Well, not really, there was no explosion. And my calf is as sexy as ever. But I got your attention.

So I seem to have developed a transmission problem. Basically, high rpm 3-4 upshifts grind. This phenomenon has been reported here at least once by guy321. I am not interested in getting the dealer to fix it given the observed tendencies towards inanity that I have seen in the bays at dealers. Also, while I am technically proficient enough to take apart and put back together a transmission, I will not recognize anything defective but the obvious, and it could take me literally months to finish a tranny rebuild. Furthermore, it would cost a goodly percentage of a new transmission to fix it part by part. Thus, I am resigned to procure a good used or cheap new transmission and do the install.


I also have the option to upgrade the transmission; however, I haven't the slightest idea what this would entail.



So my questions are these: Where do I get a cheap used transmission local to the DC area. I know that MD does not have PIY yards, but perhaps VA does. Has anyone done any PIY around here? Does anyone sell used or rebuilt trannies? Also, how do transmissions hold up to flooding? There have to be thousands of Flooded RX8s running around now. How do I get a hold of one?



I know only one company that sells new RX8 transmissions (for $2700, cant remember the name right now...Mazmart, maybe?) Are there any others? How low can I go? I have seen mention of a racer discount with Mazdaspeed at $2100. I don’t qualify, but that is what I would like to pay for new. $800 or less used.



Also, I would really like to know where someone goes to upgrade a transmission and how much it costs?

 

that sucks. don't go to aamco, that's for sure...

 

Your only about $1000 too high on what you think one will cost from me. Give me a call, I don't bite (Unless I'm hungry)
Ask for me.
Paul 1 800 221 5156.

 

Have you tried doing a fluid change? I know that sounds weird but I had that issue on the track and after a fluid change it didn't happen at my next track day.

 

Thanks Paul. I was mistaken when I said Mazmart, though if that got your attention, I am glad I made it! I still dont remember the co. where I saw that price. I gave you a call but I missed you. Tomorrow.

 

I was considering this, but I saw a post that did exactly what you did and saw no benifit. I may try it this weekend, just to see.

So when you were hammering and did a hard shift from 3-4, did you feel as if the syncro was gone? Just gear on gear? Like you were shifting a crash box? I haven't tried a double clutch to test the hypothesis that the syncro is gone.

 

lol

You definitely got my attention.

 

It felt like there was a gate preventing the shifter from going into 4th. The 3-4 shift is so easy in general you don’t have to think about it, but I had to lift up a bit and make a deliberate effort to do the 3-4 shift. Normal, non 9,000 RPM shifting was fine. This was at Pocono Raceway back in June. I changed the tranny fluid and went to Pocono again then Watkins Glen in October and the tranny was fine. So every spring I will put in new transmission fluid. But the transmission is something I wish we could do a durability upgrade on; I would feel better during my now out of warranty track days.

 

Yeah, I am all for a durability upgrade on the tranny. I think it is the weakest link on this car.

I appretiate this info. Thank you.

Respectfully, I think (just think) that these might be different. I am getting a grind as if I mis-shifted, despite having the clutch deliberately all the way to the floor. In fact, as long as the rpms are up, I can even be coasting and get the grind. This feels very bad. You know how a mis-shift feels like you are rubbing the tops of the gears together? This feels like the gears are actually engaging yet slipping. It makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. I do get a gate-like feel on the 1-2. That feels exactly as you describe.

On the other hand, these just might be different interpretations of the same thing or similar symptoms just to a lesser or greater degree.

 

I want my 15 second back

 

Trade you yours for mine?

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-exterior-appearance-body-kits-27/engine-cover-decal-26328/

 

Could you have been missing 4th and trying to put it in second? Sometimes in the heat of the moment we all make mistakes...

 

btw black font on plasma background looks like this:






























See what I mean? Just some info for future reference...

 

um, no.

 

Sorry, dude. That is what happens when I copy and paste from Word. I'll fix it. (or try)

 

i had the 3-4 'problem'. but i assure you it is more driver related than anything else. you cant force it in to gear. try easing it in. youll have much better luck.

 

Dude, are you listening to what I am saying? I am saying that at high rpms the gear will not engage. It just grinds. I assure you that I know how to drive. Besides, what, did I just devolve in my driving skills suddenly.

You should take up a job as a service manager at a dealer. You would save them thousands!

 

you probably trashed the syncro already from shoving it in. im not criticizing your driving, im just letting you know that adjusting your shifting practices to the vehicle is part of being a good driver.

 

I appretiate the thought, but I dont "shove it in." I make sure the mood is right. I light candles and cook a nice dinner... and it would just glide right in... until last week. Then it was blocking my efforts at every try. This is after almost two years of smooth coupling.

 

sorry to get you all worked up, but i thought i had your same problem until i payed a little closer to the feel of the tranny when doing the 3-4. after that my problem was gone.

 

gawd love teh intrawebs ....

 

im having the same problem with my tranny only that its the 2-3 shift...and the white ring on my rp short shifter came off :P

 

Maybe it's tired of the 3-4 shift. Try the 6-9

 

damn 6-9?!?!?! drive map like that can really wear out a guys shifter

 

Wow, I actually serve a purpose in life! Ya sounds like your shift forks are bent.. will chew up the gears and synchros eventually.

Not shure what new tranny you should get. Mazda does know about and will fix problem with different shift forks. But I know what you mean about trusting some of the dealerships with opening your tranny.