6 speed manual?

[strippednmurdered]

I'm new to the forum but ive had this crazy idea in my head for a long time. I cant help to think about a 6 speed manual trans in a festiva. 99% of my driving is freeway, so my tachometer stays steady above 3000 rpm; lower the rpm's and mpg will go up right? Maybe an RX8 trans with a machined plate?

Input?

[bravekozak]

shifter knob

At least the Mazda 6 speed shifter knobs are cheap on the Bay.
I got mine for $5.

[TominMO]

I'm new to the forum but ive had this crazy idea in my head for a long time. I cant help to think about a 6 speed manual trans in a festiva. 99% of my driving is freeway, so my tachometer stays steady above 3000 rpm; lower the rpm's and mpg will go up right? Maybe an RX8 trans with a machined plate?

Input?

An easier way to lower RPM is taller tires, say 155/80x13. Still skinny so little drag, like the stock tires, but much easier to find. Metro 13" rims work perfect on Festys, or go aftermarket aluminum.

[Grey Vw]

I bet an rx8 trans cost as much as a festiva. Any mod to improve mpg over a couple hundred dollars is not worth it.

[muscle_Car1]

not to mention its a rwd trans. for the money you could have a new gearset built up with a lower final drive

[bhazard]

I doubt a ms3 tranny would fit in a festy with any of our motors. I can pretty much guarantee that.

[angrygocart]

I'd say go for it. I would love to have a 6 speed in my festy. I'd spend the money on a used 6 speed trans if someone else already found what works and what needs to be done for a swap.

[drddan]

At least the Mazda 6 speed shifter knobs are cheap on the Bay.
I got mine for $5.

Wait....What kinda seats have you got there?! Nice stitching! drool

[mattman]

6 speed would be great

[xaero_81]

Reduce drag.

[EVOGUN]

Have a Festiva with a 6 speed.

[yelo festiva]

rpm

You don't want to drop rpm too much especialy in hilly areas. The power band is in the upper rpm range on a stock b3 setup. I have aspire wheels and tires which are about an inch larger than the 12s and at 70 mph on the interstate my rpm is 2900. Drop rpm much more than that and you will be downshifting just to get up a hill, resulting in higher rpm.

Off course you guys with engine swaps don't have that problem, he he he.

[blkfordsedan]

You don't want to drop rpm too much especialy in hilly areas. The power band is in the upper rpm range on a stock b3 setup. I have aspire wheels and tires which are about an inch larger than the 12s and at 70 mph on the interstate my rpm is 2900. Drop rpm much more than that and you will be downshifting just to get up a hill, resulting in higher rpm.

Off course you guys with engine swaps don't have that problem, he he he.

I agree. My B3 needed to run at least 2500 to 2700 on the highway in order to stay in the sweet spot and overtake hills without slowing. I would go the taller tire route or just plain slow down.

[iceracerdude]

These last two posts ^ are absolutely the way to go. You'll get all of the value from that type of upgrade. You get the mileage and the real value of the tires (kinda like quality windows for your home), and if you want to spend "extra" money, the nicer rims option will insure that you'll always be able to resell/reuse them and recoupe most of that money. I fear that trans option is fraught with peril, unless of course you're interested in a exercise in mechanical challenge. If that's the case, then of course rea$on makes the money become a moot issue. Been there, done that ;-)

[getnpsi]

1.8 liters with taller tires. You can skip shift around town and almost never bog. The b3 bogs shifting normally as far as I'm concerned