RX8 Abuse
#26
Honestly folks, I'm surprised I haven't blown my clutch. Although I operate it properly, I surprised it has lasted this long. Addicted to the high pitch of the rotary @ 7500. Bang bang bang....
#27
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Does anyone know how our clutch compairs to a Miata clutch? As far as clamping force and performance. I've seen posts that refer to Mazda using the Miata transmission as a template for the 8's transmission.
I bring this up because I was previously (before the 8 was released) looking to buy a Miata and add FI. On Flyinmiata.com their FMIV turbo, which can produce 250+RWHP, says that you will need a new clutch. I know this is a stretch, but I think that Mazda under engineered the clutch for the power of this car. If the transmission is based on a Miata tranny maybe the clutch is also.
Another idea, which I think is the most likely, is that the clutch was intentionally under engineered to save wear on the tranny and diff. When I bought the 8, I was looking at a Mitsu. Evolution. They've been having trouble with burned out clutches also. Apparently clutch was made to slip a little to save wear on the rest of the drivetrain. I figure that an 8k+ rpm launch would wear the transmission and diff very quickly. They cover the drivetrain under warranty, but they don't cover the clutch after 12k miles. Which part would you engineer to wear out faster? The clutch is probably engineered to last about 25-30k miles under normal conditions, but if you push it a little and there is goes.
I've stepped out of my car sometimes after driving it somewhat hard and smelled burned clutch. It's bothered me, but I'd rather replace a clutch than an entire tranny.
I'm sure that someone has already talked about this, but I just thought I'd share my ideas.
I bring this up because I was previously (before the 8 was released) looking to buy a Miata and add FI. On Flyinmiata.com their FMIV turbo, which can produce 250+RWHP, says that you will need a new clutch. I know this is a stretch, but I think that Mazda under engineered the clutch for the power of this car. If the transmission is based on a Miata tranny maybe the clutch is also.
Another idea, which I think is the most likely, is that the clutch was intentionally under engineered to save wear on the tranny and diff. When I bought the 8, I was looking at a Mitsu. Evolution. They've been having trouble with burned out clutches also. Apparently clutch was made to slip a little to save wear on the rest of the drivetrain. I figure that an 8k+ rpm launch would wear the transmission and diff very quickly. They cover the drivetrain under warranty, but they don't cover the clutch after 12k miles. Which part would you engineer to wear out faster? The clutch is probably engineered to last about 25-30k miles under normal conditions, but if you push it a little and there is goes.
I've stepped out of my car sometimes after driving it somewhat hard and smelled burned clutch. It's bothered me, but I'd rather replace a clutch than an entire tranny.
I'm sure that someone has already talked about this, but I just thought I'd share my ideas.
#28
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I guess that would make sense, at least for the "burnt" clutches. It seems the biggest problems are the ones that "explode". Basically the springs shatter and the 4 brads break.
#31
I don't buy Kool-Aid
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Originally Posted by Omicron
It's so sad... Mazda has some great products right now - RX-8, 6, 3, and Miata - and they are in a good position to overtake Honda and Toyota, who have both gotten arrogant. And yet, if Mazda doesn't fix it's problem dealerships, they'll never advance. Sad.
#32
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Originally Posted by abbid
My clutch is going to get replaced under factory warranty. Ill see if i can get back there and take a picture of it to see if its blue. There is nothing wrong with my clutch, no slipping or anything, just had a flywheel issue and they are going to replace my clutch also. If its blue, you can have the pics to send to the mazda dealer to tell them this is a perfect clutch [which it is] But dont get your hopes up on the pics, my mazda dealer is a bitch about letting people go back there...
#33
"RX-8 my stress reliever"
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I copied this blurb from the Mazdaspeed website.
"Rotary engines by their very nature, tend to operate best at higher rpm. Start your test by shifting based on feel rather than by the numbers on the tachometer. Most likely you will find yourself both shifting and cruising at a higher rpm than usual due to the rotary's unusual smoothness at high rpm.
Such is the smoothness that Mazda has provided an audible "beep" when redline is reached to remind you to shift. Listen for it, as it is easy to reach redline sooner than you expect."
Looks to me that we are expected to shift at redline, if that is abusive then the components being stressed are under designed.
"Rotary engines by their very nature, tend to operate best at higher rpm. Start your test by shifting based on feel rather than by the numbers on the tachometer. Most likely you will find yourself both shifting and cruising at a higher rpm than usual due to the rotary's unusual smoothness at high rpm.
Such is the smoothness that Mazda has provided an audible "beep" when redline is reached to remind you to shift. Listen for it, as it is easy to reach redline sooner than you expect."
Looks to me that we are expected to shift at redline, if that is abusive then the components being stressed are under designed.
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