6 speed gearbox......Rifle bolt or Slush box ????

Old Dude · Postby **Old Dude** » Fri Oct 19, 2012 6:05 pm

Hi Guys

Continuing from another thread, there seems to be a big difference with the "feel" of the 6 speed gearboxes in our beloved MX 5's notable the NB8B.

Mine with 57,000km is very positive (rifle bolt) although can be notchy from 1st to 2nd when its cold and on the other end of the spectrum some say theirs is vague for want of a better word and I was wondering what the majority are like.

And since Ive never tried one before, lets take a poll. and plenty of coments as well please

Thanks guys

Regards
Dale

Apu · Postby **Apu** » Fri Oct 19, 2012 8:19 pm

I like the rifle bolt feel, and add that the weight (or lack of) of the gearknob contributes to that feel.

gussy · Postby **gussy** » Fri Oct 19, 2012 10:11 pm

I've always thought the 5 speed felt much better.

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Fri Oct 19, 2012 10:14 pm

NC = rifle bolt

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Sat Oct 20, 2012 10:46 am

IMHO, 6 speed doesn't feel quite as good as the 5 speed. My NA8 is ok, but my old NA6 felt the best.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Sat Oct 20, 2012 5:46 pm

there is no way its a rifle bolt but bear in mind not all rifle actions are precise either - not all are Short lee enfiields.Buts its far from a slush box. The problem with the 6 speed is the spring loading which under some circumstances can catch a driver out. Someone not used to a 6spd MX5 can get it horribly wrong- not once but a number of times. Some peoples idea of smooth driving is also at odds with mine- you can have a heavy hand and a strong arm and its works well with some old clunkers but an MX5 as most know requires a gentle touch in all controls. I have dríven an NC manual and found it more precise in the gb than NB. The auto NC is very smooth!!

koop21 · Postby **koop21** » Sat Oct 20, 2012 8:16 pm

In my opinion, the 5spd from the na6 feels the best but definitely not as fun or quick as the 6spd. The 6 speed doesn't provide you the feel that each shift is where you want it to be on granny shift mode, but as soon you drive it like your stole it, shifts feel more solid and precise and feels bloody fantastic!

davekmoore · Postby **davekmoore** » Sat Oct 20, 2012 9:59 pm

Was initially great on the road with the standard shifter. After a few track days the engine mounts went soft which made quick downchanges mushy when coming off the power. If anyone has a slush box this might be the reason. Race engine mounts sorted mine at the expense of a noisy/rattly tickover when the aircon causes the tickover to speed up. Now have a short shifter which is a serious rifle bolt at the expense of not always getting reverse first time. Fortunately not much need for reverse on the track - so far. The shifter also rattles which is not as advertised. I'm sure a better bottom bush would sort it if I could be bothered.

Old Dude · Postby **Old Dude** » Sat Oct 20, 2012 11:33 pm

Thanks to Caffeine :beer:

we may have an answer to the reason some are Slush boxes or in between :beer:

viewtopic.php?f=18&t=55045

Thanks
Regards
Dale

davekmoore · Postby **davekmoore** » Sun Oct 21, 2012 2:26 am

Nylon bushings. They are the future.

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Sun Oct 21, 2012 12:11 pm

Dave, there's also a brass bush available from Beatrush, or if you know someone with a lathe they can easily make one for you - bit of discussion about the brass ones here:
viewtopic.php?f=29&t=49020&p=615752

de Bounce · Postby **de Bounce** » Sun Oct 21, 2012 1:36 pm

There is a thread on replacing the stock shifter with a Short Shift Kit (SSK).
http://mx5cartalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=47730
The topic has extensive coverage on the US site.

In my opinion the SSK does what it said on the box and improves the accuracy of the shift immensely.
Cost appears high however it does come with the 2 rubber boots.
It does take a little time to get use to the different feel.
I have used it for over 12 months and recently completed a 4500km round trip from Melbourne to Brisbane.
I didn't have a problem with any shift's other than brain engagement moments nor does Mrs de Bounce.

If you are having issues or concerned with noise, 2 things I would try:
Keep the original plastic bush (or fit a new one).
Keep the original leather gear knob or similar.
Both dampen the noise/wine transmitted through the shifter.

Selection accuracy and difficulty to select 1st and 2nd when cold are two different issues.
The type of oil used contributes to the gear engagement, another topic discussed to death on this forum.

Aussie Stig · Postby **Aussie Stig** » Sun Oct 21, 2012 11:54 pm

The knob makes a big difference. Seriously.
Also the gearbox is silky silky smooth when warm.
One extra gear makes it a close ratio box, though adds extra work.
Yeah, I think it's complements the car well.

Apu · Postby **Apu** » Mon Oct 22, 2012 4:05 am

Yup, definitely agree that gear knob makes a difference!

I bought a heavy metal knob from Ania and whilst some like it, I didn't - made the hif motion feel slushy and was either too hot or too cold to the touch.

I now use a teflon knob (ahem, Works Engineering and available at Mania) and much prefer that.

And I'm not saying that just because it's a Works Engineering item - we do have metal knobs as well but I don't bring them in.