Just want to introduce my self. Former auto mechanic who worked in shop years ago going at it again doing mobile auto repairs.

I have a possible client who wants his clutch changed because he said he burned his out on his rx8. I suspect he has also burned the flywheel and created lots of hot spots on it so it will have to be removed and remachined.

Are there any special tools to remove and replace the tranny and clutch and possibly the flywheel? I read in one post some one took 2.5 hours to remve and the same to install all the parts. What should be the torqe on the pressure plate bolts? If the new pressure plate does not include a clutch disk alingment tool, where could I buy one? dealership? What diameter and spline count on the alignment tool?

Thanks

 

you need a lot of tq to get the flywheel nut off. Something like 300+ ft/lbs.

clutch alignment tool - $3.00
http://mazdatrix.com/getprice.asp?partnum=49-0033-03



flywheel stop - $23.00
http://mazdatrix.com/getprice.asp?partnum=49-220TB




The trans goes in and out very easily on this car, but make sure you align the PPF correctly at the end of the job.

 

Go Here read the tranmission.
http://isomerica.net/~fluffy/Ren/RX8%20FSM/

 

All Clutch set should include the clutch alignment tool, and most of them comes with a brand new throwout bearing and pilot bearing.

You need about 400 lbs of tq to remove the nut, and becareful when u remove the FW because it might "fly" out. and you need about 300-350 lbs tq to secure it.

you do need special tools to take the pilot bearing out, that tool cost like 100 bux from Mazda. regular pilot bearing tools are too big for that little hole. You might want to prepare for that.

I dont remember other spec right now.

 

Yea, while I do have a impact gun, its a bit worn. That kind of torque is similar to the torque required to tighten a jeep wheel berring nut. Its a huge amount of torge and do not think my torque wrench is capable of going that high. In a case with this client, he has not returned my emails so its probebly moot. What is the size socket to remove the nut?

I do have a pilot berring puller, does anyone here have a way of measuring the ID of the pilot berring?

BTW, these engines have how much power to weight ratio?

 

The flywheel but is like a 2 1/8 inch.

Can't help on the pilot bearing.

The power:weight is a little better than 1:2

 

Do you need the Mazda SST for the bolts on the clutch assembly? Any tools specific to the RX8 tranny/clutch assembly?

 

The renesis weighs around 286 lbs right?

So wouldn't the power to weight be a lot better than 1:2, like 1:1.23 ?
This is if it actually makes 232 flywheel hp, I think stock is more like 215-220 (unless its cold out ).

 

I don't think so. Only tools you'll need are properly sized sockets for removing bolts/nuts, pilot bearing installation and removal tool, and a clutch alignment tool. If you're removing the flywheel you'll need a few extra tools available from Mazdatrix

 

Hmn, I'm thinking after 3 years they have figured it out or said to heck with it by now.

Mod edit, highlighted for emphasis...

 

it's a typical clutch job, nothing fancy about it.

 

Buy 5 bolts same size and TPI as the main transmission to engine block bolts as long as you can find I got 5 12inch longs for $3.90 to help guide the transmissions input shaft into the pilot bearing and essentially mating the transition back to the block, its honestly the "hardest" part of the job that pilot bearing is tiny, and you don’t want to fight with it.

 

^huh, thats a neat trick, I'll keep that in mind when I change my clutch.