How bad is the Auto Tranny...Really?
05-03-05, 03:34 PM
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How bad is the Auto Tranny...Really?
I have an opportunity to buy a montego blue RX7 in emaculate condition. 50k on the body and 5k on the new motor. The only problem is that it is an auto. I don't like automatics, and i prolly won't buy it for that reason alone...but the car is too nice to pass up for the price.
So is there anything redeeming about the tranny? can it hold good power? Does it shift well? can i switch to manual with minimal problems?
Thanks for the advice.
I did search, but only found sparce information about the tranny.
So is there anything redeeming about the tranny? can it hold good power? Does it shift well? can i switch to manual with minimal problems?
Thanks for the advice.
I did search, but only found sparce information about the tranny.
05-03-05, 07:11 PM
#2
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Try a search again, there is a ton of information regarding the Auto (especially the Auto vs. 5spd debates).
Bottom line is the auto sucks ballz. Unless you need a auto for medical or other some other justifiable reason, I would HIGHLY recommend against it.
BTW, I used to own an auto
Bottom line is the auto sucks ballz. Unless you need a auto for medical or other some other justifiable reason, I would HIGHLY recommend against it.
BTW, I used to own an auto
05-03-05, 07:16 PM
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Bottom Line, auto tranny are ghey and can't do anything for shiet... Unless you are not planning on doing any mods to the car and just drive it regularly, then I assume an auto should be okay...
05-03-05, 07:22 PM
#6
Constant threat
There are (or were) dozens if not hundreds of posts regarding this subject...lol!
It all comes down to personal preference really. The biggest "felt" difference between the two cars is really only on the initial launch. And the auto car is pretty slow by comparison....for all of about one half of one second. Then everything gets sorted out and the power comes on with a ferocity that will leave you spinning the rears thru first and into second under the right conditions. You must learn to use the "hold" function of the transmission to its best use, this is important.
If you are the type that likes to rev the **** out of the engine and dump the clutch for long smoky burnouts, then avoid the auto tranny car. If you plan on running a lot of track time, avoid the auto tranny car. If you plan on making more than just basic reliability mods, avoid the auto tranny car. IF however you plan on just driving the car normally, or especially as a daily driver, then by all means consider the auto car. Most of us that have automatic transmissions know they are not the evil nemisis to the overall performance of the car that some pundits will tell you. In certain circumstances there are actual benefits to the automatic.
Look, maybe I just happen to have a really nice running version (well, when it ran anyway....) but my car is the most phenomenal automobile I have ever owned or driven, and I am old-school muscle car and sports car oriented, and have owned or driven most of the best of them.
Uh....have you actually driven the car yet? Have you ever driven a 5-speed FD? The best thing to do is to drive both versions within a short period of time to get the best perspective. I've driven both and yes, the 5-speed car just has the edge, all things considered. But I BOUGHT an automatic car, due to its pristine, near-showroom condition, a condition that I found sorely lacking in nearly every manual car I tested.
Drive the car, and make your choice. In the end it is up to you.
It all comes down to personal preference really. The biggest "felt" difference between the two cars is really only on the initial launch. And the auto car is pretty slow by comparison....for all of about one half of one second. Then everything gets sorted out and the power comes on with a ferocity that will leave you spinning the rears thru first and into second under the right conditions. You must learn to use the "hold" function of the transmission to its best use, this is important.
If you are the type that likes to rev the **** out of the engine and dump the clutch for long smoky burnouts, then avoid the auto tranny car. If you plan on running a lot of track time, avoid the auto tranny car. If you plan on making more than just basic reliability mods, avoid the auto tranny car. IF however you plan on just driving the car normally, or especially as a daily driver, then by all means consider the auto car. Most of us that have automatic transmissions know they are not the evil nemisis to the overall performance of the car that some pundits will tell you. In certain circumstances there are actual benefits to the automatic.
Look, maybe I just happen to have a really nice running version (well, when it ran anyway....) but my car is the most phenomenal automobile I have ever owned or driven, and I am old-school muscle car and sports car oriented, and have owned or driven most of the best of them.
Uh....have you actually driven the car yet? Have you ever driven a 5-speed FD? The best thing to do is to drive both versions within a short period of time to get the best perspective. I've driven both and yes, the 5-speed car just has the edge, all things considered. But I BOUGHT an automatic car, due to its pristine, near-showroom condition, a condition that I found sorely lacking in nearly every manual car I tested.
Drive the car, and make your choice. In the end it is up to you.
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05-03-05, 07:31 PM
#8
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www.gothamracing.com does the swap at around 3-4k depending
05-04-05, 08:14 AM
#10
5yr member, joined 2001
I freaking hate my automatic transmission. Not only that, but automatics have this problem where it doesn't like to start on the first try. You turn the key and hear a *click*. You must keep turning the key until the starter turns over. One time it took me 15 minutes to get it started. That left me about 15 minutes for lunch. If you're not ejmack1, then a 5-spd swap will suck.
05-04-05, 09:33 AM
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Originally Posted by JONSKI
I freaking hate my automatic transmission. Not only that, but automatics have this problem where it doesn't like to start on the first try. You turn the key and hear a *click*. You must keep turning the key until the starter turns over. One time it took me 15 minutes to get it started. That left me about 15 minutes for lunch. If you're not ejmack1, then a 5-spd swap will suck.
that sounds to me like a going starter. mine does the same thing since i tore it apart and cleaned it. (cause it didnt work before hand)
05-04-05, 10:10 AM
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Originally Posted by JONSKI
I freaking hate my automatic transmission. Not only that, but automatics have this problem where it doesn't like to start on the first try. You turn the key and hear a *click*. You must keep turning the key until the starter turns over. One time it took me 15 minutes to get it started. That left me about 15 minutes for lunch. If you're not ejmack1, then a 5-spd swap will suck.
05-04-05, 11:25 AM
#13
5yr member, joined 2001
Originally Posted by XSTransAm
that sounds to me like a going starter. mine does the same thing since i tore it apart and cleaned it. (cause it didnt work before hand)
05-04-05, 03:51 PM
#14
Originally Posted by JONSKI
There's a TSB on this problem. Like weaklink says, it's a problem with resistance between the starter relay and the starter. Mazda will fix it once, but it will come back in a few months.
SO WHY CANT WE ALL JUST PUT OUR HEADS TOGETHER AND FIX THIS DAMN ANNOYANCE.........i hate it with a passion too and imo it makes the car look cheap that it wont start, especially when all eyes are on it anyways
05-04-05, 06:28 PM
#15
Originally Posted by JONSKI
There's a TSB on this problem. Like weaklink says, it's a problem with resistance between the starter relay and the starter. Mazda will fix it once, but it will come back in a few months.
05-04-05, 06:42 PM
#17
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/finally-full-updated-tsb-list-full-descriptions-393922/ i belive its in the PDF there . . . something about replacing some wiring connector.
05-04-05, 07:02 PM
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Originally Posted by bajaman
There are (or were) dozens if not hundreds of posts regarding this subject...lol!
It all comes down to personal preference really. The biggest "felt" difference between the two cars is really only on the initial launch. And the auto car is pretty slow by comparison....for all of about one half of one second. Then everything gets sorted out and the power comes on with a ferocity that will leave you spinning the rears thru first and into second under the right conditions. You must learn to use the "hold" function of the transmission to its best use, this is important.
If you are the type that likes to rev the **** out of the engine and dump the clutch for long smoky burnouts, then avoid the auto tranny car. If you plan on running a lot of track time, avoid the auto tranny car. If you plan on making more than just basic reliability mods, avoid the auto tranny car. IF however you plan on just driving the car normally, or especially as a daily driver, then by all means consider the auto car. Most of us that have automatic transmissions know they are not the evil nemisis to the overall performance of the car that some pundits will tell you. In certain circumstances there are actual benefits to the automatic.
Look, maybe I just happen to have a really nice running version (well, when it ran anyway....) but my car is the most phenomenal automobile I have ever owned or driven, and I am old-school muscle car and sports car oriented, and have owned or driven most of the best of them.
Uh....have you actually driven the car yet? Have you ever driven a 5-speed FD? The best thing to do is to drive both versions within a short period of time to get the best perspective. I've driven both and yes, the 5-speed car just has the edge, all things considered. But I BOUGHT an automatic car, due to its pristine, near-showroom condition, a condition that I found sorely lacking in nearly every manual car I tested.
Drive the car, and make your choice. In the end it is up to you.
It all comes down to personal preference really. The biggest "felt" difference between the two cars is really only on the initial launch. And the auto car is pretty slow by comparison....for all of about one half of one second. Then everything gets sorted out and the power comes on with a ferocity that will leave you spinning the rears thru first and into second under the right conditions. You must learn to use the "hold" function of the transmission to its best use, this is important.
If you are the type that likes to rev the **** out of the engine and dump the clutch for long smoky burnouts, then avoid the auto tranny car. If you plan on running a lot of track time, avoid the auto tranny car. If you plan on making more than just basic reliability mods, avoid the auto tranny car. IF however you plan on just driving the car normally, or especially as a daily driver, then by all means consider the auto car. Most of us that have automatic transmissions know they are not the evil nemisis to the overall performance of the car that some pundits will tell you. In certain circumstances there are actual benefits to the automatic.
Look, maybe I just happen to have a really nice running version (well, when it ran anyway....) but my car is the most phenomenal automobile I have ever owned or driven, and I am old-school muscle car and sports car oriented, and have owned or driven most of the best of them.
Uh....have you actually driven the car yet? Have you ever driven a 5-speed FD? The best thing to do is to drive both versions within a short period of time to get the best perspective. I've driven both and yes, the 5-speed car just has the edge, all things considered. But I BOUGHT an automatic car, due to its pristine, near-showroom condition, a condition that I found sorely lacking in nearly every manual car I tested.
Drive the car, and make your choice. In the end it is up to you.
I have never owned an auto until I bought my fd last year with 19,000 original miles from the first owner who took great care of the car and did not beat the **** out of it. it is in pristine condition and a blast to drive - which i do every chance I get. change the rear end to 4.1 manual differential for faster acceleration - cheaper than conversion to 5 speed. when your auto bites the dust that would be a good time to consider the conversion.
the bottom line is that the auto is not as bad as many profess. i would bet that most of those with their auto bashing comments have probably never driven an auto and quite probably have only had there driver licenses for a few years.
chuck
weaklink has a wealth of info re: auto trannys - check his posts.
05-04-05, 08:02 PM
#20
Originally Posted by a3dcadman
bajaman - well put!
I have never owned an auto until I bought my fd last year with 19,000 original miles from the first owner who took great care of the car and did not beat the **** out of it. it is in pristine condition and a blast to drive - which i do every chance I get. change the rear end to 4.1 manual differential for faster acceleration - cheaper than conversion to 5 speed. when your auto bites the dust that would be a good time to consider the conversion.
the bottom line is that the auto is not as bad as many profess. i would bet that most of those with their auto bashing comments have probably never driven an auto and quite probably have only had there driver licenses for a few years.
chuck
weaklink has a wealth of info re: auto trannys - check his posts.
I have never owned an auto until I bought my fd last year with 19,000 original miles from the first owner who took great care of the car and did not beat the **** out of it. it is in pristine condition and a blast to drive - which i do every chance I get. change the rear end to 4.1 manual differential for faster acceleration - cheaper than conversion to 5 speed. when your auto bites the dust that would be a good time to consider the conversion.
the bottom line is that the auto is not as bad as many profess. i would bet that most of those with their auto bashing comments have probably never driven an auto and quite probably have only had there driver licenses for a few years.
chuck
weaklink has a wealth of info re: auto trannys - check his posts.
). "The difference between men and boys is that real men drive automatics because they are secure in the knowledge that car can and will shift for itself (and in many cases quicker and more efficently than the boys driving the manuals
."
Last edited by 93silverbullet; 05-04-05 at 08:10 PM.
05-04-05, 08:17 PM
#24
I will say having owned both.. when the transition hits in an auto it can be down right scary! Especially if your not prepared for it. At least with a manual you can feather the clutch to help modulate the transition. With an auto, it's just hang on!
05-04-05, 08:32 PM
#25
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Richard (93silverbullet)and I have both done about the same thing. Bought my R-1 in '93, had it for 7 years and bought a Touring auto about 3 years ago. When I looked for a 5-spd, they were all thrashed. The Auto I bought was pristine with low miles, literally owned by a little old(rich) lady from Pasedena. I agree with the launch and feathering the clutch, the auto has only one pedal to massage. Try 'em both then figure it out, better to know what you're getting before you lay the money out.
Ed
Ed