Mazda 3 Mazdaspeed short shifter questions

[miata_racer]

I didn't see the answer to these questions anywhere....so I'll ask here. I am wondering if the overall height of the Mazdaspeed shifter is shorter. I remember the Mazdaspeed Protege's "short shifter" and I hated it. It was like 2in shorter in height than I wanted.

I just want a shorter throw, not a shorter height. 1/2" or less.

Here's a pic of the shifter in question

And the link to the info:
http://www.buymazdaparts.com/parts.cfm?id=GRMS-8M-L11&modelcode=m3s&catid=7

 

[enganear]

I didn't see the answer to these questions anywhere....so I'll ask here. I am wondering if the overall height of the Mazdaspeed shifter is shorter. I remember the Mazdaspeed Protege's "short shifter" and I hated it. It was like 2in shorter in height than I wanted.

I just want a shorter throw, not a shorter height. 1/2" or less.

Here's a pic of the shifter in question

And the link to the info:
http://www.buymazdaparts.com/parts.cfm?id=GRMS-8M-L11&modelcode=m3s&catid=7

All of the "short shifters" I have seen marketed reduce throw by reducing shift lever length. I share your dislike of this method. If you are mechanically inclined, go to the How To forum and check out the excellent Rotus write-up on shortening the fore-aft throw by relocating the cable end on the transmission. This is the intelligent solution.

While you are there, check out the free alternative to shifter bushings that I posted.

Try removing the mass attached to the linkage for a major improvement in shift feel.

Try the cheap stuff first. (alright)
-enganear

 

[ericrapp]

Deer Engineer, I saved your excellent ,low budget shifter mods and look forward to implementing them come spring. Good stuff. Miata racer check it out

 

[Falconx84]

FYI this will not fit the ms3.... this is a mazdaspeed upgrade for the reg 3. there is no mazdaspeed upgrade for the ms3.

reg3 is a 5spd, ms3 is 6spd and the one pictured does not have the reverse lockout mechanism

 

[blue-sun]

FWIW

When I test drove a MS3 last weekend the Shifter felt alot like the TRD short shifter in my MR2 and made me want to get one in the MP3 if i don't get a MS3. I really liked the length of the throws on the MS3. the location of the shifter was too far back in the center console for my liking.

 

[enganear]

FWIW

the location of the shifter was too far back in the center console for my liking.

I agree. I removed and recurved the shift lever using a vise and a piece of pipe. I relocated the shift pattern forward and to the left.
-enganear

 

[jp928]

shifter

Enganear, can I ask whats involved in removing the shifter (assuming you speak of the new 09 3?). I agree the shifter is too far back - even my wife's elbow keeps hitting the centre cubby lid when pulling into even no gears.
tks
jp

 

[ericrapp]

Jp, welcome! Dig around in the how to section here. That might be a good start