So, I have a dilemma. Recently I took my 8 in to have the clutch and flywheel replaced by a the local AAMCO transmission place, long story short they flooded the engine twice after explicit instructions about warming, then they did a shoddy job installing and a barring blew. I have been without a car for a cumulative of almost a month now. I am sick of the BS excuses about it being “a weird car”; this isn’t the first place to give me trouble either and the local Mazda dealer is not much better. I was wondering if there are any performance shops in the area (Cedar Rapids, IA) that specialize or even have experience with Rotary vehicles. I would even be willing to travel (within reason) to get service that I can trust. Any info would be much appreciated.

 

Which clutch and flywheel did you get?

Did they get it fixed?

I probably could have thrown it in in about 5 hours.

 

I got the ACT Prolight and Exedy Stage 1. They are still "working on it" and allegedly it will be done tomorrow.

 

Did you supply them with the counterweight? Or are they still trying to figure out how to get the aftermarket flyhweel's 6 bolt arrangement to bolt up to the stock single bolt ?

That sucks dude, Its pretty easy with impact tools after you have done it once. I can't imagine what the problem is.

1) take off shifter.
2) disconnect neutral switch and wideband plugs
3) take off middle crossmembers
4) take off exhaust all the way to the muffler.
5) support engine and differential with jacks and wood.
6) unbolt power plant frame
7) unbolt driveshaft
8) unbolt starter and transmission
9) unbolt stock clutch cover
10) remove big 2 &1/8 inch nut holding flywheel
11) replace stuff
12) bleed clutch, adjust pedal,
13) done!

 

Yep, I supplied them with all the counterweight. I spoke with them and they indicated that the fluid was low. They blamed this as the cause of the failure. This really just blows my mind that as they must have not even bothered to check the level. I hope that the clutch isn’t contaminated…

 

Hey Marauder.

I know it is a bit of a drive, but if you could get the car down here to Omaha, we could help you out. Mike & Peace have both done work on FDs & work my RX8 and worked with Staticlag and his RX8 also.

 

I would be willing to make the trek just for some peace of mind. It is just difficult in surprise situations like this one where suddenly the clutch goes out. Thanks for the information, I'll keep it in mind for future non-surprise projects.

 

Sounds good. Give me a call any time or shoot me a PM