NHTSA investigating RX8 Clutch Pedals

[Huzer]

It's about time. These things have snapped, creaked, and left more than a few owners stranded.

From Autoblog:

Mazda's RX-8 sportscar is under the watchful eye of NHTSA for a problem that could effect far fewer vehicles but the problem is equally serious. The safety administration has reportedly received 40 complaints of 2004-2008 models that have experienced clutch pedal bracket failure, and in 15 cases, the rotary-powered Mazda was moving and the drivers couldn't change gears normally as a result. Two of those drivers could have found themselves in a more dangerous situation, as the clutch pedal was reported to have become wedged under the brake pedal.

At this point, NHTSA is just beginning to investigate these issues, and if a recall results in either case, the government agency will assuredly issue notice.

[RX-7 Chris]

took long enough

[GR-8]

Wow that's great. Now can they link this issue with failed trannys? Probably not but I hope. I'm lucky mine broke in the Chilis parking lot and not when we all headed out onto I-25.

[chickenwafer]

About time! LOL

It's amazing how flimsy the stock unit is. I took mine out and welded up some of the seams, it's just crazy how weak it is.

Oh yeah, about the weak ass Aisin transmissions- it's the same trans used in the new MX-5 Miata, and PAR Engineering makes a high strength gearset with syncro or dog-style engagement, billet shift forks, race ceramic bearings, and custom gear ratios. Only problem is I think it's around $3,000!!

[GR-8]

About time! LOL

It's amazing how flimsy the stock unit is. I took mine out and welded up some of the seams, it's just crazy how weak it is.

Oh yeah, about the weak ass Aisin transmissions- it's the same trans used in the new MX-5 Miata, and PAR Engineering makes a high strength gearset with syncro or dog-style engagement, billet shift forks, race ceramic bearings, and custom gear ratios. Only problem is I think it's around $3,000!!

That's a great find about the tranny. If you think about it though the 3k might be worth it. I was quoted something like $1300-$1400 from mazda just to fix second gear and syncro. A new 04-08 tranny would run $2,700 and the 09+ is $2,900. So a few hundred more I may be willing to spend for a gear set that is stronger. Then the money to have someone install it.

[dommo_g]

$3k for that tranny is a bargain. Considering....

[iani1.1]

you dont need the clutch to shift.

[GR-8]

you dont need the clutch to shift.

But you do need it to get into 1st in reverse and engage those 2 gears first. But then you also need it to shift if you are running to Redline.

[chickenwafer]

The 09+ transmissions are completely different and braces on a different side, which would require custom transmission mounts or a different Power Plant Frame, lots of money.

If you're going to go through all that trouble you might as well put in an FD 5-speed or hell for the price of the 09 trans you could get a bullet proof Tremec T-56!

You can pick up used 8 gearboxes for $600-$800 all day long. The problem is they are used, so their lifespan is questionable.

Here is the link to the PAR Engineering gearsets:

http://par-engineering.com/sections/products/products.aspx?typeId=gearsets&manId=mazda§ionId=7

Looks like it's actually $4640 AUD, which at the current exchange rate, is about $4131.46 USD. For what you're getting it's not bad but IMO the better option at that price point is a Tremec T-56 6-speed, it can handle unlimited clutch drops (if your clutch can!), over 1200-rwhp and well over 1,000 ft-lbs of torque...and it only costs $3,000.

[RX-7 Chris]

I always thought it would be cool to install a T-56 in my FB.