Hey guys, once again I'm thoroughly confused and need some assistance. I've spent the whole day searching old mnet threads on the subject and trying to make sense of all the info and I'm back to square one, so I have to ask for help.

Here's what I want to do: I want to get a shorter gear ratio on my car and I'm thinking about buying a set of 3.6 gears. The thing is that everything I read about it is based on a 6 speed transmission and I want to keep my 5 speed.

I want some simple suggestions on how to get the results I'm after without breaking the bank.

Brain, before you say it, I'll admit it: I know less about drivetrains than what I know about engines! :gay:

Thanks for the input.

Rafa

 

http://www.idsfa.net/miata/gearing.html

 

Ok, Paul thanks; now from your own link, see this:

94-97 36 59 84 112 137 (3050RPM @ 60MPH)

I want to change it to something close to this:

5-speed '06 38 63 90 120 147 (2873RPM @ 60MPH)

What is the cheapest way to go about it? and if I could I would even try to make the speed on 1st and 2nd gear even longer.

I'm I making any sense?

Thanks

 

A set of 3.6 gears would be considered taller gearing, not shorter. The 3.63s would allow you a faster mph at redline, or a lower RPM when cruising, however you want to look at it.

There really isn't a way to get 3.63 gears without breaking the bank though. They're quit expensive, if you can find them.

 

Ok, so then I'm looking for taller gears; I get that. By breaking the bank I was talking about a **** load of money but what I've read so far is that I can get a set for around $350; if that were the only cost involved I would jump on it. I've seen a couple vendors selling them for that price.

My question Chad is: would I get to have a higher (not so much faster) mph redline with a simple change to 3.6 gears on a 5 speed?

What has me confused is the fact that everyone mentions a 6 speed transmission when they talk about 3.6 gears and I definitely want to keep my 5 speed.

 

Yes switching to 3.6 is perfectly doable and it will accomplish what you're trying to do. The taller 3.63s will give you a higher mph at redline with your 5 spd. Considering right now you have either 4.10s or 4.30s unless someone previously swapped 3.9s in before.

 

This thing is then settled (man I'm really dense).

 

All you need is a new speedo gear in the transmission. Part number: M502-17-441

 

Thanks; from any Mazda vendor?

Can I take the opportunity to ask some dumb questions on this subject? As I stated before, I got absolutely no clue about drivetrains (sorry)

I always thought that for me to get the higher final speed on any gear I had to change speedo gears but I also get the sense that if I change my diff gears I would accomplish the same thing. Is that true or not?

 

The speedo gears are just so that when you change the gears in your diffrential your speedometer reads the correct speed.
http://miataroadster.com/ They sell just the speedo gear i believe. Scroll half way down the page.

 

Shows you how much I know on the subject

I'll read about that one tomorrow. Thanks.

I know one day, all these dumb questions are going to bite me in the ***. :gay:

BTW, I'm going to start a thread in the BS section asking Rick to place my :gay: smilie back on the left side. I miss it!

Thanks for all your advice guys

 

Yep, cjernigan is correct. Sorry for being so vague.

 

reddroptop; when it is my fault you can fire away at will. You were not vague, I just go no clue. I do appreciate your assistance.

 

rafa- if you have any salvage yards with early 80s rwd 626/mx6 manual trans, you may find a 3.63 ring/pinion in them.

 

Thanks man. I just bought them this morning from mazdamart. It was their last set and I really wanted it.

I like your idea though (in fact, when I got married the first car I bought my wife was a 626 coupe with manual transmission)

What I can do is check those salvage yards for anyone who may be interested in this forum.

I appreciate all the assistance.

 

I'm interested...big time.

I've driven the red TDR car (260+whp from a blower) with a 3.63 and 5-speed...its really nice even with the blower. It would be god-like with a turbo.

 

Ok hustler. I'm going to the shop in 20 minutes. Give me some info on what do I need to ask the mechanics for. I plan to find out with them about Mazda salvage yards but I also need to know precisely what you guys may need. I presume I may find some diffs and then ask a mechanic to take the gearsets out; is this correct?

I have to go back to the shop tomorrow morning for what I hope will be the last time for the install. Ask and I'll find out.

 

3.63 ring and pinion. I can order a new one for $350 or whatever, so keep that in mind too.

 

One other thing; m2cupcar mentioned early 80s Mazda 626 but the one I originally bought my wife was a 79 and I recall that she also had an older 626 (73 if I remember) when she was single. If any of that generation appears, do I discard them?

 

Duh! even I know that. Not only that, I have to take into account what shipping them to Miami would cost. There is no way I would pay anything above $150 at the most for those. Don't worry about it.