Can the ms3 stick shift feel like the Miata's?

[nextcar]

For the past few months, I've been test driving manual transmission cars before deciding on the ms3. I've driven the VW GTI, Civic Si, BMW 328 & 335, Mazda Miata, and others. Of all these, my favorite combination of clutch and shifter was the Miata. The clutch was a little lighter and shorter travel than the MS3's, but I know I can't do anything about that. However, is it possible to get a short throw shifter with new bushings to make it feel like the Miata's? My assumption is that you can't; otherwise, Mazda would have made the ms3's shifter like that to begin with.

 

[numbnuts22715]

For the past few months, I've been test driving manual transmission cars before deciding on the ms3. I've driven the VW GTI, Civic Si, BMW 328 & 335, Mazda Miata, and others. Of all these, my favorite combination of clutch and shifter was the Miata. The clutch was a little lighter and shorter travel than the MS3's, but I know I can't do anything about that. However, is it possible to get a short throw shifter with new bushings to make it feel like the Miata's? My assumption is that you can't; otherwise, Mazda would have made the ms3's shifter like that to begin with.

yes you can get a short shifter and bushings...
TWM makes them both.
Cobb is also coming out with a short shifter.

 

[ZoomZoomH]

your assumption is correct, no short shifter on a fwd car can give you the direct linkage feel that mazda put into the miata.

 

[FrequentFlyer]

I've had both a Miata and an S2000 which probably have some of the best feel'n trannies out there and although the MS3 can't really compare, it shifts pretty nicely with my TWM shifter and bushings.

 

[nextcar]

I've had both a Miata and an S2000 which probably have some of the best feel'n trannies out there and although the MS3 can't really compare, it shifts pretty nicely with my TWM shifter and bushings.

does the twm package dramatically improve the feel or not quite? can you describe to me what it feels like?

 

[matsuda]

However, is it possible to get a short throw shifter with new bushings to make it feel like the Miata's? My assumption is that you can't; otherwise, Mazda would have made the ms3's shifter like that to begin with.

Unfortunately, there is only so much that you can do with a cable shifter.
I've never liked the feel of the shifter on any car that uses cables.

 

[Super Unique]

the twm kit stiffens it up nicely, it's still nowhere near perfect, but nicer than stock. Effort is up, shifts are more accurate. throw range is reduced by around 35% or so, so there is less distance between gears.