Short Shifter Install
- Thread starter Racebrewer
- Start date
- :
- 2012 Touring MT
Just finished installing mine. Thanks everyone for posting up your install experiences. Removal of the metal base for the battery tray helped. Andres's photo of those needlenose pliers was exactly what I needed to get the cable to pop off in a snap (after having no luck with a wrench or screwdriver).
I think I know why some people are having issues with the plate popping off the end at the factory ball location. With the bolt in place the plate end opening did not sit flush over the factory ball base (as shown in Andres's photo above, only mine sat even higher above the factory ball base), and thus did not fit properly. I can see how this would lead to shifting problems. I put my bracket in a vise and slightly tightened the angle of the bend in the plate so that once in place with the bolt through the plate, the end opening now sits flush around the factory ball base with no play. After that, with moderate effort I could not force the plate to move once installed. I put a dab of silicone lube on the new ball since I noticed there was lubricant on the factory ball.
It seems to me the design of the short shift plate is good, but somehow from prototype to production the angle of that one bend is increased a bit and fittment is no longer as intended.
I haven't had a chance to go for a test drive yet, but shifting in the garage feels nice and solid, with a bit more effort required.
I think I know why some people are having issues with the plate popping off the end at the factory ball location. With the bolt in place the plate end opening did not sit flush over the factory ball base (as shown in Andres's photo above, only mine sat even higher above the factory ball base), and thus did not fit properly. I can see how this would lead to shifting problems. I put my bracket in a vise and slightly tightened the angle of the bend in the plate so that once in place with the bolt through the plate, the end opening now sits flush around the factory ball base with no play. After that, with moderate effort I could not force the plate to move once installed. I put a dab of silicone lube on the new ball since I noticed there was lubricant on the factory ball.
It seems to me the design of the short shift plate is good, but somehow from prototype to production the angle of that one bend is increased a bit and fittment is no longer as intended.
I haven't had a chance to go for a test drive yet, but shifting in the garage feels nice and solid, with a bit more effort required.
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I'm having the same issues everyone else. Derrick I have pictures I'll send you guys for review. I was about to get on the hwy for Toronto and mine slipped off. Couldn't get into 3rd or 1st.
I dissassembled everything again and did a more permanent fix than zip ties( everytime I take out my battery I have to reset my audio deck. Takes about 10 minutes)
See below
Didn't take long to drill out. I was done in less time than to install the plate.
I dissassembled everything again and did a more permanent fix than zip ties( everytime I take out my battery I have to reset my audio deck. Takes about 10 minutes)
See below
Didn't take long to drill out. I was done in less time than to install the plate.
Attachments
716-mazda2
Member
- :
- 2012-2
Mine is ordered but I can't get it for another 2 weeks due to it being a birthday present from the gf
Drive mine back to toronto last night and around the city this morning and my bolt seems to be holding up fine. Everything is VERY solid. I'd strongly recommend this over zip ties.
I feel like a) the force on this plate is fairly significant, and I wonder if even 3 zip ties will hold up to the shear force involved over time and b) zip ties get brittle like crazy when cold and after exposure to the elements. I feel like when the temp gets much below 0C, or they've been on for a little while they'll snap. Probably at the worst time for all involved.
I feel like a) the force on this plate is fairly significant, and I wonder if even 3 zip ties will hold up to the shear force involved over time and b) zip ties get brittle like crazy when cold and after exposure to the elements. I feel like when the temp gets much below 0C, or they've been on for a little while they'll snap. Probably at the worst time for all involved.
- :
- 2012 Touring MT
I think what I will do when I can is to get a metal clamp I am sure it will last until Corksport comes up with a solution. The screw is also a good idea.
Drove the s*** out of it yesterday, I like it better every time obviously a great idea from Corksport, just like every prototype needs improvements.
Andres
Racebrewer
Member
- :
- Mazda, Mazda 2 Touring MT
Mine fit perfectly around the original ball stud base with no issues. I have about 300 miles of city driving on it with no issues.
I wonder if the OEM shift arm from Mazda may have its own production variations?
I think that Eyeballs found the most effective fix in bending the plate to match the OEM shift arm.
When it warms up, I'll apply a "back-up" screw, hose clamp or tie.
John
I wonder if the OEM shift arm from Mazda may have its own production variations?
I think that Eyeballs found the most effective fix in bending the plate to match the OEM shift arm.
When it warms up, I'll apply a "back-up" screw, hose clamp or tie.
John
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I finally took mine out for an actual test drive after just messing with it in the garage for the last 2 days. Mine fit around the original ball as well and felt solid when putting some force on it by hand. On the test drive I was very very happy with the way it felt. The shifts are extremely short and mechanical. The extra force required was minimal. This might be the first shifter mod I've made on a car that I am actually happy with. I am a little nervous about the issues people are having so I'll probably go ahead and put the extra bolt in eventually if Corksport doesn't make their own fix.
Also, I couldn't find grease so I ended up putting some garage door silicone lubricant spray on the ball. I think this definitely helped in shifting smoothness.
Also, I couldn't find grease so I ended up putting some garage door silicone lubricant spray on the ball. I think this definitely helped in shifting smoothness.
Glad I wasn't the only person having these issues. I took mine off of the car since I've had to drive a ton between friday and today. But, I'll probably put it back on tomorrow afternoon with either a hose clamp or a bolt and some lube on the ball. 
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I should point out that the more i drive it, the better it feels. Moderately more effort than stock, but brilliantly tight. I have to say I think the bolt through is the best 'fix' because there is ZERO flex and almost not chance of anyhing giving out on hard shifts.. This thing feels similar (thought stiffer) than the speed3 to my recollection. Shorter i think than my rx8.
I'm very satisfied, but I think the current design leaves too much to 'chance' so to speak. If I had installed this and it had failed on the highway things would have gotten interesting quick.
I'm very satisfied, but I think the current design leaves too much to 'chance' so to speak. If I had installed this and it had failed on the highway things would have gotten interesting quick.
Mine gave out on the highway
, I was incredibly fortunate to make it home as the only thing keeping the shifter attached to the transmission was the big hole in the short shifter. Mine failed because the bolt holding the short shifter to the arm either broke or fell out. 8ft/lbs is not enough apparently, as I triple checked tightness with a torque wrench. I don't know if I'm going to install this again, I may just sell it and let someone else drill through their transmission arm.
I can definitely understand that. That said, it took me about 10 minutes to get the bolt drilled and installed, and now it works like a dream.... So to my mind it's worth it.
I also have some trepidations about that bolt. I torqued it to the right spec but the plate was moving around under it a fair amount (enough to shift off the oem ball) and when i tried to torque it higher it never really felt like it was tightening...
I also have some trepidations about that bolt. I torqued it to the right spec but the plate was moving around under it a fair amount (enough to shift off the oem ball) and when i tried to torque it higher it never really felt like it was tightening...
Mine gave out on the highway
Mine failed because the bolt holding the short shifter to the arm either broke or fell out. 8ft/lbs is not enough apparently, as I triple checked tightness with a torque wrench. I don't know if I'm going to install this again, I may just sell it and let someone else drill through their transmission arm.
