From neutral to 1'st, and 1'st to 2'nd, it sometimes feels like the clutch aint fully released, and one can "feel" the gearshifts.. Is this normal?

Does the 1-2 shift seem to feel like it has a 'notch' between the shifts? This is normal.

Ya...
First to second is a PITA.

Its just like that

Does the 1-2 shift seem to feel like it has a 'notch' between the shifts? This is normal.

Exactly :) Thank you for clearing that one up :)

Yeah I hated the first to second shift. Now i have the RP short shifter. feels much better than before, much more direct and ALOT less sloppy.

You guys think tranny fluid swap would help things? It's really embarassing to be kicking someone's A$$ off the line, and to get that gear grinding as they pass you :-(

Try a fluid swap, short shifter, and a stainless steel clutch line.

sounds more like clutch is not releasing all the way... this is going to be stupid, but move you seat up one notch and make sure you are depressing the clutch completly to the floor..

beers :beer:

Try a fluid swap, short shifter, and a stainless steel clutch line.

Good call. I've heard the stainless steel clutch line from a few people, and it makes sense (the rubber clutch line swelling under pressure, making fast shifting hard). I think I'm going to do that first, followed by a fluid swap. If those don't work I'll try the short shifter idea.

Any idea if it's something the casual modder can replace himself, or is it definitely a Mazda replacement? Where do you think I should buy the part?

What tranny fluids are recommended? Where's the best place to buy it?

I did the fluid swap to RoyalPurple and the clutch line to CorkSport, This has made the shifting somewhat smoother and quieter, need to do the shortshifter next.

What tranny fluids are recommended? Where's the best place to buy it?

Go to the DIY section, and there is a great thread on Tranny/Diff fluid swap. Generally people go with either Red Line or Royal Purple. I've heard that some Pep-Boys carry them, as well as some Advanced Auto. Personally, I'm buying mine online.

Has anyone replaced the clutch line themselves? Curious as to how hard it is.

From neutral to 1'st, and 1'st to 2'nd, it sometimes feels like the clutch aint fully released, and one can "feel" the gearshifts.. Is this normal?

Yup... at least it is on mine.

If you pause for a moment (clutch in) before going N->1, it's go in smooth though.

1-2, and especially 3-2 downshifts are "clunky." The only thing that seems to help is pausing a bit with the clutch in before moving it into gear. But not always. 2nd is just... annoying.

I've always figured it was a synchro oddity, and nothing that a fluid swap, shift lever, clutch change, etc. would fix.

Just one of those quirks that makes the 8 more loveable ;)

Well guys this thread inspired me to change out my tranny/diff fluid and get a stainless steel clutch line. All the parts are here, now I just need to get them installed. (Speed is a factor since I'm in an apartment complex that frowns on car work being done) :suitdance

I'll let you know how it goes!

^ lemme know how easy it is to swap the clutch line, and how effective it is!

After I swap tranny fluid, I find it harder to engage into 1st gear as I slow down to almost complete stop but need to move again. What gives?

+1 for the short shifter. lol. it will help shifting