So I purchased a shifter rebuild kit like this:

Miatamecca Shifter Turret Insulator Seal Kit 90 97 5sp Shift Boot Set Miata MX5 | eBay



After pulling my shifter apart, I noticed that the bushings (the two round ones that fit against the wave washers) in my 1994 transmission don't match the bushings that came in the kit.

The bushing that sits inside the turret is taller and has one cutout for one pin; the bushing that came in the kit is shorter and has two cutouts (for NB's I believe).

The bushing that sits above the ball pivot has three notches for the wave washer tabs, but is otherwise "featureless"; the bushing that came in the kit has two sections that are narrower.


Does any of this matter? I was about to just throw it together and see if everything felt alright, but figured I might as well check first.

 

I believe the kits are made to be "universal", so as to fit all models. I don't think it matters.

I probably don't have to tell you this, but be sure to clean out the turret and add fresh oil. This does more for shift feel than new bushings, unless the old ones are completely shot.

 

Finished it up last night. Feels fine, about the same as any other 5-speed Miata shifter I've driven.