Hi there,

I bought a 1984 GSL-SE from a guy across the street from my friends house. He was getting evicted and needed cash. I gave him $100. The car is pretty straight and rust free (Arizona). I'd like to get the car running again. It did not have a battery. I plan on following the "bring it back to life" topic in the FAQ but before I can do that I have some questions regarding the tranny.

The clutch pedal is on the floor. I assume this means that there is no fluid in the system. We had to drag the car across the street. It seems like the car is stuck in gear. The shifter is either broken or the tranny is trashed because moving the shifter around does not seem to affect anything. Is this something common that there is a fix for, or is it as bad as I think? What other RX-7 trannies will swap in. Is the GSL-SE tranny anything special that would make it worth rebuilding?

I really like the car and would like to bring it back to driver status, funds permitting. I am sure I will have many questions as I go along.

Thanks in advance.
Brett

 

That a boy!!!

 

No clutch and a box full of neutrals--not a good sign. But maybe it's not so bad, maybe it's just the extension. The GSL-SE gearbox has a different fifth gear ratio, I think, otherwise they should be interchangeable.

 

Replace your clutch master cylinder and purge the system of all the old clutch fluids, my car was like that after a 10 year sit. It may be your clutch is locked in the disengaged position, if it is your tranny, it is an easy replacement with any FB trans. Check its not your rear brakes that are locked on also.

 

Hey, I'm in Glendale if you're looking for some hands-on assistance.

In any case, from what you described, I would bet money that the clutch MC or SC is leaking and not allowing the pedal to disengage the clutch, so the transmission is going to feel 'clunky' until you can get the clutch to disengage. The SE's are known for having very good reliability and durability of their transmissions, so unless the guy raced it or wrecked it, I would think the tranny is fine.

The clutch hydraulics should be done at the same time for MC and SC, otherwise, you'll be doing this again in a week or two.

Give that a go and see where you end up. Does it run? Smoothly? Let us know what you need - there are a lot of SE owners here, and I've helped SE owners first-hand here in AZ if you're near Phoenix. HTH,

 

Yup, best to replace both the clutch master and slave cylinders. When one wears out the other is not far behind. The good news is that both parts can be had for a total of around $100 (or less) and that the swap and purge operation is only about one hour. (two hours if there's beer).

As for the transmission, these are available at the wrecking yards for as little as $50 and can be installed in a couple of hours (three at the most) with the car on jackstands. But if you're going to do that you may also want to replace the clutch while everything is apart. You're probably looking at an additional $200 to $300 for a new pressure plate, disc and throw-out bearing.

How is the engine? Does it run ok? have you checked the compression? Are there any noticeable leaks?

 

I wish I knew how the engine was. I dont want to try to turn it over until I change all the fluids, plugs, etc. and figure out how to get it out of gear. The car's at my friend's house in Paradise Valley. After Thanksgiving I'll move it down to my house in Queen Creek. Already purchased a new Clutch M/C, S/C and hose.

Thanks for the help everyone.
Brett

 

If the car hasn't been sitting to long the engine turning over wont be a problem, if it has there is a guide in FAQ on resurecting a long term sitting engine, main thing is to get the old fuel out.