TWM Stage II sts installed... Amazing!

[dougefresh_]

I had the TWM Stage II short throw shifter WITH bushings installed, and had the tranny fluid & gear oil changed with Redline fluids at the same time.
All I can say is WOW what a difference this makes! Shifting is tight and super fast. The car should have come this way stock.

It is waaay more fun to drive! I HIGHLY recommend it. I'm not sure what the Stage I is like, but the 1" drop with the Stage II is perfect.
Before I bought it, I wondered if the drop in shifter height would be too much, but it in fact, feels much more natural. Resting your arm on the armrest, your palm just falls right onto the top of the shifter perfectly. After driving with the stage II for a few days now, I think the stock shifter is actually too high.
If anyone is considering the Stage I, go for the Stage II instead, the throws are a bit shorter in length than the Stage I, and the reduced height is perfect IMO.

I would recommend this as one of the first mods you do!

 

[OJ Bartley]

Which Redline oils did you put in? I think I'd like to do mine as well when I install my Stage 2, but I'm not too sure what to get.

 

[crlsnlopes]

Which Redline oils did you put in? I think I'd like to do mine as well when I install my Stage 2, but I'm not too sure what to get.

OJ here is a link for a DIY http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123721532

 

[tunersteve]

I'm running the Stage 2 STS with their bushings, and just ordered the Amsoil syn. transmission lube. All good things to say so far.

OP, do you have an upgraded rear mount? If not, you really need one of those to truly see how much better the car feels.

 

[dougefresh_]

Which Redline oils did you put in? I think I'd like to do mine as well when I install my Stage 2, but I'm not too sure what to get.

Redline MT-90 Synthetic Manual Transmission Fluid, 3 quarts needed:

2.5 quarts actual fill
--------------------------------------
Redline 75w90 Manual Gear Oil, 3 quarts also needed:

1.3 quarts actual fill for transfer case
1.1 quarts actual fill for rear diff

I'm running the Stage 2 STS with their bushings, and just ordered the Amsoil syn. transmission lube. All good things to say so far.

OP, do you have an upgraded rear mount? If not, you really need one of those to truly see how much better the car feels.

Not yet, but that and the rear diff mount are next on the list!

 

[ms6acton]

awesome thanks douge. i was on the fence on which one to get.

 

[dougefresh_]

awesome thanks douge. i was on the fence on which one to get.

NP. I was on the fence too about the Stage II, and is totally a preference. You only get 5% further reduction in throw distance, so the 1" drop in shifter height should probably be a bigger factor in your stage I vs II decision.
I don't have an interior "before" pic, but the middle "after" pic in my sig is kinda small, so below is a larger shot of it. Hopefully that will give you a better idea about the height of the Stage II. Please ignore the extra "skin" on my shifter boot... I was too excited about fixing the shifting issue, and forgot to get smaller boot at the same time! LOL I'll pick one up later though, and I can deal with it looking like granny's fun-bags in the meantime.
Stage II shifter 1" height drop:

 

[Flightmedic]

love the two tone