In the world of racing, regular maintenance is often considered a non-negotiable task. However, there comes a time when even the most meticulous upkeep can’t shield your car from the relentless wear and tear of a competitive environment. For the past three years, my transmission has been great on the racetrack. Yet, as with all mechanical components, things fatigue, and it was finally time to confront some issues.
During my last track event, my transmission’s quirks became evident. Reverse and 5th gear became elusive, 1st gear a started grinding sound upon initial engagement, and my clutch pedal felt unsettlingly soft. I needed to tackle the issue myself before my upcoming trip to London.
Having spent many years working on my AE86, I had grown familiar with its design. What continues to amaze me about the AE86 is its inherent simplicity and accessibility for DIY car people. Unlike some high-performance machines that demand specialized tools or proprietary equipment, the AE86 can be worked with 100pc craftsmen tool set, and the occasional tool rentals from Autozone.
At the moment, I’ve swapped in a spare transmission, ensuring my AE86 is race-ready for the upcoming event in NOLA. Spare parts like this can be a racer’s lifeline, you always need spares.
As I embark on the task of tearing down my original transmission. My suspicion leans towards the shift sleeve, but definitive answers will only surface as I press out the gears and delve deeper into the internals. By the time this blog is published, I hope to provide you with substantial updates on my transmission’s journey back to optimal performance.
Dec 3, 2023 is Thaison AE86 matsuri even. Link below:
Natsukashi Garage 