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5th to 2nd Issue

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#1
dshaw340

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I've been racing my 90 Miata for almost 10 years now and never had any issues like the one I'm about to describe.  At Pacific Raceway at the end of the straight I want to shift from 5th to 4th but it wants to go into 2nd. I only went out racing once last year and blew up the engine doing this. Today it happened once again during test n tune.   I don't know if its just me having issues or has anyone else had this problem and is it something going on in the tranny.  I did get a 370Z 6 speed last year and I'm wondering if the difference in shifters are messing with my head..  



#2
FTodaro

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If your telling me that you have raced this box for 10 years without a rebuild,  then i would tell you it needed a rebuild about 6 years ago. The shift forks are soft and the will eventually wear to the point that they will not fully engage the gear and allow miss shifts and incomplete shifts. The plastic bushing on the end of the shifter is soft and is designed to deform and should be changed at least once to twice a year depending on how much you race. Getting that box rebuilt would be way cheaper that replacing the motor.


Frank
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#3
Sphinx

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One thing to make sure of is that your turret has the requisite trans fluid in it.  I was missing shifts and ultimately took a peak in there.  Found to be almost dry.  About that plastic bushing replace it or use the illegal aluminum one - good for 2hp.



#4
Steve Scheifler

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At least you know your 2nd gear synchro is good. ;)
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#5
dshaw340

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Thanks guys.  There's a lot of wisdom there.  I thought I was losing my mind.  I just had the bushing replaced by my mechanic but I'll check the fluid in the turret.  I only go out about three times a season but I'm sure the box needs a rebuild.  I bought the car off Craigslist and have been racing with that same engine and gearbox up to last year so I guess I can't complain.  My buddy at the track has a 91 and I can feel his shifter is a lot tighter and closer than mine which would indicate worn forks I guess, as you are suggesting Frank. I went out a couple more times today and being very careful I was able to not hit 2nd gear again.  Qualifying and race tomorrow.  Wish me luck!  Thanks again guys. 



#6
Scoupe

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Thanks guys.  There's a lot of wisdom there.  I thought I was losing my mind.  I just had the bushing replaced by my mechanic but I'll check the fluid in the turret.  I only go out about three times a season but I'm sure the box needs a rebuild.  I bought the car off Craigslist and have been racing with that same engine and gearbox up to last year so I guess I can't complain.  My buddy at the track has a 91 and I can feel his shifter is a lot tighter and closer than mine which would indicate worn forks I guess, as you are suggesting Frank. I went out a couple more times today and being very careful I was able to not hit 2nd gear again.  Qualifying and race tomorrow.  Wish me luck!  Thanks again guys. 

One of the most unbelievably great deals in all of MazdaMotorSports registered racer support is the oem factory crate 1990-200x five speed transmission.  Check the price / deal before you blow $ on rebuilding a decades old tranny. 



#7
Steve Scheifler

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One of the most unbelievably great deals in all of MazdaMotorSports registered racer support is the oem factory crate 1990-200x five speed transmission. Check the price / deal before you blow $ on rebuilding a decades old tranny.


Maybe, maybe not. Some have complained they didn’t take abuse well. The better rebuilders are using select hardened parts and assembling within tolerances suited to how we use them.
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#8
FTodaro

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I was told that the 5 speed is on back order.  Not sure if that is accurate, just what someone told me.


Frank
TnT Racing
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#9
bmarshall1

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One of the most unbelievably great deals in all of MazdaMotorSports registered racer support is the oem factory crate 1990-200x five speed transmission.  Check the price / deal before you blow $ on rebuilding a decades old tranny. 

 Give us an idea on the price.  I can't recall my login at this tine, thx.



#10
Ron Alan

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Its been several years since Mazda started selling the boxes again...and they sold out immediately at $1100. No idea what has gone on since then.


Ron

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#11
SaulSpeedwell

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I vote for your problem being 50% due to adapting from the 370Z, and 50% sloppy/torn motor mounts making your shifter wander around as you engage/disengage the clutch and enter corners.  Nothing about the transmission makes it want to auto-guide into 2nd gear.  If you have in-car camera, focus your viewing (or the camera) on Ye Olde Shiftknob.  Then compare to your favorite frontrunner's YT videos.


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