skidude

iTrader: (3)

How much are they actually worth?
I have seen them in the classifieds here for as low as $600, but on ebay for as much as $2000. What should I expect to pay, and what should I jump on as a "good deal" if I see it?

Where is the best place to buy one?
I'd like to have one in the next month or so, but I'm waiting for my tax return to come in before I do much real hunting. I watch the forums, but they don't seem to come up too often. I know of Planet Miata and FM salvage. Craigslist is hard to search because when I look for 6 speed transmissions, it gives me every listing for a car with a 6 speed in it.

What do I need with it?
I know I need a shifter, and I already have the speed sensor (though I'm sure it will come with it), but what else is different from the 5-speed?

How do they look different from the outside?
There are some extra "ribs" on the bellhousing, but is that exclusive to the 6 speeds, or do some of the newer 5 speeds have them too? Anything else?

MartinezA92

iTrader: (4)

I have yet to see a 5 speed with those ribs. So I think they're exclusive to 6 speeds.

The 6 speed im using now was in good condition and I got it for 450. I consider that a steal.

The wiring for the reverse lights is different, I forgot what I did but it's everywhere if you do a search.

hustler

iTrader: (6)

You need the trans and shifted only.
$600 is market price, less is a deal.
They have the ribs, lots of them.

skidude

iTrader: (3)

So where can I find these $600 (or better) transmissions, and why do ebay sellers think they are worth $1700? I made a "best offer" on one for $650 just for lulz and was immediately declined.

shuiend

iTrader: (24)

You have to wait for one to pop up. I got lucky and got mine for $600 locally. I know if you get one of the mazdaspeed ones they generally go for a bit more.

jacob300zx

A 2560 at 10psi doesnt need a 6 speed yet.

Preluding

iTrader: (10)

$600 is a good deal...I got my 3.9LSD and 6speed local here for $800 and jumped on it!

skidude

iTrader: (3)

Peace of mind, and gear ratios. I get frustrated with the 5-speed ratios, and when I get dyno tuned in the spring, I'll have 240whp, which is well within the realm of killing the 5speed, especially with some autocross action.

MartinezA92

iTrader: (4)

yeaaaa didn't TSB blow his 5 speed at 200 whp or something?
id guess a 2560 at 10 psi is around that if not higher.

crimson_yachiru

check car-part.com. There was one in your area for 750, a little further away there were a few for 600. In Tennessee there is one for 500, but I imagine that the shipping will negate the savings.

lsc224

iTrader: (13)

I snagged mine at eBay for $350 and $150 shipped just a couple of weeks ago. Gotta be patient with ebay.

skidude

iTrader: (3)

I'll keep watching for something like this. There must be people on Ebay who either think they have a 5-speed, or don't know that the 6 speeds are worth so much more. I just have to find one.

fooger03

iTrader: (2)

Got a mazdaspeed for 650 - I considered it a steal at that price. I don't think there is any evidence saying that the mazdaspeed trannys are any different than the non-speed trannys, but there's no evidence saying they're the same either.

The sensors will just require that you snip off the ends and attach the connectors from the 5-speed sensors.

In all likelihood, it will have a speed sensor already equipped, should plug into your harness where the old one came out - replace it with the speed sensor you have in order to match your rear end - not sure what rear end you have or what rear end a 6-speed seller would have had. If you had my 6-speed, it would have a 3.636 sensor in it.

Rennkafer

iTrader: (3)

Here's a pic that shows the difference... 1997 5 speed in the foreground, 2001 6 speed in the background

FRT_Fun

iTrader: (19)

The Mazdaspeed trannys were overnighted from Japan.

cardriverx

iTrader: (12)

I blew my 5 speed at 200 whp. A fellow here was selling a 6 speed for $300 (I think thats what I paid if memory serves me right) with a grind in 5th, so I gambled on it.


Works fine, grinds in second when it feels moody, sometimes takes a little force to get into reverse, and makes a small grind into 5th above 4500 rpm. All in all, not a bad deal. It feels like it will last a long while, and of course I don't need to worry about it blowing.

Imma try changing fluids to redline to see if that helps, but it is perfectly driveable as is.

FRT_Fun

iTrader: (19)

Isn't there a whole thread about blown 6 speeds?

Savington

iTrader: (31)

Anything under $600 is a great deal. $600 is a 100+k mile 99-00 box. $750 for an 01+ box, $900+ for an MSM box, more if it's a low-miles MSM box.

Junkyards, auto salvage, FM, classifieds, take your pick.

Just the shifter. The NB starter is desirable too (lighter), but not necessary.

The ribs are the big one. All 6-speeds have them, no 5-speeds do.

Mobius

iTrader: (2)

If your 6 speed needs a shifter, you need to be aware that there are two shifters for the NB 6 speeds. Production changed mid-run in 2001 at vin 220739. They are not interchangeable. I believe the trans has a VIN stamp on it but I'm not sure.

fooger03

iTrader: (2)

Confirming a VIN plate on the trans.

Difference between NA and NB starter size is huge - also makes it a hell of a lot roomier to work on AND you get to ditch a big heavy metal bracket because you're no longer supporting the weight of the NA starter.

There is a stamped plate that goes between the engine/transmission. It's different between the NA and the NB. The difference is where the starter bolts up. Either use your old plate and ream out the correct hole for the starter, use the NA starter, or else buy a new plate for all of $20. Additionally, I have no evidence that suggests the plate is absolutely required in the first place...