Shifter and Boot Rebuild for NA Miata by schrackman

5 minute read

Shifter and Boot Rebuild for NA Miata

Compliments of schrackman @ www.miata.net


I received a PM the other day asking if I would post pictures of my shifter and boot rebuild as I go through the procedure, so that is what I'm doing since all my parts came in this morning from Rosenthal and I had the time to perform the job.

First of all, this is a very simple DIY project that anyone can do in under an hour so long as you have everything you need and don't have to run around to the local auto parts. So don't fret if this is something your car needs. It's very simple.

Second, this project affirmed something that I suspected all along. I had rough shifting mostly going into 2nd before the engine warms completely, and that symptom has persisted even after the rebuild. So I think this means I need to look into possibly rebuilding my clutch slave or master cylinder? Perhaps someone can enlighten me there.

Third, what a difference this rebuild has made! The fun factor for my car has just been increased dramatically! I no longer hear all the engine, tranny, suspension and road noise I was hearing before. All I hear is the purr of the engine and the custom exhaust in back. 

I got so excited--get ready for this--that I actually decided to push my Miata to 7000 RPM for the first time! Of course, I didn't keep it there cuz I'm a big chicken , but I got it there and it felt like the car just wanted to go, go, go. When I got back I let my wife drive it and even she was amazed at how quiet the car sounded now. It's like night and day. We can hear each other talk without raising our voices--even with the top down. Not only this, but the heat in the cockpit is also now non-existent. I may never get out of my car again, LOL.

So, here are the pictures below in order of the procedure with my commentary. Please chime in if you think I left anything out. More photos to follow after this post, so scroll down to see them. Sorry I didn't keep it all to one post!

Ray