Transmission help!

[M02stp]

I have a 2003.5 MSP and about two weeks ago I had to take it in for what I thought was a clutch problem. Turns out, and this is what -he- said, a ring gear broke on the final drive carrier of the transmission...? I know close to nothing about transmissions so excuse me. The mechanic said the whole entire ring needs to be replaced when this happens and that when he called Mazda for the parts, the guy knew exactly the problem because it's a "common mishap with this vehicle". Though searching around the internet, I couldn't find that that was valid.

Anyways my main question would be, I happen to come across a regular Protege transmission for much less of a cost than the 1,800 it would take to rebuild this ring. So is it possible to use a regular protege transmission in a Mazdaspeed protege?

 

[Captain KRM P5]

he is more than likely referring to the limited slip differential going out. this is common for the MSP. you can put a standard protege manual trans into the car. keep in mind if you do this, you will not have the limited slip anymore.

 

[M02stp]

I don't BELIEVE he was referring to the LSD, since the car would still run without it, correct? Because my car was stuttering and just unable to move forward. Like, it's not drivable.

And do you or ANYONE know what year of a normal protege transmission I can use? Or is any year okay? I know i should aim for the same year, but if i'm out of luck, i'm out of luck. It's been for two weeks and I need my car back!

 

[StealthWyvern]

The LSD doesnt affect how your car runs man.. it only affects if it goes fowards or backwards.. Nothing engine related only trans. Broken diff means you cant go anywhere... might as well be out of gear.

 

[MSP_4_CODY]

01 to o3 trans is best to use, and yep definetly sounds like a broken lsd to me

 

[M02stp]

Well this confuses me, because if a broken LSD is the problem, wouldn't I need a new LSD (which regular protege trannys don't have) to resolve the problem? This would mean I CANNOT use a regular protege transmission to fix this right?

I'd like to know as soon as possible whether or not I can, because I found on car-parts.com a "M.T. 2.0L exc MAZDASPEED" for $450, while a "M.T. 2.0L MAZDASPEED" is going for "1,100".

What is the difference? Exc? Except? Except what? The LSD?

Because that absence will matter if my LSD is the ultimate problem here. Correct? So I can't go for the $450?

 

[Captain KRM P5]

of course you can use a transmission without an LSD. its been done even. just ask CustomMSP.

if you get a trans with a working LSD, problem solved.
if you get a trans with an open differential (regular protege) problem solved but you no longer have the benefit of limited slip.

 

[dandan2]

ur u can just upgrade lsd's to the mfactory! its a bit pricy but its a problem u wount have to worry about anymore!

 

[SeR_Cyclops]

The M factory is a lot cheaper than the Quafe. thats for sure.

 

[KrayzieFox]

I'm gonna go ahead and assume this is Neil.. and I'll also assume that I'm the guy who knew what the problem was right away If this isn't you lemme know, but I'm certain of it lol.

Your best bet is to just get a new LSD from ProtegeGarage or Crossover. If that place you took it to diagnosed the problem as being a snapped LSD, then they have ripped open the transmission already and have the LSD out of it.. which means that putting a new one in should be a piece of cake. You'll need a couple bearings and lock nuts as well, I can get you all the part numbers you need and you can get most of it from the dealership as well.

Either way, you shouldn't need a new tranny at all. Just a new LSD, which can be had for much less than a MSP tranny. And I wouldn't advise you to put a regular Protege transmission in your MSP. You COULD really throw in any 01-03 3rd gen manual trans (just make sure it's out of a 2.0L vehicle, I think the 1.8L used a different trans) .. hell you could even put in an automatic lol, but it won't perform as well as it's meant to.

Anyway if you're the guy I think you are, hit me up on my cell if you got any questions. If you're not Neil, then stick to this thread lol.

FYI, the trans name is G15M-R.

 

[JDM Sam]

MFactory lsd and be done.

 

[Alamo1]

I'm assuming the Mfactory is the "3rd" revision? I know it's just a factory one welded, where as the Quaife is one solid machined piece is it not? Do you have to bolt the original ring gear to it?

I'm really trying to weigh my options on the LSD I buy, what are some opinions on this matter between the two? I'm not planning to race full time but I am shooting for 300 or slighlty less at the wheels...

 

[JDM Sam]

no mfactory is a new cheaper aftermarket alternative to a quaife. its good for the price and is a stronger alternative to a welded OEM.

 

[KrayzieFox]

MFactory lsd and be done.

Where do you even buy those from? MazdaSpeed Motorsports?

 

[CrazyCaker]

http://www.teammfactory.com/

I have one in my trans, after blowing a welded OEM. It's a great product.

 

[Alamo1]

^^^^^^ That site looks like a good one... Who else has tried this product?

 

[M02stp]

http://www.teammfactory.com/

I have one in my trans, after blowing a welded OEM. It's a great product.

Well I wish I would have went with that site. I went with the LSD from ProtegeGarage. It's been a almost a week and it hasn't even shipped yet. I can't seem to get a hold of them either...

I thought this site was reputable?

 

[Alamo1]

I have another question... How do I know which LSD I need, a 26 or 28 spline, without taking apart my tranny?

 

[CrazyCaker]

28 spline.

 

[Alamo1]

28 spline.

Which car uses the 26 that is listed on mfactory?