Broke my first 5 speed yesterday
#1
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Broke my first 5 speed yesterday
So yesterday my transmission finally bit the dust. I didn't think I was making enough power to break a transmission but apparently I was because yesterday morning as I decided to get generous with the throttle, I changed gears and lost 3rd. I pulled the tranny out later and a bunch of gear teeth fell out when I pulled the tail end off. Also my clutch is toast even though it's an FM Level 1 and only has about ~35K on it.
Now I'm left with choices. I can try and score a cheap 5 speed and an FM Level 2 clutch. Which would be cheapest. I could also look for a deal on a 6 speed and put that in with a Level 2 clutch.
Now here are the extreme options. My engine loses oil at a ridiculous rate (like 2 quarts in 700 miles). I already have some parts for an engine build but I don't have everything yet. I could pull the engine and just do the rebuild now. With everything I need I figure I'll need at least $4-5K. Ouch.
And now for the extra extreme option, V8 swap. I know what you're thinking, no way I can do a V8 swap for $4-5K. But I have lots of fabrication abilities and my mechanic friend (20+ years experience) said he would help with the wiring and anything else I need. Plus there would be a few compromises done now that could be upgraded later.
You're still probably thinking this is a rather extreme response to blowing a trans. And it definitely is, but the more I think about it the more reasonable it seems. I know the miata engine starts to run into reliability issues in the higher hp range. Not that I have an extreme desire for more then 350whp (I know this has been done before) but 350whp with a V8 would be cake, I could use a stock ecu, where I need a megasquirt with the miata engine. I could get roughly the same gas mileage. Etc. Plus the V8 does have the ability to be upgraded to more power easily.
Basically I'm just having issues deciding what to do right now. I'm not in a huge rush to get a car because I have access to another car. The car is sitting in my parents garage and my mom is happy to let it sit there until I can figure out what to do, which is also nice.
So TL;DR
I blew my tranny. I have no intentions of ever making less power, only more. What would you do in my shoes?
Now I'm left with choices. I can try and score a cheap 5 speed and an FM Level 2 clutch. Which would be cheapest. I could also look for a deal on a 6 speed and put that in with a Level 2 clutch.
Now here are the extreme options. My engine loses oil at a ridiculous rate (like 2 quarts in 700 miles). I already have some parts for an engine build but I don't have everything yet. I could pull the engine and just do the rebuild now. With everything I need I figure I'll need at least $4-5K. Ouch.
And now for the extra extreme option, V8 swap. I know what you're thinking, no way I can do a V8 swap for $4-5K. But I have lots of fabrication abilities and my mechanic friend (20+ years experience) said he would help with the wiring and anything else I need. Plus there would be a few compromises done now that could be upgraded later.
You're still probably thinking this is a rather extreme response to blowing a trans. And it definitely is, but the more I think about it the more reasonable it seems. I know the miata engine starts to run into reliability issues in the higher hp range. Not that I have an extreme desire for more then 350whp (I know this has been done before) but 350whp with a V8 would be cake, I could use a stock ecu, where I need a megasquirt with the miata engine. I could get roughly the same gas mileage. Etc. Plus the V8 does have the ability to be upgraded to more power easily.
Basically I'm just having issues deciding what to do right now. I'm not in a huge rush to get a car because I have access to another car. The car is sitting in my parents garage and my mom is happy to let it sit there until I can figure out what to do, which is also nice.
So TL;DR
I blew my tranny. I have no intentions of ever making less power, only more. What would you do in my shoes?
#4
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Lol I know but I could lie to myself enough to justify it...which is dangerous. Also It would have to be automatic...which is basically a deal breaker but my mechanic buddy has a drag car with a manual valve body and says its pretty instant so I might be able to lie to myself about that until I have money for a proper transmission.
#6
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Tell me about it. It doesn't help that I've got my friends all telling me to V8 swap it, or just build it. Or just sell it because its easier to V8 swap something else, etc.
I never thought I'd V8 swap my car, always thought I'd get a 2nd Miata for that.
I never thought I'd V8 swap my car, always thought I'd get a 2nd Miata for that.
#10
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That does seem like the more reasonable option. I do have questions about what goes into the "basic" build I need pistons, but already have rods. I was thinking 84mm 9:1 supertechs. I "only" want 350whp or there abouts. But do I need things like an oil pump for a 99.9% street driven miata? Are ARP head studs required or just recommended?
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