Thanks - I own an RX8 R3 now (and questions about gearbox/clutch)
-
- Former Member
- Posts: 72
- Joined: Mon Jan 22, 2018 12:28 pm
- RX-8: R3
- Has thanked: 6 times
- Been thanked: 1 time
Thanks - I own an RX8 R3 now (and questions about gearbox/clutch)
This weekend I picked up an R3. Thanks to everyone here for patiently answering my noob questions
The car came with a fair few receipts - recent rebuild and consumables done so it should hopefully last me a while.
I was told that Rotary Revs gave the gearbox and clutch a pass when they rebuilt the engine recently but I've noticed:
1) The clutch creaks when you press it in
2) Gear changes into 5th and 6th can be notchy
Would you recommend any preventative maintenance to be done for the above? It's a 2009 model with the not great gearbox - is it likely that the gearbox is on the way out and would Mazda warranty cover it?
I have also noticed a high pitch whiny noise - sounds like a belt noise and it's coming from the engine bay. Any ideas where I should start investigating?
And finally is this red line normal? This photo was taken an hour into driving - engine warm. I thought the inner red line should disappear then...
The car came with a fair few receipts - recent rebuild and consumables done so it should hopefully last me a while.
I was told that Rotary Revs gave the gearbox and clutch a pass when they rebuilt the engine recently but I've noticed:
1) The clutch creaks when you press it in
2) Gear changes into 5th and 6th can be notchy
Would you recommend any preventative maintenance to be done for the above? It's a 2009 model with the not great gearbox - is it likely that the gearbox is on the way out and would Mazda warranty cover it?
I have also noticed a high pitch whiny noise - sounds like a belt noise and it's coming from the engine bay. Any ideas where I should start investigating?
And finally is this red line normal? This photo was taken an hour into driving - engine warm. I thought the inner red line should disappear then...
-
- Former Member
- Posts: 901
- Joined: Sat Dec 19, 2015 6:08 pm
- Location: London
- Has thanked: 66 times
- Been thanked: 45 times
Re: Thanks - I own an RX8 R3 now (and questions about gearbox/clutch)
Yes that last red line is normal. That one will always stay on. The car will actually rev past it to 9.5k rpm.
Squeaky clutch is possibly the master cyclinder.
Notchy gear change especially 6th is usually synchro. There is a notice for Mazda garages to replace these.
This is the bulletin.
Squeaky clutch is possibly the master cyclinder.
Notchy gear change especially 6th is usually synchro. There is a notice for Mazda garages to replace these.
This is the bulletin.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
RX8 R3 Aurora Blue Mica
BHR coils+MSD leads, Stage 1 ecu tune, HKS Hybrid oil filter, Idemitsu 10w30, BHR engine mounts, RB oil cooler lines, Essex Rotary undertray, RB Revi Intake+Ram Air, Milltek/Pettit cat+catback, braided brake lines, SuperPro bushes, RB flywheel, Exedy stage 1 clutch, Pettit Ti flywheel nut, powder coated and fully resealed everything underneath
BHR coils+MSD leads, Stage 1 ecu tune, HKS Hybrid oil filter, Idemitsu 10w30, BHR engine mounts, RB oil cooler lines, Essex Rotary undertray, RB Revi Intake+Ram Air, Milltek/Pettit cat+catback, braided brake lines, SuperPro bushes, RB flywheel, Exedy stage 1 clutch, Pettit Ti flywheel nut, powder coated and fully resealed everything underneath
-
- Former Member
- Posts: 72
- Joined: Mon Jan 22, 2018 12:28 pm
- RX-8: R3
- Has thanked: 6 times
- Been thanked: 1 time
Re: Thanks - I own an RX8 R3 now (and questions about gearbox/clutch)
Thanks Delta - does that mean it would be a warranty replacement foc for the synchro? Is it as simple as booking this in with a Mazda dealer or more complicated?
-
- Former Member
- Posts: 901
- Joined: Sat Dec 19, 2015 6:08 pm
- Location: London
- Has thanked: 66 times
- Been thanked: 45 times
Re: Thanks - I own an RX8 R3 now (and questions about gearbox/clutch)
I’ve not needed to have mine done so I’m not sure. I would ask them and show them this bulletin as well. If you do, let me know how you get on.
RX8 R3 Aurora Blue Mica
BHR coils+MSD leads, Stage 1 ecu tune, HKS Hybrid oil filter, Idemitsu 10w30, BHR engine mounts, RB oil cooler lines, Essex Rotary undertray, RB Revi Intake+Ram Air, Milltek/Pettit cat+catback, braided brake lines, SuperPro bushes, RB flywheel, Exedy stage 1 clutch, Pettit Ti flywheel nut, powder coated and fully resealed everything underneath
BHR coils+MSD leads, Stage 1 ecu tune, HKS Hybrid oil filter, Idemitsu 10w30, BHR engine mounts, RB oil cooler lines, Essex Rotary undertray, RB Revi Intake+Ram Air, Milltek/Pettit cat+catback, braided brake lines, SuperPro bushes, RB flywheel, Exedy stage 1 clutch, Pettit Ti flywheel nut, powder coated and fully resealed everything underneath
-
- Non Member
- Posts: 158
- Joined: Wed Aug 22, 2012 9:27 am
- RX-8: R3
- Colour: Diamond Grey
- Location: Birmingham
- Has thanked: 4 times
- Been thanked: 3 times
Re: Thanks - I own an RX8 R3 now (and questions about gearbox/clutch)
I'm about to take mine to Mazda for a service (yes, I know everyone's thoughts on main dealers) which includes the gearbox oil on this one, but was going to query them on mine. Going into 5th gear has a tiny bit of crunch if you go in too quick, so I've just got used to going in a bit slower. However, I noticed there is a bit of a whine in a couple of gears lately, so this bulletin will be good ammo to throw at them, nice.
Ninjarrr - do you know why your engine management light is on? You said that's after an hour of driving and can see you're at a rolling speed. Why is that on?
Ninjarrr - do you know why your engine management light is on? You said that's after an hour of driving and can see you're at a rolling speed. Why is that on?
-
- Former Member
- Posts: 72
- Joined: Mon Jan 22, 2018 12:28 pm
- RX-8: R3
- Has thanked: 6 times
- Been thanked: 1 time
Re: Thanks - I own an RX8 R3 now (and questions about gearbox/clutch)
Please let me know how you get on as I might be going down that route too.
The EML is on because the car is decatted. When I asked around I was told it's normal for the light to be on for decat cars.
The growl is nice but the light annoys me so I might find a cat to put back in.
-
- Former Member
- Posts: 2448
- Joined: Tue Jan 24, 2017 12:35 pm
- RX-8: 231
- Colour: Winning Blue
- Location: stamford lincs
- Has thanked: 105 times
- Been thanked: 46 times
Re: Thanks - I own an RX8 R3 now (and questions about gearbox/clutch)
u cam allways get a min map(to get eml of)
Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
-
- Spin Doctor
- Posts: 32581
- Joined: Sat Sep 06, 2008 10:56 pm
- RX-8: 231
- Colour: Lightning Yellow
- Location: Groomsport, Co Down, NI
- Has thanked: 442 times
- Been thanked: 2086 times
Re: Thanks - I own an RX8 R3 now (and questions about gearbox/clutch)
It's not unusual for a decat to trigger the engine light but it's not a given. It's also easy to assume that that's why it's on when it's actually indicating something more serious.ninjarrr wrote:Please let me know how you get on as I might be going down that route too.
The EML is on because the car is decatted. When I asked around I was told it's normal for the light to be on for decat cars.
The growl is nice but the light annoys me so I might find a cat to put back in.
Get a odb2 reader and check the codes, then clear.
Sent from my SM-G800F using Tapatalk
-
- Forum Moderator
- Posts: 2496
- Joined: Wed May 17, 2017 12:27 pm
- RX-8: 231
- Colour: Sunlight Silver
- Location: Tyne & Wear
- Has thanked: 150 times
- Been thanked: 162 times
Re: Thanks - I own an RX8 R3 now (and questions about gearbox/clutch)
Never mind the EML how have you still got that much fuel after an hour of driving!
Sunlight Silver 231
Pete/Peter him/he/hrh couldn't really care as have 3 siblings and was lucky not to get called by the dogs name.
Living with a rotary - 7 Years in
viewtopic.php?p=1105043#p1105043
Pete/Peter him/he/hrh couldn't really care as have 3 siblings and was lucky not to get called by the dogs name.
Living with a rotary - 7 Years in
viewtopic.php?p=1105043#p1105043
-
- Former Member
- Posts: 5843
- Joined: Thu Feb 20, 2014 1:40 pm
- RX-8: R3
- Colour: Sparkling Black
- Location: East Coast - Lincolnshire
- Has thanked: 101 times
- Been thanked: 83 times
Re: Thanks - I own an RX8 R3 now (and questions about gearbox/clutch)
The gear change into 5th and 6th is common in R3's up to 2009, then after 2010 the synchro's were uprated.. you can try waving that service bulletin at a Mazda dealer, but I fear it will be a no, but on the flip side I got mine done by bullying them, buying from a Mazda dealer would help... good luck & to our forum
... and fill out your profile properly to include your model and colour and fill out your location too, it will then appear every time you post, like mine and everyone else's
... and fill out your profile properly to include your model and colour and fill out your location too, it will then appear every time you post, like mine and everyone else's
Last edited by acegeezer on Mon Jul 23, 2018 5:27 pm, edited 1 time in total.
-
- Club Member
- Posts: 3643
- Joined: Wed Dec 21, 2016 4:58 pm
- RX-8: R3
- Colour: Velocity Red
- Location: Milton Keynes, UK
- Has thanked: 233 times
- Been thanked: 146 times
Re: Thanks - I own an RX8 R3 now (and questions about gearbox/clutch)
Ah, that'll be the extra gallon at the top of the R3 tank!
Alan (he/him)| 2010 R3 | stock apart from a couple of dings and scrapes! (Black diamond discs, yellow stuff pads, RRP MkII Coils, MSD leads...)
-
- Former Member
- Posts: 72
- Joined: Mon Jan 22, 2018 12:28 pm
- RX-8: R3
- Has thanked: 6 times
- Been thanked: 1 time
Re: Thanks - I own an RX8 R3 now (and questions about gearbox/clutch)
Pleasantly surprised that I got 100 miles out of an indicated quarter tank.
It's probably just the fuel guage not reading right!!
THe previous owner told me to use premium fuel but others say it makes no difference to performance or MPG.
Thank you for the warm welcome! Do you know how much ££ the fix is?acegeezer wrote: ↑Mon Jul 23, 2018 5:25 pmThe gear change into 5th and 6th is common in R3's up to 2009, then after 2010 the synchro's were uprated.. you can try waving that service bulletin at a Mazda dealer, but I fear it will be a no, but on the flip side I got mine done by bullying them, buying from a Mazda dealer would help... good luck & to our forum
... and fill out your profile properly to include your model and colour and fill out your location too, it will then appear every time you post, like mine and everyone else's
-
- Former Member
- Posts: 1391
- Joined: Sun Jun 11, 2017 1:25 pm
- RX-8: 231
- Colour: Galaxy Grey
- Location: Newport
- Has thanked: 33 times
- Been thanked: 38 times
Re: Thanks - I own an RX8 R3 now (and questions about gearbox/clutch)
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Project thread Galaxy grey 231 - Street Port, Tein coilovers, decat, D585's, Cobra Catback whatever 9j wheels aren't broken at the moment and a massive wing
-
- Former Member
- Posts: 3835
- Joined: Fri Aug 09, 2013 2:17 pm
- RX-8: R3
- Colour: Sparkling Black
- Location: Nottingham
- Has thanked: 41 times
- Been thanked: 109 times
Re: Thanks - I own an RX8 R3 now (and questions about gearbox/clutch)
It's highly unlikely Mazda will sort the gearbox given the car is 9 years old,but you lose nothing by asking..
A gearbox specialist quoted me upwards of 700 quid for a rebuild,but one of our traders here sold me a box off an 11 plate R3 for £400. If you're not fussed about having slightly different gear ratios,you can get an S1 6 speed box for less than £200.
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
A gearbox specialist quoted me upwards of 700 quid for a rebuild,but one of our traders here sold me a box off an 11 plate R3 for £400. If you're not fussed about having slightly different gear ratios,you can get an S1 6 speed box for less than £200.
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
2008 Sparkling Black R3 ●Japspeed Sportcat & Toyo Catback ● Drilled/grooved discs ● Simota Induction Kit ● D585 Coils ● Braided S/S lines ● Polished Engine Bay ● DRL's ● 2011 Spec Gearbox ●LED Side & fogs ● Calibre GT-R rims ● Michelin Pilot Sport 3 255/35 19 ● Nissan GTR spoiler ● RacingBeat ARB's ● Tein coilovers ● BHR motor mounts ● Amemiya Grille ● CL RC5 pads
-
- Former Member
- Posts: 5843
- Joined: Thu Feb 20, 2014 1:40 pm
- RX-8: R3
- Colour: Sparkling Black
- Location: East Coast - Lincolnshire
- Has thanked: 101 times
- Been thanked: 83 times
Re: Thanks - I own an RX8 R3 now (and questions about gearbox/clutch)
I have swapped out my R3 box for an S1.. the boxes in the early R3 were made from chocolate, as Chris above says you can pick one up for less than £200.. I paid £120 posted for mine a slight adjustment to the connectors from R3 to S1 is necessary though, as the sensors are positioned differently, other than that an easy swap
-
- Former Member
- Posts: 10000
- Joined: Wed Apr 09, 2014 8:48 pm
- Location: Fantasy land
- Has thanked: 93 times
- Been thanked: 165 times
Re: Thanks - I own an RX8 R3 now (and questions about gearbox/clutch)
Can you notice the difference in the ratios at all?acegeezer wrote: ↑Mon Jul 23, 2018 9:59 pmI have swapped out my R3 box for an S1.. the boxes in the early R3 were made from chocolate, as Chris above says you can pick one up for less than £200.. I paid £120 posted for mine a slight adjustment to the connectors from R3 to S1 is necessary though, as the sensors are positioned differently, other than that an easy swap
“Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence " Carl Sagan.
-
- Former Member
- Posts: 5843
- Joined: Thu Feb 20, 2014 1:40 pm
- RX-8: R3
- Colour: Sparkling Black
- Location: East Coast - Lincolnshire
- Has thanked: 101 times
- Been thanked: 83 times
Re: Thanks - I own an RX8 R3 now (and questions about gearbox/clutch)
Seems quicker in the lower gear range, but nothing different other than that
- These users thanked the author acegeezer for the post:
- V8 Power (Tue Jul 24, 2018 5:29 pm)
-
- Former Member
- Posts: 606
- Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2016 4:28 pm
- RX-8: R3
- Colour: Aurora Blue Mica
- Location: Huddersfield
- Has thanked: 5 times
- Been thanked: 28 times
Re: Thanks - I own an RX8 R3 now (and questions about gearbox/clutch)
surprised at that as the r3 are supposed to be shorter ratios arnt they?
amazed you've got 100 to 1/4 a tank i get 100 to 1/2 on a very good day
amazed you've got 100 to 1/4 a tank i get 100 to 1/2 on a very good day
-
- Former Member
- Posts: 5843
- Joined: Thu Feb 20, 2014 1:40 pm
- RX-8: R3
- Colour: Sparkling Black
- Location: East Coast - Lincolnshire
- Has thanked: 101 times
- Been thanked: 83 times
Re: Thanks - I own an RX8 R3 now (and questions about gearbox/clutch)
There is an expectation that the R3 diff coupled with S1 box does give a quicker off the mark ratio in the lower gears, that's from mouths of the specialists .. unless of course it's the notorious butt dyno feeling
-
- Former Member
- Posts: 228
- Joined: Thu Jun 28, 2018 12:52 pm
- RX-8: R3
- Colour: Sparkling Black
- Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
- Has thanked: 10 times
- Been thanked: 6 times
Re: Thanks - I own an RX8 R3 now (and questions about gearbox/clutch)
So on the topic of notchy/crunchy changes on 5th and 6th, is there a point at which one should decide "Ok - time for a new one"?
My R3's 5th will (not always) give a crunch going in, like a quarter second blip of crunch. What's the potential danger to the car and driver, should this issue progress further through almost daily use?
My R3's 5th will (not always) give a crunch going in, like a quarter second blip of crunch. What's the potential danger to the car and driver, should this issue progress further through almost daily use?
Andrew.
09' R3, Sparkling Black ~ RRP Stainless 3" cat + catback ~ RRP Lightweight Pulleys ~ RRP MKII ignition coils & MSD 8.5mm leads
Instagramelonalam: @autogibbon
09' R3, Sparkling Black ~ RRP Stainless 3" cat + catback ~ RRP Lightweight Pulleys ~ RRP MKII ignition coils & MSD 8.5mm leads
Instagramelonalam: @autogibbon
-
- Spin Doctor
- Posts: 32581
- Joined: Sat Sep 06, 2008 10:56 pm
- RX-8: 231
- Colour: Lightning Yellow
- Location: Groomsport, Co Down, NI
- Has thanked: 442 times
- Been thanked: 2086 times
Re: Thanks - I own an RX8 R3 now (and questions about gearbox/clutch)
How many miles has the car done?
When was the gearbox oil last changed?
What oil did you/they use?
Sent from my SM-G800F using Tapatalk
When was the gearbox oil last changed?
What oil did you/they use?
Sent from my SM-G800F using Tapatalk
-
- Non Member
- Posts: 158
- Joined: Wed Aug 22, 2012 9:27 am
- RX-8: R3
- Colour: Diamond Grey
- Location: Birmingham
- Has thanked: 4 times
- Been thanked: 3 times
Re: Thanks - I own an RX8 R3 now (and questions about gearbox/clutch)
Mine's done 55k now, the gearbox oil is on the next service, so I'm going to see how it affects my 5th gear crunch. I say crunch, it is the *slightest* of crunches, and only a higher speeds with a quicker change, so like I say, I do go easy on it by nature of careful habit now. Pretty much the same as yours AutoGibbon - not always, and only a tiny fraction.
Should I request/provide a different oil to what Mazda will use? I do this with engine oil anyway, but know the preference to MT90 on here, but unsure as to what Mazda use.
Also - I get about 100 miles for my first "quarter", but I do fill up the neck at the petrol staiton. It drops a (fair) bit for each subsequent quarter then. I get on average 250-260 miles per tank with mixed driving (motorway to work and red line at the end of each journey once or twice, and weekend full blasts for a mile or two down some country lanes).
Should I request/provide a different oil to what Mazda will use? I do this with engine oil anyway, but know the preference to MT90 on here, but unsure as to what Mazda use.
Also - I get about 100 miles for my first "quarter", but I do fill up the neck at the petrol staiton. It drops a (fair) bit for each subsequent quarter then. I get on average 250-260 miles per tank with mixed driving (motorway to work and red line at the end of each journey once or twice, and weekend full blasts for a mile or two down some country lanes).
-
- Former Member
- Posts: 228
- Joined: Thu Jun 28, 2018 12:52 pm
- RX-8: R3
- Colour: Sparkling Black
- Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
- Has thanked: 10 times
- Been thanked: 6 times
Re: Thanks - I own an RX8 R3 now (and questions about gearbox/clutch)
61k miles
Millers TRX Synth Transmition oil 75w-90 @ 60.5k
Andrew.
09' R3, Sparkling Black ~ RRP Stainless 3" cat + catback ~ RRP Lightweight Pulleys ~ RRP MKII ignition coils & MSD 8.5mm leads
Instagramelonalam: @autogibbon
09' R3, Sparkling Black ~ RRP Stainless 3" cat + catback ~ RRP Lightweight Pulleys ~ RRP MKII ignition coils & MSD 8.5mm leads
Instagramelonalam: @autogibbon
-
- Spin Doctor
- Posts: 32581
- Joined: Sat Sep 06, 2008 10:56 pm
- RX-8: 231
- Colour: Lightning Yellow
- Location: Groomsport, Co Down, NI
- Has thanked: 442 times
- Been thanked: 2086 times
Re: Thanks - I own an RX8 R3 now (and questions about gearbox/clutch)
The thing to ensure is that a quality GL4 oil is used for the gearbox and not a GL4/5.
Redone MT90 is my personal choice.
The problem with dealers is that most are multi-franchise and will have generic "gearbox oil" in 50 gallon drums, most of which is worse than the old stuff they'd be draining out.
Sent from my SM-G800F using Tapatalk
Redone MT90 is my personal choice.
The problem with dealers is that most are multi-franchise and will have generic "gearbox oil" in 50 gallon drums, most of which is worse than the old stuff they'd be draining out.
Sent from my SM-G800F using Tapatalk
-
- Club Member
- Posts: 13228
- Joined: Wed Dec 28, 2011 8:30 am
- Location: Cork Ireland
- Has thanked: 147 times
- Been thanked: 287 times
Re: Thanks - I own an RX8 R3 now (and questions about gearbox/clutch)
Mine has been popping our of third gear for a few years now and is also crunchy going in to fifth if you do it quickly.Had a gear box oil change ( MT90 ) about six months ago and in fairness this did help with the third gear popping problem.Its still there just not as prevelant now.
My box is on 200000 kms now but it's still ok.It will need replacing at some stage and like John ( acegeezer) I'll put a S1 box in to her.I already have a S1 diff so having a S1 box is not a big deal to me
My box is on 200000 kms now but it's still ok.It will need replacing at some stage and like John ( acegeezer) I'll put a S1 box in to her.I already have a S1 diff so having a S1 box is not a big deal to me
R3 GONE, FUN WHILE I HAD HER BUT NOW LOVING MY 25TH ANNIVERSARY MX5
Mods so far..
BBR 200 PACKAGE
COBRA " RACE " BACK BOX
MEISTER COILOVERS
KONIG HYPERGRAMS ( POLISHED LIP)
RACING BEAT ARB's ( FRONT AND REAR )
IL MOTORSPORTS STRUT BRACE AND ADJUSTABLE
DROPLINKS
Mods planned..
BBR STAGE 2 SUPERCHARGED
WILWOOD 6 POT BBK
FULL UNDRBODY SEAL
ATOTO HEAD UNIT
Mods so far..
BBR 200 PACKAGE
COBRA " RACE " BACK BOX
MEISTER COILOVERS
KONIG HYPERGRAMS ( POLISHED LIP)
RACING BEAT ARB's ( FRONT AND REAR )
IL MOTORSPORTS STRUT BRACE AND ADJUSTABLE
DROPLINKS
Mods planned..
BBR STAGE 2 SUPERCHARGED
WILWOOD 6 POT BBK
FULL UNDRBODY SEAL
ATOTO HEAD UNIT