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I have one I bought from Mazdatrix, I really like it.
Downside: it requires more force to shift, the rear gear is harder to engage.
Positive: it has gained a lot in precision, very short travel of the hand to shift, the general feel of shifting is better.
What is nice is that the plastic bushings underneath are included in the kits, and it was much needed to change them on my gearbox (hence the gain in precision - due to that I think).
Would I do it again now I have tried - yes (and it is not the case of all the mods I have done over the years).
SA Gearbox:
tried one (brand unknown. Guessing for SA boxes these are pretty limited choice)- VERY 'notchy'. Actually slowed the speed I could shift.
Bagged it, pulled the OE lever, had a machine shop "Ghetto" to shorten it instead...
MUCH better, maintains relative smoothness of gearbox action.
Here's a repost of mine from another thread years ago. I've used the miata short throw shifter and really enjoy it.
https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-gen-arch...riteup-445801/
This goes through what additional parts you will need and how to install in a 12a/13b trans. I did a similar install using this for my 83 with a 12a. Handy to have a drill around to improvise a lathe and use a hard flat surface on which to evenly sand down the bushing. Did it years ago with an ebay cheapo kit, works well enough. As a bonus, it removed the phantom gear between first and third. I removed the plastic vertical guide, my **** rotates more than normal, you get used to it. Only downside is mine rattles at higher rpm (might just be my car though). Fun to click it back and forth waiting for traffic, lights, etc.
A word of warning about the lower ball, the miata kits have cylindrical sleeves instead of the stock sphere. When removing the shifter the cylinder can catch on the neutral return spring and it can break. On the plus side, if you get it right the first time, the upper part of the shifter unscrews, meaning you don't have to take the lower part out often.
To get the stock miata one to work I sanded the spacer thickness down until you get the preload on the ball you want. Go slow, I scratched the ball on mine from the top plate clamping too much, takes a bit of trial and error.
Mazdatrix. Have had it in the race car for at least 15 years and love it. Effort is slightly harder than stock, but not noticeable after a while. You have less leverage, because the pivot point is moved up (not just a shorter lever), so physics says the effort has to increase. It makes the shifter in my spec miata feel kind of sloppy. The technical operations manager for Mazda North American Operations, drove the car with it on track a couple of weeks ago and loved it too. First thing he commented after getting out of the car. I have had mine in an 81-83 and 84-85. You need different bushings depending on the application.
04-27-21, 06:49 AM
