Transmission problem.
 

My manual tranny grinds in second and fifth so I've pulled it out to get rebuilt. I planned on having a local shop but they are all saying I'd be better off buy a new one. I am not comfortable trying to rebuild it myself and would rather have some experienced hands perform the job. Is there someone that you guys have used to do this type of work? Is there a vendor that sells rebuilt trannies? I'm affraid to even ask how much a new one goes for.

Have you talked to Pettit Racing?

No, but I will if this is who you reccomend.

They are in the same state as you and I know they sell rebuilt transmissions (or at least used to). I would talk to them on the phone, tell them your situation and see what they recommend.

Pettit Racing the jsut about the best place to go with anything rotary related.

I can do it for you....but it really is NOT cast affective. Parts alone from Ray @ Mazda for a proper rebuild is $550 plus R&R and labor. A low mileage used one is about $350-650 so you might want to go that route?.. I for one wouldn't buy a used transmission, do to the "unknown" factor. If I build it I know it was done right and I can trust it! I'm not saying I'm the best transmission builder in the world (far from it I'm sure) but it makes me more comfortable to know I did it! You never know what you're buying these days......
-J

I'm going to respectively DISAGREE with you on that one bud.....
-J

Rebuilding the trans is an open ended job to cost. If you want a fully done rebuild with all damaged parts replaced it's going to be way more than $550 in parts. In addtion to synchros bearings and seals, you probably have worn 2nd and 5th gear, and worn out 1-2 clutch hub set and 5-R clutch sleeve. If those aren't replaced your shifting will still be balky. It can easily go from $1000 to $2000.

Getting a low-mileage used tranny usually a better value than a rebuild. The challenge is "usually". While I can't remember anyone complaining about a low mileage import tranny it's always possible, so ask the importer about their policy on returns.

Dave

transmission
 

I have rebuilt several of these transmissions. While I have seen my share of 5th gear synchros I have not seen any broken or damaged gears or hub's. True all that I have rebuilt have less than 120K miles on them and the HP was not 400 or 500. I have seen bearing issues.....but nothing broken or fractured. The rebuild is well understood and there is a wonderful write up in FAQ. The cost for parts is about 550.00 and 100.00 for the special socket. If you need help contact me and I will do my best to help.

my second gear crunchs when cold and above 3K rpm. After warm up its fine. It got better with Neo synthetic but its still there. No fifth gear grind at all.

You think its syncros, gear worn, or wat?

I'm sure it's the syncro in second gear. When the tranny is dead cold it will shift, but when the fluid heats up, that's it....grind time. With fifth gear I think it is the design flaw that I have heard of as a common problem on this site. I don't remember that exact cause but I know a problem existed with these early transmissions.

Anyway, Pettit quoted me $995 for a rebuilt unit. I think this might be my best bet.

I dunno - I've seen a few used trannys and the dog teeth are all pretty rounded. "damage" is subjective but if your goal is better shift quality you have to be fussy.

The low mileage tranny I picked up has nice sharp teeth. That's worth more to me JMHO.

Dave

motor mounts
 

There is some wear of course. However I would think that a Mazdaspeed short shifter will do more to get you there. Bent teeth is a different story of course. Also your motor mounts will play a big part in this shift quality you are looking for as well.

Doc

It crunchs when COLD, when warmed up its smooth as butter. Im thinking of doing a flush in the tranny with NEo and putting fresh neo after even though i just changed the fluid 200miles ago.

If it's worse in the cold, replace the gear oil with Redline MT-90.

Dave

Contact Japan2la or Fritz Flynn on the forum. Both guys should have what you need and know the mileage on the trannies they sell. I dont have any extras at the moment or I would offer you one.

No, some have misread my post. I said it only grinds in second when the tranny warms up. The only time it will shift into second and not grind is when it's cold.

i have got another question for you tranny guys.
mine just woant go into 1st or 2nd.. the rest are good to go though. i can move it over, just not up or down..
i have no resevoir on the car right now and im going to change the tranny fluid. just seeing if it might be something else

He was giving advice to ArmenMaxx

Oops. My bad. As you were.

Low mile Jspec.. i have about 15 0f them in inventory.. $550.00 plus shipping and fees..