"KIMI" - The RPM 1st Gen S2 (with bits of S3...)

Will66 · May 24, 2011, 12:20:57 AM

Quote from: spoddy;764492the rx8 uses the mx5 geabox, so similar short shifter changing. a 1st series mx5 is on my list too lol, easier to get than an fb. but no power steering on early fb\'s so just have to drive them all and see

The gearbox in the RX8 depends on the model. The 5 speeder and the Series 2 6 speed are from the MX5 but the series 1 6 speed is an Aisin Box that I believe is also fitted to the Honda S2000. The box in the Series 2 (R3) has had a lot of problems both in the RX8 R3 and the MX5.

Steve-A · May 24, 2011, 12:22:33 AM

The rx8 gearbox is the same as the mk3 mx5 isn\'t it?

The mk1-mk2.5 5 speed mx5 box, the rx7 s1-3, the rx7 s4-5 n/a and rwd 626 all use essentially the same box.

Yes the live axel will be interesting! And manual steering is great!

The mx5 has lovely sharp steering and despite the annoying power steering the Alfas isn\'t bad either so time will tell how the steering box performs. Personally I\'m hoping that with fresh bushes throughout and good general service it really won\'t be as bad as some make out!

I drove a Defender 130 for a day once, it was kinda more like riding a horse or something where you asked it to go in a direction for you rather than feeling connected!

Will66 · May 24, 2011, 12:32:38 AM

Quote from: Steve-A;764496The rx8 gearbox is the same as the mk3 mx5 isn\'t it?

The six speeder in the R3 is the same as the mk3 MX5 box but the older 231 ps models have a different box. Seems to have less problems than the mk3 MX5 box as well.

spoddy · May 24, 2011, 12:59:55 AM

yeah its a bolt action rifle of a change in my rx8 231ps. i got a new clutch in a few thousand miles back and previous to that changed the oil and diff oil just after the 70k mark. it all helps but going into first can slot in so easy one day and stiff the next. really need to be at a halt though as no selector for 1st if i\'m right?

1st to 2nd you really feel and hear the clunk lol, gotta love going up to 9000rpm in second though

that sounds bad in the R3, with the change in the ratio, has that caused the problem.
it was a tweak for more torque i think. i had been wondering what an R3 6 speed would be like in a series 1 rx8, but maybe best avoiding that plan?

Casey · May 24, 2011, 08:21:37 AM

Errr, nice discussion guys, and interesting, but you are rather wandering off the 1st Gen topic just a tad...:p;)

Will66 · May 24, 2011, 11:24:58 AM

Just a bit! Did the

spoddy · May 24, 2011, 09:05:19 PM

yeah sorry lol. but atleast it was mazda related

so whats been happening with little kimi? the undersealing with the POR stuff looked really good. very tidy car to begin with, real credit to that man who was the previous owner, most i see you couldn\'t even put an axel stand where you have the rear stands as they seem to really suffer there.

are you going to keep kimi original setup, or more plans with the engine, steering and suspension?

whats the best way to find fb\'s for sale?

Ian65 · May 24, 2011, 09:44:22 PM

Quote from: spoddy;764652whats the best way to find fb\'s for sale?

Hi,
welcome to the forum...
the best way to find 1st gens for sale is to check this thread regularly...

http://mazdarotaryclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54589&page=123

there are very very few 1st gens for sale in the uk that don\'t get flagged up on here within a few hours of being offered for sale.

spoddy · May 24, 2011, 10:19:54 PM

thanks mate, you are all truely gents and thanks for the welcome.
as alot of fb\'s are in england etc its handy having you guys around as eyes and ears. one thing i hate is having to travel a long distance to see something like mushy pea that you had on the link you showed me. i have been sent pics for fb\'s that i was told was more solid underneath than it looked lol, but wasn\'t far off that wee green car.

i had seen that wee car on ebay and its a real shame it was so bad underneath, i loved the green savana model, the mirrors on the wings, and a leather interior too. ah well atleast it can be used again in a project for someone.

appreciate all your help guys.

Casey · May 25, 2011, 12:01:03 AM

Quote from: spoddy;764652yeah sorry lol. but atleast it was mazda related

so whats been happening with little kimi? the undersealing with the POR stuff looked really good. very tidy car to begin with, real credit to that man who was the previous owner, most i see you couldn\'t even put an axel stand where you have the rear stands as they seem to really suffer there.

are you going to keep kimi original setup, or more plans with the engine, steering and suspension?

We\'ve got David Nock to thank for doing an "onsite inspection" of the car before we agreed to purchase. The bodywork is in very good condition for it\'s age. I can only think the original owner had a major problem with rust in the original car, "re-shelled" it with a "good-un" (hence the result - S2 running gear in S3 shell) and then decided he\'d need to look after it to prevent the same problem from happening again. I have to say some of the original owner\'s handywork is a little "eyebrow raising", e.g car mats cut up and cable tied under areas of the rear wheel arch to protect vunerable parts. Very effective though!

Plans? Initially, minimal mechanical work to ensure she is healthy, reliable and safe to drive. Protect as much of the underbody as possible to prevent any rust from taking hold. I hope we can get her MOT\'d next month. Ultimate plan for this year is to get her fit enough to drive to Rotorstock (and back!) in August and be in a "showable" enough state not to embarrass us if we park up next to Rexanne and the like :o

spoddy · May 25, 2011, 12:39:05 AM

that carpet tied up to protect the arches etc reminds me of the stuff they have on the rear arches on the rx8. it is great protection, so i hope my rx8
will last and last.

if it helps protect the underneath then who cares, once you have her all done, need to keep her garaged and take out when its dry (good luck on that one) lol.

must be great fun fixing her up though, seeing you all with your fb\'s is making me jealous lol.

Casey · May 26, 2011, 04:19:39 PM

OK, to save someone else the pain of getting the incorrect parts - Shaunwil said this might happen

....

I used the Mazda parts diagrams and, due to the variation in back axles it was not 100% clear on which oil seal we needed. As it turns out, Tim at RX-Motors sent the CORRECT part, based on my description, whereas I got two INCORRECT ones by giving the wrong part number to another supplier. So, for the rear axle with solid brake discs the correct oil seal part number is 1312-33-065 - outside diameter of 55mm. The incorrect part is 1011-26-154, unless your oil seal has an O/D of 62mm!!

EDIT: Watch this space, it turns out BOTH seals are incorrect. I will edit agian when we\'ve got the correct one! I think the one in the centre is a FRONT axle oil seal...

Anyone in need of the "wrong" part? Cost me Â£12.60 for the pair of 62mm parts (delivered) - happy to accept any offers .... If not, I\'ll stick them up on eBay!

Pics, original (worn) part on the left......(click on image to enlarge)

shaunwil · May 26, 2011, 06:35:37 PM

Yep, my problem was I had already removed them from the axle when I realised !

Not good on a daily !

Shaun

spoddy · May 26, 2011, 09:17:22 PM

well get stuck in man, only thing on this weekend is champions league final, unless you\'re gonna be stuck in front of the telly or down the pub watching the game lol.

Casey · May 26, 2011, 09:30:48 PM

^^^ :Laugh planning a "blitz day" on the car on Sunday.

Put 2nd coat of Hammerite on rear n/s caliper and bracket tonight, so that\'s now ready to go back on. I have a nice new set of rear brakepads ready. Just need to sort out painting the stoneguard on Sat morning, so we\'ll be ready to reassemble the rear half shaft and brakes on Sunday.