which short shifter

[mazdaowner123]

Geat thread, keep posting opinions.

~brian

 

[tracknfield423]

think i'm ganna go with the B&M

 

[unwound]

i have a kartboy installed on my msp and i love it. just a tad shorter than stock but definitely worth the money

 

[mazdaowner123]

think i'm ganna go with the B&M

Same, seems to be the only one that raises the shifter height, which I like.

~brian

 

[mzdmark]

you can ask kartboy to thread the shifter to fit the stock knob or just buy theirs...

You don't have to ask Kartboy to thread it anymore. They just released their MSP lever which allows you to keep the stock Sparco knob.

 

[accuser]

Kartboy is the way to go... i just ordered my shifter with the bushings on monday ... got them wendsday (i'm in jersey they are in cali) so that was pretty quick... i installed the short shifter... but havent' installed the bushings yet (can't find my damn 14 mm) what a freakin difference the kart boy shifter is over the stock shifter... huge huge difference... my shift knob is almost inside the freakin center console... feels like my z3 did... i suggest this shifter over any other shifter if you want to get that really nice short throw feel...
-pedro

ps. the shifter install took about 30 minutes... if it wasn't for the damn retainer clip would have been done in 20 minutes

 

[Fakhelek]

Same, seems to be the only one that raises the shifter height, which I like.

~brian

So do you plan to get it just to raise the shifter, or is there some other advantage?

I think it is kinda funny that so many people want a shorter shifter. I find it hard to reach 5th gear comfortably with the stock one because it is shorter.

I actually like the shift on my '95 Probe better - longer throw, but almost no resistance so you can slam through the gears like a hot knife through butter.

Anyway, I think I might be happier with a longer shifter, but for around $100 I would like to know if there is some other advantage to replacing the lever.

 

[Wingman21]

Anybody has a pic of a short shifter installed with the 03.5 MazdaSpeed knob ?

Thanks

 

[Dr.Sound]

So do you plan to get it just to raise the shifter, or is there some other advantage?

I think it is kinda funny that so many people want a shorter shifter. I find it hard to reach 5th gear comfortably with the stock one because it is shorter.

I actually like the shift on my '95 Probe better - longer throw, but almost no resistance so you can slam through the gears like a hot knife through butter.

Anyway, I think I might be happier with a longer shifter, but for around $100 I would like to know if there is some other advantage to replacing the lever.

huge advantage.
the shifts are shorter, more percise.
there is no wobble in the lever.
it sits a little higher so your posture is better when driving.
i found myself slouching with my stock shifter.

i have a B&M with kartboy bushings

 

[Fakhelek]

huge advantage.
the shifts are shorter, more percise.
there is no wobble in the lever.
it sits a little higher so your posture is better when driving.
i found myself slouching with my stock shifter.

i have a B&M with kartboy bushings

Just so I know I have this right: The B&M has a longer shaft (lol) but still has a shorter throw? Sounds perfect for me. I'm always stretching for Fifth gear and shorter throws are always better.

Do the threads on the B&M match the stock shifter? I think I am set on getting this now, thanks to the good discussion.

P.S. Is your B&M the same as the photo? What model is it?

 

[marashka]

you can put stock shifter on B&M.

 

[Dr.Sound]

yep, stock shifter screws onto the B&M.
and that's the exact shifter i have that's on the photo.

 

[SuperSpud]

any updates on the pictures of the shifters installed in the car? I would like to see how the Kartboy looks installed..

 

[RyanJayG]

its very short, which for some is perfect, but to me its too much so... its like flipping a switch, not throwing a shifter.

 

[Vultz]

Cant believe people have trouble reaching for the stock shifter! How far do you sit back from the wheel? Should be able to hold the top of the wheel with your arm very slightly relaxed otherwise you are too far back.

 

[Fakhelek]

Cant believe people have trouble reaching for the stock shifter! How far do you sit back from the wheel? Should be able to hold the top of the wheel with your arm very slightly relaxed otherwise you are too far back.

That's the problem. I sit with my hands at 9 and 3. My elbows are bent about 45 degress out to the sides, and when I go to shift into 5th, the knob is right under my second knuckles. I want it in my palm.