I have a 2004 rx8 with about 83k miles on it. My synchros for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th as far as i know are going out. 2nd and 4th grind when i shift above 6k rpm. 3 tends to slip out when i shift and grinds. My questions is: do i have swap out all the transmission or can i just get the synchros swapped. How much do synchros ussually run by, can i find them online. Also do i have to take this to a dealership or can a transmission shop do this work?

 

It's basically a transmission rebuild. The transmission has to be removed from the car and the synchros replaced. A good transmission shop can do it. Doesn't really matter if the transmission is swapped out or not. If they have another RX-8 transmission lying around already rebuilt, I'm sure they'll charge the same wether they swap it out or rebuild yours.

 

It's cheaper to buy a low mileage used transmission. If you contact Mazmart they have the '09 transmissions in stock. The '09 transmission is a nice upgrade over '08 and older.


Also Mazda extended the powertrain warranty to 100,000 miles. Depending when you purchased the car you might be eligable for a free transmission.

 

This is news to me.

Only the engine core was extended to 100,000 miles AFAIK

 

News to me too, as far as i knew i though the extended powertrain only covered engine.

 

parts are very expensive for this trans and there are special Mazda rebuild tools that most trans shops won't have

a few new shift forks, a few new synchros, a few new gears (part of the synchro interface is integral to the gear), new bearings, new seals, and rebuild labor cost me as much as a new trans, and I get these heavily discounted through Mazdaspeed Motorsports

find a low mileage trans and swap it

 

You guys are probably right. I never fully looked into the extended warranty.

Point is find a low mileage transmission. They are cheaper than you think. PM "Mazmart 6" or head over to the Mazmart vendor forum and ask.

If you have the extra cash I would suggest going with the '09 transmission. It is suppose to be more durable and get better gas mileage in 6th gear.

 

Extended warranty is for core engine components only. This work would have to be covered under your bumper to bumper which I JUST got done.

 

I think you got that one wrong... if anything, the gas mileage will be even worse due to the 6th gear ratio change.

 

Just wonder, how many mile before your syncro goes dead?

Mine is 04 with 42,xxx miles and suspecting the syncro is almost dead already.
I have trouble shifting 1st and 2nd gear.

Mazda Dealer said it is not under 100,000 miles engine core.
So I just have to leave with it for now.

 

Transmission Problem thread and Team is there!


...listen to him.