Since the garage was warm this weekend, I ended up installing a few things on the clunker from my parts bin. I figured this would be a good time to start a build(ish) thread on anything new put on the car.

Due to some spirited driving, I ended up bursting a seal on my clutch slave cylinder. Unfortunately, the CSC is located inside the bellhousing. Don't know what crazy engineer designed it that way...but what a PITA to get to.

So out comes the transmission.



For those that are timid about removing a T56 from an FD Rx-7 in your garage, it's actually pretty simple. I found that it's easiest to pull the transmission from the bellhousing. In other words, leave the bellhousing connected to the motor. Doing it this way provides ample room to get to the bellhousing bolts.

Details on the T56 swap please

After pulling the tranny, you'll have full access to the bellhousing bolts as shown here:


After pulling the bellhousing, I now have full access to the clutch.

But here's the POS that I really came after:



Instead of spending a boatload of $$$ for a new one, I opted to have parts over-nighted from Japan to rebuild it :-)

Here's a quick write-up to rebuild the Mcleod slave cylinder:

Step 1: Pull off throw-out bearing


Step 2: Remove allen bolts from the rear plate


Step 3: Disassemble slave cylinder into it's individual components


Step 4: Punch out roll-pins


Step 5: Clean everything up, replace all o-rings/seals, grease back up, & finally re-assemble in reverse order

Since I had everything apart, I switched over to a twin-disk clutch. But more on that later.



As you can see, the twin-disk setup is significantly smaller in size. This should equate to a stock'ish pedal feel...if not lighter feel.

VRx8 wrote:Details on the T56 swap please

Basically you'll need a new transmission mount, bellhousing adapter, new driveshaft, and something to correct the new speedometer signal. In my opinion...I believe the Rx7 transmission and rear differential carrier are the weakest links on the car...not the 13B.

For my T56, I had it rebuilt to handle gobs of power. Unfortunately I may be pushing the limits of the tranny, especially with how I drive. When it gives, I may have it faceplated, switch to a T56 Magnum, or have have it converted to a Dog Ring setup. We'll see.

Nice man. Get this sucker running so u can make it out w/us!

Saul_Good wrote:Nice man. Get this sucker running so u can make it out w/us!

Thanks! If it's not on the road in time, I'll just bring the "V"

Oh you are V8 I thought you had a 13b. I have done the 8.8 rear end already now I have to figure out the tranny.

It's a 13b with a port job mimicking a lumpy V8.

Went ahead and threw in a new billet aluminum flywheel (Centerforce 900142) while I was under there.



I'm also trying a different starter (MSD DynaForce 5096) with a reduced gear ratio. The clearance looks good:



Checking more of the outboard clearance. No shims needed.

Here's the install of the Mcleod Twin Disc RST clutch.

In goes the bottom clutch disk:


Then the adapter plate:


Next the top clutch disk:


And finally the pressure plate:


Phew...all done! ....for now...

You have a huge garage! Are you doing all this work on a lift?