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Oops, uh, make that my 5th transmission. It actually broke mid 1/4 mile this time. I made it back to the garage, only 4th works at all. Too bad, I was on fire with my lights, oh well. I guess I will be working on this POS this weekend.
Hey Pat! Currently I have a stock Mazda flywheel and an FM level 2 clutch. I have to admit, I was only getting an average of 2 months out of these with my old light flywheel. I have been running this one all season. I was hoping to get past the 16th race before I broke something. After the 16th race the rest are free.
I think five 5 speeds gets close to the cost of a 6 speed. Especially if you value your time anywhere near the $1/hour it's worth. Any thoughts of going that direction?
Hey Pat! Currently I have a stock Mazda flywheel and an FM level 2 clutch. I have to admit, I was only getting an average of 2 months out of these with my old light flywheel. I have been running this one all season. I was hoping to get past the 16th race before I broke something. After the 16th race the rest are free.
I see.
Originally Posted by nigelt
I think five 5 speeds gets close to the cost of a 6 speed. Especially if you value your time anywhere near the $1/hour it's worth. Any thoughts of going that direction?
Yeah, after five 5 speeds, it really is time to get a 6 speed. Only downside to me is that you'll want the awesome shifter kit for the 6 speed as the stock one kinda sucks but it's pretty pricey. Future upgrade I suppose.
I consider time in my garage therapeutic to some degree, although clutches and trannies are not necessarily my favorite. I kinda swore the last one I picked, would in fact be the last. Must admit, already searched CL for a spare, don't like not having a spare.
I don't like 6 speeds, plus they are still junk at this level. I have thought a ton about going ZF 5 speed and Getrag diff. Probably the direction my car will take at some point, but we are talking like 5 or 6 grand, so not exactly right away.
Another idea possibly, add a transmission cooler. Cooler fluid would help cushion the parts and reduce the loading/wear. Might be enough to make a difference. I know my 6 speed shifted like hell when it got hot, so if anything it might shift better.
I consider time in my garage therapeutic to some degree, although clutches and trannies are not necessarily my favorite. I kinda swore the last one I picked, would in fact be the last. Must admit, already searched CL for a spare, don't like not having a spare.
I don't like 6 speeds, plus they are still junk at this level. I have thought a ton about going ZF 5 speed and Getrag diff. Probably the direction my car will take at some point, but we are talking like 5 or 6 grand, so not exactly right away.
How many 6 speeds have you broken? Mine is still going strong after 3 years of being used in much the same manner as your car gets used.
For the 500-600 bucks you'll spend on one it has to be worth it at this point.
I haven't read through all your post so forgive if this has already been addressed. Have you considered swapping to an automatic? It looks like you lean more to drag racing so that conversion might make sense.
Another idea possibly, add a transmission cooler. Cooler fluid would help cushion the parts and reduce the loading/wear. Might be enough to make a difference. I know my 6 speed shifted like hell when it got hot, so if anything it might shift better.
Is heat really that much of a factor running quarters?
I tried to buy a jatco trans a few weeks ago, but I drove down to San Jose and the guy wouldn't wake up. He finally called me when I was back home and apologized and said I could have it for free. I would rather swap trannies than drive for miles around here. I did find some interesting info on building the jatco, thanks to you newaza. I am just not ready make the switch yet.
I am definitely going to break this "last" spare 5 speed before anything else.
Excellent, so no need to hurry up and bug that guy before he sells his.
To be fair, I paid $100 for the one that just let go. It was the cleanest tranny that's ever been in my car while in my possession. I got 9 months out of it, could have made a human being in that amount of time. I also got this many passes out of it
83 or about 20 miles. Yes she gave me 2 flowers last week, all twirled together, TROUBLE! I attended 15 separate events. Not too bad from a consumables standpoint
I am going to use a stopwatch this weekend and see how much of my prescious time this actually takes. I don't know about the rest of you, but I don't get paid too much when I'm not actually at work. Besides, my wife will have me fixing **** at her lab if I don't have something "more enjoyable" to do (like swapping a broke tranny.)
Above all else, I already have a quiet low mileage tranny waiting for me in my garage. Who could resist that? Just need to swap it.
my buddy sean is making over 700whp on an nb 6 speed here in sac. countless drag strip passes and gets raced in mexico just about every weekend.
get a 6 speed
PS: I have always, and will continue to always prefer OEM shifter/bushings over the "upgrade" in these cars. because you can actually shift it fast. unlike the "upgrade"
I think I am going to pick it up. If for some reason I change my mind, I will pass it along to you for the same price Ian. If you want I can keep an eye out for another one, folks are always trying to unload their Miata junk on me.