MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Workshop => Performance Related => Topic started by: Dudi on September 22, 2017, 18:37

Title: Sloppy gearchange
Post by: Dudi on September 22, 2017, 18:37
I've had a pretty major overhaul of my 2ZZ MR2 at Bansai which included a new gearbox but I'm still pretty unhappy with the gearchange. Even in gear the shifter feels loose and woolly.

Transmission mods so far have been -

1. Brand new 2ZZ gearbox with the correct ratios to keep in lift with MT90 fluid
2. New Competition clutches lightened flywheel and stage 3 clutch
3. TRD short shifter
4. 400g gearknob
5. Gear shift cable bearings

Is there anything I can do? I don't think I've owned a car with a cable shift linkage before but maybe that's the weak link?

For example putting into second feels a bit like pulling a strong rubber band instead of a positive engagement.
Title: Re: Sloppy gearchange
Post by: mikek on September 22, 2017, 18:46
I have pretty much that exact same set up and mine is as positive as a positive thing being positive! Genuine trd?
Title: Re: Sloppy gearchange
Post by: Dudi on September 22, 2017, 18:51
Quote from: "mikek"I have pretty much that exact same set up and mine is as positive as a positive thing being positive! Genuine trd?

Yeah genuine TRD. I only sourced and put the TRD to see if things improved, the slop was there before the TRD and still there post TRD with a shorter throw.
Title: Re: Sloppy gearchange
Post by: Topdownman on September 22, 2017, 18:53
The only thing you havent mentioned is the 4 rubber cushioned bushes between the cage and the floorpan. When I took mine out and mounted the cage directly to the floor it took out a bit of the play in the cage itself which i noticed and liked.

Not sure it will sort out the symptoms you describe though.
Title: Re: Sloppy gearchange
Post by: Dudi on September 22, 2017, 19:02
Quote from: "Topdownman"The only thing you havent mentioned is the 4 rubber cushioned bushes between the cage and the floorpan. When I took mine out and mounted the cage directly to the floor it took out a bit of the play in the cage itself which i noticed and liked.

Not sure it will sort out the symptoms you describe though.

I had the metal mounts on the OEM and the TRD come with it's own metal mounts.

I'm pretty sure it's something to do with the cables/linkage. Does cable stretch occur on these cars?
Title: Re: Sloppy gearchange
Post by: Topdownman on September 22, 2017, 20:21
Ah, no help from the mounts then.

Cant say I remember anyone mentioning problems with gear cables.
Title: Re: Sloppy gearchange
Post by: 1979scotte on September 22, 2017, 22:10
Something isn't right that's for sure.
FL 6 speed isn't the best of boxes but don't remember it feeling as you described.
Title: Re: Sloppy gearchange
Post by: JoeCool on September 24, 2017, 19:09
I have basically the same set up at you, also done by Andy at bonsai. (if that's what you meant?) TRD short shifter, ultimate gear shift bushings, old corolla gearbox though, with a six speed shifter shaft swapped in and the shift levers swapped off the old box.

The gearshift is very precise with no slop, the only issue is it takes a lot of force over to get reverse, but I've not been hindered by that and left it as is. It's very direct through all the forwards gears.

I'd speak to bonsai again. He can look it over.
Title: Re: Sloppy gearchange
Post by: Dudi on September 27, 2017, 18:19
I'm sure Andy will be able to figure it out, just need to find the time to get it back there. At least now I know it's not normal.