I bought a 1987 RX7 and at the time the shifter was usable but everywhere (the shifter moved freely in a big circle). The problem got worse and now (after changing the bushings) there is no 5th or reverse gears. Does anybody know what the issue is? Thanks in advance!

 

Did the old bushing actually break into pieces and fall into the shifter mechanism? Otherwise, the 5th gear/Reverse return spring could be broken and jammed in there too. Time to get back in there.

 

If you can take the shifter handle and literally turn the whole shifter around like a "screw" then it is missing the guide pin on the transmission.
The shifter has a slot on it,and the guide pin is like a pivot point.It allows the shifter to remain up and move side to side,but not allow the shaft to turn at all.
If that pin is missing.your shifter will still shift as it is being held in by the bushings but the shifter handle will Go around and around while you shift.

 

the bushings were never there (sence i bought it), but i had a friend (works at auto shop) put them in. ill check the spring... anyone know where i can find a new one?

 

MAZDATRIX for Mazda RX7, RX8, Rotary Engine Parts and Accessories
keep that website in your Mental notebook.

 

and where is the spring located?

 

It's in the tailhousing, right under the shifter itself. I'm in need of replacing it myself, but for the LIFE of me, no one has posted a step-by-step process of doing it, or even just said "you do this." Does anyone know how to do this, and would be willing to share? It seems like more than one of us could use the help...

 

Can Mazdatrix help you at all? Sure were on top of things when I rebuilt my shifter.

 

Is the car drivable at all? And mazdatrix's site only refers to the big pivot-ball bushings, not the lower spring, or the lower bushing.