how critical to replace clutch bolts
 

the clutch is not very old. ACT clutch set up with a FM LW flywheel. I need to do a rear main seal that I have been putting off. I have 2 track days left and I need to get this little thing fixed in the next 2 days. should I locktite soft the bolts or just reuse? can I buy em from the auto parts store? I would hate to buy inferior bolts, but I would hate to have a failure. what do you think? yes better to buy new but that may not be option at this point. if they use "special' bolts I don't have time to order em any way. mostl likely I need to reuse them. experienced suggestions welcome. thanks

reuse them or buy OEM ones. dont get them from an autoparts store

I have always re-used them unless I was upgrading power levels. If your current setup has worked without bolt failures you should be ok. These bolts are not torque to yield or anything special that make them single use bolts.

I never changed them.

they are only torqued at 18 lbs too. I always reuse them.

I have always also reused them. Never even has crossed my mind to replace them.

Only time not to re-use is if they're not in good shape.
And yes always locktite

sweet thanks, Is 18 ft/lbs the right torque number or just a estimate.

Come on, bro. I take offense to that.

The brain doesn't have opinions.
The brain has facts.

:brain:

reused mine as well

and then chuck norris gets pregnant.

trans removal question, leaking oil out of rear output
 

when I pulled my trans today, I removed the drive shaft and oil started coming out of the hole where the drive shaft goes into the trans. is this normal? when I pulled the 5 speed I don't remember oil coming out. I'm a little concerned to be down on oil, but not much, a few oz. trying to track on Sunday. I could replace the oil with something from autozone or just leave it as is and change it once I order good stuff but I'm not sure about topping it off with different oil in terms of mixing and actual quantity.

Yes; Once the drive shaft is removed, you could empty the trans at the correct angle.:giggle:

I would bring it up to full level with the best I could find.

don't pull a braineack.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1348748641

looks like a murder victim...

Didnt replace mine and Mazda didnt even have them in stock. Use red loctite

yeah I figured it out, at first I was a little surprised to see the leaking trans oil but lesson learned. I did not realize it would drain out like that. hopefully I can find some decent fluid in the morning. pulled the trans, rear main looks fine, found a leak I think from the exhaust side cam plug, sealed it put the trans in, resealed the coolant reroute, new hose, out the trans back in and downpipe. so just need put the starter back in, and will likely need to remove my oil cooler lines to clear the starter which is super annoying. I hope it solve the oil leak, other wise it must be a head gasket I think. I wish I could run the engine without the trans installed! then I could really see the leak. good news is im getting faster but my custom downpipes fitment is time consuming

Get the Motorcraft fluid, any Ford dealer will have it in stock.

while you have the trans out, its a great time to install a coolant re-route and change out that little rubber nipple on the back of the head. Also i would use Red Line oil (http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php?...umber=10-26000)

http://www.miata.net/garage/CoolingS...s/image010.png