Mazda RX8 transmission 6 speed

[Potone1]

Hello gang. I have come across a company in UK that makes transmission adaptors for the 2.9 cologne engine(very popular in Europe!). The price is very good for these transmissions do to the poor quality of the engine. I can't find information about this transmission though, but I would like to replace the TK5 in my 86 Ranger with one. Any advice is welcome. https://www.rx8gearboxadapters.com

 

[dvdswan]

My son has an '04 RX8 and had to replace the transmission. I don't remember the total reason why. But it would howl in the even gears. He still has the RX8 and won't part with it.

 

[rubydist]

The rotary engines have pretty low torque and only have performance due to being able to rev high. I don't know how long that trans would last behind an engine with decent torque.

 

[fastpakr]

The rotary engines have pretty low torque and only have performance due to being able to rev high. I don't know how long that trans would last behind an engine with decent torque.

The RX8 motor makes roughly the same peak torque as the 2.9 (~160 vs 170 ft/lbs), so I don't see any cause for concern there.

 

[Potone1]

My question is more to the fitment issues. Do I need the Mazda clutch or do I stay with the 2.9 clutch. Extend the pilot bearing or shorten the bell housing. That kind of thing.

 

[fastpakr]

From their description here it seems like you'd need to use the RX8 clutch hydraulics with the stock 2.8 clutch. Have you reached out to the vendor?

 

[Potone1]

I have they say the same thing. I just want as many points of view as I can get before wading in.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

The RX8 motor makes roughly the same peak torque as the 2.9 (~160 vs 170 ft/lbs), so I don't see any cause for concern there.

Over in Cosworthland the 2.9 might make more too...

I am not overly familiar with the 2.9 but a lot of Ford engines (like the small block Fords I mainly mess around with) have a certain balance to the flywheel so you are generally going to be stuck with using something native to the engine for the clutch hard parts. Using the Mazda clutch hydraulics makes since too.

@PetroleumJunkie412 may have heard something about this in his travels too.

 

[fastpakr]

Maybe a little, but (broad generalization) torque doesn't tend to change nearly as dramatically as horsepower. For the most part you can build power just by optimizing an engine to spin faster, but you can't dramatically change the amount of torque it produces without cheating through forced air or nitrous.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Maybe a little, but (broad generalization) torque doesn't tend to change nearly as dramatically as horsepower. For the most part you can build power just by optimizing an engine to spin faster, but you can't dramatically change the amount of torque it produces without cheating through forced air or nitrous.

They do that over there too...

 

[fastpakr]

For sure. On both engines