errr difficuilt to drive clutch??

[J.j.]

Hi, dont know the proper name for this.  The type of clutch that makes you look like a learner driver.  
Went to look at a FD today which had one.  Man they are difficult to drive.  
Anyway, just wondering that is it normal for this kind of clutch making some noises??
How can you tell if it\'s a RS model or not??
The brake caliper\'s in blue, in that a RS brake??
Cheers

[rx7veilside]

noise like two sheets of metal rubbing together at high speed by any chance...yes that is one quirk..hard to drive without over revving and juddering..yes that is another quirk of a high power clutch

[20B_boy]

The rattling when the clutch is depressed suggests that it has a multi-plated clutch, probably a twin plate as they are most popular. Some are a lot more driveable than others though. I had a Cusco twin plate in my FD and apart from a heavier peddle (and looking like a ****** for a couple of days whilst I got used to it) it was very easy to drive - I used it in traffic every day for 18 months. I had a MazdaSpeed twin plate in my FC which was the same - very easy to drive. Conversely, I\'ve driven a couple of twin plates that are horrid and I couldnt see ever being able to drive well...

[clive]

I have found a few times that tailoring  the clutch adjustment to the driver helps a lot with the "clutch is up n here we go" that you get with a lot of "real " clutches i.e. HKS, Exeddy, OS etc.

This means that you may end up with a low pedal that is more in tune with the angle the drivers leg operates at, and often means a much smoother pull away.

 ( this is OK to do providing the gears still disengage properly)

[J.j.]

noise like two sheets of metal rubbing together at high speed by any chance...

Not too sure how it was like.....  Sorry.
Also there was some scrapping noise when pulling away(slowly), and just before you stop the car.  Was looking at those wheels carefully, and they didnt seem to have scrapped wheel arches or anything.  Those tyres are 235/255.
The Compression test was taken 6 months ago, at 50k miles.
It showed
Front @ 228rpm or something like like
7.6
7.6
7.4
Rear
7.6
7.4
7.3

These are not the exact figures as I didnt write them down, but Im sure the highest reading was 7.6(2 or 3 of them), the lowest was 7.3(just the one).
He claimed this indicates a rebuilt in the past, coz those figure are too high for a 50k engine.

What do you guys think??

Also, anyone here has Recaro seat(recline) in their FD??  I felt like the recaro was sitting really high up, my knees were touching the steering column.  Weir??

Thanks

[J.j.]

Sorry guys, another question.
The seller\'s agree to have the car checked over by a rx7 specialist.
Who do you think\'s better for the job??
Rotechniks or WGT??

Cheers

[Freddy]

Those readings are extremely good for an engine with 50k miles. Seems to have been rebuilt. Compression is nice and even\'ish.

However, compression test results should not be the be all and end all. Other things go wrong costing a rebuild.

As for inspection. Pip at WGT knows exactly what he\'s doing.

[20B_boy]

Good even 7s indicates good compression seals for sure, I certainly wouldnt say its likely that its been rebuilt tho, my 50K block had similar results and def hadnt been pulled previously. Good static compression gives an indication of overal wear level - it doesnt mean the water seals arent rooted or that it will otherwise **** itself the next day. Comp testing is an indciator, not a guarantee of any thing...

More to the point that was 6 months ago - which is meaningless to me - a lot can happen in 6 months!

If theres 50K on the clock presume its 50K on the motor (and budget accordingly) unless you have documentary evidence to the contrary.

Pip would get my vote too these days.

[J.j.]

Thanks for the reply Freddy.
The seller doesnt really mind either of them, but said Rotechniks being easier to get to.
So Rotechniks\' not as good for inspection then.

Must say this.
Freddy\'s such a genuine person.  This is the second time I\'ve turned down his offer.  Ok, the first time wasn\'t really my fault, was being messing around by my insurance company.  
Anyway, through out all this time.  Freddy\'s been nothing but helpful.
So nice to have genuine people like this in the Rotary community.

Cheers

[Mazdarotaryparts]

Don\'t worry theres no  problem with useing Rotechniks for a comp test, but as Rich says thats no indication of any seal problems.

But then hay if we didn\'t take a chance nown again most of us would never have experianced the joy of the rotary  

[J.j.]

Sorry guys, I didnt mean just a compression test.  I mean a full check over.  like all engine components, pipes, suspensions, bushes.......

[Top_gear_towers]

I took an RX7 to Pip last month for a complete check.

I did all the normal stuff a mere mortal can do, but needed an expert to look it over.

For around £70 Pip compression tested the engine, took it up on the lift and checked all underneath. Went over the bodywork and interior with a toothcomb, then finally took it out for a test drive.

It was an amazing sight, and the report that came back answered all of my questions and more.

Technically the moon is closer to London than WGT, but I would recommend the drive for complete peace of mind.

In the meantime I will keep trying to convince Pip to move back to London

[J.j.]

I\'ve decided to take it to Rotechniks.

a- they can do it quicker
b- the seller much prefer them
c- they charge twice the price.  Doh!!

someone please tell me Rotechniks\' just as good doing car inspection...

[Laeeq]

I think price wise the Rotech is a good place for Compression test and.... may be thats the only thing they do cheaper...lol....

[J.j.]

noooooooooooooooooooooooo

Rotechniks charges twice as much as WGT for inspections
£150+vat  Rotechniks
£75+vat  WGT

For some reasons the seller much prefer Rotechniks.  I think it was somethingto do with an incident involving his mate\'s FD a while ago.  Apparently, his mate took his FD to Pip, was told needed a rebuild.  Went to another garage, had some plugs changed, then everything was fine.  

Dont ask me why.