Custom Short Shifter Help

[Gno1316]

If i cut the stem/handle down about 1" will that be the same as buying a short shifter?

 

[4pistons]

Basically, yes. And its alot cheaper too. Put a shorter shift knob on it too and you'll see a big difference.

Rick - '91 GSX

 

[Gno1316]

thanks

 

[Defiant]

No. A short shifter leaves the shift knob about where it was, but raises the fulcrum point of the lever and lengthens the lower end. This change in leverage brings about a true short shift.

Yes, cutting a shifter lever and either re-threading it or welding the threads back on will make the distance your hand moves shorter, but the effort at the knob will be somewhat increased.

You may not want to go so short as an inch to start out with. Try cutting the lever down by no more than 1½" to start with.

 

[Gno1316]

Thanks again, i kinda figured there would be more to a short shifter then just a shorter handle...

 

[4pistons]

No. A short shifter leaves the shift knob about where it was, but raises the fulcrum point of the lever and lengthens the lower end. This change in leverage brings about a true short shift.

It also increases the travel of the lower end which can jam or break shift forks if not adjusted properly. Not the best way to go.

Yes, cutting a shifter lever and either re-threading it or welding the threads back on will make the distance your hand moves shorter

That is the whole point of a "short-throw" shifter. The shorter the throw, the faster the shift, the less you have to move your hand. You are not necessarily looking for added leverage, it's easy enough to move even cut down. I've had mine cut for four years, drive it every day, and the only thing I ever notice about it is that my hand moves alot less. There is no "noticable" increase in effort.

IMHO cutting the lever down is a very effective, cheap mod.

Rick - '91 GSX

 

[Defiant]

quote:
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No. A short shifter leaves the shift knob about where it was, but raises the fulcrum point of the lever and lengthens the lower end. This change in leverage brings about a true short shift.
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Originally posted by 4pistons
It also increases the travel of the lower end which can jam or break shift forks if not adjusted properly. Not the best way to go.

I've heard of this being an issue with the Pace Setter and OBX, but not the [hideously expensive, but flawless quality] B&M

IMHO cutting the lever down is a very effective, cheap mod.

Yeah, I cut my first one in '73. But never so short as an inch-and-a-half.

 

[4pistons]

never so short as an inch-and-a-half

I think he meant to cut 1" out of it, not down to 1". That would be very short.

Rick - '91 GSX

 

[Defiant]

Originally posted by 4pistons
I think he meant to cut 1" out of it, not down to 1". That would be very short.

Oh, you're right. Duh from here, sorry.

 

[dark_Controller]

I was just wondering what a short shifter does exactly. I was wondering because the way you shift a dsm makes it feel like you are trying to reach the engine, and i would like it to be closer to my 240sx, which feels very short.

 

[Injected]

How do you mean "reach the engine"? Are you referring to the position of the shifter or the throw? A "Short Shifter" (SS) does not necessarily lower the position of the shifter, but merely the throw by changing the pivot point. An example of this would be the B&M SS. Others merely shorten the position of the shifter, like the chopped shifters.

 

[SUPER fly TSI]

would a 2g short throw shifter fit a 1g?

 

[Defiant]

i would like it to be closer to my 240sx, which feels very short.

You won't get there. DSMs have cable shifters, and that just can't be done as well as a shifter that's integrated into the case of the gearbox.
What a true short shifter does is raise the fulcrum point of the lever so that the knob doesn't have to travel as far to move the shifter end the same difference. You can gain some benefit in feel by shortening the shifter lever above the fulcrum, but the effect isn't as pronounced.

Look for the clone of the B&M short shifter on eBay.

 

[Defiant]

would a 2g short throw shifter fit a 1g?

No. I don't know if you could machine it to fit, as I don't know what the differences are.

 

[Lilni]

has anyone found a really good short shift kit? any brands youd reccomend?

 

[ChrisFlo]

B&M

 

[hystericfox]

B&M, underhood & plate bushings.

 

[Sic95gst]

I have the B&M knockoff from ebay, Symborski Shifter bushings. The only problem with the knockoff is you can't use the stock knob because the shifter has different threads, but it comes with a shift knob.

 

[trbotaln]

I did the Vfaq, and I just cut a section out and rewelded it. Honestly It feels awesome and it didn't cost me anything. It made my shifter feel more solid and nice and short.

 

[Injected]

You won't get there. DSMs have cable shifters, and that just can't be done as well as a shifter that's integrated into the case of the gearbox.
What a true short shifter does is raise the fulcrum point of the lever so that the knob doesn't have to travel as far to move the shifter end the same difference. You can gain some benefit in feel by shortening the shifter lever above the fulcrum, but the effect isn't as pronounced.

Look for the clone of the B&M short shifter on eBay.

Do you ever get tired of answering this one, Defiant? I swear, you should keep a document with this answer and when it comes up, copy/paste that sucker.

 

[KAOTIC95gst]

B&M w/ symborski bushings

 

[Defiant]

The eBay B&M clone.

 

[Thomas91169]

OBX short throw

 

[Defiant]

Do you ever get tired of answering this one, Defiant? I swear, you should keep a document with this answer and when it comes up, copy/paste that sucker.

 

[zachakagoat]

Get the B&M Clone its GrEaT! There is no reason to pay that outragous price for the actual B&M Shifter when the ONLY difference is the threads, and the shift knob that comes with it feels pretty damn good so no need to whine about the stock shifter knob. B&M Clone at 50% that's my .02