MSM 6 speed
Thread Starter
Elite Member
iTrader: (2)
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,617
Total Cats: 16
From: Cromwell, Connecticut
I am sure this question has been answered 1000 times in some other context, and i searched and I am pretty sure I know the answer but I always like getting definitive yes or no answers.
-Is the MSM 6speed a direct swap to the NA 1.8 5speed just as the regular 6 speeds are?
-Are the ratios Identical?
-Will I be fine with my stock 96 rear gearing (torsen) ?
Sorry for the "you should have searched" type questions.
-Is the MSM 6speed a direct swap to the NA 1.8 5speed just as the regular 6 speeds are?
-Are the ratios Identical?
-Will I be fine with my stock 96 rear gearing (torsen) ?
Sorry for the "you should have searched" type questions.
Yes X 3
Although you'll be forced to use only 2 starter bolts if you used the NA bellhousing plate. You will have to splice 2 wires for the reverse or neutral switch. Just like regular 6 speeds.
Although you'll be forced to use only 2 starter bolts if you used the NA bellhousing plate. You will have to splice 2 wires for the reverse or neutral switch. Just like regular 6 speeds.
I could only use 2 starter bolts even with the bellhousing plate off the 6speed. I think you would have to use the starter off the 6speed to have all 3 bolts used (not that it matters)
the MSM and NA 6-speeds are mechanically identical.
the MSM is believed to have stronger gears.
you will run higher revs in the 6 speed than you would have in the 5 speed; example:
6th gear in the 6 speed runs a higher RPM per given speed than 5th gear in the 5 speed.
So if you're looking for lower freeway RPMs, swapping in a 6-speed will not be "like adding that extra gear to your 5-speed"
You would need a different rear end if that's your goal.
You won't hurt anything with your current rear end though.
The NB starter is a direct swap, requires no re-wiring, and shaves a SUBSTANTIAL amount of weight.
the MSM is believed to have stronger gears.
you will run higher revs in the 6 speed than you would have in the 5 speed; example:
6th gear in the 6 speed runs a higher RPM per given speed than 5th gear in the 5 speed.
So if you're looking for lower freeway RPMs, swapping in a 6-speed will not be "like adding that extra gear to your 5-speed"
You would need a different rear end if that's your goal.
You won't hurt anything with your current rear end though.
The NB starter is a direct swap, requires no re-wiring, and shaves a SUBSTANTIAL amount of weight.
Answered on M.net
http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread...starter+weight
for those afraid of the dark:
http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread...starter+weight
for those afraid of the dark:
Originally Posted by Keith@FM:
With the introduction of the NB, Mazda gave us a new starter motor. It's quite a bit smaller than the NA version, and has a different bolt pattern for the bellhousing mount. Well, it turns out the 1994-97 automatic cars also have a different starter motor with the regular NA 5-speed bolt pattern.
If you want to install a lighter starter motor but don't want to lose one of the three mounting holes, the 1994-97 automatic is an option.
Weights:
1990-97 5-speed (and 1990-93 auto): 9.80 lbs
1994-97 automatic: 7.05 lbs
1999-05: 6.00 lbs
If you want to install a lighter starter motor but don't want to lose one of the three mounting holes, the 1994-97 automatic is an option.
Weights:
1990-97 5-speed (and 1990-93 auto): 9.80 lbs
1994-97 automatic: 7.05 lbs
1999-05: 6.00 lbs
This is the best I have, maybe Jared can take a better one.

__________________
Best Car Insurance | Auto Protection Today | FREE Trade-In Quote

__________________
Best Car Insurance | Auto Protection Today | FREE Trade-In Quote
Thanks, but need one with more detail. Friend has an oil leak coming from the top middle and I would like to see if there is anything that could be leaking up there other than the gasket between the two sections.
Yes, thanks.
There is oil on both sides (forward and rearward) of the rear orange gasket location, running down both sides of the transmission, coming from as high as visible. It might be possible that the entire tranny was overfilled through the shift area, but doubtful since it was last removed to replace a squealing pilot bearing by a "real mechanic"
There is oil on both sides (forward and rearward) of the rear orange gasket location, running down both sides of the transmission, coming from as high as visible. It might be possible that the entire tranny was overfilled through the shift area, but doubtful since it was last removed to replace a squealing pilot bearing by a "real mechanic"
leave in the drain plug, pull the tranny fill plug (located a few inches above the drain plug, same size socket as drain), wait until fluid stop draining, replace.
if Any fluid comes out fill plug, then you were right, too much fluid.
if Any fluid comes out fill plug, then you were right, too much fluid.









