Miata Mailing List: September 1998, Message #4

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I occasionally have this problem to, sorta feels like the car has
moodswings. Some days it's "knife in butter" smooth, others it's a bit
notchy. The short shift kit makes it feel even a bit worse I guess. Shift
knobs actually make quite a difference. My car had the stock wooden Nardi
knob before I put the voodoo in. The Nardi knob is about 1/3 of the weight
of the 'other' stock shift knobs and made shifting an almost unpleasant
experience, at least when shifting fast.
My experience is that the smoothness of Miata boxes isn't related to
production year. I think the smoothest shifting Miata I've ever driven was
Gary Fischman's 175.000 mile(or so) '90.

Espen

> I'd never wish another owner problems, but I am glad to hear I'm not the
> only one to experience this.  I get it from 1st to 2nd, more often when
> shifting more slowly.  I describe it as "toothy". Its as if it catches one
> tooth before engaging.  Someone told me ( I think it was Zandr)
> that earlier
> models also experienced this, but that synthetic gear oil helped.  I have
> the Redline in my shed, just haven't gotten around to it.