The car had this problem when I first got it, but I mechanic said it was because the clutch and pressure plate needed replacing. The got replaced, but I still have trouble shifting into 2nd. There seems to be a lot of resistence when sliding it out of 1st and into 2nd. Also, whenever I downshift into 1st and 2nd I have this problem.



This is my first manual, but I know it isn't very smooth. are all RX-7s like this? oh yea, the tranny is quite noisy. Just wondering if these are normal attributes, or not. I dont drive it too much since i'm at school and I am going to have it checked out over christmas break by my mechanic. If I get a new short throw shifter, say from mazdatrix, will this fix the problem?



Also, my engine is broken in and I'm now starting to push it hard, but I dont get boost above 7-7 1/2 psi. Is this normal, I was expecting around 10 with my highflow exhaust. Just wondering, guess it's better to have too low boost, be slower, and preserve engine that too much and blow it winning one race.

 

try getting shifter bushings and never down shift to 1st gear

 

Are you running a good synthetic in the tranny? That might help.



Does it seem to catch for a second then slide into gear when you shift?

 

Only when i'm driving through the parking garage and it feels like i'm going to stall in 2nd, that and over speed bumps.



Why do you caution against this, though?

 

Yeah, it catches and then goes in. There is no grinding sound, it just isn't very smooth. When I'm pushing my car hard, it's almost impossible to get a quick shift into second, I actually have to exert a decent amout of force.



It does catch, because as i move from 1st to 2nd, there is a quick jerking stop or slowdown, then I have to push a little harder to get it in.



Should i be having to pull it into gear with force, or should it just naturally "flick" or slide into gear?

 

It should slide. Our trannies have a notoriousness for notchiness. A rebuild usually is the only true fix.



Running a good synthetic will usually keep it from getting worse

 

i've also noticed the notchiness when its cold....

 

did you replace the shifter bushings? they're cheap and you should be able to do it yourself.

 

Syncros, they are probably worn out. $400 plus additional parts on a rebuild, not a bad idea, especially on high mileage car. Tranny rebuilds seem to get overlooked too often.

 

I wast just going to say synchros. They are notorious for going out especially on the 86-88 trannies (not certain about T2 trannies). I had my 86 rebuilt at 86K and I'm getting my 88 rebuilt this winter with only 76K. It's not THAT bad and I know how to shift but my 2-3 synchro just can't handle higher rpm downshifts (in autocross for example).



One thing I did notice on the 86 was that using Redline MTL or MT-90 made a HUGE difference in the shifting, especially when the trans was still cold. That stuff really smooths things out and may be all you need for now until you have no choice but to get a rebuild.