Is it just me
#1
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Is it just me
Is it just me or is the gear shift linkage a bit sloppy in the RX8. I have been trying to improve my downshifting and keep missing gears when downshifting. For example might be trying to 5th to 4th downshift and end up in second or hitting the gate and not getting into any gear.
Is there a way to tighten up the shifter? Would I be better going for a short shifter setup?
By the way this is a stock 2004 GT shifter with 67000 miles on it.
Is there a way to tighten up the shifter? Would I be better going for a short shifter setup?
By the way this is a stock 2004 GT shifter with 67000 miles on it.
#2
SARX Legend
iTrader: (46)
It's you, the RX-8 has one of the best shifters in the biz. AFE does make a bad *** short shifter but it's $275.00 and personally I have never seen the need but I will probably end up with it when I run out of mods
Also, do a search for shift collar.
Also, do a search for shift collar.
#3
Extraordinary Engineering
Follow this link.
http://axialflow.com/products.htm
Scroll down to the shifter for RX-8
Pay
wait
install
Be happy
Edit:
Get a Voodoo ****!
http://axialflow.com/products.htm
Scroll down to the shifter for RX-8
Pay
wait
install
Be happy
Edit:
Get a Voodoo ****!
Last edited by DarkBrew; 09-14-2010 at 04:45 PM.
#6
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Yeah I was wondering why my gear shifting was so precised and felt good, took my shifter apart and found the axialflow short shifter already on my car. It really is a good shifter.
On a sidenote how big is the voodoo **** really? Looks a little too big. I wish it had the shift pattern carved into the top.
On a sidenote how big is the voodoo **** really? Looks a little too big. I wish it had the shift pattern carved into the top.
#7
SARX Legend
iTrader: (46)
yeah I have 116,000+ (knocks on wood) on my tranny and it shifts great despite the abuse I have thrown its way. I have always flushed as scheduled using mazda fluid only. My original clutch was still working at 96,000 but due to the engine replacement I installed a fresh clutch. I guess I have never been interested in the AFE much since the Voo Doo **** was one of my first mods and I fell in love with the shorter throw that provided.
#9
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iTrader: (5)
I've driven some really amazing cars and, in all honesty, the RX8 has one of the best feeling shifters I've experienced. That's a large part of the reason I'm still driving this car. You may either have to adjust your shifting style, work on rev matching, or get your tranny checked. There may be something wrong with your tranny.
#11
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#12
Super Moderator
Geez...this one always gets me...IMO it is just a money maker..
Yes, it makes the 'Stick' part Shorter in LENGTH...a Little..., BUT, it can not make the gear gate any shorter, smoother or faster....it is impossible.
Yes, it makes the 'Stick' part Shorter in LENGTH...a Little..., BUT, it can not make the gear gate any shorter, smoother or faster....it is impossible.
#13
Extraordinary Engineering
Yeah I was wondering why my gear shifting was so precised and felt good, took my shifter apart and found the axialflow short shifter already on my car. It really is a good shifter.
On a sidenote how big is the voodoo **** really? Looks a little too big. I wish it had the shift pattern carved into the top.
On a sidenote how big is the voodoo **** really? Looks a little too big. I wish it had the shift pattern carved into the top.
The Voodoo **** is a nice handful
#15
Super Moderator
The shorter the stick, the throw appears shorter, just like 'if' you add say another 6 inches to the existing stick , then the shift is longer at the hand, But the actual pivot movement remains unchanged..
As I said it is a great money maker..
Each to their own...I like the OEM as it is..
#16
Administrator
the angle of the shaft and the pivot is changed along with the overall length to actually change the length of movement of your hand needed to change gears.
with apologies to Mr. Paul for not getting the images of his
take a look at this diagram from B&M
with apologies to Mr. Paul for not getting the images of his
take a look at this diagram from B&M
#17
Super Moderator
Thats right Charlie...Exactly what I said, but it can not change what happens inside the BOX....it does not change the Selectors in the box..it can't.
Yes, and as I said, the LONGER the Gear Stick (the Chrome bit with the **** on top), the Longer the movement in your hand....that is ALL it does....simple physics...
And yes, I know you have an AFE SS..
Yes, and as I said, the LONGER the Gear Stick (the Chrome bit with the **** on top), the Longer the movement in your hand....that is ALL it does....simple physics...
And yes, I know you have an AFE SS..
#18
Administrator
ok so we arent argueing the correct name for the item is SHORT THROW SHIFTER because it changes the length of the hand throw, which changes the amount of time needed to make a shift. but its not just the length of the stick also the cup/pivot and angle of the shaft.
actually i sold mine my car is one of the outliers that the AFE doesnt quite work well with because of factory variations. when installed 1-4 were fantastic but 5 and 6 weren't against the "wall" on the side so I was constantly having problems finding them and couldnt learn it. i probably could have ovalized the locating pin holes to slide the tower over slightly or something but i switched back to stock.
it was kind of fun getting it through screening at the airports when i took it with me to 7stock to sell it
actually i sold mine my car is one of the outliers that the AFE doesnt quite work well with because of factory variations. when installed 1-4 were fantastic but 5 and 6 weren't against the "wall" on the side so I was constantly having problems finding them and couldnt learn it. i probably could have ovalized the locating pin holes to slide the tower over slightly or something but i switched back to stock.
it was kind of fun getting it through screening at the airports when i took it with me to 7stock to sell it
#19
Grasshopper
iTrader: (1)
I've heard people state the short shifters are just "chopped"... meaning the threaded shaft it cut to make it shorter... not true
Its more like changing the angle the shifter travels by moving the shaft's fulcrum so that the "lower section" (under the fulcrum) is longer, which in turns, lessens the throw needed up top.
OOPS... I see Zoom posted a graphic above illustrating what I just said...
Its more like changing the angle the shifter travels by moving the shaft's fulcrum so that the "lower section" (under the fulcrum) is longer, which in turns, lessens the throw needed up top.
OOPS... I see Zoom posted a graphic above illustrating what I just said...
Last edited by Jon316G; 09-14-2010 at 09:11 PM.
#20
Super Moderator
ok so we arent argueing the correct name for the item is SHORT THROW SHIFTER because it changes the length of the hand throw, which changes the amount of time needed to make a shift. but its not just the length of the stick also the cup/pivot and angle of the shaft.
actually i sold mine my car is one of the outliers that the AFE doesnt quite work well with because of factory variations. when installed 1-4 were fantastic but 5 and 6 weren't against the "wall" on the side so I was constantly having problems finding them and couldnt learn it. i probably could have ovalized the locating pin holes to slide the tower over slightly or something but i switched back to stock.
it was kind of fun getting it through screening at the airports when i took it with me to 7stock to sell it
actually i sold mine my car is one of the outliers that the AFE doesnt quite work well with because of factory variations. when installed 1-4 were fantastic but 5 and 6 weren't against the "wall" on the side so I was constantly having problems finding them and couldnt learn it. i probably could have ovalized the locating pin holes to slide the tower over slightly or something but i switched back to stock.
it was kind of fun getting it through screening at the airports when i took it with me to 7stock to sell it
Series 2 like (Similar) to NC MX-5...
Now have you seen the Vid Charlie where the guys preparing all those MX-5 for the Track Events in Europe, they take the new Box out and replace something.
Now to me it is a selector Bush, they put in a Brass one which is possibly locally made..
Do you know any info Charlie???
Do you want the YT Vid..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OrC3tNnDGk
At 1.41sec
Now I know there are 3 of these square looking bushes according to my EPC in a S2 box and NC 5.
But Which one do you or they replace...??
I see two go on a pivot lever to the two shift rods, But where does the 3rd one go??
#21
Super Moderator
You can see he replaces the Black plastic one on the Pivot Lever with a brass unit, at the other end of Pivot Lever there is another one...now do they replace that one??...and where does the 3 rd one go??...if they change the 3rd one??..
THIS HAS ALWAYS BUGGED ME...
Edit...
Hang on...I think I found it, I was wrong,it is not where I was thinking where the 2 same bushes go...
The 3rd one is here...and they only seem to replace this one..I guess for shifting "reliability"??
THIS HAS ALWAYS BUGGED ME...
Edit...
Hang on...I think I found it, I was wrong,it is not where I was thinking where the 2 same bushes go...
The 3rd one is here...and they only seem to replace this one..I guess for shifting "reliability"??
Last edited by ASH8; 09-14-2010 at 09:31 PM.
#24
Super Moderator
http://blog.caranddriver.com/10best-...ht-done-right/
I make the prediction now that the US Mazda 2 will make C&D's 10 Best Cars by kicking out the FIT??
I have always thought that...but I am proudly BIAS...and admit it..
I make the prediction now that the US Mazda 2 will make C&D's 10 Best Cars by kicking out the FIT??
I have always thought that...but I am proudly BIAS...and admit it..
#25
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No Kidding, this really isn't a front wheel drive. I would have never guessed. By the way I am an old fart and many older rear wheel drive cars had shift linkage on the tranny. Also, this shifter feels a lot loser than the one on my 87 RX7 did after I replaced the bushings in it that is why I was asking. I am not a dumbass like some of you folks seem to think everyone is.