Actually all 2005 models have a 6spd automatic on the V6, since Crazy just got his car, he wouldn't have had to wait at all as 2005s have been out for a few weeks now. But I think there are better deals on '04 models and Crazy wasn't aware of the issues with the ATX on '04 and'03 models.Mikey444 said:If you were going aut, why didnt you ait til next year when the 6 speed automatic is coming out?
crossbow said:I drove a 6s ATX for about a year. The Jatco transmission was removed from the mazda lineup due to a number of issues, including reliability, overheating, and poor performance. The 6spd tranmission addresses all of these issues, as well as giving better gas mileage then the 5spd MTX, and being notably faster in shifting and overall acceleration then the previous jatco based 5 spd.
You can get around the reliability and overheating issues on a jatco transmission by installing a transmission cooler, there is an excellent how-to article on 6tech on how to do this...total cost is around 50 dollars.
http://www.mazda6tech.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=40&Itemid=35
I won't delve into how heat effects a ATX transmission, you all can do that research yourself. The Jatco runs around 193-200F @ idle, and can get into the 220 range under extensive stop and go driving. With a 16,000 GVW cooler installed, the temp max's out at around 180F.
I also recommend doing a drain/refill at least every 10-20k miles, to help maintain the additive package in the transmission fluid. Here's a how-to on that.
http://www.mazda6tech.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=33&Itemid=35
The only way to work out the issues with shifting and performance, is with shift kits (valve body replacements). These usually cost around 300-500 USD, and require 4-5 hours of labor (another 400-500 USD).
Or just avoid all of the above and get a 6 spd 2005 ATX.
crossbow said:russr,
The primary issue with the MTX's is something called "clutch" shudder. Supposedly the clutch for the 6i/6s is stronger then the car really needs, which can cause it to shudder in certain situations. This can start occuring around 8-20k miles...and is rather random. Its occurs more often on cold days then not. I'm at 5k myself and haven't had it, though don't think I'd know what it was if it did happen, I'd probably just blame it on my own shifting incompetence.
The shudder usually goes away the second the clutch isn't cold...so if it does it, just take slightly longer to release it, and it'll go away really fast.
Only specific problem I know with the 6i MTX tranny...is it starts exploding when you attach it to a 280 bhp L3 engine . (As per tripoint mazda in SCCA World Challenge).
You might want to consider sending a private message to crossbow as I think they have updates for the system that will prevent that. What year is the vehicle and when was it built (check the door sticker).Zooming said:Hey guys, I bought a 6s with an a/t. It is the most anyoing thing. Its always slamming gears on me. Its one of the most finniky trans I have ever had. My solution was an extened warrenty and a few neutral drops just before it runs out.