The Bad

I just got my car back from the dealer today after over 2 weeks.
After putting the transmission in and out 6 times and help from Mazda it was found that 6th. gear had siezed up.
They refused to replace the gearbox like the other known 15 cases.
So the surgery began, replaced 1. hub clutch 2. 6th. gear 3. and 9 other parts.
When inspected the first time there was no sign of metal shavings or any visible problem. 6th. gear just would not engage.

The Good

The car shifts as good or better now.
The "NOISE" that all the dealers say is normal (when you let the clutch out in neutral) has went away and is now quiet. This is a biggy for me.
They also gave me a RX-8 to drive for the last 2 weeks that I really abused (the 8 is tougher than I thought)

The Spin

We found out that you do not need to replace the trans. fluid with synthetic because it comes from the factory with it.
Any person needing help with this issue I can help as I have all the part numbers and now the answers.

The Ugly

It could happen in any RX-8, mine is a later build date and several have been early ones..........

The End

I love this car even with all of the quirks.

so if we hear the noise when we let the clutch out in neutral it's time to call the dealer?

No I don't think they are related, however they fixed the noise when the thing was apart......I suppose it could be related.
I just could not stand the noise in idle.....

i cant stand the noise either. thanks for the clarification.

This noise is not normal and can be fixed....which is nice.

what kind of noise is this? how would you describe it?

i only know that when I start the engine with clutch pressed to the floor and then release it the engine just sounds a bit different...i am not sure whether to call it 'noise' or just a different sound.

I get this "noise" also, mine sounds like a grinding noise...

Mine was making a GRRRRRRRR kind of noise...so was the loaner car I had for 2 weeks!

I forgot to mention I used Mazda's customer service e-mail.
They always got back to me in under 24 hours but they were no help at all!!!!

I will e-mail you Baller...I have a friend with the same problem, and mine makes a lot of noise. Thank you.