Hi guys, new to this thread, recently bought by dad's 04 Rx8 and have been really enjoying it.

To save everybody a 5 page read, I know the car's history and sadly my dad was not kind to it. It only has 67k on it but the clutch, transmission and engine need replacing (was sadly never premixed, did ATF & seafoam cleaning for 2 days apiece and its still getting 5's & 6's for compression) the clutch has a wear sound when it is out, and the transmission (manual) grinds going from 1st to 2nd above 6k rpm and 3rd to 4th above 5k rpm unless I let the rpms drop. Also needs all kinds of other love but I'm slowly nursing it back to health, super happy with the amount of info and tutorials for amateur hobbyists like myself on the internet so most of the questions or issues I've found I've been able to get resolutions for. I dont have access to a shop so I'm sadly gonna have to shell out the money to replace the clutch/engine/gearbox professionally, but i'd like to get some suggestions or links on the clutch kit and transmission (can be aftermarket) if anybody has some. I can find lightly used gearboxes for $650-850 but I don't mind paying a little more for good, reliable stuff. It's a backup car for my daily so I can take more time to save up if needed. Not going to be a track car, (but has delusions of grandeur) but I do a-hole around in it so I don't mind throwing cash at it if its gonna last. Let me know what experienced people recommend for compatible gearboxes & clutch kits! Thank you all in advance!

-Arvind

 

If you can find one, go for an S2 gearbox.

 

Stock clutch is probably your best bet. There's nothing to be gained by going aftermarket and more chances of premature failure. That's not just prejudice, there was a whole thing with Exedy clutches failing early.
But it wouldn't be a terrible idea to get a lightened flywheel while you have the thing apart.

 

^appreciate the advice, will an s3 one fit? or any specific reason for an s2?

^good to know, I was actually considering not going stock as the guys at my local mazda dealership said stock ones had similar issues for rx8s :D this was what they had recommended (bit pricey tho): https://thmotorsports.com/7585230-so...xd-kit-stage-2
my only hesitation for going with stock is this car is going to see some clutch abuse for clutchkicks and some pops when by wife and I are ... "enjoying" the car, so Idk if stock should be taking that kind of abuse?

 

What's an S3?

By S2, I meant the Series 2 RX-8 sold from 09~11 in the US. They use a different gearbox from the Series 1 sold from 04~08. The Series 1 gearbox is made by Aisin while the Series 2 P66M gearbox is made in-house by Mazda.

Series 2 box bolts right up with only some minor wiring modifications(for backup lights, etc.).

I am not sure if there are other upgrades that will bolt right up on an RX-8. There is also the 5-speed used in the 4-port Series 1. Those are the same as FD RX-7 ones and are supposedly very tough, but I don't see the point of using them other than if you are turbocharged, then you don't really need that short of a 1st gear to get you going and you will need that extra strength.

 

Ah i see, then we're talking about the same stuff, I was getting the R3 confused with series 3. But i think that answered my question, i was going to see if i can pull a 6 speed from an '11 r3. another dumb question though, should i go with a lower mileage transmission or a higher mileage "broken in" one? I'm inclined to think lower, but mines got 67k and is failing so idk..