No problem with my stock torque converter to 9500 RPM but it does not like to shift that high - will shift like stock at 8700 rpm. I have been doing this quite a while and the trans is in great shape. Of course I keep it cool and change the fluid regularly

Why do you want a manual gauge cluster? None of the Mazda gauges are worth a dam except the speedo and the tack is close but everything else is worthless.

 

does the 4 port sound different than the 6 port when you get up into really high rpm levels? Just curious.

 

A beefed up converter would just be an option so you could be able to shift at 9500K instantaneous without delay- I was just stating that the stall speed of the OE converter will cause a delay until about 8500-8700 rpm that's all. Phil made this very clear

With a AP your trans/ torque converter will be alright at those engine speeds if it's well maintained and not abused (As Stated by Phil).

Phil and Easy are good guys to listen to when it comes advice.

 

So it actually shows over 9k RPM *shrugs* haha

I'm curious to know this too. Never thought about that..

 

I've been to a few dyno meets and I think that level of RPM should qualify. On stock vehicles I can't tell the difference between a 4port and a 6port. You start hearing difference when the exhaust has been changed but at 8000 RPM they again kinda sound the same just louder. The more the mods the different the exhaust note is. Just a CAI can really change the exhaust note and with my supercharger the exhaust note is very different expecially when mixed with the sound of the super charger. Not very sientific but what the hell you did not ask for desible levels

Thank you Pico. I have been to my local transmission speed shop to check on a "beefed up" torque converter. They agree that it would shift smoother up to 9500 RPM but we ran into another hitch.......the transmission control module. Preliminary investigation tells us that the control module will not let us shift above 9000 RPM. Again nothing sientific just some preliminary tests. I have decided that untill he gets the new shift kit completed and can get a handle on the control module, I can live with 8700 RPM shifts.

You bet. When MM was tuning my engine we had it over 9500 several times. I had him put the rev limiter at 9500 just to be safe.