BasenjiGuy

Do you shift in a diagonal movement or a dogleg pattern? I seem to be having some trouble getting a consistent crisp, quick shift. Maybe I'm over-concentrating on it.

Sometimes I feel like I can make the shift with just a diagonal throw. But then I'll do this on a subsequent shift and hit the gate between 3rd and 5th...

Then I'll try to go forward, sideways, and forward again to make the shift...this seems to take more time and I then run into problems with the clutch release/throttle coordination.

BTW, I been driving sticks for 28 of my 40 years. I learned in a 1970 Datsun 510 sitting in my Dad's lap at the ripe old age of 12.

Spin9k

I experienced the same frustrations as you mention. For me it's been decades driving stick, and this one was a real frustraion. I finally realized a major change was needed. Here's what I did, and it was $50, super simple and worth a million in satisfaction.

My advice - don't wait - do it, it makes a world of difference with this car. Read this thread for details...

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...threadid=26248

w2aew

I typically give a slight but deliberate dogleg - very close to a diagonal motion, but just not as much pressure on the sides of the gates.

willhave8

Stop thinking so much. Hold the shift lever like it is glass and think smooth - you'll get it soon.

red_rx8_red_int

Ditto, I shift dogleg with slight pressure and in the end it's kind of a diagonal movement. Maybe I'm too **** but I concentrate more on making sure the shift than going as fast as I can. I guess I learned a long time ago how bad a mis-shift can be. Have not done it in my 8 yet, and hope never to.

BasenjiGuy

Thanks for the advice guys. Quik note: RedRx - I've only ground the gears on one shift so far - if anything, I'll spend too much time trying to get the 4 to 5 shift right and then mis-time the clutch release and throttle application. I'm not trying to shift super fast, just to get the same shift duration for each gear, i.e., the throttle dips are the same all the way up the box from 1 to 6.

I especially like the 2 to 3 shift. I am starting to suspect that the 2 to 3 ratio difference is the shortest because I feel the power delivery during this shift seems almost seamless. Maybe some of my problem is that the 4 to 5 and 5 to 6 changes don't seem to have the same rpm drop as the 2 to 3.

Is it my imagination or is 2 to 3 the shortest, followed by 1 to 2, then 3 to 4, 4 to 5, and 5 to 6?

I almost wish that 2 was just a little shorter to avoid low rpm bog when coming up from 1.

Also, if I don't concentrate, I'll find myself letting the revs drop too much between shifts. Anyone else do this?

I don't mean to give the impression that I can't shift. I just like to have perfect up and downshifts every time. Yes, I heel and toe on the way down....

Paradox

I enjoy getting up to turnpike speed by 4th gear and skipping 5th altogether, and going 4 to 6 once I reach cruising speed (limit). Passing requires 3rd or 4th and cruising 6th. I just never find myself using 5th.

Rotary Soul

i go diagonal and it's pretty smooth. at first i had a problem with the 4th to 5th too, but now i just use a different grip and push diagonally and it shifts pretty smooth. maybe it might be because your car is new?

loco4rx8

Paradox's method sounds a lot like me. I occasionally use 5th, but usually skip it.

When I do shift into 5th, I go diagonal.

red_rx8_red_int

Lately, I go 1st to 3rd to 6th. I found this pretty useful in raising my mpg from 15 up to near 20. Of course this is during non play driving. At least 2-3 times a day I still redline in it 1, 2, and sometimes 3.

Jailbreak'74

Car couldn't shift smoother, not sure what you're talking about.

PainterMan

I have been thinking of the same problem with 4th to 5th for some time so it is good to know its not only me.
Grind is not the problem, it the jerk on releasing clutch as time for shift is longer for me (dogleg shift). I even resorted to double clutching on 4th to 5th to get the nice and smooth shift (works), I will try the more diagonal approach and think about a different shifter.

Jailbreak'74

I wonder what's up with all these little complaints. A lot of people have the same little problems, while others don't. The consistancy is just strange that's all. (Not doubting anyone at all either)

PainterMan

I guess it to some degree the people and to some degree the car. There is always some tolerance or play (machined parts and behavior of people) and hence this distribution.
I tried out the more diagonal approach and that does make the 4th to 5th problem go away for me.