Honestly folks, I'm surprised I haven't blown my clutch. Although I operate it properly, I surprised it has lasted this long. Addicted to the high pitch of the rotary @ 7500. Bang bang bang....

 

Does anyone know how our clutch compairs to a Miata clutch? As far as clamping force and performance. I've seen posts that refer to Mazda using the Miata transmission as a template for the 8's transmission.

I bring this up because I was previously (before the 8 was released) looking to buy a Miata and add FI. On Flyinmiata.com their FMIV turbo, which can produce 250+RWHP, says that you will need a new clutch. I know this is a stretch, but I think that Mazda under engineered the clutch for the power of this car. If the transmission is based on a Miata tranny maybe the clutch is also.

Another idea, which I think is the most likely, is that the clutch was intentionally under engineered to save wear on the tranny and diff. When I bought the 8, I was looking at a Mitsu. Evolution. They've been having trouble with burned out clutches also. Apparently clutch was made to slip a little to save wear on the rest of the drivetrain. I figure that an 8k+ rpm launch would wear the transmission and diff very quickly. They cover the drivetrain under warranty, but they don't cover the clutch after 12k miles. Which part would you engineer to wear out faster? The clutch is probably engineered to last about 25-30k miles under normal conditions, but if you push it a little and there is goes.

I've stepped out of my car sometimes after driving it somewhat hard and smelled burned clutch. It's bothered me, but I'd rather replace a clutch than an entire tranny.

I'm sure that someone has already talked about this, but I just thought I'd share my ideas.

 

I guess that would make sense, at least for the "burnt" clutches. It seems the biggest problems are the ones that "explode". Basically the springs shatter and the 4 brads break.

 

Sorry to have missed the details on the "bluing" issue.

Charles

 

Damn I feel sorry for you guys going through this crap. I love my 8, but reading posts like this are what make me cringe when Im driving and I hear a weird sound.

 

Thats where the Supra makes his come back and VS the GT-R LOL!

 

I would like to see those pics. I guess the only RX8 clutch I have seen was mine and I was told the coloring was normal. I have installed some other clutches, but they weren't that color. Mine wasn't just blue, but purple and pink colored too. I wonder What the actual pressure is that the clutch should be able to handle. I wonder what kind of pressure it would take for a good RX8 clutch to "explode". The guy that took my vehicle apart said he had only seen that happen once and that was in an RX-7 with over 600 hp.

 

I copied this blurb from the Mazdaspeed website.


"Rotary engines by their very nature, tend to operate best at higher rpm. Start your test by shifting based on feel rather than by the numbers on the tachometer. Most likely you will find yourself both shifting and cruising at a higher rpm than usual due to the rotary's unusual smoothness at high rpm.

Such is the smoothness that Mazda has provided an audible "beep" when redline is reached to remind you to shift. Listen for it, as it is easy to reach redline sooner than you expect."

Looks to me that we are expected to shift at redline, if that is abusive then the components being stressed are under designed.