Mazda 929 shenanigans-Page 3: Grassroots Motorsports forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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Jan. 26, 2012 7:57 a.m. wvumtnbkr Reader

Just for the record, adapting a manual transmission into an automatic FC RX7 isnt the simplest thing.

The tranny mounts are different, the crossmember is different, the driveshaft is different. There is actually a fair amount of cutting and welding to get it done.

There are some how to's out there that show a unreliable crappy way to do it, and there is the right way to do it. The right way involves getting a manual chassis and cutting the manual mounts off of it and welding them onto the automatic car.

It can be done. You should do it.

I can take pictures of my auto and my manual FC(s) when you get this car to compare.

Rob R.
Jan. 26, 2012 10:56 a.m. Mazdax605 Dork

Can't you just take the cross member,trans,driveshaft from a manual FC,and bolt it on the auto chassis? I know that is how it works on the SA/FB chassis. The cross members are different but the mounts on the body are all there from the factory. No welding at all. The spots on the firewall are even there on an auto car for the clutch master cylinder, you just have to drill them out.

I find it hard to believe that Mazda made the manual and auto 929 all that different. It also surprises me that the FC is that way apparently, but maybe they got stupid after the SA/FB chassis. Well I know they did, but that is just MY opinion.
Jan. 26, 2012 11:08 a.m. 92CelicaHalfTrac SuperDork

I doubt it's different as well, with the apparently low numbers the 929 was made with the manual.

I'm still not psyched about doing a trans swap.

The idea was kindof a 2jz cressida on a budget. Trans swap costs more, and cost more mental assets that i'm not entirely sure i have.

What i had in my head was: Acquire manual 929, dump in JE-ZE, attach big snail, FC coilovers, FC diff, slap on some tires, tint, and go.
Jan. 26, 2012 11:49 a.m. pres589 Dork

In reply to 92CelicaHalfTrac:

That sounds a little bit like "when I get a unicorn I'll throw on some saddle bags and ride it up a rainbow" since manual 929's appear to be rare as hen's teeth.
Jan. 26, 2012 11:55 a.m. 92CelicaHalfTrac SuperDork

Yeah, probably true... if i can't find one by when the time comes, i'll give up my unicorn i'm sure.
Jan. 26, 2012 12:08 p.m. pres589 Dork

In reply to 92CelicaHalfTrac:

Well now I feel bad for teasing you about a unicorn.

It seems like a welder and some other tools could help all this become a reality.
Jan. 26, 2012 12:09 p.m. 92CelicaHalfTrac SuperDork

Hahaha, nothing to feel bad about. I know i'm delusional in general.

A welder would be nice. So would knowing how to weld.
Jan. 26, 2012 12:58 p.m. mndsm SuperDork

Like not actually knowing how to weld has stopped anyone before. Only way to learn is to do. Can't learn welding in a book.
Jan. 26, 2012 1:05 p.m. MG Bryan HalfDork

92CelicaHalfTrac wrote:

A welder would be nice. So would knowing how to weld.

My welds are hideous and I still struggle with sheet metal. Making tubing and the like stick together is very achievable even if you're completely talentless like me.
Jan. 26, 2012 1:14 p.m. SyntheticBlinkerFluid Dork

Whenever I build my own "shop", I'm going to have a table designated for welding, makes life so much easier.