Short Shifter

[cwink]

I'm interested in buying a short shifter for my P5 and I think I am going to get a TWM if I end up buying one. However, I have a couple of questions and am wondering if anyone has experienced this upgrade (or not) has any input.

First off, how much do the bushings and weighted shift knob improve performance? I think I am going to get the bushing, because of the recommendation of my brother, but I am not sure about the knob. From a purely cosmetic point of view, I think it would look nice, but I don't want to shell out $85 on the knob for _only_ appearance improvement. Does it make the shifts easier, smoother, more precise?

Also, how does the stock shift boot look with the extra 2" of slack. I don't want to buy the shifter without the boot and then find out that it looks like crap and have to shell out another $10 for shipping. (Any pictures?)

Now, for installation, TWM provides seemingly in detail instructions on how to install the new shifter. I am wondering, as someone with limited mechanical knowledge if this is going to be something I can do by myself. Oh, and what the kind of pliers i need? Is there anything specific about it or is it a common tool?

Thanks in advance.

 

[mx-p5]

i currently have the full deal TWM setup

Short shifter, knob, bushing, and boot.

The shift bushing makes shifting SOLID! I mean, SOLID! There is no guessing if you're in gear or not.

If you're gonna do the bushing DO THE KNOB! Gives a little more to the shift.
havn't been in a car with stock knob with bushing. I just know my shifter is a beast compared to thes tock setup.

I forgot how soft the stock stuff was, till i drove JC-mp5's car last weekend

If all you're doing is just dialy driving to work and back, just go with the shifter and you'll be fine.

It will not look so hot with the stock boot. Your shifter will look uncircumcised

TWM's install instructions are a breeze. Only thing is buy some snap ring pliers.

 

[nilsonov]

cwink, I have a short shifter on my p5 and want the stock. I have no clue what brand it is, (came w/ car), but I wouldn't mind trading for stock. I prefer the softy.

 

[cwink]

cwink, I have a short shifter on my p5 and want the stock. I have no clue what brand it is, (came w/ car), but I wouldn't mind trading for stock. I prefer the softy.

I think I am going to keep mine, at least for a little after I get the short shifter to make sure I want to keep it, so a trade doesn't seem possible.

@pro5x2:
what are snap ring pliers? how are they different and are they common @ say a Lowe's or would it be an CAP part?

just wondering, what knob did you get / do you have any pics?

EDIT: looked at mod list, is that the Desert Eagle or Classic? and WTF is up with Hello Kitty floor mats, lol

 

[bgibb68]

snap ring pliers you can buy anywhere that sells hand tools....

 

[hondajunkie01]

and WTF is up with Hello Kitty floor mats, lol

the man likes hello kitty what can he say haha

im pretty sure that's his wife's car

 

[mx-p5]

yeah, that's the wife's car if you read the lists. lol

and i think it's the classic knob. i'll have to check

 

[hondajunkie01]

It will not look so hot with the stock boot. Your shifter will look uncircumcised

i believe the term is ant eater haha

and there is nothing wrong some extra skin , just got to remember to clean under it hahaha

 

[cwink]

i know it is his wife's car, but still


@pro5x2:
could you upload a pic of the knob from the side, I like the overall shape of the classic/DE, but they seem a little too tall and it is hard to gauge without a pic.

 

[mx-p5]

She's also had a Mazdaspeed Hello Kitty badge on the back


it's her car, she can do to it what she chooses.


Have you ever had a girlfriend? Not mean to be mean, but, girls like girly stuff in their cars.......

 

[cwink]

haha, yes they do, but they don't usually put rims on them too.

 

[rooster1]

my girl has rims on her car. guess who put em there? yea me. lol... i want a twm SS an knob! =(

 

[cwink]

i want a twm SS an knob! =(

buy one
I think I am going to get the A6 leopard (non-engraved) when I eventually man-up and buy this.

 

[rooster1]

^i would if i could. broke as a joke man. lol. i dont remember the name but i think i like the Piston. but ehhh seems a little bulky. but i know i DEFF want the shift pattern engraved. little sticker on the stock one is all rubbd off.

 

[SpeedToBleed]

I just did this full TWM mod a couple weeks ago and love it!
But honestly I don't even know what exactly the bushings do. And even thought I love the looks / feel of the knob I don't know how different it would be without it. You can find a weighted knob cheaper such as the Greedy one, but I decided to spend a few bucks more and get the M1 Abrams. Mainly due to looks and the fact that that knob would sit lower then any others that I saw.
IMO I say get the boot and knob, do it right the first time and you won't have regrets later and or have to spend more money on it.

Also it's not the hardest thing to do should only take a few hours at most. Especially if you get the snap ring pliers first (unlike me). Just make sure the car is cooled down before starting, since you'll be working around the exhaust pipes.

 

[BoostedPR5]

I have TWM, short shift bushing weighted knob etc. it shifts so much nicer then a normal shifter. I would hate to drive without one now.

 

[raserx]

I bought the B&M shifter & it is a huge improvement over stock. My spacer under the ball is a piece of the stock knob. I cut it apart and used the inside.

 

[poison]

cwink, I have a short shifter on my p5 and want the stock. I have no clue what brand it is, (came w/ car), but I wouldn't mind trading for stock. I prefer the softy.

O? Hmm. (boom03)

 

[poison]

I just did this full TWM mod a couple weeks ago and love it!
But honestly I don't even know what exactly the bushings do. And even thought I love the looks / feel of the knob I don't know how different it would be without it. You can find a weighted knob cheaper such as the Greedy one, but I decided to spend a few bucks more and get the M1 Abrams. Mainly due to looks and the fact that that knob would sit lower then any others that I saw.
IMO I say get the boot and knob, do it right the first time and you won't have regrets later and or have to spend more money on it.

Also it's not the hardest thing to do should only take a few hours at most. Especially if you get the snap ring pliers first (unlike me). Just make sure the car is cooled down before starting, since you'll be working around the exhaust pipes.

Holy wow, ginormous knob, there!

 

[MazdaSpeeder]

I've got the Greddy Counterweight knob and Kartboy (now Corksport) SS and I really like the combo. The Greddy is smaller than the TWM but substantial, and it only costs about $42. I'll hunt down a pic and post it later if I can find one.

Did anyone know Greddy just reorganized under chapter 11? I just saw a press release on their website.