Mazdaspeed Tranny/Shift linkage

[Fakhelek]

Is it just me, or does anyone else think that their Speed's tranny feels a little "notchy". I have about 600 miles on my MSP now and I'm wondering if shifting will be any smoother after more break-in.

Another small problem I have noticed is that with the short shifter (I am 5'9") can't shift very well with the knob in the palm of my hand. I either have to move the seat up too far or lean forward going to 3rd and 5th. Otherwise I end up shifting with my fingers. It's too bad that the shifter couldn't be about 4 inches farther back.

I'm comparing to my '95 Probe. The throws are longer on the probe, but all I have to do to go from say 2nd to 3rd is push forward and a little right. In the MSP I find myself pushing up, then over, then up.

Any opinions out there?

EDIT: Also wondering if anyone has suggestions on how to make the shifting smoother if it isn't just a break-in issue.

 

[Logan]

Yes, I think the shifting is very notchy.
So notchy that sometimes it feels like I have shifted to a new gear, and when I start to let the clutch out, it grinds!!
And NO, I am NOT new to driving standard, all my cars have been manual transmissions.
This tranny is NOT "Honda smooth".

 

[AFaceInTheCrowd]

hmm mine feels not too notchy. the only notchyness is noticed in first to second. the rest is very smooth. it has only gotten smoother as time passes

 

[jroof]

I'm coming from a '94 PGT and I was worried about the location of the shifter too. It's further up and lower. After adjusting to this shifter, I actually prefer it because if you think about it, you really shouldn't be using your whole hand on the shifter anyway. A quick flick of the wrist and get your hand back on the wheel; that's much more efficient anyway. Actually, now when I drive other manuals, I feel like I'm rowing a damn boat.

 

[Newf]

The speed I drove was no different then the MP3 i drove. Notchy from 1st to 2nd, but the rest was a bit rough when comparing to a Honda tranny. Still not as bad as most other small cars I've driven.

I've driven a few Probe's from various years, I would never say my tranny is notchier then them. They were horrible. I remember the first time the 93's came out, I test drove it, and was astonished by how stiff it was, and the torque steer was wild. Slap it in first, step on gas, and hold on to wheel for dear life as she jumped all over the place.

 

[RX-KEVIN]

You can always try Redline MT-90, that's what I have in mine (mainly to keep wear down on syncros) but it helps with notchy shifting.

 

[scapamouche]

You might also be able to lubricate the shift rod at its connections to the tranny itself. My Celica was cable shifted, but getting some lithium grease on the shift linkage made a BIG difference. It MIGHT do the same for us. I'll let you know if I get around to trying it out...

 

[Fakhelek]

Thanks for all the input! I'm not claiming that a Probe has a better transmission or anything, it may even be that the wear on my Probe's tranny is making it easier to shift. As for torque steer, I have no worries. Mine is an SE and has the 2.0 NA engine. Just enought power it make it zippy at high revs.

I am getting more used to the short shifter. I will see about the replacement fluid and try some white lithium on the linkage.

Thanks again.

 

[redmption]

This tranny isnt notchy at all after 2nd, I fly though the gears no problem, you just need to learn to press the clutch all the way in

 

[Dexter]

rev high, thats my solution

 

[Limited Edition]

it's notchy especially from 1st - 2nd espeically....
it's not as 'notchy' on the other gears, as they seem to be easier to get into gear. But having owned my car for 5 months today, i've gotten used to it.

 

[Dexter]

did anyone else find the Recommended Shift Speed sheet for the Mazdaspeed. i just found it the other day, jammed in the owners manual.

 

[2K3 MSP]

What did it say Dex??

 

[Dexter]

heh yeah i should probably post that huh....brb...

 

[Dexter]

Protege 5/ Protege Owner's Manual Leaflet
(Supplemental information for manual transaxle)

MAZDASPEED Protege
For normal acceleration and cruising, we recommend these shift points.
1 to 2: 15mph (24km/h)
2 to 3: 25mph (40km/h)
3 to 4: 40mph (65km/h)
4 to 5: 45mph (73km/h)