If you're searching to handle even more power or simply want a closer-ratio traveling experience, the miata 6 speed transmission is one particular of the almost all popular upgrades out there there. Whether you're driving an earlier NA or a later NB, the particular gearbox could be the center of the car's personality. While the original 5-speed is usually legendary for its "bolt-action" feel, this has its limits, especially once a person start adding turbos or superchargers directly into the mix.
The 6-speed unit, primarily produced by Aisin, started showing up within the 10th Anniversary Edition (1999) and later became regular on the Unique Edition and LS models. But just because it provides an extra gear doesn't mean it's firmly "better" for everybody. It's a different beast entirely, and knowing those differences is key before you go spending your weekend covered within gear oil.
Why Do People Swap to the 6-Speed?
The most typical cause people hunt for the miata 6 speed transmission will be pure strength. The standard 5-speed is a fantastic gearbox, but it's known to obtain a little nervous once you press past 250 wheel horsepower. If you're building a high-boost track car, that will 5-speed becomes a wear item. Typically the 6-speed, however, is definitely significantly beefier. It can generally deal with 300 to three hundred and fifty horsepower without very much complaint, making it the "insurance policy" for forced induction builds.
Beyond just the power, there's the equipment spacing. In the 5-speed, the gaps between gears may sometimes feel a little wide, especially in the event that you're trying to stay in the power band of a small, peaky engine. The 6-speed keeps the revs increased between shifts. In the event that you're autocrossing or even hitting tight canyon roads, having that will extra gear enables you to stay right in the particular "sweet spot" associated with the tachometer more often.
Kit Ratio Myth
One of the biggest misconceptions about the miata 6 speed transmission is the fact that it's better with regard to highway cruising. Many people hear "6th gear" and think it's an overdrive equipment that will fall their RPMs with 80 mph. I actually hate to end up being the bearer associated with bad news, yet that's actually not the case here.
Within the Miata world, 6th gear is really smaller (numerically higher) than the particular 5th gear in a 5-speed. In case you swap a 6-speed into a car that originally had a 5-speed and keep the initial rear differential rate (like a 4. three or four. 1), you're actually going in order to be spinning higher RPMs on the highway. It feels counterintuitive, yet Mazda designed the 6-speed for velocity, not fuel economic climate.
To get that peaceful highway cruise, most people pair the 6-speed with a a few. 9 or even a 3. 6 rear end rate. That combination is often considered the "gold standard" for a street-driven Miata. It gives a person the strength associated with the Aisin container but keeps the car from feeling like it's screaming intended for mercy when you're just trying in order to get towards the grocery store store.
Which Version Should A person Buy?
Not really all 6-speeds are created equal. If you're scouting junkyards or Facebook Industry, you'll notice 2 main versions: the NB1 (1999-2000) and the NB2 (2001-2005).
The early NB1 versions are perfectly fine, but they're reputed for being a bit "notchy. " Mazda made several subtle internal refinements for the NB2 years, specifically about the synchros. The later boxes tend to shift a small smoother when cool. If you have got the choice, grab a good NB2 unit, yet don't pass up a deal on an NB1 container if it's in good shape.
Also, keep an vision out for the particular Mazdaspeed Miata (MSM) transmission. It's basically the same 6-speed but with another finish on some internal components plus a slightly different shifter housing. They all bolt up the particular same, so don't stress too much regarding the specific subscriber car as very long as it's the Miata.
The Reality of the "Feel"
All of us have to talk about the shift high quality because this is where the 5-speed purists usually begin shouting. The 5-speed Miata gearbox is definitely arguably one of the best-feeling manual transmissions actually made. It's crisp, short, and really direct.
The miata 6 speed transmission feels different. Since of the way the internal gates are made, this can feel a bit more "mechanical" and sometimes a little even more stubborn. Finding reverse is over towards the right and straight down, which takes a few getting used in order to if you're coming from the 5-speed (where it's as well as down). Some proprietors find the 2nd-to-3rd shift a little bit tricky during spirited driving until these people get the muscle tissue memory down.
That stated, most of the "clunky" popularity originates from old, exhausted fluid and damaged shifter components. These types of gearboxes are very sensitive towards the type of oil you put in them.
Installation and Suitability
The elegance of the Miata platform is how modular everything is usually. Bolting a miata 6 speed transmission into a good NA or NB is mostly a "plug and play" affair, but right now there are a few "gotchas" to consider.
- The Beginner: You'll want to utilize the bolts that complement the transmission. Occasionally the 5-speed starter bolts are the slightly different length than the actual 6-speed wants.
- The Speedometer: This is actually the big one. If you're putting a 6-speed into an EM, you'll have to change over your mechanised speedometer cable push. The 6-speed usually comes with an electronic sensor. Fortunately, they're interchangeable—you simply swap the small gear assembly.
- The Shifter: A person cannot use your 5-speed shifter in a 6-speed package. They are very different designs. If a person buy an used transmission, make certain this comes with the particular shifter turret plus the handle, in any other case, you'll be searching for parts.
Maintenance and the particular "Magic" Fluid
If you've just installed your miata 6 speed transmission and it feels like you're stirring a container of rocks, don't panic yet. These units are notoriously picky about fluid.
Just about everyone in the Miata community will point you toward 1 specific product: Motorcraft XT-M5-QS (often called "Ford Honey"). It's a bit expensive intended for gear oil, yet it genuinely transforms the shifting experience. It thins out properly when cozy and helps the synchros grab much more effectively.
While you're at it, check the particular shifter boots. There's a big rubber boot that seals the particular transmission to the particular body of the car, and a smaller sized one on the shifter itself. These are almost always ripped on used gears. Replacing them won't just make the car quieter; it retains heat from the transmission out associated with the cabin. There's nothing worse than a hot center console on a summertime day.
Is the Swap Worth It?
Therefore, should you pull the trigger upon a miata 6 speed transmission ? It depends on what you're doing along with the car.
If you have a naturally equiped 1. 6L or even 1. 8L and even you just enjoy cruising around city, you might in fact like the 5-speed. It's lighter, and the shift feel is usually slightly more rewarding. You won't gain any top-end speed with the 6-speed, and you'll discover yourself shifting a lot more usually.
However, in case you're planning upon adding a turbo, or if you're building a devoted track car that will sees a lot of abuse, the particular 6-speed is a no-brainer. The reassurance that will comes with a stronger gearset is usually worth the minor trade-off in change feel. Plus, as soon as you get used to the tighter ratios, much more the car feel much more "urgent" and modern.
At the end of the particular day, the Miata is all regarding the connection between the driver as well as the machine. The 6-speed modifications that connection, producing it feel a bit more like a focused race tool and a little less like a classic roadster. Both great; it just depends upon which flavor associated with driving you're searching for. Just remember to plan for some great fluid plus a 3. 9 differential to go with this, and you'll end up being grinning every period you click it into 6th.