2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.
Sponsored by:

s4 vs s5 n/a transmissions

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 11-20-08, 06:45 PM
  #1  
FC driver

Thread Starter
iTrader: (-1)
 
stophie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Helena, mt
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
s4 vs s5 n/a transmissions

so, the tranny on my gxl is toast. no reverse, and rarely 5th. and now the clutch is begining to say good bye. my s4 se is dead, and i'm wondering what if any differences there are between the two.

150k on the s5, fresh 75k on the s4. i've purchased an XTD clutch on ebay (hoping for the best) 6 puck sprung hub.

also a braided stainless clutch line from mazdatrix.

thanks in advance!!
Old 11-20-08, 06:55 PM
  #2  
Winter Rotary

iTrader: (5)
 
Acesanugal's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Athens, Georgia
Posts: 2,552
Likes: 0
Received 12 Likes on 12 Posts
The gearing between the S4 and S5 N/A transmissions are identical. No difference.
Old 11-20-08, 07:05 PM
  #3  
FC driver

Thread Starter
iTrader: (-1)
 
stophie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Helena, mt
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
k, so there should be NO mounting problems, or driveline problems?
Old 11-20-08, 07:21 PM
  #4  
Winter Rotary

iTrader: (5)
 
Acesanugal's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Athens, Georgia
Posts: 2,552
Likes: 0
Received 12 Likes on 12 Posts
The S4 and the S5 transmissions differ in the way their cross members are bolted up. Just look at them and you'll figure it out.
Old 11-20-08, 07:53 PM
  #5  
Rotary Enthusiast
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (23)
 
DR_Knight's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: san diego
Posts: 1,366
Received 150 Likes on 129 Posts
i prefer my s4 transmission as compared to my friend's s5's. the s4's seem to allow me to change gears and it feels really firm. s5's feel iffy to me, so yeah it's up to you. the gear ratios are exactly the same.
Old 11-20-08, 09:20 PM
  #6  
rotorhead
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (3)
 
arghx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: cold
Posts: 16,187
Received 435 Likes on 267 Posts
After my s4 tranny n/a blew I got a used s5 and I agree that I preferred the feel of the s4 tranny... it's hard to describe. That could be a coincidence though. Maybe the one I got was just in bad shape.
Old 11-21-08, 08:19 AM
  #7  
Winter Rotary

iTrader: (5)
 
Acesanugal's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Athens, Georgia
Posts: 2,552
Likes: 0
Received 12 Likes on 12 Posts
If neither of you replaced your shifter bushings with the proper, new parts then you cannot say either way how the gearbox felt.
Old 11-21-08, 09:50 AM
  #8  
Rotary Enthusiast
Tenured Member 20 Years
 
Hot_Dog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Alexandria, VA
Posts: 1,361
Received 174 Likes on 144 Posts
There are differences in 5th gear ratioes between some S4 and S5 transmissions. There are also differences in the tailshaft housing mounting points. The S5 transmission has an internal damper on the output shaft whereas the S4 has a damper on the front of the driveshaft. Subtle differences, but something to keep in mind.

Hot_Dog
90 RX7 GXL
Old 11-21-08, 10:03 AM
  #9  
Tango Down

iTrader: (3)
 
NoPistons!'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: SC/NC
Posts: 2,895
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Good luck with your xtd clutch.

Maybe we could all beg lsd motorsports to start making rx7 clutches. Affordable and 50 percent of them arent destined to fail out of the box.
Old 11-21-08, 04:55 PM
  #10  
Lives on the Forum
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (7)
 
Sideways7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Temple, Texas (Central)
Posts: 6,598
Received 9 Likes on 5 Posts
They should be the same mounting wise, assuming you use the same tranny mounts. Even then, I don't think it matters.
As for the clutch, why didn't you just use a stock clutch? Unless you have a radical port job, you shouldn't producing the power to warrant a 6-puck clutch. At the most, all you need is an upgraded one from Racing Beat, for example. I have been running a stock clutch disk with an ACT pressure plate (34% stiffer than stock) for years with zero problems. Very smooth engagement, no chatter, easy to drive.
Old 11-28-08, 07:10 PM
  #11  
FC driver

Thread Starter
iTrader: (-1)
 
stophie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Helena, mt
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
well, the $$$ side of life forced me to ebay, and that's what i found for $142 plus freight, so i figured that i can use that and upgrade later without having to replace the clutch again.

i also got the mazda trix stainless braided clutch line. a little flash, and i hope better pedal feel with the new clutch. i'll let ya know what happens when i get it in this weekend i hope.

and thanks for the info on the tranny. the s5 tranny shifter was loose in the middle, so i stuck the s4 shifter and ball into it, and notced the mounting plates are different.

but it works a little better.
Old 12-02-08, 02:10 PM
  #12  
FC driver

Thread Starter
iTrader: (-1)
 
stophie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Helena, mt
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
ok, so i got the swap done. not a thing was different! well, other than the bolt under the rear mount was turned around on the s4. and yeah, this tranny is SOOOO much smoother!!

the s5 tranny was well used. black and shimmery. not good. and the input shaft was a little too wiggley.

and the xtd ebay special is workin good so far.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
rxlevi7
New Member RX-7 Technical
4
09-26-15 07:28 AM



Quick Reply: s4 vs s5 n/a transmissions



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:51 AM.