malare

Do anyone know if its possible to read out what gearbox fitted from the VIN?

Ive decoded so far that I know what engine equipted. Its the number coming after the FE17 and is an N for Lowpower, and a 3 for Hipower.

But I hope to find out what gearbox fitted to. This because I in plan to buy a crashed RX-8 at auction and take drivetrain and others to rebuild my old Mazda 808. And the only thing you get to know is from the auction is the VIN.

So, I hope someone can help me!

/John.

Go48

As best I can decipher, the following is the break-out of the RX-8 VIN based on my VIN. (Maybe someone else can confirm.)

JM1FE173040XXXXXX
JM1=Mazda passenger car
FE=RX8
17=Coupe
3=Hi-power engine
0=Check digit
4=Model year
0=Hiroshima plant
XXXXXX=Serial number

I believe the transmission type is not indicated in the VIN. However, you may be able to back into that. If the car is a 2004 or 2005 the hi-power engine was mated only with a manual transmission. The AT versions for those model years had the "standard" engine. At one point, either in 2006 or 2007--I don't recall which--the AT version of the car was fitted with a detuned hi-power engine. No AT cars had the full hi-power engine as far as I know.

malare

The decoders I found is the same way as you break-out.

But a funny thing is that the VIN its not the same here i Sweden where I live. So Europe seem to have a diffrent setup in the VIN... where the gearbox has its one number right after the motortype... as follows:

5 - AT
2 - MT 5speed
6 - MT 6speed

This information I got from the Mazda dealer here at home. But I´m not jure if I trust it fully. At least its not the same as in US from where I plan to buy one so...

Is it possible that the information on transmisson might be in the serialnumber?

/John.

Go48

I doubt that can be deciphered from the serial number by anyone other than Mazda. Mazda North American Operations would be able to tell you since you are looking at US cars. Try calling them at: 1-800-222-5500. Explain your situation and they should be able to help you as far as providing information on what equipment a specific vehicle was delivered with. You can also try to contact them via email by going to www.MazdaUSA.com and clicking on Talk to Us. However, I think the phone call will get you better service.

malare

ok, I´ll do that.

thanks for your help!