Can a novice rebuild a 6 speed?
07-05-2014, 06:13 AM
#1
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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
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07-05-2014, 09:50 PM
#2
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
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
Last edited by matthewdesigns; 07-05-2014 at 10:44 PM.
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07-16-2014, 01:30 PM
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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.
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07-16-2014, 02:29 PM
#5
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 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.
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07-16-2014, 05:48 PM
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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 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.
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08-06-2014, 07:01 PM
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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
Later,
Keith
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08-07-2014, 07:29 PM
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Keith
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08-19-2014, 12:15 PM
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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?
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08-19-2014, 07:25 PM
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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.
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.
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08-20-2014, 12:11 AM
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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.
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looked everywhere for one
