Engine gearbox removal 87 Alto RSR Questions??

[dodgemnz]

I need to remove the gearbox to replace the clutch and possibly the headgasket. Whats the easiest way to get the engine and gearbox out? the gearbox is sooo close to the left side of the engine bay i dont think it will slide off without hitting the body.
Does the complete power train drop out the bottom with its crossmember?, getting to the front and rear mounting bolts looks tricky!
Can i use a F5A single cam headgasket?
What other suzukis share the clutch or is it a special for the works cars 170mm??

[Brayden]

Easiest way to remove is to get an engine crane (or block and tackle) and pull the whole thing out in one hit. You could pull it out through the bottom, but that requires more effort.

I'm not sure if the DOHC gasket matches the SOHC one, but for $30 I would buy one and compare. It might save you the hassle and cost of importing a DOHC gasket.

Pretty sure the clutch is unique. I have a 5 speed FWD box from a CA21V Alto and the flywheel/clutch are much smaller than the Aussie delivered F5A or F8B.

[JohnnyB]

im almost certain that the head gaskets are all the same. I have a F5A twincam head gasket and it was the same one as my F6A SOHC, which was from a Aussie F5A SOHC (if that makes sense)

[dodgemnz]

im not sure which way would be easiest to remove the engine and gearbox beacuse of the turbo and the tailshaft housing it may have to go downwards? Perhaps when the front grill and bonett shut panel are removed it will make it come up easier.
Im sure when i rebuilt my Cappuccino twincam F6A the gasket was the same as the F6A single cam and was from local stock. I might get the agents to check on this. The clutch kit was quoted to the last owner at $750nz ex Japan.
Im more inclined to find one locally that will match or have it rebuilt. Ive done this with an SC100 coupe and the Cappo.

[Brayden]

Pretty sure the clutch is unique. I have a 5 speed FWD box from a CA21V Alto and the flywheel/clutch are much smaller than the Aussie delivered F5A or F8B.

I just double-checked, and although the flywheel on the FWD F5A 5 speed box is much smaller, the clutch plates are the same size as F5A/F8B 4 speed. I suspect the clamping pressure of the turbo clutch would need to be much stronger though, as my F8B starts to slip at about 10PSI.

[dodgemnz]

My clutch is getting very bad now so will have to come out soon. It looks very easy to take it out the top now ive had time to check it over properly.
Is the clutch's you checked 170mm diamter? I think thats the size i read somewhere. Im hoping ill just need to reline it but maybe i will need a whole kit if i can get one?

[Al_Zhiemer]

Don't know if you have heard of a website over there called nengun.

If you have trouble finding a clutch for it, get in touch with this guy. he may be able to help you out. he has been reliable to deal with and a lot of other ppl i know of are also very happy with the service.

www.nengun.com

Another lot you could try here in australia is race clutch, these guys specialise in rebuilding your original clutch but will make it to handle as much power as you want. i haven't personally used them but i have heard a lot of positives with their work.

www.motorsportworld.com.au

Cheers

[stevan_istheman]

I've looked into clutches a little already for my F6A twin cam,
Exedy make some h/duty clutches to suit the 5 speeds i've got
(one AWD, one FWD)
I know you can get the clutch disks in australia but they didn't have pressure plates.
I was looking at getting my old unit rebuilt with big arse springs to beef up the clamping pressure.
For the record, the cappa clutch disks (and pressure plates if memory serves) are the same as the alto units.
I'll have to do some severe digging to find part numbers...

*runs to bedroom desk*

OK
The engine & gearbox i've got came out of a CR22s/CS22s alto
and apparently these disks also suit:
CP22s, CP21s, CP11s, CN21s, CM22v, CL11v, CM11v
Exedy Clutch Disk part numbers:
Ultra Fiber : SD02H about $150-$200 AU (Ex NSW at the time)
S Metal : SD02T about $400 AU (Ex NSW at the time)
R Metal : SD05 about $300 AU (Ex NSW at the time)

Pressure Plates need to come from japan,
Part numbers:
Suit SD02H & SD02T - SC10 pressure plate
Suit SD05 - SC05 pressure plate
The presure plate were all about the $300 + freight from japan

Hopefully all this helps and i've not written a novel for nothing.
Cheers,
Steve

[dodgemnz]

Thanks for the info no mention of CA71 ?? are yours listed 170mm?
I had my cappo clutch relined the biggest problem was the springs in the hub were loose so the reconditioners replaced them with heavier springs. The cover and thrust bearing were still ok at 53,000 kms. The linings were very worn probabaly from being slipped alot in Japan before it arrived here