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Old May 17, 2010 | 07:49 AM
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Default MSM 6 speed

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.
Old May 17, 2010 | 09:10 AM
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the answer to all 3 is yes I believe
Old May 17, 2010 | 10:09 AM
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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.
Old May 17, 2010 | 10:26 AM
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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)
Old May 17, 2010 | 10:46 AM
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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.
Old May 17, 2010 | 11:19 AM
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Originally Posted by fooger03
The NB starter is a direct swap, requires no re-wiring, and shaves a SUBSTANTIAL amount of weight.
I just weighed an extra NA starter I have. It's 9.6lbs, kinda surprised me that it weighted as much as it did. Anyone got an NB stater to throw on a scale?
Old May 17, 2010 | 11:21 AM
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Originally Posted by pdexta
I just weighed an extra NA starter I have. It's 9.6lbs, kinda surprised me that it weighted as much as it did. Anyone got an NB stater to throw on a scale?
In for starter weights :P
Old May 17, 2010 | 12:16 PM
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bump starters weigh 0 lbs.
Old May 17, 2010 | 01:58 PM
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Answered on M.net
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
Old May 17, 2010 | 04:13 PM
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Thanks for all the quick info guys.

While you are in such a giving mood....

The 5 speed shifter assembly DOES NOT bolt in to the 6 speed right? I need the shifter with the trani?
Old May 17, 2010 | 04:17 PM
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You can use the 5 speed shifter. You will have to press/pull one of the alignment pins the keeps the shifter from spinning because the 6 speed has 2 of them.
Old May 17, 2010 | 04:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Bryce
You can use the 5 speed shifter. You will have to press/pull one of the alignment pins the keeps the shifter from spinning because the 6 speed has 2 of them.
awesome, Thanks!
Old May 17, 2010 | 07:36 PM
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Can someone post a good picture of the top of a 6 speed transmission, please
Old May 17, 2010 | 08:05 PM
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This is the best I have, maybe Jared can take a better one.

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Old May 17, 2010 | 08:08 PM
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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.
Old May 17, 2010 | 08:16 PM
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Originally Posted by levnubhin
This is the best I have, maybe Jared can take a better one.

That is the worst picture i have seen in my life
Old May 17, 2010 | 10:37 PM
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this help?

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could be either of the two sensors. The pressure vent is also up there.
Old May 17, 2010 | 11:16 PM
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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"
Old May 18, 2010 | 08:11 AM
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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.
Old May 18, 2010 | 10:24 PM
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Note: This is not the 6 speed in the For Sale section.



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