I need to replace the front section of my 6 speed case due to shipping damage... I have torn down an engine before, done clutches brakes, suspension work... But have never torn apart a transmission. Is it reasonable that someone with basic mechanical skills and tools can tear down a 6 speed and rebuild it? Or would I need specialized tools and equipment?

Keith

 

Torn down an engine...and rebuilt it? The teardown is easy lol. I build transmissions for a living, but have never built an engine. That has always seemed intimidating, but I don't think I'd have a problem with it as long as I had some good info now that I've gotten over my fear of trannies

I have an official Mazda 6spd rebuild manual in PDF if you want to have a look. You can decide based on what you see. The process is really well documented there, looks like all you'll need is a puller, pin punch, vise...nothing out of the ordinary. No press is required to reassemble, as long as you are not disassembling individual clusters while you are in there. I bet you could knock it out in a weekend taking your time and didn't get too buzzed in the process.

Edit: I'll add that I've never rebuilt a Miata trans, so I can't comment directly on the process. I'm uploading the PDF to my dropbox, I'll post a link once it is ready.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...d%20Manual.pdf

 

Yep, than manual is the key, I am using it myself soon.

My project will probably be replacing synchros only. Never torn into a trans at all before.

Crappy cell pics to come.

 

The only really specialized tool I used was a hydraulic press large enough to fit the tranny in to press on one of the gears. I think I fabricated one puller as well. I called Mazdaspeed motorsports about some of the special shop tools in the manual and they cost allot and take 8 weeks to get.

 

I've done stacks of engines, suspension, etc. My buddy has done bunches of trannies (ford, etc)... We both thought the mazda one was a big huge PITA.

I definitely needed some crazy, reverse threaded puller thing that I made on the lathe, and they tell you to use some tool which is just a spacer to get some parts aligned... without giving you an actual distance spec. Oh, and there's one part where there is NO indication which side goes up... I guessed, guessed wrong, and had to get it off.

Basically, sure, you can do it. It's kinda a big pain job, I'd rather do 4 engines than one tranny, perhaps that's the best way to put it. If you're just popping the end off, it's really no big deal though. If there's a cool shop around who'll do one or two of the specialty parts for you (using a special puller or press) it wouldn't be too bad - but if they want $100 per time they help you out you might as well have them do it.

Far from impossible, but it could take a bit. Oh, and the parts kinda add up if you want to freshen everything.

 

I used a large press to do the thing the crazy reverse threaded puller/installer thing did. worked just fine. The threads on that thing were just wierd like very uncommon 11mm left handed and an odd pitch as well if I remember.

 

Took it to a rebuild shop SE of Indianapolis, they tried just taking the front half of the case off and swapping it, but there is one bolt that goes through a moving internal part that is impossible to line up with the back half of the case in the way. So they have to do a complete teardown. Good news is that the insurance from UPS will be coming through in a week to ten days.

Later,

Keith

 

Which shop? Was it the shop of the guy I gave you? He's like a friend of a friend of a friend or something so I don't even know him. Just curious in case I ever need a rebuild.

 

Note to self: Take referrals from thenuge26 with a grain of salt

 

Haha I did tell him that in advance at least. And he did fine rebuilding my friend's 5-speed.

 

I didn't know you were going to rebuild that thing. One of my buddies works at a hole in the wall place on the Souf Side.

 

I forgot all about your reference, didn't realize he works at a shop... thought he was just an enthusiast and since I needed a shop for an official repair estimate for the insurance from UPS I skipped over anyone that I thought wasn't working for an actual transmission shop. Ended up using Trans Gear Performance Inc. just south of Indianapolis in Beach Grove.

Keith

 

Are they located in Beach Grove? South of Indianapolis toward the east a bit.

Keith

 

That's not the place i was thinking of, haven't heard of them. The one i was talking about is off of Southport somewhere out near Acton.

 

With the 6 speed and 4.3 rear end I find myself using it as a 3 speed around town, 2, 4, and 6 are all I need for casual driving. For "spirited" driving I use all gears now naturally aspirated. I am wondering if I would do well to start off in 2nd after I have boost?

Keith

 

6 speed with a 4.3? How's that 4300 rpm freeway drive?

 

At 70 mph by GPS (72.5 mph indicated on speedometer, approx 4000 RPM) I was able to pull a best of 25 mpg on E85, so no complaints. I wear ear buds to listen to music or podcasts on my phone when driving anyway, and the ones I use are from "the earplug superstore". They are 20dB rated earplugs with built in earbuds

At 80 mph by GPS (82.5 mph indicated on speedometer) I still got a best of 23 mpg on E85 at around 4500 RPM.

Keith

PS: Speedometer has always been off by 2.5 mph... not sure why.

 

Lucky bastard. I'm from a complicated state.

 

Did I mention that they come in skin tone for light or dark complexion? I would not hesitate to use them in a "complicated" state. I also treat stop lights like a stop sign if nobody is around... No turn without a green arrow? Not if I am behind the wheel.

Keith

 

Thanks for the link looked everywhere for one