Is it common for the shifter to get hot, I mean extremely hot while driving?? If it's not any suggestions on what the problem is? I already changed all the fluid's possible so it's kind of mind boggling? Anyone else have the same problem? Let's just say it makes the car feel like the heater's on in the inside. Thanks

Chris

 

in my old 87 the transsmission used to get real hot and i could feel it on my leg while i was driving, it could either be that you rtranny is going or it could be your catalytic conv is heating it up, check if it has a heat sheild

 

if my cat is clogged, that'll be causing alot of excessive heat too right?

 

I think it's normal. On my 73 Opel, the stick is directly attached to the transmission, and it gets super hot.

On my 2000 Subaru, the shifter is not directly in the transmission, and connected via a linkage, and it never got hot.

I believe the RX7's shifter is directly in the transmission, which means it will transfer that heat built up by the transmission.

The tranny does not get as hot as the engine, but there are fast moving parts, so it does heat up.

...but I could be wrong...

 

what JGard said
And i must ask you if its a shortthrow shifter, mine is a custommade onepiece shifter not Mazdaspeed. And it gets really hot too because unlike the Mazdaspeed shifter or even the original one, mine doesnt have rubberbushings in it to reduce vibrations and heat transfer.
Kim

 

I would check to ensure all the shifter boots and bushings are in place and intact. They have a lot to do with with what you're describing. They're easy to check and if you see any components that need replacing, that's easy too.

 

I just replaced all my boots and bushings 3 weeks ago and my heat shield is still there. Anyone know if clogged cats can cause the excessive heat?

 

Yes. After a hard run check under the car to see if the cat is glowing.

 

if it's glowing, that's a sign that my cat's are clogged then?

 

yea clogged or burned out.

 

burned out? can you explain that please?

 

You need to pull the console cover around the shifter( 4 snaps-one in each corner), Remove the Shift **** and Leather boot, check to see that the:
1. Rubber boot is intact-mine was destroyed and replacing it helped lower the heat transfer
2. The felt insulation surrounding the shifter is also in place.
3. As long as it's open-replace the upper and lower bushings.
4. make sure you also replace the gasket (otherwise the trans oil will overflow as it heats and run down your transmission-nice burning smell)!
This is an easy job with a good manual-or check out Mazdatrix web site video shown under the short shifter area.
Good luck!