B&M installed

[PR5hokie]

Finally installed my short shifter. Pretty straightforward for the most part. FYI if you're planning to install make sure you have retaining ring pliers before you start. Had trouble getting the retaining ring to seat properly on final portion of install. A small tap with a screwdriver and hammer did the job nicely. Haven't gotten a chance to test drive it yet because it decided to downpour as I finished the job. Want to wait for the weather to clear so I can have a bit more fun.

To people with short shift installed:
Does the shifting become any smoother as you drive with it? It is transitioning between gears and I realize it is supposed to require a bit more effort, but was curious if it "loosens" up a bit.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!

 

[Don]

Mine was a bit "notchier" than I liked when I first installed it, and I believe it has loosened up a bit over the last 3 to 4K - I still don't like the 5th down to 4th shift at all, but I've learned to live with it.

The B&M can't really be blamed - It's just accurately relaying back the "feel" from the transmission. It's just "notchy" because there is now zero slop where there used to be tons of it.

Don

 

[tom@kartboy.com]

that badboy needs some shifter bushings

 

[adrianblack]

I put the Kartboy bushings in my MP3 today and all I can say is:

WOW

Shift action is 100% better! I would recommend this to everyone. Easy to install and cheap. Mazda should do this to all the Protege's.

Pros:

Cheap
GREAT shift action

Cons:

NONE

 

[tom@kartboy.com]

I put the Kartboy bushings in my MP3 today and all I can say is:

WOW

Shift action is 100% better! I would recommend this to everyone. Easy to install and cheap. Mazda should do this to all the Protege's.

Pros:

Cheap
GREAT shift action

Cons:

NONE

NO they shouldnt!!! then where does that leave me???
LOL

 

[Syzygy]

NO they shouldnt!!! then where does that leave me???
LOL

Right, guys...take pity on the aftermarket salesman. After all, the more parts Mazda leaves off, the more "unique" our cars can become.