There has been more than one asking about a Short Shifter for the 09 S2 RX-8..

The Gearbox is basically a Miata/MX-5 (NC Model MY2006~), so I assume the SS from the 5 will install OK..

Here is a US Supplier...

http://www.miatamania.com/Shop/Searc...archText=short shifter&WebCatalogID=0

Be good to hear from anyone who has successfully installed a SS to their 09.

 

man are they cheap.

 

First of all.....

Those shifters don't even hold a candle to the AFE units that are available. The throw isn't reduced by much and the shifter gives very vague feedback. I've had one on my Miata before I switched over to a Nielex unit from Japan.

Don't waste your money on those short shifters. The only thing it'll do is make your shift **** lower.

I'm not sure if they have one for the NC yet. But this is how they look (from my friend's store website):

http://rev9autosport.com/shop/produc...roducts_id=158

 

Apparently this is not the correct forum please inform me as to the proper one. The problem is very simple. axial does not and will not make a short throw shifter for the 2009+ rx8, Therefore any port in a storm so to speak! Is the Japanese shifter really an alteernative? Again many thanks and while this may not be the proper forum, it is still an important topic. At least as important as some I have seen on this forum.

 

I have had plenty of SS's in my life on other cars I have tracked and honestly the stock shifter of the 8 with a Voo Doo **** is perfect. I never understood all the hype or the price of the AF SS's for our car. Many professionals comment how great the shifter is on the 8 as well, I have never heard any bash it. Does anyone know if the professionally tracked 8's run short shifters?

 

Because all the engineering and R&D that goes into OEM parts is inferior!

 

HUH???

http://www.miatamania.com/Shop/Searc...archText=short

The SS shown on this website for 06-09 cars IS FOR an NC Miata/MX-5..

A 'Short Shifter' is just a shorter length (with thread for ****) Shifting Shaft/Rod with similar attaching parts to the OEM one..that is it.

A SS of the ones sold for the RX-8 and Miata, can not actually change the shifting mechanism or movement of the Forks..it is an impossibility.
A SS does not change the internal and mechanical changing between the gears or gate.

It is just simple 'physics' the longer the Gear Shifter Lever the further the movement is for physically hand changing the gear shifter/**** outside the gearbox.

Repeat, nothing changes internally with all the gears, cluster gears, forks, etc.

 

Agree...

All a SS does is 'Lower' your ****, nothing else changes or can change the internals of the gear change or gearbox...

 

ok, i have been driving modified sports car for fifty years. Indeed my last four had short throw shifter including several bmw's 540 etc. miata alfa's audis. I well know the pleasure of this device. The rx8 throw is long! It needs one. I want to find one for this 2009 rx8. If i have to place one myself I will. I will probably end up with the one mentioned above. Thank you

 

I think you can try the NC Miata one with confidence, as the 09 RX-8 definitely uses the NC MX-5/Miata design Gearbox, they even share the exact same (Part Number) main shaft...

It is semantics on "how short" a particular Lever is by brand..

Personally, I find the OEM fine.

I think much could depend on your driving position and use of Box, I find my lever falls into the slot (when box is Hot) usually like butter, although MY Redline MT90 is almost due to be changed.

BTW, this thread I started is about the 09 shifter, so you are welcome to ask what you want..and please post ANY results if and when you install your new SS..
Bookmark this thread..

 

Yeah well, my Voo Doo lowers it enough for me then, after 100k with tons of cone chasing I can say it still shifts perfect.

 

first of all, thanks for the reply. I have 2500 miles on this car and the shift does "crunch". Especially whe the engine and driveshaft are cold and especially from first to second gear. i plan to have a long discussion with the service department next week when scheduled for the 3000 mile oil change (this is AZ.) Once I have this long determined discussion with them.
, I think I will go to the maxda man. one ,but Iam getting to old to do it myself. I will not write for long time. Thanks.

 

Maybe have the sticker shifter shortened?

 

Have you actually driven an 8 with the AFE? It's not just the length of the throw, it's the feel of the engagement. Shifting my car went from to when I put my AFE on...

Every RX-8 owner and for that matter, every other manual transmission driver I know has driven my car and absolutely raved about how awesome the shifter felt.

It's worth the price, plus Richard Paul is an awesome guy... he actually ran around California gathering parts and stayed late at his shop till the middle of the night to put together my shifter as a Christmas gift for me since he didn't have any in stock and he was leaving for the holidays the next day. I found out when I was shown the personal letter he sent with the shifter, and called him to thank him for his amazing service.

 

I don't doubt Axial Flow/Richard and I have heard nothing but great things, and there are guys here locally that have it and love it but I just don't see the need to spend that kind of money when the stock one with a better **** feels great on the track. Adding the Voo Doo to my car seemed drastic to me too, in my opinion you just felt the difference between the stock height and the AF SS and likely had you installed a shorter **** you would have experienced the same results.

But if you like it that's awesome, I just think it's overpriced for what it is. I think people should try a better fitting **** first and then make a decision.

 

It's not just the height that changed though, it's the entire feel of the shift itself.

Before, when I would shift, it felt... "mushy", "soft" even. Now it feels like sliding a rifle bolt into place, it's firm and solid, with a nice KER-CHUNK when I get in the gate.

The shorter throw is just a bonus...

I think the feel has to do with the bushings being made of a noticeably different material than those of the stock shifter.

 

Yeah I don't know, mine had always shifted perfectly. When I run out of **** to do it will eventually end up on my list, Maybe Cornholio will let me beat on his at the next meet

 

Mine was the same, get your dealer to renew the trans fluids, I do my own and changed to Redline MT90...it makes a Huge difference.

Remember though these tranny (09 and Most Mazda's) are a little clunky when stone cold, they take a while to warm up.

If you want to maintain the butter smooth change with MT90 you will need to change it every 10-12,000 miles or so...it is still very good, but it definitely degrades (for the want of a better word) with miles.

Look, if you only do short distance driving 10-15 mins your tranny is not getting to OP temperatures, frankly the 8 is not the car for short use, the Rotary hates it.

It appears the MT90 is one of the Best oils to use...

 

pivot point is the key.. and richard paul has it figured out...

i doubt the demand would make him do one.. but the 09 is shorter stock than the 04...

9k i will send you mine if you want to try it!!!! it is that good.

beers

 

you have a driver or warranty issue..

beers

 

note.

great info..

and a deal.. mazdaspeed3 shifters for 50bucks alex..

wait till the mazdaspeed short shifter comes out. and wonder about the price..

beers

 

The oem shifter is long and sloppy and has alot of play imo, I would miss gears when driving spiritedly and grind sometimes. I have been driving manual cars for over 15 years. While I haven't tried the voodoo and hear nothing but good things, I personally don't like the ball type shifters.

The AFE is laser accurate and is flick of the fingers short. Combined with Mazdaspeed Shift **** it completes the connection between man and this machine. I almost bought an R3 and I asked Richard Paul if they would make a SS for the 09-10 Rx8's and he said no. I bought another 06 Shinka and dropped my AFE SS right back in there. It's that good.

 

I guess opinions are like ********.

 

^^^This is true. lol.