Short Throw Shift Plate for the MS6

Blendercloud said:
The installation is so much easier. I cannot stress that enough. There is no dismantling a center console. No drilling into the stock assembly. Just a couple bolts and you're done. Additionally, it is easily reversible in the event that you don't like it or want to sell your car/sell the item. Oh, not to mention it's so much cheaper.
Click to expand...

Does the shifter feel like the TWM short shifter with the shifter plate installed? Also, how hard of the shifter bushings to install? My thoughts are if I have to rip apart the center counsel to install the bushings, I might as well just install a short shifter.
 
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needforspeed6 said:
Does the shifter feel like the TWM short shifter with the shifter plate installed? Also, how hard of the shifter bushings to install? My thoughts are if I have to rip apart the center counsel to install the bushings, I might as well just install a short shifter.
Click to expand...

hardest part is taking the center console apart
 
To install the TWM properly you need to remove and disassemble the entire shift unit and drill two holes into the stock hardened steel plate!! It's a b****.. And if you don't pull the entire unit you'll get metal shavings everywhere and into the shift lube itself?? So this is a much simpler install.. The bushings are the same either way.. You pull the shifter housing and put them underneath.. But, those are optional so you could always just try the SSP and get bushings later..

So just to be clear except for the bushings.. the install of the SSP is 50 times easier than ripping your shift assembly apart.. And bushings are fairly easy..
 
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markspd6 said:
To install the TWM properly you need to remove and disassemble the entire shift unit and drill two holes into the stock hardened steel plate!! It's a b****.. And if you don't pull the entire unit you'll get metal shavings everywhere and into the shift lube itself?? So this is a much simpler install.. The bushings are the same either way.. You pull the shifter housing and put them underneath.. But, those are optional so you could always just try the SSP and get bushings later..

So just to be clear except for the bushings.. the install of the SSP is 50 times easier than ripping your shift assembly apart.. And bushings are fairly easy..
Click to expand...

Gotcha. Thanks!
 
markspd6 said:
To install the TWM properly you need to remove and disassemble the entire shift unit and drill two holes into the stock hardened steel plate!! It's a b****.. And if you don't pull the entire unit you'll get metal shavings everywhere and into the shift lube itself?? So this is a much simpler install.. The bushings are the same either way.. You pull the shifter housing and put them underneath.. But, those are optional so you could always just try the SSP and get bushings later..

So just to be clear except for the bushings.. the install of the SSP is 50 times easier than ripping your shift assembly apart.. And bushings are fairly easy..
Click to expand...

The bushings are easy, but the short shifter is also easy. If you read the instructions it says clearly to cover the lower portion of the shifter up to protect it from metal shavings. Picking up a small magnet also helps get anything that you couldn't seem to get after you drill. It's not anywhere near as bad as you're making it out to be.

Here's the install manual from TWM for reference:

http://www.twmperformance.com/manuals/mazdaspeed6-install-manual.pdf
 
actually it is.. Its 10 times easier to drill the hole while the shaft is out.. than inside the car.. and the magnet trick helps a little.. but, the shifter is lubed with lithium grease.. and the shavings can get stuck inside.. good luck getting metal shavings out of grease with a magnet!!

and its a good idea if your pulling all this apart to clean up the shaft and relube it before re-installing it again.. IMO
 
Getting back on track....

Read this carefully!

Blendercloud has been kind enough to test my shift plate in conjunction with the TWM Stage 1. The results in our opinion are unsatisfactory. It works, but not well enough for me to endorse the use of this combination. The throw is short but, the side to side movement is too stiff. Gear selection is difficult and the throw in 2nd, 4th, and 6th is not equal to 1st, 3rd, and 5th.

I know Mark likes it with his Stage 1. I suppose it's a matter of opinion, and what one is willing to sacrifice for shorter throws. However I don't feel comfortable based on my own testing, and Blenderclouds testing of this combination to say it's worth it. From a user perspective I cannot condone the use of this with the TWM.

An option for those with the TWM seeking shorter throws is to remove the TWM and go with the Shift Plate alone for an additional 5.5% reduction.

For those owners of the MS6 with no short shifter, this is by far the best most economical way to reduce the throw by 33.5%. My kits are complete and include everything you need. Made of steel and powder coated for durability and corrosion resistance.

Thanks,
Jamie
 
I'm going to leave it on my car for the time being. I want to get a new shifter knob (heavy, metal) and see if that makes any sort of difference. In the cases where it's hard to get into gear (with TWM also installed), it takes a good amount of extra force that makes the plastic stock shifter feel sloppy. I think a full metal shifter could make a lot of difference. I'll pick one up and check.
 
personally, i had no performance issues in running both the SSP and STS.. the stick position changes a little and it does take some getting used to.. but, i honestly have had NO negative interactions with the 2 pieces together.. If i could adjust the neutral position a little I think that would fix things a little for me?? and like I said im not a professional mechanic.. Im just giving my opinions.. and I DO honestly like the two parts together.. But, if thats how you feel then youre right not to try and sell these items as operating well together.. this is still a killer deal.. especially if you dont have an STS already.. I paid almost $180 for my TWM..

Just a note: for my more spirited driving I run an extension bar.. and the two items in combo with an angled extension bar are perfect for extremely short shifts and can help you locate the knob very close to the steering wheel.. I will try and post a pic of the end location.. but, if youre track minded this MIGHT?? be something to try for you.. IMO..
 
I hear where you're coming from Mark and I appreciate the feed back. I'm also happy you like the combination. The thing is I don't feel comfortable marketing it as "Works with the TWM". It does work, but with the draw backs I feel I'd be dishonest if I did. Everyone here deserves to be treated honestly and I've been honest from the day I started this business and will continue to be.

Thanks,
Jamie
 
The sale will happen sometime this weekend. It will be much easier to buy then some of the previous sales I've run in the past.

I'll run it for a few weeks to a month. $75 for the Stage 1 and $85 for the Stage 2. I just picked up several hundred bushings so I encourage you guys to buy the Stage 2. (Wink)

Try to find a better deal anywhere for 33.5% reduction.

Thanks,
Jamie
 
For those of you that have already ordered

The install directions were not finished when I shipped so I included the location to down load them.
BE SURE TO READ THEM!!. It's easy but, there are important steps to be followed.

Thanks,
Jamie
 
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