That 65 mph at 3000 rpms in 6th gear is calculated on the Reverend's gear calculator. The same speed yielded 3600 rpm in 5th if you want a little more power.

Using standard '00-'03 transmission ratios, 9300 rpm redline, 275/40/17 RA-1s, and the Mazda 3.636 ring and pinion gives the following at 9300 rpm:
1st gear is 52 mph,
2nd gear is 80 mph,
3rd gear is 110 mph,
4th gear is 140 mph,
5th gear is 168 mph and
6th gear 201 mph.

Like the Viper, the 6th gear is for highway cruising at low rpms. Don't expect to be able to go 201 mph. 5th gear would be equivalent to what we have now with 6th. Second, third and fourth would all kick ass with FI.

I think the 3.636s and an 04 carrier are looking better all the time. What do the rest of you think?

 

I like it. It's something that if I end up going FI I plan to do. Should help with low gear wheel spin for you.

FYI this is in the current production mazda miata overseas and you can still buy one through mazdaspeed(if you know someone who's registered with them) I think it runs $300 from mazdaspeed. Cheap deal.

 

Wow, that sounds like a nice diff ratio...

Tim

 

I think 3.636 may be a little too much for 00-03 transmission. You'll be at nearly 40mph before VTEC. The 3.909 included in most US-market 6-speed Miatas may be a better option and is easy to find.

I am a Mazda Comp member and looked up some ring/pinion set prices and part numbers for future reference:

MA02-27-110 3.636:1 $321.75

M037-27-110B 3.909:1 $434.05

M068-27-110A 4.10:1 $307.75

M061-27-110C 4.30:1 $434.05

M054-27-110A 4.44:1 $425.40

1312-27-110A 4.875:1 $312.30

1480-27-110 5.125:1 $582.80

Here is a link showing the tooth counts:
http://members.aol.com/solomiata/RingandPinion.html

Generally speaking, pinions with less teeth are stronger. The 5.125:1 may be great for a normally-aspirated autocross car and has 8-tooth pinion, so it should be strong.