Hi guys, just wanted to put this out for anyone experiencing the same issue. After swapping transmissions, I had issues shifting in 5th a bit and 6th was extremely difficult. I went through all the different threads to try and find a solution. After everything was said and done, the issue was the shifter spring where the shifter assembly rest on (has four bolts and is squared shaped). Since the car came with a aftermarket brass bushing for the bottom pivot of the shifter, along with the synchro saver kit, the shifting was crisp and a notchy. I kept the same shifter assembly and noticed from the get go that 5th was tricky to get to and 6th was extremely difficult on my first test run. After bleeding the clutch, installing ss clutch line, and adding Redline MT90. I still had the issue and decided to swap the stock shifter assembly. Just like that, all gears went in with ease and my 3rd gear easily goes into gear at high revs. I took out the shifter and installed it on the old spring assembly and noticed the same problem so without a doubt; that was the issue. I was already thinking I installed a bad tranny and was glad I searched the forums to trouble shoot. Anyways, if anyone is having similar issues, I am hoping this could be one of the troubleshooting items that can resolve your problem.

 

Some people will install a brass bushing thinking it will work great, but small differences in sizes and application make a huge difference on if its compatible and works as it should. I have one of those brass bushings, however its on my JDM 5-speed transmission and it was carefully picked with OEM compatibility in mind. The 5-speed uses a bushing at the bottom that is shared with some Miata's and Rx7's, so the brass aftermarket meant for those platforms also works on the Rx8 JDM 5-speed.

https://5xracing.com/i-15909791-5x-r...-bushings.html

 

yeah, it gets the job done and I’m sure someone that autocross’s would like the solid crisp feel of the shifter engagement with the brass fitting and synchro saver kit. However, for daily driving, I didn’t really like it. Is the 5 speed more solid than the 6 speed. Is highway cruising compromised a bit or does it have a pretty tall 5th gear? I always wanted to upgrade to the s2 since people claim the gearing and durability is better.