Hi there,
New member here, just wanting to know if anyone has any tips or tricks to replacing an '80 to '83 clutch. I just bought this vehicle, and the clutch is out. I can get a new one from Napa for $119.00, and I just bought a Haynes manual, so I should be ready to go. However, It has been years since I replaced a clutch, so any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

well. since you just bought it. might be less messy if you drain the gear oil first. then you can know you got gool gear oil in it. the only other tip i can give would be to make sure you use an alignment tool. makes life easy. and welcome to the forum. there are plenty people in oregon that can help you out in alot of ways. don't be afraid to ask. by the way, since it is new to you, might wanna change all fluids especially the rear end just so you know they are full and of good quality.

 

Hey Tazzman;
I f you have not bought the Clutch and Pressure Plate Yet, I have a ClutchMasters Heavy Duty setup that has all but 500 miles on it and will let it go for $50 plus Shipping.
My last project car was an 80 that I never finished and sold it for parts.
I paid $165.00 for it last year and it now the box just collects dust.
Let me know if your interested.
If your going to change Clutch SetUp years on these 1st Gens you need to make sure that the FlyWheel is going to match up.
Check out Mazdatrix website. They have the Listing of what FlyWheels

 

Tazzman69;
Never got a chance to finish last post!
Got hit in the Head from my kid.
Anyhow; I looked up some info that I had on FlyWheels.

79-80 12A= 30lbs
81-82 12A= 23lbs
83-85 12A= 26lbs

There will be a Number stamped on the Engine Side of the FlyWheel.
79-80 =None
81-82 =21
83-85 =31

The difference is Contact surface must match up to the specific Years so you will need to match those acordingly. Unless of course you plan on changing the FlyWheel also. (Now you don't need to Search).
Just make sure whatever you do is to Change out the Pilot Bearing and don't forget the Seal or you will be tearing her down agian in about 250miles.
Have Fun
steve
sgieldon

 

you are gonna have to remove the tin heat sheilds from under the car. This will make it a lot easyer to drop the tranny. pull the driveline then remove the tin. theres about eight 10mm bolts to remove. you might even want to take off some of the exhaust also.

 

damn. i haven't seen tin shields in a long time.... oh wait. z-beater had some.

 

Wow, thanks everyone for your responses and insight! I am not sure what year the tranny is - it was swapped out before I bought the car from a four speed to a five speed. I talked to a guy at Napa - he said that the only differnce in clutches is the diameter of the disk. I guess I'm going to have to pull the tranny to find out exactly what I need.
So, Steve - I would be very interested in the clutch you have, assuming it would be the right fit. Also, I could meet you in Salem, (give you some gas money maybe?) rather than shipping it. I think shipping would probably be over thirty bucks with the weight of it. Also, does it include the pilot bearing? I'm not too sure that I can buy the pilot bearing and seal seperately... Let me know.
Thanks to everyone who responded! I am hoping to start the teardown in a couple days, I'll keep everyone posted if I run into problems :-)

 

Tazzman;
I have the Pilot Bearing and Seal Brand New from the dealer.
I have to go to Salem every week so that would work out better for both of us.
Like I posted! Check out Mazdatrix website for the Chart that shows what Clutch setups work with what years.
The Trannies are basicly the same it's the Flywheels that where different throughout the years.
When you find out what you need let me know.
Thanks
Steve
sgieldon

 

Tazz if you need help just send me a pm time and ill be willing to help.

 

Sounds like we have a deal Steve, I just need to figure out if it will fit. I haven't had a chance to get under it to look for the #'s you posted above. Once I do, I'll let you know.

Mabii: Thanks for the offer! Last time I tore apart a clutch was in 1992 on a 1989 RX-7. And even then it took me and a friend the whole day to do it!

 

Ok, so I started to pull my tranny tonight, and about two steps in discovered that the Clutch Release Mechanism on the top of the tranny is in severe disrepare. So, I stopped there and thought I should consult the experts... YOU!
I dont know if I should continue pulling the tranny if this could be the real problem.
The boot is trashed, the linkage into the CRM is so loose I can almost pull it out, and the round tip at the end mates perfectly with the clutch release on the tranny (no Pressure). Also, there appears to be some sort of air line leading out of the CRM, and it has a huge hole in it.
Call me stupid, but could this be the reason I can start the car, put it in first, let out completely on the clutch and the car goes nowhere, and the engine remains ideling?
I was told it was the clutch, but maybe the clutch is fine but this just needs to be replaced?

Any thoughts? (Code for HELLLPPPP!!!!!)