Shifter and Bushings

[Glave]

Probably covered before but hey the search didn't find what I wanted and figured I'd start one again.

What are the advantages of replacing the stock shifter with an adjustable one like the Cobb?

I understand the advantages of replacing the bushings. Is there something I am not aware of that would make a big difference replacing both shifter and bushings?

Question comes because I am considering replacing bushings and leaving stock shifter.

 

[CHIEFSMS3]

The bushings will get rid of some of the slop from the shifter.
An upgraded motor mount will help the shifter feel also.
I have the shifter bushings and a TRZ motor mount and my shifting feels very solid.
These two upgrades help minimize the notchy feeling.

 

[Glave]

The bushings will get rid of some of the slop from the shifter.

Have you kept your stock shifter?

 

[mazdaspeedster3]

All is true, only adding the shifter will shorten your throws by up to 30%. I have the TWM shifter and bushings. I did the bushings first to feel the difference and it was helpful, however, the shifter is by far the greatest additive to the package. The MM does help as well but not as much as the shifter. The throws on the stock shifter are long and third gear is ugly. The short shifter helps reduce throw and makes 3rd a more natural shift while the bushings and MM make it crisp.

 

[phillyb]

i started with grinding my stock metal inserts, which basically has the same effect as upgraded bushings. this made a difference with the slopiness of shifting.

then i added the twm shifter to the situation and it makes a HUGE DIFFERENCE. shifting feels more precise, and going from 2nd to 3rd isn't as unsettling.

i've yet to put in real twm bushings, but i have them sitting in my car waiting to be installed

 

[CHIEFSMS3]

Have you kept your stock shifter?

Yes I still have the stock shifter.
Since installing the TRZ MM I don't have any issues shifting.
For some the TRZ vibrations are too much but for me I can live with some vibrations to get shifts that feel right.
Definitely get the shifter bushings and a motor mount before you spend your money on a short shifter.
You might find that you can spend that shifter money on something else.
That's my $.02 worth.

 

[CWPspeed3]

When I ordered mine I received the wrong bushings at first so I only had the short shifter in, it was bad, being that short and rubbery it made the shifts way more annoying. Bushings with the stock shifter shouldnt be too bad, its just a longer throw. I just recently saw a friend of mine whose still stock and I almost forgot how huge the stock shifter is.

As for the cobb vs twm, i have no idea. Something about an adjustable shifter doesnt sound right to me though.

 

[BritishGuy]

If you want to feel like you're rowing a boat when you're changing gears, stick with the stock shifter

 

[mazdaspeedster3]

To Matts point it is pretty unbeleiveable how long that stock shifter is, incredible. I actually had to take pictures of it so I could look back and laugh.

 

[lancerdood]

Can you post that picture of the stock shifter you were laughing at and post a picture of the new one too?? I was also interested in doing the shifter swap as well....but to me it's kinda pricey.

I guess I will do a search as well.....but what's the deal with the MM?? It actually causes more vibration but helps to keep the motor more solid so shifting improves??? I assume the vibration is at idle.....how bad is it??? Screw-loosening vibration or just the wife's battery operated type of vibration??? (braindead

 

[CWPspeed3]

I'll work on some pictures but to describe its just shy of 2" shorter.

The stock mm is very weak and causes your engine to rock back and forth a lot, some people with upgraded tmic have heard it smack into the hood because it moves so much. The upgraded mm makes it more solid and transfers power better to the road making the car feel more responsive. The vibrations are at start up and idle, or if you wind it up to 5k and just let off the gas. I dont think they are bad at all, I really like them, I wouldnt know about your wifes battery operated types but its not bone jarring or screw loosening. Just my opinion, a lot of people on this forum hate the vibrations, but hell its a sports hatch not a luxury car.

 

[phillyb]

i like the vibrations as well. i also have the trz mount.

sts is worth every PENNY!
i had the stock shifter for a year, and then upgraded to the twm sts and holy s*** did it make a difference. i don't have the bushings installed yet, but i grinded the stock inserts.

the sts is worth every penny


EDIT - just installed my bushings and all i have to say now, is that shifting is improved a million times over stock. get the bushings first and then get a ******* sts

 

[Glave]

Thanks for all the feed back folks!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Silver Ecstasy]

I'm extremely pleased with my stock shifter after my shifter bushing install tonight!

Prior to the bushings, I was real hesitant as the stock shifter was a bit unpredictable. I didn't know what to expect at each light, whether it would feel notchy, or whether it'd fight with me a tad.

After the bushing install (which at first didn't seem like it'd do much..), I drive much more confidently going forward. Each gear is completely solid with little concern for the path or direction being incorrect, and i'm extremely excited about it going forward. This may help me avoid spending the extra $ on the TWM SS since I can drive the car just fine. But I won't leave the option out since I have driven the car with the TWM SS and it's got great short throws

 

[GBean]

I loved my Kartboy shifter and bushings. Too bad my protege is gone...