Hi, drove my rx8 out of my street, round the corner and within 2 minutes of driving I heard a very loud noise/bang (as if someone had threw a large rock at my car - I knew this never actually happened as I was on a clear road with nobody in site)

I then noticed a loss of power, the rpm's were increasing but the mph was increasing at a VERY slow rate.

I went and filled my car up with petrol and when I left the station, my car refused to exceed 18mpg, it then gradually died down to 0mph.

The car then started fine, but when I put it into 1st gear it wouldn't move. It was also impossible to stall the car, despite it being in gear and my foot being off of the clutch pedal.

This makes me wonder, is my clutch dead?

I am quite a noob with cars, particularly the RX8. However I fully researched them before purchasing my one 4 weeks ago and I check my oil levels every time I fill up with petrol.


Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks

 

Sounds like you exploded your clutch

 

Yeah, your clutch burst or shattered. I had the same thing happen to me a few years back, only the shrapnel also sliced into the starter nose housing and acted like an anchor against the flywheel, preventing the starter gear from engaging or turning the engine over to get it roll started. Luck of the draw in my case.

Go with an OEM clutch kit from Mazmart or BHR. Please avoid Exedy Stage1, as it is failure prone from QA problems. OEM is the most reliable, lasts the longest, zero install problems, can hold more torque than your naturally aspirated engine will ever produce, and one of the cheapest.

 

Thanks for all the replies.

I can now afford the repairs but need to know the clutch diameter of my car.

The mechanic that is going to repair it told me that there are two clutches of different diameter (one being £100 more expensive) so what clutch does mine have?
I have a 2004 5 speed model.

Thanks in advance!

 

The 5-speed was never offered in the US, and I don't believe that we had any difference in the clutch. I highly recommend that you shoot Paul at Mazmart an email (Paul@Mazmart.com) and see if he can determine what the correct clutch is for you. He might even give you a better price than your mechanic can get it for, including shipping to the UK.

 

I just phoned my local Mazda service/parts help centre and they were quick to inform me that all RX8's produced before 2005 have the less expensive clutch kit fitted (the 225mm diameter plate). LUCKY ME!

My car has been booked in for it's repair on Monday.

After 3 weeks of it being off the road I cannot wait to hear the amazing engine again!

 

Just collected my 8!

4 weeks after my clutch died, I finally saved the money for the repair (I'm a student, lacking money sometimes) and I am so pleased!

Good as new! )))