5-speed or 6-speed and a few other questions

[Spinnywhoosh]

So for a 06-08 Miata, what would be more beneficial? A 5-speed or 6-speed transmission. Also while I'm here, how much weight does a power hardtop add to a 2007 Miata? Thanks!

[Left0verCurry]

To answer the 5/6 speed, we must find out what you intend to do with your car. But honestly it is going to come down to your preference and style of driving.

And the hardtop will add approximately 77 pounds net weight.

[Johnnie]

I have an 06 6 speed. It tops 2nd gear at about 53 mph, which means I often have to grab third gear at autocross. The 5 speed will run up to 60-something in second.

A raised rev limit would fix my problem, but the 06-08 cars have a cast crank, and some people have reported failures.

The six speed is reported to be a sturdier transmission, but early examples are noisy. Mine is.

[Spinnywhoosh]

Hmmm interesting. Yeah that's what I figured with the 6-speed. Honestly I see myself using it on road courses more than autox so this may be a better choice. Any major issues I should look for when looking to purchase an NC? Such as the 3rd gear in an 04 MSM tends to show if the trans is going.

And 77 pounds is sort of a big deal isn't it.. How much would that extra weight really affect the corning even with the car dramatically lowered? Would it really be an issue worth worrying about? Overall I would see this as a DD.

This is a prospect that's caught my eye.. I'm not to keen on the price compared to milage.. http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...gIndex=3&Log=0

The mods already on the car are a definite plus.

[SM16RMSM]

From what I hear, 5 speed is much nicer for a DD too. I few guys who autocross their NC and use them as DD like the 5 speed version better. It the same with the 6 speed in the MSM. I wish it was a 5 speed but built tough like a 6 speed.

[mini_fd]

Robbie lets trade transmissions.

[Johnnie]

The intake and exhaust are minor plusses. Neither are the ones I would pick if I was doing it myself. (I did AEM/Mazdaspeed intake and Goodwin RS exhaust) Cross-drilled rotors are more of a liability to my mind. Price may be a little on the high side. If it's not already equipped with the oem LSD, keep looking. I had to swap an aftermarket diff in my car because I forgot to buy a car that had the oem LSD. Price between LSD and non-LSD cars in the used market is not a factor. No reported failures of the oem limited slip, either.

[Spinnywhoosh]

Hmmm, what models had the LSD? That one is a Gran Touring and I'd guess it does.. Here's the other i'm looking at.. Love the low miles but I'm sure it's a Base model.. the dealer doesn't even know but it's a 5-speed.. http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...gIndex=1&Log=0

And yeah, didn't really care about the drilled rotors but it's nice the intake and exhaust were already taken care of.

I know the first thing i'll do off the line is buy some suspension.. Can't stand the NC at stock height.. What brand would you recommend? I'm thinking Vmaxx from Flyin'.

[Johnnie]

Only the six-speed manual cars got the LSD and not all of them. It was bundled with the "sport suspension" package.

Flyin' Miata doesn't do V-maxx coilovers for NCs. Only springs. I have their springs with Koni yellows.

[BoBo]

I believe 6 speed is for someone who wants tops speed,whereas the 5 speed is for acceleration, you can hit 60 in 2nd gear on a 5sp. I kind of want to try 6 speed though just out of curiosity.

[jerjozwik]

also, at least for 2011, the 5 speed has a smaller crank. evidence is the need for an even more special special tool for pining down the crank when setting timing.

[Spinnywhoosh]

Well I test drove a damn nice 6-speed in Jax Saturday. This was like a dream! What a solid car. Too bad they want too much for the mileage.

[Spinnywhoosh]

And as far as suspension goes I'm prolly gonna go with the same setup I have on my current NA, Megan EZ Streets.

[mini_fd]

I drove a 6speed 10 ae stock and it seemed faster then my 5 speed not stock.... like intake, timing wheel, exhaust, light flywheel and puck clutch. It was pretty quick to the point it kept up with a msm with a passenger in the 10ae and only the driver in the msm. I did the compression check numbers on the 10 ae and it was across the board 200 minus one at 190. Now I took that in consideration to my compression numbers but I still think its the 6 speed running through the shorter gears.

[★ Unk577 ★]

PRHT would not be my first choice for a car that will see track duty because of the limited options for roll bars. If it will only be a street car the absolutely a PRHT. I had a 08' PRHT and loved it.