more newbie questions

[petrashevsky]

Hello everyone,

I've picked up my brand new 07 white pearl speed 6 two days ago from a Toronto dealership (canada) and noticed the harshness of shifts in the gearbox, especially 1-2 as described by many members here. I do have almost 4 years of experience driving a manual car (Mazda 3 GT) so I don't think its my shifting.
My first question is: would TWM short throw shifter (stage 1 or 2) fix this problem? Do the shifts become that much smoother? Is installing the shifter by myself void the car warranty?
Another question relating to the shifter - is the stock shift knob considered light compared to some of the aftermarket ones available? Would a heavier shift knob improve the shift feel?

Unrelated question: when talking to one of the auto tinting places in the area, the guy told me that putting a tint on a sunroof is not recommended as it is subject to peeling (even with a metal tint) due to high sun exposure. Did any of you, guys, tint the sunroof and if so did you notice any problems with it? I'm planning to go 20-25% all around.

Any help is much appreciated.

 

[pHeeL tHiZ ViBe]

k first nice buy
and the shifting is better described as rigid..rather than harsh.
a short throw shifter will make shifting easier, and lower the effort required and time taken to shift considerably. i have the stage two twm fyi.
the stock shift nob is surprisingly heavy, but i can't compare it to any aftermarket..as i have never replaced the stock one on any of my cars.

don't tint the sun roof, i mean why just close it

 

[petrashevsky]

thanks for the info

does anyone know whether installing a twm shifter voids the warranty? I am leasing the car for 4 years and would replace the shifter with stock at the end of the lease. I don't mind purchasing it for the leased car as this mod is relatively inexpensive.

 

[Mazda6smtx]

I have the TWM shifter and I had my transmission rebuilt anyway. It all depends on the dealership. I take mine to Avante in Richmond Hill. Or Dave Wood Mazda in Newmarket.

 

[pHeeL tHiZ ViBe]

it will not affect warranty, unless the damage is caused due to your transmission not fully engaging each gear..that could be blamed on the short throw.

but in all reality, what mazda tech is going to notice the shifter feels different??? probably none

 

[LBV]

Hey, another white one in town!!

I think there's only a few of us (have yet to see another one myself).

I've put a tint on the roof before and never had an issue. I think it's a good idea for when you wanna tilt it up but not have the sun beatin' on your noggin'.

As for the shifter, I'd give it a bit more time to break in. If it's still bad, take it back and see if the dealer can do something about it (such as check the fluid or add a friction-modifier).

 

[petrashevsky]

Pheel thiz vibe - you're right service guy wouldn't notice the difference unless its stage 2 and therefore shorter shifter. All in all I think its a great (and decently priced) mod and I think I will go for it.

LBV - I think I've only seen one other white speed 6 on the 404 once.
My local Avante dealer in Richmond Hill had two white with leather package sitting on the lot and I told them once someone picks one of them up, I'll get the other one.
It finally happened!!! And the first car went to a dealer in Quebec.
going through the break-in without revving it is tough... But gives me some time to practice shifting.

I also have a Mazdaspeed CAI sitting in my trunk - waiting to be installed after the break in is finished (that's the way local tech manager suggested to do it).

Thanks for you help guys!!
Any updates - I'll keep you posted

 

[freekwonder]

Welcome aboard, post up some pics when you can.

Yes the act does protect you and technically the dealership has to prove you cause the problem. The only bad part is the dealerships have lawyers.