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Yeah the 2009 transmission is much beefier (how much we're still not sure no one is really pushing them yet) but it isn't a bolt-in swap, and since it's so new you can't find any used. Brand new from Mazda it's over $3500 if I recall correctly.
Do you know the modifications to beef up the RX-8 6-speed? Or at the very least a company doing this? I haven't heard of it yet. I also know the shift forks are VERY fragile in this transmission as well.
I am actually leaning to the S4 T2 over the FD transmission. If my research serves me right the S5 Turbo and FD transmissions are basically the same thing but with a slightly different 5th gear? But the same case, and gears up to 5th.
So after more research this is what I have found:
Updates:
-The clutch release isn't an issue. The 8 gearbox is a push type clutch and the RX-7 5-speed turbo gearboxes are pull type clutches, but since I'm swapping transmissions none of this matters. I just need the clutch slave cylinder and it's a bolt in.
-The S4 transmission can have its linkage cut down and shortened by 4 1/2" so the shifter will line up with the factory RX-8 shifter opening in the console. Very good news and the main reason I am leaning to the S4 Turbo trans
-The driveshaft needs to be approx 12.5" longer than the RX-7 driveshaft.
-I will need the clutch slave cylinder and the RX-7 Turbo/Automatic transmission starter motor
-Custom mounting brackets are required or a custom PPF ($$)
But right now I am still thinking I may just throw in another 8 gearbox and play my cards, shift like a grandma and hope all goes well. IF that one goes then I'm definitely going RX-7 transmission. Right now it's more of a timing issues- I would get my 8 back on the road MUCH quicker just throwing in the 8 tranny otherwise with doing the RX-7 5-speed swap it's probably going to take me all winter to do it LOL
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