightly different, and the syncros are slightly stronger and a different design on a S5 and 'vert tranny.

Well, Unless you are putting out gobbs or HP the N/A tranny is perfectly fine. The are capable of handling up to about 200 HP just fine. If you are going past that in your flywheel HP, then consider the heavy T2 tranny.

But, I would recommend upgrading the clutch to something a step up from the stock, but don't see any reason for a raceing clutch. An ACT or Centerforce upgraded replacement should be fine.

The clutch and flywheel will need to match to the tranny you decide to use. For example if you go with a T2 tranny, then you will want a T2 flywheel, Custom drive shaft, T2 clutch, T2 clutch slave and a T2 or auto tranny starter.

Most of the time tranny's are distroyed by poor driving skills of the current or past owners. Not by too much HP and Torque. A couple performance driving courses will often lend years onto a drivelines life, simply because you learn how to do fast and smooth shifts and driving skills.

You probably should have posted your thread in the 2nd gen section as well.

Thanks, Mark! I'm pretty sure the last owner tore it up. He was 20 and had it about a year. Also, I've missed exactly two shifts. I think it was 4th both times. It was always a little notchy there, didn't easily go into 4th. I've only had it a little over a month now.

Anyway, the tranny should be fixable. As far as the clutch, I already knew to stay away from a race clutch. I want a good street/strip clutch. Should I upgrade the flywheel along with it? Does anyone have specific clutch kit suggestions?

I have used a centerforce DF in my N/A and have over 100 Passes on the track and a few days at holtville, It still works very well, last week I ran 28 times at our local 1/8 mile track (9.8 @75)and I still can't kill it..

It's hard to kill a clutch designed for 260hp with 160 hp ;)

but is the dual friction too strong for daily driving?

The Centerforce DF is easy to drive on the street, I drive 80 miles a day on it.

OK, I'm pretty sure I want the Centerforce Dual Friction clutch kit. It won't tear up other parts of the driveline, will it? Will it be fine with the stock flywheel? Now, I would want a stainless steel clutch hose to go with it, right? Will I also need the bearings? The work will be done by the shop, of course. If they can't get the kit cheaper, where should I buy? I've found it on Mazdatrix. Is there any place you recommend above them? Anything else I need to know? Get at me QUICK!

I use mine with the stock flywheel, i don't think you'll need a SS clutch line, you will also need the throw-out bearing, pilot bearing..

OK, thanks, SDrotary.

OK, which do a buy? They have separate kits for S4 and S5. I have a S5 engine in my S4 car with the original tranny (being rebuilt now, I believe). Does it really make a difference? The S5 kit is actually slightly cheaper for some reason. If either will work, I guess I'll go with that. Help me out here.