I know there are a bunch of threads on shifting problems, but couldn't find any on downshifting. Please point me to one if there are. Actually, I'm not even sure if this is a technical problem or it's just me. Anyhow,

When downshifting normally (ie. normal driving rev range, ~4000) sometimes from 3-2 or 4-3, I have to wait a long long time for the synchros to sync up. It just doesn't go into 2, or 1, until it's really really slow. If I do what I think is double clutch, it's fine.

Anybody else experienced this before or is this just me and my crappy shifting?

Thanks!

Cant say that I've seen it, however... the manual recommends you do not downshift into 1st if you're going over 20 mph.

I know that most mazdas will not downshift from 2-1 unless your going under 15 miles and hour and below. The 8's have a Triple Sync system set up with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear. Without all of the mumbo jumbo, the tranny wont let you shift unless your at a certain speed so that the sync rings can join up and shift...so on and so on. .... but we all know that you can get around it by double clutching and playing the RPMs and such.

Sadly, the RX8 trannies are built for reliabilty more than performance.

Im a crappy shifter myself and had problems

hmmm.. 2-1 I can understand, but 3-2? Usually around 20-25mph or so I try to downshift and it just wouldn't let me. I asked the dealer to check it out (the clutch), they said it's okay... so I guess it must be that triple sync system you guys mentioned. I guess double clutching is the "normal" way to go then...!

i understand where don't be a rikki is coming from, his tranny went out on him.

however, there haven't been that many transmission failure in relation to the # of rx-8s that have been sold already. hopefully mazda gave us a good one.

Originally posted by djmano
i understand where don't be a rikki is coming from, his tranny went out on him.

...only 'cause he beat the living hell out of it.

Rikki is partially right about the transmissions. Mazda didnt build the 8 as a " race " car so the transmission is not a racing transmission. Yes, it has the illusion of it, but it says in the techincal highlights....

"...built more for reliabilty "

And the sad fact is, Mazda didnt build this transmissions all by themselves. Ford had thier fingers in the whole car more than anyone will admit.

Mazda does not build thier transmissions. The MPV transmissions come from a company called JAPCO (I think thats how its spelled) and they are having a problem now. The 626 series became a nightmare when the transmission just started burning up speed sensors, shifting from 1st to 3rd or even 4th. Im hoping that the transmissions dont have this kind of problem on the -8s. but only time will tell. It seems there have been lots of concerns already.

Originally posted by Dont_be_a_Rikki
I never beat the piss out of my car.
-Ryan

i'm not saying you're a bad driver, but you were asking quite a bit from the gearbox... clutch-dropping burn outs and power shifting aren't in the scope of your average transmission... not to mention the possibility that you got a bum tranny from the factory.

SnyderMazz, the 'box in the RX-8 is built by Aisin, and is a variant of their Miata 6 speed unit.

Wake,

Thanks for the info brother. Good info to know.