I have just run into this situation. This past Saturday, I totally blew up my clutch, luckily I work near a MazdaSpeed dealership, so it made it there just in the 'nick'. I got alot of 'damn teenager' looks at the lights while driving there with a blown clutch. So it took a few hours of waiting to get the tally of the cost/damage and was quoted the following...

1. Clutch Material? $226.00
2. Release Bearing $40.00
3. Needle Bearing $11.00
4. Clutch Plate $283.00
5. Trans Fluid $60.00 up to if needed
6. Flywheel (Stock) $192.00
7. Labor $600.00
8. Shop supplies $40.00
9. Tax $47.00

Total $1499.00

After that quote, I thought on it for a few hours and called the dealership back to tell him not to work on the car until I give him the "GO". I figure since I'm already going to pay a premium for labor, I might as well install the clutch parts that I really want in the car besides stock. I know that the dealership will put up a fight in regards to installing performance parts, but it's what I really want as the paying customer. I'm now starting to see the light in regards to "what the dealership says goes", wrongful ideology.

Thanks to other threads and especially this one. I thought that I narrowed down my clutch/flywheel choice, but the closer I got, the more questions I had. LOL!

So here is where YOU -- the community, hopefully come in.

I drive to work on average 4 days per week which is 70 Miles each way
(140 Round trip, avg. drive time is 110 minutes with traffic)
My avg. speed that I drive on open highway is between 75mph-80mph.
My driving style - stop and go, I would say leans to the agressive side. When the light turns green, I don't like to stick around.
My 8 (67k miles so far) goes in the shop at least once every quarter(oil change/tire rotation), depending where-near the 35K mark, all fluids and differential get swapped every six months.
I eventually want to drop a turbo in at a later date.

I was leaning towards the Exedy Stage II clutch and the Exedy Chromoly Flywheel combo, but I am open to suggestions. My preference is to have a firmer clutch feel. I'm really looking to get a clutch/flywheel/counterweight combo for around $1000. Can any of these clutches work with the Mazda Speed flywheel/counterweight or would it matter?

Thank You All.

 

Where you're getting killed is in the labor. Try to find a local shop that can do it and save yourself a few hundred bucks.
As far as clutches go you have a bunch of options. Spec, ACT, Exedy all make clutches for the RX-8 and will do a good job. While they are doing the clutch you should upgrade the flywheel as it isnt that much more.

Jason
www.rx7store.net

 

I had my clutch installed by the dealer here. Labor was $350. That $600 they are asking is about double what it should be. All of the other prices look consistent with elsewhere. My setup from BHR ran $900.

I now have about 700 miles on my BHR flywheel and Exidy clutch. They both get a two-. I definitely accelerate faster. My shifting was a bit off until I adjusted for it but now all is good.

I would recommend this setup for someone with a DD like me who just wants a little extra quickness.

FYI this is my work car. The stock clutch had 145,516 miles on it. It wasn’t slipping yet but the pedal was at full travel before it engaged so I was no longer comfortable with it. Once pulled, the only wear was the friction plate, both the pressure plate and flywheel looked new.

 

Excellent! Thanks for the quick responses Jason and Navy.

I definitely am sold on the Exedy Stage II clutch but am curious as to which ACT clutch would be comparable. Jason, I checked out rx7store and saw that Exedy clutches weren't advertised, only ACT & Spec. Would an Exedy II be within your grasp? Since you were kind enough to reply to my post, I'm willing to oblige and send some business your way. I was eyeballing the Racing Beat 12lb. flywheel w/counterweight on your site. Do you currently have one in stock?

Navy, which Exedy clutch and couterweight are you using in your Exedy/BHR combo?

I am interested in Exedy Stage II with:

1. Exedy Chromoly 12lb. with which counterweight?
2. Racing Beat 12lb. w/CW
3. BHR flywheel with which counterweight?

Hopefully, I can place an order for these parts no later than tomorrow afternoon.

Thanks All.

 

I get PMs about this stuff all the time if you would like to discuss it.

 

I will get a quote together and PM you today. I can get the Exedy stuff but dont have it listed yet. I stock the ACT flwheels that work with any clutch. They are cheap and just as good as anyother flywheel on the market.

 

I have listed the Exedy clutches on my site
http://www.rx7store.net/category_s/283.htm

I have the stage 1 in stock and take me two days to get the stage 2.

 

I went with the stage 1 and the ACT counterweight. I don't hit the track or strip so don't think I would need more clutch than that. Got everything from BHR. Good prices and customer service. I am on the list for an ignition system and plugs as well.

 

All,
I just wanted to say "THANKS" for helping me out.

Decided to go with the ACT Clutch, ACT counterweight, and BHR Flywheel. My 8 has been on the road only two days and I notice a huge difference in the clutch which engages sooner than later. One strange thing that I have noticed is a rattling noise/vibration when giving her gas in 4th gear...hmmm, pretty annoying. Sounds like somethings loose.

I am also waiting for my Axialflow shifter to arrive since my stock one seems to be spent. Has anyone else experienced a "slight grind" when shifting from 2nd to 3rd, and when shifting into 5th? Perhaps, my pedal assembly or cut off switch is part of the problem?

-LuM

 

Make sure you have adjusted the clutch pedal free-play to .26"-.59" at the pedal pad.

 

i just want to reiterate the point that the mazdaspeed flywheel is NOT 6lbs.

it is more like 15lbs.
http://www.mazdaparts.com/ProductDet...000-1151625428

 

I happen to be selling a ACT set up, all you need is to buy is a clutch disc, honestly you'll save at least $200 which can payoff you mecanic labor.

Here's the link and pictures, let me know I can ship to your door.

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-parts-sale-wanted-44/act-flywheel-counterweight-act-heavy-pressure-plate-169024/

 

get the rb flywheel