JBR short shift plate and weighted shifter review

[the.jack]

I just installed the JBR "complete shift kit" which includes the weighted handle and the short shift plate and block (all hardware included). Installation instructions on the website were spot on and I just took my time and followed them (not like me). Everything went fine as far as that goes. The most difficult aspect was tightening the plate and block together "evenly" since there are only three bolts making a "star pattern" impossible. I got the farthest apart ones down snug, tightened the "middle" one then continued the pattern until all was tight.

In terms of feel, lateral distances are maintained (the selector is not affected by the plate installation) the kit only affects fore-aft shifting distances. I'm not sure I'd try this kit without the weighted handle; as expected the engagement is a bit more difficult. With the handle it's well balanced on gears one through four. Going to fifth is stiff though. I'm hoping a fluid change later this year will smooth that out a bit. But, again, 1 - 4 is nice. Despite fifth, reverse doesn't seem to feel too much different, but that one was always a little stiffer than the rest so maybe I just expected it so it's less of a surprise.

My only only negative is the shape of the knob. I would have preferred the top where it crowns flat to the pattern area be rounded smoothly as opposed to the trapezoid profile. It would be more comfortable. It's not terrible, but it's not ideal either. I like the crinkle black finish (look and feel) and the weight makes shifting and even makes the whole car feel both upscale and sportier. It's amazing how little things can affect your overall impressions.

I'd do the plate again as opposed to a "real kit" as I think I've gotten as much out of this trans as I need, but I think I'd look for a different weight knob, something with a smoother, rounder shape even if that means it would be a little more "traditional" or "boring".

 

[the.jack]

After driving with this combination for a while I've found coming out of reverse (miles have shown me it is worse than before) or 5th to be especially cumbersome. The weight of the knob and the "stickiness" of those two selections in particular result in very deliberate movements and I would often "overshoot" coming out and partially enter a gear on the other side or bounce off the dead space between gears. Even after switching to Ford "Honey" (synthetic manual trans fluid), I still removed the knob and put the stock one back on.

Having said that, selections being stiffer than before the feel and movement is an _improvement_ from stock with the short shift kit. The stock knob actually results in more feel and gives more positive shift engagement. The extra weight of the heavy shift knob seemed to isolate me from feeling the transmission and was balky and unpleasant. I definitely prefer the increased effort over the decreased tactile information.

I'm not intending to knock JBR, here. I love the rear anti-sway bar as it has really livened up the car. The JBR bar is also the best rear ASB deal going at $195 shipped. And the short shift plate kit works great for a lot less money than a "more complete" kit with great instructions for a fairly easy installation. That plate and block kit is a little engineering marvel really, ingenious in its simplicity... But the knob is a no-go in my book.

I started out thinking the short shift kit would be a nightmare without the heavy knob, but now feel it is more of a choice: do one or the other, but not both. The knob without the short shift kit (I ran that for a few days) was nice, although see my early comments for shape and comfort.

As always, "Your Mileage May Vary".

 

[Silentnoise713]

I started out thinking the short shift kit would be a nightmare without the heavy knob, but now feel it is more of a choice: do one or the other, but not both. The knob without the short shift kit (I ran that for a few days) was nice, although see my early comments for shape and comfort.

Nice review! I think I may have to consider a nicely weighted knob. I get lazy sometimes and don’t always use my palm and instead my fingers and release too early in anticipation. The knob should help with my throws. I did not consider a short shift kit b/c I think the stock clutch pedal stroke is too long. I've read from the Mz3 forum that the MS3 clutch slave has a large bore and (I think, can't recall if ture) shorter stroke (they are definately different parts). I wanted to buy it when I bought my calipers but the item did not add to my cart and I had this whole mix up with the vendor who wanted me to pay separate shipping for the single item, which I did not want to do. Do you have any good (yet affordable) knob recommendation? I like plain old fashion, nothing funky, and function over form.

 

[the.jack]

The MS3's clutch stroke is not super short, but the actual "bite length" - if you will - is pretty short. It has a great feel but quite a bit of dead space. I don't know about interchangability. I wanted to see if the stock MS3 clutch kit would work for the MZ5, but haven't gotten to that point yet. Hoping for an option between bone-stock clutch and a $400 racing kit, you know? The shift throw on an MS3 is not short either. For a car of it's sporting nature it's rather long. Nice weight (on the heavy end) and engagement, but definitely not short. I have other comments about it, but out of scope here.

It sounds like any weighted option would work for you, though since I know you have already changed the fluid over. TVM Performance makes some nice-looking but not over the top, albeit expensive knobs. JBR wins the weight game though and the knob is cheaper. If you aren't going to grasp it full palm then the edges probably aren't going to be an issue of comfort for you. The crinkly finish give it good friction too, whereas most of the TVM stuff is very smooth, which would also help with fingertip control. I also liked that it [JBR knob] wasn't flashy or "tuner"-looking and with the white text (said silver on the order...? Other option is red) matches well with the black and white interior of the black cloth in my 5. If you don't do the short shift, it's still an option, I think.

 

[phunky.buddha]

So only the fore/aft throw changes? I think that would be a little weird to me- I'd expect my short shifters to reduce all motion, just not in one direction. Did you have another short shift kit before the plate mod?

 

[the.jack]

I was concerned that I'd find the fore/aft versus lateral movement difference odd, but I don't at all. I'm not sure I'd have even picked up on it if I wasn't the one to install it. The plate and block only install on one of the selectors, thus it only affects one axis.

If you lived close by, I'd be happy to give you a test drive!

The only other short shift kit I've installed in my life was on the Ford MTX75 trans in a Contour SVT. Not much of a point of comparison.

 

[phunky.buddha]

Ah ok, so no short shifter kit in the 5. Maybe I'll fab up my own... if I'm in NY I'll drop you a line.

 

[Charcoal]

I installed the short shift plate in my 5 also. I do like shorter throws but it does get a bit stiff in the 5th and reverse gears. I have been playing with different knobs to get a good balance between ease of shifting and feel. I do think a lot of it is a matter of preference. I ended up with a Garagestar 2.75" shift extender and TWM knob. I think the stock knob is roughly 200 grams, the JBR is 600, and the one Im using is in the middle at 400.

 

[Indelibility]

Have you guys adjusted the shifter? Follow his guide, I did and going into 5th and reverse feels like stock again.

http://jamesbaroneracing.com/support/FineTune.htm

 

[chandlerGTi]

I had to have 1st and 2nd replaced as well as the 2nd synchro. Service manager said it was the short shifter not being aligned correctly, make sure you align it correctly. It is a great item on the 6 spd for dang sure.