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Hey guys and gals,

Just wondering if any NA6/8 drivers could comment on how hard it is to change gears with the standard 5 speed. Although there's nothing really wrong with my transmission, I just feel like it could be a bit easier to shift. As it is now it's pretty hard to shift and it's also pretty easy to get stuck between gears. Is this a common trait or should I spend some more time tinkering with it?

Cheers,
Martinez

Changing gears in my old Astra felt like moving a spoon in slightly lumpy custard. Not a lot of response or mechanical feel.

My NA's gear change feels like I'm actually moving a shift selector around to engage gears. It can be pretty stiff when its cold, but the tolerances line up much better when its warmed up a bit.

If you're having trouble shifting, have a look at the condition of the upper and lower shift boots, and make sure you have both transmission and turret oil.

As pointed out by lee one of the major reasons for siff gear changes is where the upper and lower gear stick boots have torn. This lets dirt into the upper gearbox turrent, and thereby polluts the oil in there. It also lets more road noise and heat into the cabin.

I would having a look at your gearbox boots, and if torn replace them. I would also suggest changing the plastic gear shift selector bush. These wear out and can impact the feel of the change. While you are in there replace the oil in the turrent.

Finally, do you have the original Mazda gear knob? In most models these are quite heavy, which adds to the ease of changing gear. My early NA8 had the original Nardi gear knob, which was actually quite light when compared to one from a NA6. I went to a Mazda wrecker and managed to find a heavier knob (320g), made a big difference to the feel.

Here is a link to the MX5mania (forum sponsor) gearbox spare parts page.

http://www.mx5mania.com.au/oemparts.php ... _&_Gearbox

J

Thanks for the feedback guys!

I'm using Redline MT-90 in both the transmission and the turret. Have replaced both the lower and upper boot seals (didn't have a lower seal when I bought the car) and the bushes seem to be in good condition.

I have an aftermarket solid metal knob which must weigh around 200-300 grams. It gets pretty hot when the car has been standing in the sun on a summer day There's definitely a very solid feel when changing gears but I just wish it was a bit easier. Also, I've got stuck in neutral between 3rd and 5th gear a few times because I didn't move the shifter exactly into 3rd. Not a lot of tolerance there!

Martinez

Feel of the NA6 gear change was great - one of the best around. Better than the NA8, & the NA8 isn't that bad.