Short shifters

[TWM Performance]

awesome, that may help. I may just talk the parents into doing that for me since I just spent my entire savings and then some on a new guitar. Do you have anymore pictures of the other color knobs in the 3? I have your sts and dont know if I would want the satin, flat black, or gun blue

I don't have any more pics of the different color knobs installed in the 3 right now, but pics of the 4 colors are available here: http://www.twmshiftknobs.com/shiftknobs/

They're not actually installed in a car but it should give you a pretty good idea of what the finishes look like.

Thanks,

Kevin
TWM Performance

 

[djltoronto]

I notice a huge difference with aluminum brushings

Did you install your short shifter, and then try it out, and then install the aluminum bushings so you can gauge how much of an impact the aluminum bushings made?

I am curious because I'm thinking about making some of my own, and want to know if will be worth the effort.

 

[payne]

Does that shifter feel comfortable?

 

[MazdaAxela]

Its a very comfortable shift Just to bring up an old thread

 

[BKK Jack]

Old thread, maybe, but noobs are everywhere...like me!

I will be getting a new 3 in December and would love to get a short-shifter, BUT I am um, er, vertically challenged. I'm only about 5'6" after a good night's sleep, and was wondering if the reach to the top of the shift pattern (maybe 3rd, and definitely 5th gears) might be too long for someone of my lack of stature. I know the throws will be shorter, but the knob will also be lower. Do the two offset each other, or am I going to be leaning forward in my seat to engage fifth?

If TWM is still around: Are there any plans to produce a round weighted knob with a dimple pattern resembling a golf ball for us golf-nuts? If not, could one be produced as a custom job? CNC machinery should make that not to difficult.

 

[TWM Performance]

Old thread, maybe, but noobs are everywhere...like me!

I will be getting a new 3 in December and would love to get a short-shifter, BUT I am um, er, vertically challenged. I'm only about 5'6" after a good night's sleep, and was wondering if the reach to the top of the shift pattern (maybe 3rd, and definitely 5th gears) might be too long for someone of my lack of stature. I know the throws will be shorter, but the knob will also be lower. Do the two offset each other, or am I going to be leaning forward in my seat to engage fifth?

If TWM is still around: Are there any plans to produce a round weighted knob with a dimple pattern resembling a golf ball for us golf-nuts? If not, could one be produced as a custom job? CNC machinery should make that not to difficult.

Hi BKK Jack,

I can certainly understand your concern about lack of stature resulting in an uncomfortably long reach. I was part of the group who designed the Mazda 3 short shifter, and I am also under-tall at 5' 6"

Until recently our shop car was a Mazda 3 with our short shifter, and I found it very comfortable to drive almost daily. The reach to 3rd and 5th were a non issue for me. Since the throw is shorter and the knob is lower, they do offset each other and result in a pretty normal driving experience, much more enjoyable than the stock shifter as well.

We haven't considered a golf ball style shift knob, but getting a nice polished finish inside the dimples would be extremely difficult. Making a custom knob that looks like a golf ball would be very expensive.

I hope this helps, let me know if you have any more questions.

Kevin
TWM Performance

 

[BKK Jack]

Kevin,

Thanks for your response. I will be getting my new car in December, and will more than likely be visiting your site very shortly after that. Car for Christmas, and maybe SS for birthday (both within 3 days of each other)! Maybe get the SS before; I tend to be obsessive about things like this.

Cheers,
Jack

 

[TWM Performance]

Kevin,

Thanks for your response. I will be getting my new car in December, and will more than likely be visiting your site very shortly after that. Car for Christmas, and maybe SS for birthday (both within 3 days of each other)! Maybe get the SS before; I tend to be obsessive about things like this.

Cheers,
Jack

No problem, glad I could help. Just an FYI, the Mazda 3 short shifters will be on sale all next month so October may be the best time for you to pick up the short shifter.

Kevin
TWM Performance