B&M and clone short shifter 2nd gen eBay Megan [Merged 3-7]

[Nayr747]

The one I bought was just a generic copy off ebay (not the Megan, which I've heard sucks). It did come with everything you need. Like I said the hole needed to be enlarged slightly. The thing I forgot to mention is that the threads for the shift knob were not exactly the right size and were sticking out a little too far. So I just bought a die from Ace I think for a couple bucks. That, some oil, and like 20 min fixed it. I think the various knockoffs on ebay are slightly different. I'm sure some have the correct threads.

It's still working great though, shifting smooth, after probably a year or so. It's been a while since I've done any research on shifters, but from what I remember most people were happy with their knockoffs. And I think you can buy something like 5 of the knockoffs for the price of a real B&M. I would say it's a very good deal...but then again mine hasn't broken.

 

[SpawnedX]

So I know this post is old, and I am usually against bumping these things, just reading them in my free time, but I have to add some stuff.

I have used the Megan, I have used the other eBay knock-offs, and I have used the real B&M. There is a difference, the B&M has got to be machined to better tolerances. The others are very sloppy feeling even with the Symborski kit when compared to the B&M.

For anyone reading this in the future, if you can still get a hold of a B&M, it will actually be worth it for you. From someone who has experienced the knock-offs and the real thing, I promise you, you will notice a difference.

 

[Josh97eclipse]

so my knock off is going to be crap?

 

[Sandman817]

just a quick question about the b&m short throw shifter and the knock offs. It says its adjustable for either 35% or 50%, how do you go about adjusting the throw? Im assuming you just move the linkage from the bottom hole to the upper hole? here is a picture of the shifter i have.

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[420a talon]

my car has the stock shifter cut down........thank you previous owner

 

[Th3DooM]

just a quick question about the b&m short throw shifter and the knock offs. It says its adjustable for either 35% or 50%, how do you go about adjusting the throw? Im assuming you just move the linkage from the bottom hole to the upper hole? here is a picture of the shifter i have.

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How good is yours?

 

[2GeNTSi]

Yeah, it depends which hole you use for the linkage. If yours is anything like the one I have and uses an e-clip on a bolt, make sure you thread-lock the bolt or you'll end up like me stuck on a speed bump. I couldn't get it in ANY gear and had to rock the car back and forth to eventually get it over the speed bump. The shifter cable had slipped off of the bolt - an easy fix but it happened at the wrong time.

I've never used the B&M, but I haven't had any problem besides the above. That is my own fault for not applying thread-lock in the first place though. I definitely like the feel with the combined base and cable-end bushings, a must try especially for the inexpensive price.

 

[Josh97eclipse]

Im pretty sure you didn't have the e clip in the grove, I had a hard time getting mine to go into the groove. Ive been using mine for a little bit now and its amazing no problems yet except got the threads on the knock off not being the 10x1.25 oem specs instead they are 10x1.5. I got the one from D5 Concepts.

 

[Sandman817]

How good is yours?

Well i only drove the car about 5 miles before the motor started knocking. Overall i liked the feel of it, and for the price i really have no complaints. I do want to cut it down and weld it back together since it only sits a tiny bit lower than the factory shifter.

 

[98dsmkid]

I don't have a B&M but I have an Ebay short shifter with a blox weighted shift nob with jay racing shift bushings works flawlessly, Just installed it previously, will try to post pics after.

 

[Josh97eclipse]

Very nice DSMkid. I also have the blox shift knob but in neo chrome and it does not fit on my Knock off B&M I got a 10x1.25 threaded knob and got it in went to install the thing and it snugged up with two turns, come to find out that the shifter thread is 10x1.5 so any one looking to get a knock off B&M keep that in mind. I will post a pic of mine on the stock cut shifter.

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[Jezza]

Alright. I've read through this whole thread and some of the info seems a little contradictory.

Has anyone RECENTLY bought a Megan B&M clone? Have the initial design flaws been addressed? Does it fit without modification? I don't want to pay the extra $100 for the B&M if the revised Megan Racing one is just as good.

I do plan on the Symborski kit and replacing the bushings at the trans end. Is there any advantages of using the bearings as opposed to the solid brass units supplied by SpeedSource? Are there any noticable binding issues?

 

[SpawnedX]

I bought a Megan just over a year ago, sloppy with a lot of play in it. Sold it and bought a B&M, will never go back to a knock-off.

 

[Jezza]

You know what Meat? Your responses to my questions always result in me buying the most expensive option.

Are you sure you don't work in the industry?

 

[k_dog007]

Alright. I've read through this whole thread and some of the info seems a little contradictory.

Has anyone RECENTLY bought a Megan B&M clone? Have the initial design flaws been addressed? Does it fit without modification? I don't want to pay the extra $100 for the B&M if the revised Megan Racing one is just as good.

I do plan on the Symborski kit and replacing the bushings at the trans end. Is there any advantages of using the bearings as opposed to the solid brass units supplied by SpeedSource? Are there any noticable binding issues?

I think I got the megan one about 5 months ago. I had problems with bolt thing that connects the shifter to the purple thing. the bolt was too long and wouldn't bolt down right. It took 2 hours to get the nut it came with back out with blow torch. It was one of those nuts with the plastic on the inside. wouldn't back out. now I have to find another bolt thing that goes on the inside and new nylon washers.

 

[SpawnedX]

You know what Meat? Your responses to my questions always result in me buying the most expensive option.

Are you sure you don't work in the industry?

Positive.

 

[Jezza]

Thanks K-dog. That is my deciding vote. Now my search begins for the cheapest B&M distributor.

 

[SpawnedX]

B&M 45077 ECLIPSE SEBRING AVENGER SHORT THROW SHIFTER - eBay (item 280641237002 end time Apr-07-11 06:30:03 PDT)

Same price as they were before they were discontinued. Last one they have.

 

[k_dog007]

Thanks K-dog. That is my deciding vote. Now my search begins for the cheapest B&M distributor.

I do have to say, I had a really cheap one on my RS back in 2005. I paid 35 bucks then and it worked fine. I pay 60 for megan, and it suck. I wish I just went cheap this time.

 

[2slow4utsi]

I do have to say, I had a really cheap one on my RS back in 2005. I paid 35 bucks then and it worked fine. I pay 60 for megan, and it suck. I wish I just went cheap this time.

China produces almost every short shifter and stamps different names on it. I paid $25 shipped for mine and it's identical to the B&M and works just as good.

 

[Silver99OZ]

I bought a Megan just over a year ago, sloppy with a lot of play in it. Sold it and bought a B&M, will never go back to a knock-off.

Im with you on this one, I bought the Megan back in '06 and it was garbage. Didnt even get to install it because it was designed so bad. The stud that goes into the shifter didnt fit because the shifter was tapped incorrectly or too small. As you can imagine I was pissed because it was $79, but I ended up getting my money back after a few months and many phone calls. Last year I came across a used B&M and picked it up for $80 and could not be more pleased.

 

[SpawnedX]

Megan just outsources theirs from a China factory and sells it with a China shift knob, tosses a Megan decal in the box and calls it their product for more. The China factories do not adhere to tolerances that B&M does, each B&M is machined for exact fit and those that are not with-in their spec get tossed aside. The China factories check to make sure it "fits" enough to be functional.

But hey, who cares about the most accurate shifting allowed with no sloppy play that makes you miss a gear here and there?

 

[2slow4utsi]

Megan just outsources theirs from a China factory and sells it with a China shift knob, tosses a Megan decal in the box and calls it their product for more. The China factories do not adhere to tolerances that B&M does, each B&M is machined for exact fit and those that are not with-in their spec get tossed aside. The China factories check to make sure it "fits" enough to be functional.

But hey, who cares about the most accurate shifting allowed with no sloppy play that makes you miss a gear here and there?

Mine seems to work just fine for 1/6 the price. Almost every part is made in China. Eagle, Manley, Megan, Tial, Precision among others.

 

[SpawnedX]

Of course someone who has never owned a B&M would say that.

"Mine feels fine, granted I don't have the experience with both to base any decision off of."

That's pretty much what you might as well say.

 

[2slow4utsi]

Of course someone who has never owned a B&M would say that.

"Mine feels fine, granted I don't have the experience with both to base any decision off of."

That's pretty much what you might as well say.

My friend has a B&M and drove mine and couldn't tell the difference. He actually took my shifter boot off to look at the shifter cause he thought it was a B&M. But hey, we all have the ability to insinuate and assume don't we? Next time don't be so ignorant cause you look like an ass from this side of the fence.