Clutch install

alright, so my new clutch is on the way... well kinda, its backordered and wont be here till like late next week or so, but anyways, the point is that me and my cousin are putting it in, we both have pretty good car knowledge but have never done the clutch removal and install so I was wondering if anyone knew any web sites with tips or anything like that, and where can I buy one of those books with like a complete tear down and rebuild or whatever of the FC RX-7? also anyone done this and have any info that might be good to know ahead of time?

the new stage 1 clutch is a direct fit to where the stock clutch was and I got a new throwout bearing and also a transmission seal from racing beat. we have just about every tool there is between the 2 of us so we should be set to go. I just wanted to see what you all had to say and any websites that may be of some help

Its really not too complicated, its just alot of labor. The tranny has to be unbolted and moved back (not fun). Then you really just unbolt the clutch, put the new one on (assuming your not having your flywheel resurfaced). Use the clutch alignment tool to align the clutch. Tighten the bolts and put tranny back in. You might want to consider changing the pilot bearing while your at it.

Jarrett

Dont forget to drain the tranny oil before you take the driveshaft out, cause it'll spill everywhere. And some of those bolts (there are a couple of nuts in weird spots) that are a real PITA to get to. Hmm.. what else... J-Rat is right, it's not hard, just a lot of labor.

yea I am expecting to spend a full afternoon doing it, my cousin has a manual for an 87, that would be the same as the 91 wouldn't it? and I don't know anything about resurfacing the flywheel... wanna elaborate?

Just take it to Oreillys, they will resurface it for like $20, and if you do that you might want to replace your rear main seal since your taking the clutch off too.

yea I'm replacinf front and rear tranny seals, got the parts for 16 bucks from RB, I'll have to go by oreillys and see what they have to say, thanks

will this just make the flywheel a little more efficient and smoother? or something along those lines haha

My friend and I did a clutch replacement on his 87 rx-7. Basically it took a lot of time and profantity, but it wasn't to horriable. The flywheel was a pain in the ass to remove. I think the nut holding it on was a two inch. A big breaker bar was our best friend. Resurfacing your flywheel is a good idea because it gets worn and scored as the miles rack up on it. If you want your new clutch to get its "max" grip then you should do this and since your there why not.

how long does it take them to resurface it? I mean could I like take it all out, drop off the flywheel, go eat lunch, come back and pick it up then finish the job?

Do you have a tranny jack? It is very difficult to line the tranny up and get it to slide into place on the spline shaft. That will eat up all your time rent a tranny jack if you wdont have one you'll thank me later.

I would call a place that resurfaces flywheels and ask how long it will take appoximatly. I have never waited for one so I cannot answer.

my friend had his done and it didn't take long at all. I think the time it takes to eat lunch or less.

glad to hear it doesn't take long, I will have to look into it

and no I don't have a tranny jack, but I'm borrowing one from a friend so I will have one for the day :)

http://2ndgenrx7.freeservers.com/techmaster.html

ok I've been looking there to get ready for the job. so I'm wondering, I will have to get a new pilot bearing and seal? where can I get a pilot bearing puller? where can I get a clutch alignment tool? anything else I'll have to have or probably will want to have?

The pilot bearing I got from an import place. The Pilot bearing puller I rented from Autozone (Loan-a-tool program). Clutch aligment tool *should* come with the clutch.

alright, I probably need to get a pilot bearing then, rent the tool and now that you say that I'm pretty sure the alignment tool should be with it

thanks for the help, I'll let you all know how it went after its done and how I like it

Hey I got the Shop manual for my 86 rx-7 for $12 at booksforcars.com! And where did you get your clutch, I want the same one and want to find a good price!

I got it at www.planetperformance.com

and I didn't end up putting it in myself because its been icy and snowy for 2 weeks now and its been under 10 degrees, so I found a guy to do it for $225 and I got my flywheel resurfaced for for $25. I should have it back tommorrow

Sure sure Soyo you probably just got worried about breaking a nail doing it yourself so you wimped out. :biggrin:

J/J

Heh, I did mine last snow, and this snow I just replaced my tranny driveshaft and rear diff. The snow didnt make it harder at all.

well my dad has half the garage filled with a bunch of junk so I would have to do it in the driveway, didn't want to do that in 10 degree weather with ice and snow... we just got 8 inches sunday night :) plus my cousin who was gonna help me with the job is still working on his car, took out blown engine from a 92 240sx and is putting a new one in along with a new clutch, so unfortunately I didn't do it myself :( I will be putting in the short shifter myself though, I should have it by the end of the month(depends how much its gonna cost me for 2 rear tires)

but anyways, its runs real smooth, I almost felt like I didn't know how to drive it it was so much better haha... if anyone is looking for a new clutch, centerforce seems to be pretty good so far, cheap too

Ouch, yeah getting banished to the driveway definately would detour you from doing it yourself.
That sucks man