Get a right hand drive 8.
You may also want to look at your shifting style. You probably already know the 'right' way (or a right way, I'm sure there's more than one way to shift a sports car effectively.) I'd driven a standard for years before learning this way of shifting. But your hand should be in a different position for most every gear, and most shifts should be done with a pretty much open palm. I'll stop here as to not insult anyone's intellegence, but if you aren't sure your technique is correct, I can certainly explain the technique that I believe is the best.

 

...you maybe right but that's not at all what he is referring to. That "other" community sure does have a following. Never know where a ___head will pop up.

WTB Citrine.

 

After wearing out my right hand playing too much Tetris, using it on a mouse was very uncomfortable. I switched to mousing left handed. Right hand eventually healed, but I still mouse lefty.

Always fun watching someone sit at one of my computers and get thrown by the mouse position.

Ken

 

/waits for OPs thread about too much chaffing from shifting


2 words: astro and glide

 

you do have a point. so far we have been assuming he has been shifting with his hand.

 

well, technically its not injuring you, its more like you're injuring yourself using it

 

You know this was never covered in any of my interactions with the Mazda professional drivers or the driver I did some extensive training with. Please elaborate.

Also of significant note: prior owner in Iraq got back with the info that everything is stock on the car. Will confirm with dealer but he knew everything about that car.

 

The way I learned to shift quickly and solidly (and more comfortably,) is:
For shifting into first and second gears, your palm should be open and facing you. For first, push forward with the heel of your hand, for second pull back with the base of your fingers (it's ok to grab the shifter for second, but not necessary.) Third and fourth should start with an open hand, palm facing down with the shifter in the center of your hand. Push forward with the heel of your hand for 3rd, pull back with your fingers for fourth. Fifth and sixth are pretty much the same as the other gears, except with your palm facing away from you. I am still getting used to 6th, as I've only had my 8 for a month or so and it's my first speed, also it seems like it's the most awkward of all the gears.
When I learned this method of shifting it seemed awkward for a couple of days, but became natural very quickly. When I've taught people who have never driven a standard before how to drive one, I make them run through the gears several times (with the engine off) using this method, and it tends to save them searching for gears (until they do the wrong motion of course.)
I'd do an illustrated diy if there is interest. Again though, I don't know how basic this is to people here, or if other people know of better methods.