Mazda6 Sportshift

[Mr Bear]

I have a 2004 Mazda6i with a manual 5 speed. I have never been crazy about the long throw of the shift.

Mazda sells a Sportshift (Part # GRMS-8M-H12) for about $200. The Service Dept of my dealship has never installed one. They would have to open up the kit before they could give me an installation price. Of course the unit is special order and is therefore non-refundable so if I don't install it I would have to eat it.

So my questions are:

1) Has anyone ever had one of these puppies installed?

2) If so, Is it a major job and How did you like the results?

Thanks

 

[jsherrill28]

lots of people have done this. it is rather easy to do it yourself. one note, once you change to the sport shifter you CANNOT go back to the oem shifter. attached is a pdf.file of the install instructions. also, if you search for rosenthal mazda (located in virginia) or showcase mazda (located in arizona) you'll find they sell it for ~$150

 

[Mr Bear]

Thanks for the information the instructions were VERY helpful. I might still have the dealership install it since I am all thumbs and I have not got a nice warm garage to work in. It looks like someone with any mechanical ability should be able to knock it out in a couple of hours tops.

However, do you have any opinion or know of someone who feels it was worth the time and effort?

Thanks

 

[genericuser]

Are you going to Kennedy Mazda in Conshy?

 

[jsherrill28]

install could take up to 2hrs, but as you can see from the directions, it isn't difficult. from the reviews i have read from others, they love it. they estimate it reduces throws by ~40% (yet retains the actual height of the oem shifter) and that shifting is very smooth. some also recommend using redline mtx fluid as a nice combination to increase the performance of the ss.

 

[70]

That's interesting that you cannot go back to stock after the switch.

 

[jsherrill28]

That's interesting that you cannot go back to stock after the switch.

well, i guess nothing is impossible but it would require welding the cut oem one. plus, from those i talk to, there is no reason to go back!

 

[70]

well, i guess nothing is impossible but it would require welding the cut oem one. plus, from those i talk to, there is no reason to go back!

Ture about no reason to go back. I just think its strange that you have to cut things off in order to put it in.

Does it feel nice though? Cleaner, shorter shifts?

 

[jsherrill28]

i personally do not have one *yet*. still trying to convince the fiancee but here is a link from the mazda6 forums from a member review:
link
to answer your question, definitely smoother, noticabely shorter shifts.