Does anyone understand how the transmission is supported enough with the Power Plant frame? I saw that the RX-8 only has engine mounts and then is connected all the way to the back until the rear end mount. How does it not keep it from droping? I also noticed that there are bolts on the transmission that probley be used for a transmission mount. Or would it have to have the PPframe? And are the bolts that are on the transmission strong enough to use.

 

I believe there are some minor wing-type mounts on the front of the transmission.

But, the powerplant frame is WAY superior to traditional tranny mounts. It's a heavy brace that links the rear of the transmission to the differential. This keeps the slop in the driveline to a minimum, resulting in excellent throttle response.

The 2nd gen RX-7 used a more traditional tranny mount and diff mount setup. They frequently break the front differential mount from the nose of the diff torquing upwards, and the rubber mount also makes the driveline more "sloppy".

The PPF was first used on the Miata in production, but I believe the concept was designed for the 3rd gen RX-7 (which did have a PPF) but the Miata hit the market first.

It does kinda seem weird, but the transmission is affixed rather rigidly. The driveline is mounted VERY securely - 3rd gens never had any related problems, other than very high power cars cracking the PPF over time.

Dale