TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

sorry, I missed that

The prefixes can either be S1 vs S2 even though they can either be directly interchangeable or not, or in the case of the very early high power (6-port) vs. standard (4-port), or early S1 (2004-2005) and later S1 (2006-2008)

for a lot of the directly interchangeable parts they typically end up defaulting to the latest model version once the stock on the earlier model parts sell out.

so that’s likely what you’re seeing there in my estimation …

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Laminar

Okay, that makes sense. I'm waiting for Mazda to approve my race results so I can order parts. I did the "I'm building a racecar" when I signed up and they said my account was approved but I wasn't able to order anything. Fortunately I have race results from May so I was able to submit those.

Laminar

Finally got a chance to flush and bleed the brakes. Got the RX-8 back down on the ground and took it around the block to make sure the brakes were working. The truck AC went out again and the M3 has no AC so the Mazda is my only hope for not ending up a sweaty mess at all times in the record high temperatures we've been seeing lately.



Also treated a few little rock chips on the windshield, didn't want them turning into something worse. And I got the speed bleeder installed on the clutch slave and bled that. No big change in engagement or consistency, but I feel better about getting fresh fluid in there.

Laminar

Trans is shredded. Wouldn't go into 5th on the highway yesterday. Sitting still, it straight grinds trying to go into 5th, it feels like the synchros are gone entirely. The upward push into 3rd is very stiff but it will go if I force it, and I can set the lever into 5th position and the gear won't be engaged. Maybe a bent shift fork or something. 1, 2, 4, and 6 all work fine.

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

I had a 5th gear synchro that lost part of itself; just fractured and fell off, leaving a 1/2” wide gap between the two fractured ends. Have no idea what could have caused it other than being a defective part since it never was driven hard in 5th gear (autox only vehicle). It would grind going into 5th. Waited until the next rebuild, discovered the issue, and replaced it then. Probably a picture of it on here somewhere.

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Laminar

Is there a teardown/rebuild manual for the transmission? I didn't see it in the factory service manual.

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

yes, it’s a separate manual

and the S1 requires a bunch of service tools since the main case has no access cover.
.

Laminar

I've been on the lookout for wheels so that I can have dedicated summer and winter sets. I found a set of Mustang wheels on Craigslist that looked like they might fit. Only $200, so they were worth a shot.





They ended up being 17x9 wheels with about a 42mm offset. No visible brand, guessing they weigh about 23lbs each based on the published weight of the tire. The all seasons are basically brand new, but nothing special.

Unfortunately, they bareeeely touch the front calipers. I knocked down the ridge on the caliper and they actually fit up, though there's not enough clearance for my comfort. Plus I'm not really sure what I'd do with them. They're too wide to put the 215/50R17 snow tires I have on them. I could move the BMW race tires over when I'm ready to do that, but they're pretty heavy for 17s. I'd rather just run the 17lb BMW wheels and spacers instead. I could make them the daily wheels and put my 18" snow tires on the factory wheels, but I'm not super in love with how they look.

So I listed them for sale, albeit with better pictures and descriptions to see if I can find a wider audience - they're dual pattern 5x4.5/5x4.75, so they'll fit Ford, GM, and BMW.

Laminar

Weighed the drivetrain. I like to make it as complete as possible. Weighing just the engine block or doing it without accessories isn't helpful because an engine with no accessories can't run a car. When I pull the trans off I can get an individual weight for it, too.

Complete with:
- Engine
- Clutch/flywheel/pp/slave cyl
- Transmission
- Alternator
- Air pump
- A/C compressor
- Starter
- Wiring harness
- Aluminum engine mount brackets
- Throttle body
- Header

Not included:
- Rubber engine mounts
- ECU
- Oil coolers
- Shifter

Fluids gravity drained but not necessarily bone dry









450lbs

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

sounds about right

you could have just put some 3mm (1/8") hub spacers to clearance those wheels and still had suitable lug nut engagement with the OE wheel studs. I raced quite a few years with a set on OE studs.
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Laminar

I don't know if that would have gotten the barrel of the wheel off of the caliper. Either way they were heavy so I wouldn't want to use them as race wheels. I sold them and made a little cash on the deal, so no harm no foul.

Laminar

5x120 wheel spacers also work for GM/Cadillac wheels.





18x8.5 ET48. I can get two of them for free, I'd just have to find two more. Would make nice winter or daily wheels.