TWM Performance Mazda 3 shifter on the way

[TWM Performance]

We were down at our Mazda dealership last Friday to look at the 3 for potential short throw shift kit development. The session went very well and we're finishing up our design for the first prototype right now. The way things are looking it's going to be a great part, there's PLENTY of room for improvement over the stock setup. We'll be looking at the 6 and RX-8 next week.

I'll try and keep you all updated on the progress and we should have something ready for release within the next couple of months.

Thanks,

Karel Wegert
TWM Performance

 

[Jliao]

Sweet! I can find some buyers for the 6. I believe there are good amount of people on mazda6club looking for short shifter! including me~

 

[04Titanium]

We were down at our Mazda dealership last Friday to look at the 3 for potential short throw shift kit development. The session went very well and we're finishing up our design for the first prototype right now. The way things are looking it's going to be a great part, there's PLENTY of room for improvement over the stock setup. We'll be looking at the 6 and RX-8 next week.

I'll try and keep you all updated on the progress and we should have something ready for release within the next couple of months.

Thanks,

Karel Wegert
TWM Performance

I'd be happy to test the shifter out for a discount while it is in the testing phase.

 

[TWM Performance]

Good to hear! We haven't seen the assembly from the 6 yet but we're quite sure it'll be the same as the 3.

 

[Jliao]

Excellent. I've talked to kartboy, but they said it would be hard to make an actual shifter (don't know why), they were planning on making a bracket for shorter throw. Though, I'm sure majority of people would rather get an actual shifter. I'm looking forward to see them!

 

[TWM Performance]

Excellent. I've talked to kartboy, but they said it would be hard to make an actual shifter (don't know why), they were planning on making a bracket for shorter throw. Though, I'm sure majority of people would rather get an actual shifter. I'm looking forward to see them!

Right now it looks like we'll be making a full replacement shifter, its the best way to go. We'll also be including a set of aluminum bushings to replace the soft rubber bushings which mount the shift assembly to the floorpan. This will stiffen up shifting and really give you that sports car, mechanical feel. We do this on all of our celica and Tiburon kits and it works wonderfully. We're really excited about this product...

I'll get some pics up as soon as I can.

Thanks,

Karel @ TWM

 

[NYguyinNC]

Very Nice! Please let me know when it is done or if you need anyone to test them. This is the only part I want for my Mazda 3.

Please keep me updated.

 

[Jliao]

Karel,

Now I'm really looking forward to see the shifter after you describe it. I can't wait to have my 6 with shorter throw, better looking (shorter), and softer shifting.

Thanks

 

[jjac28]

I've read that short shifters destroy the synchros with time.
Thats what prevents some people from buying one...


Am I correct in saying this? (uhm)


I want to get one for my P5 but I really dont want any problems.

 

[TWM Performance]

I've read that short shifters destroy the synchros with time.
Thats what prevents some people from buying one...


Am I correct in saying this? (uhm)


I want to get one for my P5 but I really dont want any problems.

One of the oldest and most incorrect myths regarding short shifters is that they are harder on your synchros than the stock shifter. As I'm sure most of you know, a short shifter reduces the distance that your shifter needs to travel in order to fully engage a gear. The gear engagement is still complete and the mechanics behind gear selection are unchanged. What does change is the time it takes your hand to complete the movement.

What many people don't realize is that having a short shifter in your car requires you to modify the way you drive. Hand to foot timing needs to be adjusted and just because the shifter is not traveling as far doesn't mean that it requires twice as much force during shifting. 99% of instances where synchros are damaged after the installation of a short shifter are a result of extremely hard driving or "power shifting". These are the people who think that they need to cram the shifter into gear twice as hard and twice as fast just because its a short shifter.

My best advice after installing a short shifter is to make sure you have fresh transmission fluid and take a few weeks to become accustomed to the shifter before any spirited runs.

 

[FC3s Boy]

keep us posted on the 3 and the 6 , as for the rx8 we have one for a shop and the throw is pretty short I can't see any reason for it to be any shorter throw- thanks chris

 

[jjac28]

thanks for the reply. theres a lot of false information out there.
it's good to get that cleared up!
thanks(2thumbs)

 

[TWM Performance]

keep us posted on the 3 and the 6 , as for the rx8 we have one for a shop and the throw is pretty short I can't see any reason for it to be any shorter throw- thanks chris

Will do, I haven't personally driven the RX-8 yet but in past experience there's always room for improvement

 

[FC3s Boy]

Will do, I haven't personally driven the RX-8 yet but in past experience there's always room for improvement

If anyone can do it you guys can, keep us posted