Things to do while replacing clutch!

CaptainNate · Postby **CaptainNate** » Tue May 07, 2013 10:18 am

Thanks JBT! Ill definitely keep it in mind! $$$ isn't a major issue, I just dont want to fork out lots for something which will be useless to me - like a HD clutch. I will definitely be trying to get hold of an exedy now - I didn't know they came stock! Knowledge is power

What personal experiences have people had with the 5.3kg Chromoly from Mania? I understand it'll most likely change the driveability of the car, but its something I'm prepared to learn my way through if it means I get a little bit more get-go. From what I gather the lightened flywheel will give me a bit more acceleration with a downside of not being able to downshift as easily/smoothly (Bear with me, not very technical when it comes to driving terms)

In terms of fuel efficiency (which again doesn't concern me) will it make a noticeable difference? I have a pretty heavy foot, so my fuel economy isn't the greatest anyway. I can currently getting around 380kms to the tank, I've never had the fuel light come on (does one exist? Haha)

It'll be the first (Second if you count the coilovers) of many major changes to the car - I may as well stop modding now if perfect driveability in traffic was what I'm after.

After all, you don't get rid of a woman for making a bad sammich. You just teach her how to make a better one!

(No offence intended to our lady forumites!)

emily_mx5 · Postby **emily_mx5** » Tue May 07, 2013 10:35 am

Oh, I thought the standard clutch was made by Daikin?

If you don't have any power plans, and are trying to save money, i would go with the OEM replacement Mania have for $295. I have dríven a couple of the Xtreme HD's, and i really didnt like them. Quite jittery, not smooth. But i'm told its because they come with all different pressure plates.

Anyway, I have the exedy HD/sports tuff. Feels super light, i actually hated it at first, because my car had some ebay cheaper super hd clutch that was very heavy and stiff, but that what i got used to.

CaptainNate · Postby **CaptainNate** » Tue May 07, 2013 11:13 am

I've come across THIS, which is in Brisbane - a nice price - seems to be genuine.

If I do buy this kit, does it include everything that I would need on the clutch side of things? (Obviously not including flywheel, seals etc.)

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Tue May 07, 2013 11:23 am

The kit above seems like it's the right thing. Flywheel skim, pilot bearing and rear engine seal are all you need on top of this provided the release lever bushing is not sloppy or worn

Photos of that used NB clutch plate I bought with the flywheel etc. below.

Some very interesting info from the book Mazda MX-5 Miata Roadster by Toshihiko Hirai who lead the MX-5 development task:

"Transmission and clutch As with the engine. the transmission was also derived from a production model. It would have been ideal to design a lightweight unit exclusively for this car, but lack of time and resources were the deciding factors. Since the transmission came from the Mazda 929 (a luxury sedan), we had to give it new, more sporting gear ratios, as well as create a nice shift feel.
In order to achieve the sports car shift feel, the weight of the flywheel and synchronizer rings were reduced to a minimum. Shift strokes were reduced to enhance the direct feeling of the transmission, and the shift lever gate was extended to fall directly under the driver's left hand. These measures helped considerably in achieving the "unity between horse and rider" we were striving for."

CaptainNate · Postby **CaptainNate** » Tue May 07, 2013 1:50 pm

Sweet! Ill see if the boys at automotive plus have the rest. I might get a release lever bushing just in case - I've been replacing bushings left right and center since I bought the old girl.

Steampunk · Postby **Steampunk** » Tue May 07, 2013 2:20 pm

Whereabouts do you live again?
If I'm free, and you're not too far away, I can come and help.... not that I'll be all that useful as it's been too long since I've taken anything big apart. I can supervise maybe? :mrgreen:

CaptainNate · Postby **CaptainNate** » Tue May 07, 2013 2:24 pm

Steampunk wrote:Whereabouts do you live again?
If I'm free, and you're not too far away, I can come and help.... not that I'll be all that useful as it's been too long since I've taken anything big apart. I can supervise maybe?

The works most likely being carried out in Bellbowrie (Moggill, about 20kms west of the CBD), so it's in woop-woop

I'm gonna try and get it done on a Saturday so if people want to come chill and watch/supervise they can! I'll probably throw on a BBQ or something, make it a mini-dodgy day!