Anybody given the MazdaTrix bronze lower shifter bushing a try?

https://mazdatrix.com/product/bushin...3-95-aluminum/

I remember I had CorkSport bronze shifter linkage bushings on my MX-3 back in the day and loved them. They were impregnated with oil that released as they wore and felt really good.

 

I have an aluminum alloy version…I think it was an Atkins give-away with purchase years ago but never tried it. I was concerned it might transfer nvh.
I recently just bought the rebuild kit and replaced the OEM nylon one with everything else.

 

Random but semi related - has anyone ever measured a 'fresh' shifter bushing? I'd love to try 3dprint one as an interesting time-filler project. Well aware we're talking about a ~$5 item.
Mine is worn out so I wouldn't trust to measure it myself.

If anyone has measurements for ID's, OD's, height etc it would be useful.

 

I've used Atkins' aluminum bushing and I just switched to the bronze bushing a few days ago. Both feel really good compared to the original plastic bushing. You can't go wrong with either one but I'd expect the bronze bushing to wear out slower than the aluminum one.

I bought the bronze bushing through Mazda Motorsports. 0000-02-9402-BR is a competition part number for Spec Miata (older Miatas and the FD shared the same lower shifter bushing) so you can get the bronze bushing from them for $29 without needing race results. When I ordered it, it came in a bag labeled 5X Racing, who I assume manufactures them. You can get it from them as well for $30: https://5xracing.com/i-15909791-5x-r...-bushings.html

 

Mmmm, I thought the metal versions were just thought to be more durable. In what way does it feel better than a nylon version?

 

I suppose it could’ve been placebo but shifting felt tighter to me overall, as if there was less “free play” in the shifter.

 

They make the shifter feel more direct but note they can also transmit more noise and vibration.

 

How do they make it feel “more direct” over an unworn and properly fitting nylon bushing…like the OEM one I got in your shifter rebuild kit?

 

Got got my MazdaTrix bushing and it came in a X5 Racing package that says "Mazda Motorsports" along with "1990-1997 MIATA 5 SPD" on the back.

 

You could theorize less deflection due to metal vs plastic, and ability to machine a tighter fit vs the molded(?) nylon.
But placebo is much more likely in my opinion. Not that there is something wrong in that

 

I don’t think less deflection is plausible. That nylon bushing isn’t going to compress…and certainly not to a degree that can be detected by a hand through the shift lever.
That said if you tend toward quick shifting like on a track, autocross or if that’s just your style, the metal bushings are probably something to be considered. But as I suspected and IRP sort of confirmed, nvh will likely increase with the metal. I stayed with nylon cause I’m just an old retiree that enjoys freeway on-ramps these days. And that bushing is relatively easy to replace if needed.

side-note: if you’re having to replace that lower bushing, consider getting the rebuild kit and replacing all the bushings and wave-springs. It’s easy, and THAT made a big positive difference on mine.

 

I finally installed this thing and it feels good -- a bit tighter than stock and I don't personally notice any additional noise or vibration.

 

My second nylon shifter bushing died about a month ago with about 147,750 miles total on the car. One vertical crack with about 1/3 of the top missing.
The bronze bushing is a little tighter but is so much better in my opinion. I do not hear any more noise than with the nylon one.