I have difficulty on corners from 1st to 2nd even on full clutch. It seems to be hard to put it in to 2nd....3rd,4rth and up I dont have that issue. I tried releasing the clutch slower but it didn't help much. It's little tougher putting it in 1st 2nd gear than any other gear even on full clutch. Any ideas?

It's hard to say without actually driving your specific car.. because "tougher" can mean something different for everyone :)

Is this your first manual transmission car? 1st to 2nd is generally tougher on any manual transmission, because the different in gear ratios is greatest between these two gears, so the rotational speed difference is greatest between the two, so it takes longer for the synchros to get the shift collar to the right speed for the next gear. This is probably exaggerated on the rx8.. since the high redline calls for different gear ratio spacing then on hormal vehicles, causing a larger gap between first and second.

My recommendation? Don't force it! unless you have the timing and pressure down just right on your throttle and clutch, trying to force it into the next gear isn't going to get you anywhere much faster than just sliding it into place. Doesn't take much pressure on the shifter, just pull it back and be patient, you'll hit one stop, which is the synchros engaging.. just keep pulling back and after a moment the shift puck will be up to speed and it will automatically drop into the gear. The key is consistant pressure and follow through, not brute force.

(i don't think I explained this very well. .but it's late.. sorry, heh)

I don't know the cause, but I know what he is talking about. I felt it during a testdrive. There were times that I couldn't get into 2nd and I wasn't sure why. I am used to using the smooth shifters of Hondas for years, and there was definetly something to that 1-2 shift that isn't as smooth as the other shifts like 2-3 or 3-4.

I notice a difference going into second from 3rd or 4th. When I'm downshifting into any other gear, it's smooth, but it just feels different shifting into 2nd.

there are other threads on this, so you're not the first to mention it. Search around for them. I, for one, have no such problem. Strange....

Manual Tranny: I think I found out why, when Im in first gear I take it up to 4k-4.5k RPM then shift to 2nd it doesnt give me a hard time as when I shifted at 3.5k RPM. I guess its much smoother when you hit higher rpm. The speed factor makes a big difference too, when Im at 18-20+ MPH 2nd is much easier. I used to change it at 15 up becoz at 3.5 RPM its usually at that speed.

Originally posted by CruelNewb
Manual Tranny: I think I found out why, when Im in first gear I take it up to 4k-4.5k RPM then shift to 2nd it doesnt give me a hard time as when I shifted at 3.5k RPM. I guess its much smoother when you hit higher rpm. The speed factor makes a big difference too, when Im at 18-20+ MPH 2nd is much easier. I used to change it at 15 up becoz at 3.5 RPM its usually at that speed.

I got into the habit of shifting at 3K for each gear back when I was trying to conserve fuel. I think in the end it doesn't much matter with regards to gas consumption. If I'm really accelerating I'll run it up to 5K or 5500 and shift straight from 1st to 3rd to 5th. I'm finding this needs some practice; my shifts aren't smooth when I skip gears but I'm working on it.

Cruel Newb

You mentioned you have difficulty changing gears from 1st to 2nd even in corners with the clucth all the way in .

I always try if possible to change gears on the straigh parts of the roads definetely not in corners or in rounabouts , not a good havit to get in to IMHO.

You may encounter less problems if you change gears on the straights , best of luck.

I too at many times find getting into 2nd to be strange- then other times it's fine- going from N to 2nd is always fine. I'll have a new 8 soon, so I can post back any differences I have noted.

I've tried twice now, first gear up to ~ redline - full throttle, then quickly trying to shift into 2nd gear. You know, like drag racing.

Both times, it wouldn't go into 2nd gear. The first time, I just kept the clutch in & just coasted while I was out of a gear. The second time I was really not ready for the lack of engagement & wound up grinding when I let it out. :mad:

Whatup wit dat? I had some stuff in the way of my elbow (cup in the cupholder), so maybe that's what messed me up.

Just thought I'd throw this out to see if I'm the only one recently with such bad luck as this. I don't want to grind another pound...

edit: Oh yeah, lack of MT experience is not a factor with me.

Originally posted by CruelNewb
I have difficulty on corners from 1st to 2nd even on full clutch. It seems to be hard to put it in to 2nd....3rd,4rth and up I dont have that issue. I tried releasing the clutch slower but it didn't help much. It's little tougher putting it in 1st 2nd gear than any other gear even on full clutch. Any ideas?

I had similar problems and they continued to get worse until I couldn't get the car into any gear. It turned out that the clutch was fried. If you want the full scoop head on over to this thread (http://rx8forum.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=136299#post136299).

Originally posted by Racer X-8
I've tried twice now, first gear up to ~ redline - full throttle, then quickly trying to shift into 2nd gear. You know, like drag racing.

Both times, it wouldn't go into 2nd gear. The first time, I just kept the clutch in & just coasted while I was out of a gear. The second time I was really not ready for the lack of engagement & wound up grinding when I let it out. :mad:

Whatup wit dat? I had some stuff in the way of my elbow (cup in the cupholder), so maybe that's what messed me up.

Just thought I'd throw this out to see if I'm the only one recently with such bad luck as this. I don't want to grind another pound...

edit: Oh yeah, lack of MT experience is not a factor with me.

The only time I've had trouble shifting is from 1st to 2nd after winding it out in first just as you described. Of the three times this has happened, I've always ended up with a grind into second - it's like the stick gets rejected by the gate into 2nd almost like the clutch didn't disengage fast enough or something. The clutch engagement point on the '8 is quite a bit closer to the floor than the other cars I'd be likely to perform such a maneuver (an rx7) and I chalked it up to that (ie: releasing the clutch too soon, just prior to it being fulling in 2nd), but I will have to try it again and see if it's really something mechanical or just me.

Simon.

Originally posted by sferrett


The only time I've had trouble shifting is from 1st to 2nd after winding it out in first just as you described. Of the three times this has happened, I've always ended up with a grind into second - it's like the stick gets rejected by the gate into 2nd almost like the clutch didn't disengage fast enough or something. The clutch engagement point on the '8 is quite a bit closer to the floor than the other cars I'd be likely to perform such a maneuver (an rx7) and I chalked it up to that (ie: releasing the clutch too soon, just prior to it being fulling in 2nd), but I will have to try it again and see if it's really something mechanical or just me.

Simon. OK, right on. Sounds like it's not just us or our cars in particular.

Eccles had this problem & I quote, from another thead, "Yeah, when snap-shifting 1-2 at the redline, make sure you give that lever a good hard tug to make sure you've engaged the whole gear, not just the synchros!"

Others I think have described this problem too.

I know I jammed it hard the second time. The shift knob even got loose on that one.

Let's try some more (carefully, I'm gonna be ready for failure from now on, till it's figured out)...

________________________________
edit: In respect to the originator of this thread, this has nothing to do at all with cornering. Don't mean to hijack your thread, but your title fits this different problem as well.

I hope Speed Racer hasn't hit on your problem, but I would be very concerned as to whether or not he did. Get it checked ASAP!

My car does the same in first gear;take to the redline and drop it into second and and grind, grind, grind. I thought I missed a gear (2nds kinda tought to screw up), but I tried it again, same thing.

D-san

Originally posted by Digisan
My car does the same in first gear;take to the redline and drop it into second and and grind, grind, grind. I thought I missed a gear (2nds kinda tought to screw up), but I tried it again, same thing.

D-san OK guy, I hear ya.

Me
Eccles
sferrett
Digisan
B-Nez (in the post following this one)(To answer; It sure does! Total embarassment!)

That's 5 who know this to be a problem. Who else?

nk_Rx8 post above might be it also, not sure...

Yeah, I've been grinding 2nd way more than usual the last couple of days. I must have ground it 3 or 4 times today. I'm at about 4500 miles now. It sure does make you feel stupid, eh?

Originally posted by Racer X-8
OK guy, I hear ya.

Me
Eccles
sferrett
Digisan
B-Nez (in the post following this one)(To answer; It sure does! Total embarassment!)

That's 5 who know this to be a problem. Who else?

nk_Rx8 post above might be it also, not sure...

You can add my name to that list and the problem has been resolved by replacing the clutch.

I went to return a video last night, and checked it out. This is how MY CAR feels:
At high rpms, 2nd gear feels like it "snaps" into gear*. If it doesn't snap, it ain't in, and it'll grind. At low rpms, it flumps in just like the other gears.

* by snap, I mean it literally feels like a snap on a pair of trousers or a jacket.

This is not good to hear. My friend and I took the car around for a pretty spirited drive last night and I was trying to chirp through the gears but it would not engage into second. Of course he haggled me about mis-shifting until he got in the drivers seat and did the same thing. It only happens on hard launches between first and second though. When I chirp from 2nd to 3rd there is no such problem. I haven't experienced this on downshifting either. It only occurs when shifting between 1st and 2nd at close to redline with the gas still down. Do I hear another recall? :(

Originally posted by Speed Racer


You can add my name to that list and the problem has been resolved by replacing the clutch. Whoa! Replaced the clutch? What was wrong with the original? Surely it wasn't worn out already. (?) You have further info on this? :confused:


B-Nez - good description about snapping.

Mine's been slumbering since we got home from Florida Sunday night. It's not my daily driver & I've been real busy since. Tonight & tomorrow is booked too. I'm definitely gonna do some hot runs this weekend. Then I'll know if mine snaps-in too...


The list is growing rapidly...starting to think it's everybody that's read this & have tried...ZoominRex & Speed Racer, consider yourselves on it. That makes 7 definitey & Speed Racer fixed his with a new clutch.

Originally posted by Racer X-8
Whoa! Replaced the clutch? What was wrong with the original? Surely it wasn't worn out already. (?) You have further info on this? :confused:

I had the same problems of unexplainable missed shifts, difficulty engaging gears, quiet metalic rattle around 5k RPMs, and a couple of times the clutch pedal got stuck half way through its travel. If I remember correctly these problems started to show up around 1,500-2,000 miles. At first they were very infrequent but as I racked up the miles they happened more often and become more noticeable. At 7,000 miles the problems became persistant and eventually left me stranded because I could not get the car in gear.

After two trips to the dealer they replaced the clutch under warranty. I asked to see the old parts and I was a little surprised by what I saw. The clutch had obviously been overheated. The metal was discolored and the springs were loose (5k RPM rattle). The only explantion they could offer was customer abuse but I'm a bit perplexed by that because I have driven all of my past cars just as hard (if not harder) and have never had a clutch fail before 60k miles. I also find it a bit odd that there are other people (with low mileage) complaining about the same problems that led up to my clutch failure. Hopefully my case was isolated but I guess only time will tell.

Original thread (http://www.rx8forum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11859&perpage=15&pagenumber=1)

OK, thanks brother. (You knew Racer X is Speed Racer's brother, didn't you?)

Definitely looks fried. Am I seeing heavy wear right on the O.D.?

I'm not having any problem shifting, except for the two times I tried hot-doggin' it. Is that how it started with you?

Hey bro,
I think the extra wear on the edge of the clutch came from the pressure plate being tipped (two of the four tension springs where shot). It is amazing what a little heat can do! :eek:

My problems started out slowly too and really were nothing more than a minor nuissance until the last 500 miles.

I don't experience it either unless I am powershifting through the gears. I really hope it doesn't get worse. Any other symptoms to look out for besides the metallic rattling?

My car also needs to be shifted into 2nd sometimes with a good amount of brute force... i've never had the gear grind though. Because of this, I've gotten in the habit of only beating the car from 2nd gear up - makes me feel safer.

Im glad I'm not the only one

I went autocrossing yesterday, and was anxious to see what would happen with my 1-2 shifts. Wouldn't ya know it - it worked beautifully all morning. On my last run, however, I did grind 2nd right after the start. I don't think it cost me any time though, as I was going to be holding speed after the shift, not accelerating. Perhaps just some disrupted concentration.

I've noticed the same problems that a few people seem to be seeing. I also sometimes can't get it into second at redline. If I try to slam it into gear it won't go, but if I ease it in it'll take. Also, I don't know if anyone's noticed this, but if you have the car in neutral around a turn, and you try to put it in a gear while you're in the middle of the turn, the gates don't seem to line up and it'll grind like crazy. My guess it the tranny and motor mounts are pretty soft, as this car is designed to appeal to more people. Come to think of it, that may also be the problem with the 1-2 shift. I know in the FD people often missed 3 and hit 5 instead due to the motor mounts not being stiff enough.


My money is on the motor/tranny mounts being the root cause of this problem.

this weekend a lexus "challanged" me at a stoplight and what can I say, the bastard wouldn't go into 2nd. I hit redline in first, popped the clutch in, pulled the stick back, pulled again, pulled again, then decided to double clutch it and it finally went into 2nd. It never actually ground the gear, the lever just wouldn't go all the way back.

should I be worried? :(


I also notice some strange clincking noises from time to time.

Originally posted by paradigm
I also sometimes can't get it into second at redline. If I try to slam it into gear it won't go, but if I ease it in it'll take.

You try to slam it and it doesn't work, but easing works okay? Sounds about right to me... synchromesh isn't perfect! Just ease it faster :)

(Particularly at Renesis redline - remember you're in race engine territory here...)

Originally posted by paradigm
I've noticed the same problems that a few people seem to be seeing. I also sometimes can't get it into second at redline. If I try to slam it into gear it won't go, but if I ease it in it'll take. Also, I don't know if anyone's noticed this, but if you have the car in neutral around a turn, and you try to put it in a gear while you're in the middle of the turn, the gates don't seem to line up and it'll grind like crazy. My guess it the tranny and motor mounts are pretty soft, as this car is designed to appeal to more people. Come to think of it, that may also be the problem with the 1-2 shift. I know in the FD people often missed 3 and hit 5 instead due to the motor mounts not being stiff enough.


My money is on the motor/tranny mounts being the root cause of this problem. I'm believing this. Thanks! It's been going into 2nd gear every time I don't jam it, and it goes in sweetly. Actually, I haven't even tried jamming it since my 2 times of when I did & it didn't go in. Grinding a pound on that 2nd attempt is really hanging heavily on my mind...

I haven't tried the cornering scenario yet.

I talked to my dealer and he contacted Mazda tech support... They're stating that they haven't heard anything about this. I guess the factory rep is going to be in to the dealer on the 5th. I was wondering if you guys that have had problems (especially those of you who have had something replaced) would mind sending me the last 8 of your VIN so I can give it to the dealer. If you don't want to do that (I understand), would you give me the name of the dealer that performed the warranty work? Thanks!

My car is at 1k. No shifting problems noted when shifting at 9k.
I waited until 1k to put the synthetic in to make sure everything was well broken in. On the magnetic drain plugs of the trans and diff there was a bit of sludge. This is normal. I put in Royal Purple(any SATX locals want to know where to get it really cheap, pm me). The trans shifts a bit easier/smoother but there were really no complaints before.

Shift technique counts for a lot.

I'm having the same trouble with my 8 too. Its been a month since anyone has replied to the last reply. Has anyone taken thier car in for this. I just bought mine a month ago and this is disturbing for me. I'd appreciate someone letting me know what they've come up with.

One more thing, mine will do this dropping two gears to make a quick pass around slower traffic. Real eyeopener when your beside someone with oncomming traffic. Thought it was me but now I'm convinced its not.

Never mind. I didnt read all the posts. This forum thing is very new for me. My bad.

I've noticed that if I start my shift at about 8k and shift a little slower I don't have problems. But if I try to shift faster/higher than that it's a bit tough to get into gear. I feel like it may be a combination of technique and the soft motor/tranny mount thing I mentioned earlier that's causing some people issues. I'll mention it to Cam over at pettit racing next time I'm over there and see what he thinks. Maybe convince him to look into developing a set of stiffer mounts.

I haven't really noticed this happening lately. I'm not sure if it's due to readjustment of the driver's seat (maybe I subconsciously wasn't clutching enough), some other environmental change, or if it just plain got better.

Nope, no problem with sticky 1 to 2 shifts, BUT whether it is the short gearing in 1st vs the ratio in 2nd (or whatever), the RX8 is tough to shift elegantly 1st to 2nd. Everytime I let someone new test drive, and only experienced folks get the test drive, I get all braced for rough 1st to 2nd! Yeap, you get better, but still not a no brainer.
Tom

I've just started to notice this 1st to 2nd shift problem on my own RX-8. Like the others, it's in the high RPMs that I have problems. At 3k or 4k, there's nothing wrong, but at 7k, it feels especially difficult. No problems with the other shifts. I'm at around 3100 miles now, and I just started to notice this.

I too think it could be luxo-barge smooshy mounts. Now these things don't have external linkages like a 55 Chivvy, but a lot of powertrain movement or tub flex can still mess with foot/hand movement.

A 9,000+ successful 1-2 shift on Dear Wife's 8 goes pretty much like this: ZoooOOOM, 1..., 2..., CLICK, ZooOOOM -- just not acceptable!

My '90 Miata was similar (though not nearly as bad) when new. Redline tranny lube and some break-in helped a bit, and with MazdaComp mounts I can now confidently do "swipe-yank" no-lift powershifts just shy of the limiter all day.

{{{{

This just happened to me today. I went to shift from 1st to 2nd at about 7500rpm and it just grinded away. Second attempt grinded, and the third finally went in albeit unwillingly.

The dealer is still working on what to do w/ mine. Right now they're talking about putting in a friction modifier (recommendation by the regional mazda rep).

Friction modifier - that's interesting. I'm, thinking of replacing my tranny and diff fluids with redline. I haven't been getting the 1-2 grind anymore. The other day I started getting a 4-5 grind at moderate rpms (like 3500-4500). Very casual shifting was producing a grind on 5th. Very frustrating. It only did it for a little while, and I haven't heard it since. It was perfectly reproducable that particular day, but I haven't "tried" since.

I also find it hard to put it in 2nd gear. This only occure when I'm at the 1/4 mile track. It seem when I'm at redline and quick try to put it in gear it doesn't seem to go in. In normal drive their no problem. This has hurt my time on several occation.

Going with the soft motor/tranny mount theme...........quite a few people fixed this in their rx7's by using an engine torque brace. However it was easy in an rx7, because there were 2 threaded holes in the frame rail on the passenger side directly across from the engine hoist bracket on the back of the intake manifold. For less than 5 dollars in parts from HD racing (home depot) you could build yourself a very effective torque brace.

In the 8 there aren't any pre threaded holes in the frame that would work for building a torque brace.......BUT......The front side engine hoist bracket is directly beneath the strut tower brace. I'm considering making an attempt to weld a couple of bars and a bracket onto the strut tower brace to bolt to the hoist bracket. If I get around to it I'll let everyone know how it turns out.

Originally posted by paradigm
The front side engine hoist bracket is directly beneath the strut tower brace. I'm considering making an attempt to weld a couple of bars and a bracket onto the strut tower brace to bolt to the hoist bracket. If I get around to it I'll let everyone know how it turns out.

absolutely killer. if it works out make a thread so i can sticky it :D

I think there are a variety of reasons people are having trouble. I would have to guess that the most likely problem is shifting technique. I've seen so many people who seem to do fine under normal conditions go to pieces under 'spirited' driving on the track or street. I've seen the usually missed shifts, ground gear, skipped gears and the dreaded unintentional downshift (1-2-1 instead of 1-2-3 which resulted in teeth shredded off of the ring gear in one case).

For those who are 'experienced' drivers who are having shifting problems, just put Royal Purple synthetic in your trans and diff. I've used Mobile1, Valvoline, Redline and Royal Purple. Redline MTL is the only one that gave poor/stiff shifting. This was consistent in four different vehicles.

After I put the Royal Purple in, the shifter just falls into the next gear. Normal driving or 9500rpm shifts, it is the smoothest shifting trans I've felt.

If after changing to Royal Purple and making sure that your left foot is completely to the floor after the next gear is fully engaged and you are still having grinding problems, go to the dealer.

Racing Beat makes a great engine brace for the RX-7's. I'm sure they will put one out for the 8 eventually. Even with the bushings, the brace will add a bit of vibration and harshness.

I took my car to the dealer for a grinding noise my car was making while traveling on the freeway at 65mph I put the car in neutral for upcoming slow traffic (letting it coast for a little to slow down) and while putting it back in to in 5th gear going about 65mph at about 4-5 k in the RPMS it grinds. I did this a couple of times to make sure that the tranny was making the noise. I found out that anytime time I go 65mph or over and put it into 5th it grinds (No I’m not missing the shift). My car has been at Mazda of San Bernardino for 2 weeks now and I was informed that they have to replace my clutch because it was damaged so now I driving a wack gallant.

- I kind of feel that two weeks is a long time to fix this problem, is there anything I can do to speed up the process?

- Has anyone had this problem?

- Is this covered under Warranty, since the clutch is maintenance? By the way the car has 3k miles on it

- If I have more major problems with this car. How many more times before this car is concerned a lemon?

Thanks in Advance for your assistance

Just having my usual fun shifting through the gears. 1st gear 9k shift. 2nd gear 9k shift. 3rd gear 9k shift. etc. but this time my shift into fourth gear went into 2nd. And ehh overreved. God i hate that. Are my synchros broken? dont synchros prevent you from shifting into the lower gear at unsafe speeds or am i misinformed?

On the contrary, synchros make it easier to engage a gear - even the wrong one.

synchros are like tiny copper clutches on your dog gears to engage the speeds in the box. they simply allow the knobs on the side of the selector thingy to fit into the holes in the side of the gear you're choosing to drive the wheels through without grinding (presuming you don't just mush it in there all at once).

your synchros won't be very damaged, at least as not as i hope your engine isn't (13K rpm or something??)

Originally posted by sup3rbad
Just having my usual fun shifting through the gears. 1st gear 9k shift. 2nd gear 9k shift. 3rd gear 9k shift. etc. but this time my shift into fourth gear went into 2nd. And ehh overreved. God i hate that. Are my synchros broken? dont synchros prevent you from shifting into the lower gear at unsafe speeds or am i misinformed?

Doubt you did any damage to the synchros. And I would imagine the "fuel cutoff" would come into play to keep you from overrevving it as you went into 2nd. Did the engine "stumble" when you hit 2nd? If so, then the computer did it's job by not allowing you to over rev.

A rev limiter won't stop you from mechanically over-revving a motor.
If you are spinning 9k in 3rd and you shift to second, the inertia of the car will drag the motor up to 13k or whatever, even if you are off the throttle.

Originally posted by graphicguy
Doubt you did any damage to the synchros. And I would imagine the "fuel cutoff" would come into play to keep you from overrevving it as you went into 2nd. Did the engine "stumble" when you hit 2nd? If so, then the computer did it's job by not allowing you to over rev.

Interesting concept about the rev-limiter! The physics of what is happening here will cause the engine to spin up as fast as it needs to, accompanied by some pretty wild compression braking.

Cheers,
Hymee.

I downshifted from 6 to 2nd on the highway once. I was trying
to keep up with a guy which were playing with me.

Luckly I was only doing 75 when I let go of the clutch in second gear.. Bells and whistles rang and I hit the clutch again fast.

First time I have seen my rpms at 10k.

So, be aware of downshifting from 6 to 4, you might hit 2 :)

Should be a small (or large!) indicator somewhere showing
you what gear you are in so I avoid doing n00b stuff like this.

/twospoons

You guys are right...I didn't take the movement of the car into consideration when I posted. But wouldn't the fuel cutoff hit immediately, essentially "stopping the engine" if this happened?

That said, I would think the "jerking" caused by the compression braking and the sound of the engine spinning into the stratosphere would keep someone from fully engaging the clutch when this happens.

Originally posted by graphicguy
You guys are right...I didn't take the movement of the car into consideration when I posted. But wouldn't the fuel cutoff hit immediately, essentially "stopping the engine" if this happened?

That said, I would think the "jerking" caused by the compression braking and the sound of the engine spinning into the stratosphere would keep someone from fully engaging the clutch when this happens.

Yes - you would think you would get the picture before you let the clutch all the way out, but most guys doing this are in a hurry to beat someone - changing down from a cuise rev range to a power/acelerating rev-range.

Cuting the fuel has no effect on the inertia of the car/drivetrain on the engine. Even without fuel, it is effectively being driven like air pump.

Cheers,
Hymee.

Here's some info on synchro's for ya.

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/transmission4.htm

usually the first sign of a synchro going is gear clash from 2nd to 1st, 3rd to 2nd etc. This was happening to me in my S4.

I was more worried that the messed up synchros would affect my shifts and cause me to shift in the wrong gear. I guess this is just a noob error. i didn't fully engage cuz as i let off the clutch the car started to brake and i knew what just happened. thanks for the info.

Originally posted by Hymee
Yes - you would think you would get the picture before you let the clutch all the way out, but most guys doing this are in a hurry to beat someone - changing down from a cuise rev range to a power/acelerating rev-range.

Cuting the fuel has no effect on the inertia of the car/drivetrain on the engine. Even without fuel, it is effectively being driven like air pump.

Cheers,
Hymee.

Yea....you're right. I keep thinking that cutting off the fuel will stop the engine "dead"....that's not the case here.

Originally posted by sup3rbad
Just having my usual fun shifting through the gears. 1st gear 9k shift. 2nd gear 9k shift. 3rd gear 9k shift. etc.
My god, 3rd gear at 9k - how fast were you goin'? I hope this was on a track and not a public street.

Originally posted by twospoons
So, be aware of downshifting from 6 to 4, you might hit 2 :)

Should be a small (or large!) indicator somewhere showing
you what gear you are in so I avoid doing n00b stuff like this.

/twospoons

And there are some people that want an even SHORTER throw shifter...

Originally posted by jonalan
My god, 3rd gear at 9k - how fast were you goin'? I hope this was on a track and not a public street.

How about a public highway? BTW: It wasn't me.

But damn...4th at 9K RPM to 2nd?!

Well...the rotaries are known to love rev's, right?

Originally posted by jonalan
My god, 3rd gear at 9k - how fast were you goin'? I hope this was on a track and not a public street.

umm 3AM empty highway. BTW i was upshifting not downshifting. 9k at 3rd is only 90

I really shouldn't have to buy anything for a brand new car to function correctly. BTW: I'm still waiting for my dealer to find out what he's supposed to do to my car :(

In general Ive beendriving the car the past few nights likean asshole b/c Christmastraffic has been insane and frustrating. My Rx8 is auto btw. At onepoint lastnight I just wantedto get the hell home already I was speeding through the road to get out of the congestion and then this prickin a 350Z cut me off and I reallyalmost collided w/this guy man. As I was driving in sportmode in 3rd gear I held onto my horn and honked and put the gear into neutral and revved the gas whilethe car was moving. Likean angrymoron I put the car back into drive beforeRPMs fell back down to 1000 and the transmission like went bizzare fora second like it was confused and the car jolted a little. Very stupidmove. I got to a stoplight w/the guy and he started revving his car likehe wanted to race and I rolled down my window and gave him the finger since Iknew I just didsomething really bad to the transmission.

Now today Ive noticed that when drivingthe car in automatic andnot sportmode I feel little jolts that I guess are happening whenever the computer is shifting into a higher gear. Itdoesnt feel smooth anymore like it used to. I guessI must have done more damagethan I thought up by revving while accelerating andthen dropping back to drive before the RPMs fellback down. I guess Im goingto have to get the transmission replaced now. ThankGod for bumper-to-bumper warranty.

it shouldn't mess up your engine. you should have it checked out though.

Originally posted by djantlive
it shouldn't mess up your engine. you should have it checked out though.

Hehehe - but it might have rooted his tranny.

Lets hope for JeRKy sake they dont refer to the "abuse" clause in the warranty.

Careful what you admit to here JeRKy, ppl do monitor this forum!

Cheers,
Hymee.

Originally posted by Hymee
Lets hope for JeRKy sake they dont refer to the "abuse" clause in the warranty. Ouch Jerky, well I can't fault you any more than you had admitted yourself, that was as honest as you can get. When it's time to go to the dealer it will be in your better interest not to be so honest. Check that 'road rage' and hopefully you can get the dealer to fix whatever the problem is, good luck.

A jackass and his car...are soon parted.

You did a dumb-ass thing... you fvcked up the tranny..and the Mazda souldn't be responsible for it. Might as well have shifted into 2nd gear from 130mph..wtf do you expect?

Amazing how someone honestly tells what he did, pre-acknowledges he fucked-up, yet it never fails for someone else to state the obvious, bravo... Thanks for the late breaking news...

You've admitted to your shortcomings, and its already been discussed. I'll point out one other thing, namely when things are happening quick is no time to reach for the horn. Focus on controlling the car; honking at the SOB is a luxury once everything else is under control no matter how bad he deserves it.

Originally posted by JeRKy 8 Owner
I got to a stoplight w/the guy and he started revving his car likehe wanted to race and I rolled down my window and gave him the finger
. [/B]

That part is funny sh*t, but the rest of the story is pretty bad. Hope the dealership warranties it for you.

Originally posted by ShawnC
That part is funny sh*t, but the rest of the story is pretty bad. Hope the dealership warranties it for you.

I agree that part was pretty funny. I wouldn't want to do that here in LA, too many loony peoples. Last time my friend cut this Accord off, they followed us back to his house, but instead of going to the house, we drove to the local PD. Frickin scary and funny at the same time.

hmm... i use to do the same thing in my automatic probe all the time... never had a problem with that mazda tranny.

What are the gear ratios for the AT and the MT? I haven't seen them, and can't find them at mazda.com

Here you go:

http://www.mazda.com.au/specifications_pl.exe?ID=43

Cheers,
Hymee.