Short shifter pros and cons

[mazdaspeedpower]

OK guys, I'm getting tired of the long throw of my gears, and am considering getting a short shifter, what I want to know from owners of short shifters is, what make do you have, do you like it, was the change noticable, was it worth it, what are some things you don't like about it...and any other information you feel relevant...yes I have done a search, I just wanna hear what people have to say, and all that jazz. Thanks guys

 

[Dexter]

I also have the stock one still and yeah, its kinda annoying, especially after ive driven cars with the B&M numerous times. I like the feel of the B&M and thats what ive used, so id probably go with that.

 

[JCell]

I would not recomened the b&m, i have it and hate it, after a while, gears become hard to engage and it's just an overall pain, if i could, i would have gone with twl or kartboy

 

[Leppy]

I have the B&M and it's pure sex. So much shorter of a throw, and it feels more solid, though the height is just about an inch shorter than the LX shifters. I do not regret getting it.

JCell, loosen the bolt on the bushings a lil bit and see if that helps, it shouldn't be hard like that unless your tranny is about to go. maybe you need the bronzeoil bushings from Corksport...

 

[Sir Nuke]

I too have the B&M...and I love it. The change is very noticable....the biggest difference you will notice with any short shifter is that it WILL take more effort for you to shift....since your mechanical advantage to over come the forces to engage/disengage gears has been shortened. Was it worth it? MOST CERTAINLY....

 

[Natey]

(hi) Putting in a good word for KARTBOY. Not only did they send me a SS, bushings and knob, but I got a bunch of stickers, tattoos and candy in my package, too. Also, Tom was a really cool guy when I met him at Protegefest.


Reason #2 to pick KB:

 

[mazdaspeedpower]

I do realize its a bit more effort to engage gears, but the I think it's worth it to have a shorter throw..I don't think the effort to change gears is gonna be THAT bad...or is it? Also, stupid ricer question, but my friend wants to know(seriously, I could care less) does the SS produce that little shift metal contact sound like you would hear in the crappy ricer movies...I mean fast and the furious....PS, my friend drives a civic...lol

 

[laracroft]

lol @ F&F ricer

I still have my stock shifter. I'll be looking to get a short shifter, but I'm undecided on which one to get as well. I do occasionally have the bad luck *cough, cough* of missing a gear when downshifting from 5th to 4th sometimes. And from 5th to 3rd. Usually it's when I'm throwing in a hurry. Luckily it's only happened two or three times since I've had my car.

 

[mp3girly]

I've got B&M and I heart it, to the max. My shift knob is still a bit tall, so it's hard to see the difference, but it makes every shift feel a billion times sexier. Fo' sho.

 

[mazdaspeedpower]

Cool, thanks for the replies guys, gonna add another question to the pile I already have though...when I get a SS, what brand would you recommend/not recommend, and is there anything aside from the SS i should get at the same time to maximize the experience....ie an extras not included with the SS, but related to it.

 

[Pretzellogic]

I would reccomend the Kartboy SS. I have one and love it.

Regardless of which SS kit you get, pick up a set of Kartboy bushings. Really improves the feel, and you will be less likely to miss a shift.

 

[mazdaspeedpower]

I would reccomend the Kartboy SS. I have one and love it.

Regardless of which SS kit you get, pick up a set of Kartboy bushings. Really improves the feel, and you will be less likely to miss a shift.

Thank you, yes, when I get my SS, I will be getting the bushings..thanks for the help..I knew there was something I was forgetting..lol...but if there is anything else out there available to improve the SS, lets here it guys...thanks for refreshing my memory pretz

 

[Leppy]

LOL at ricer question... my B&M with stock bushings does make a lil louder sound when it engages.. so.. yes, it does. hehe.

speaking of rice, those TypeS LED color changing shift knobs that they sell at Advanced Auto and most auto-parts places are really high quality. I installed it, and made sure all the hex bolts are tightened. It's really solid and matches my LX interior quite nicely. I'll get pictures of it Sunday @ the photoshoot.

 

[mp3girly]

Yep, bushings go hand in hand with a short shifter. To maximize the effect, grab yourself a short shift knob, too.

 

[mazdaowner123]

Change the tranny fluid as well. I'm going to get the Kartboy Bushings and some Redline MT-90. I just installed my B&M shifter tonight and I love it. The shifts are so great now. I really like the fact that it raised the shifter up a little bit. It's much nicer to shifter now without having to go down to your feet for find the shifter.

~brian

 

[Glowmunkey]

I do realize its a bit more effort to engage gears, but the I think it's worth it to have a shorter throw..I don't think the effort to change gears is gonna be THAT bad...or is it? Also, stupid ricer question, but my friend wants to know(seriously, I could care less) does the SS produce that little shift metal contact sound like you would hear in the crappy ricer movies...I mean fast and the furious....PS, my friend drives a civic...lol

Punch your friend in the head.

 

[Cellerator]

B&M is the way to go? I've been disputing between the TWM shifter or B&M shifter. Please help.

 

[hello2000]

I am thinking of getting the kartboy short shifter. Can you use the 2003.5 MSP shift knob?

 

[enigM@]

Punch your friend in the head.

haha, sorry that made me laugh

 

[mazdaspeedpower]

Punch your friend in the head.

I wanted to...and then I did when he said I should get neons for the car...what a dill-hole. He's always saying we should race too...sometimes I wonder if he realizes his civic only has 105hp...stupid stock street racer boi...oh well, he's still a good guy, and my friend..but a ricer he is.