RX-3 brake upgrade: the final result
11-08-09, 08:27 PM
#1
RX-3 brake upgrade: the final result
Thanks to my 12 buddies for giving the guts and ***** to put this idea in the works. So here's my upgraded RX-3 with 81-85 brake booster, clutch master, brake master and pedals. The clutch pedal just need a little tweaking-focus it away from the hump on the floor (wheel well); just a simple cut and re-weld about 1-2" inner towards the brake pedal. I didnt do this mod as I have an old school slave cylinder adjustable push-rod. With FB front brake assembly and rear-disc brake conversion, my light blue RX-3 stops on a dime with very little effort.
I took it for a drive around the block and Im very happy with the result. I just need to adjust the brake booster/pedal push-rod as the brake is not locking up but somewhat sensitive OR maybe I;m not used to it When I do the black 73 RX-3, I will use a 929 1" brake master and maybe a FC brake booster.
I took it for a drive around the block and Im very happy with the result. I just need to adjust the brake booster/pedal push-rod as the brake is not locking up but somewhat sensitive OR maybe I;m not used to it When I do the black 73 RX-3, I will use a 929 1" brake master and maybe a FC brake booster.
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11-09-09, 07:49 PM
#10
For those who says **** that and I will install the FB booster without changing the pedal assembly. Well, thats not gonna work!
here is the difference between the RX-3 and FB brake/clutch pedal assemblies. The RX-3 has a 1" spacer (built-in in the pedal assembly).
this one has been trimmed along the firewall side. the stock RX-3 assembly has a bracket on top where the steering column is bolted to.
so the first thing you do is to get a 1/4 aluminum plate or whatever you prefer and use the FB pedal assembly as a template plus something to keep the moisture from coming inside the compartment (I used a paper gasket). the white plate is the panel that I cut out from a junk FB as my initial template or when I came up with this idea.
Then remove the gauge cluster (tach/speedo), unbolt the RX-3 brake booster/clutch master and steering column from the "stock RX-3 pedal assembly."
Note that the RX-3s booster has 3 studs (instead of 4 like the FB, RX-4 and RX-2). using the 2 passenger side brake booster holes in the firewall, install the aluminum template from the inner firewall (inside). Then mark the 2 extra holes for the booster and 3 holes for the clutch master (2 small and 1 large). then drill away. For the clutch master, drill several small holes to cut out the large hole and finalize it with a die grinder. Also, you will need to grind a small partition to the right of the clutch master (engine bay) and paint it to prevent rust. The result will look like this
Install the FB brake booster first, then the FB pedal assembly and finally the clutch master. you will also need to make new hard lines for the front brakes and clutch master. then the last thing: fabricate bracket to secure the FB brake assembly to the dash and to secure the steering column.
I did all these in 1 day as I worked alone with the company of my 12 buddies. I noticed a big difference over my RX-3 brakes with RX-4 booster.
here is the difference between the RX-3 and FB brake/clutch pedal assemblies. The RX-3 has a 1" spacer (built-in in the pedal assembly).
this one has been trimmed along the firewall side. the stock RX-3 assembly has a bracket on top where the steering column is bolted to.
so the first thing you do is to get a 1/4 aluminum plate or whatever you prefer and use the FB pedal assembly as a template plus something to keep the moisture from coming inside the compartment (I used a paper gasket). the white plate is the panel that I cut out from a junk FB as my initial template or when I came up with this idea.
Then remove the gauge cluster (tach/speedo), unbolt the RX-3 brake booster/clutch master and steering column from the "stock RX-3 pedal assembly."
Note that the RX-3s booster has 3 studs (instead of 4 like the FB, RX-4 and RX-2). using the 2 passenger side brake booster holes in the firewall, install the aluminum template from the inner firewall (inside). Then mark the 2 extra holes for the booster and 3 holes for the clutch master (2 small and 1 large). then drill away. For the clutch master, drill several small holes to cut out the large hole and finalize it with a die grinder. Also, you will need to grind a small partition to the right of the clutch master (engine bay) and paint it to prevent rust. The result will look like this
Install the FB brake booster first, then the FB pedal assembly and finally the clutch master. you will also need to make new hard lines for the front brakes and clutch master. then the last thing: fabricate bracket to secure the FB brake assembly to the dash and to secure the steering column.
I did all these in 1 day as I worked alone with the company of my 12 buddies. I noticed a big difference over my RX-3 brakes with RX-4 booster.
11-09-09, 07:59 PM
#11
I forget to mentioned that I used the stock RX-3's clutch pedal push rod as it is longer than the FB. This is ideal for those who are running a very stiff pressure plate (3,000lbs and up).
also, I tried to use a 929 brake booster on a FB pedal assembly. that didnt work as the 929 is larger than a FB and will not clear the clutch master. When I have time, I will try the FC brake pedal assembly but for sure, my other RX-3 will have the 929 1" brake master.
I know that this will work on a RX-4 but I need a someone with a RX-2 as a volunteer
also, I tried to use a 929 brake booster on a FB pedal assembly. that didnt work as the 929 is larger than a FB and will not clear the clutch master. When I have time, I will try the FC brake pedal assembly but for sure, my other RX-3 will have the 929 1" brake master.
I know that this will work on a RX-4 but I need a someone with a RX-2 as a volunteer
11-10-09, 08:07 AM
#13
I installed them in this sequence:
booster/clutch master ==>> aluminum plate ==>> gasket ==>> firewall ==>>pedal assembly
The aluminum plate and gasket are optional. I installed them to provide extra support to the firewall due to the extra holes and the gasket is to keep the moisture out as noted earlier.
booster/clutch master ==>> aluminum plate ==>> gasket ==>> firewall ==>>pedal assembly
The aluminum plate and gasket are optional. I installed them to provide extra support to the firewall due to the extra holes and the gasket is to keep the moisture out as noted earlier.
11-11-09, 04:40 PM
#17
I went out for a joy ride at 4AM today. Im happy with the result, brakes are as good as my other FBs and prior FCs. Just get all the parts and I will do the complete swap for you, although it may take a couple of days since you need a complete front and rear brake upgrade also. I got to check out the junkyard also this weekend and see if I can use the B-series mazda pick up trucks pedal since they have a better off-set. new idea came out after a did a clutch job in my buddy's truck today.
Last edited by Siraniko; 11-11-09 at 05:06 PM. Reason: typo
11-11-09, 08:18 PM
#18
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We can do this with one of my RX-2's, heh. My sedan with the S4 13B would be a perfect candidate since it's got a bad booster currently. I've been meaning to upgrade the brake master cylinder on a couple of them but this sounds like a better idea. I only have rear disc on one of the 2's though, need to get moving on the others.
Mike
Mike
I forget to mentioned that I used the stock RX-3's clutch pedal push rod as it is longer than the FB. This is ideal for those who are running a very stiff pressure plate (3,000lbs and up).
also, I tried to use a 929 brake booster on a FB pedal assembly. that didnt work as the 929 is larger than a FB and will not clear the clutch master. When I have time, I will try the FC brake pedal assembly but for sure, my other RX-3 will have the 929 1" brake master.
I know that this will work on a RX-4 but I need a someone with a RX-2 as a volunteer
also, I tried to use a 929 brake booster on a FB pedal assembly. that didnt work as the 929 is larger than a FB and will not clear the clutch master. When I have time, I will try the FC brake pedal assembly but for sure, my other RX-3 will have the 929 1" brake master.
I know that this will work on a RX-4 but I need a someone with a RX-2 as a volunteer
11-15-09, 05:12 AM
#21
if you upgrade to the 929 master cylinder, you might be able to just drop the booster all together. Its perfectly safe to delete the booster and clean up the engine bay. I just wouldnt do it on the stock rx3 master cylinder.
you just have to shorten the shaft that goes into the master and mount it. wich might be a lot easier than everything else...
you just have to shorten the shaft that goes into the master and mount it. wich might be a lot easier than everything else...
11-16-09, 02:33 PM
#23
The General RE
