Is a short shifter worth it?

[DSMFalcon1]

My transmission already feels like a wooden spoon in a box of rocks. Is a short shifter worth it? I already own the shifter but haven't put it in.

I guess the easiest response would be put it in and see how it goes. I'm just hoping to hear from someone with experience. (91AWD)

 

[dsmpat95]

Put it on and see you like it.

 

[DSMFalcon1]

Thanks DSM Pat. Revolutionary idea. The car is about to go up on jacks and get covered for the winter. I wish it were indoors where I could tinker with it through the winter.

 

[Brandon Mau]

I have a jnz installed on my 1 gen that I picked up from a long time dsmer in the classifieds. What kind do you have? Anyways it was one of the last upgrades I did to the car, From a performance standpoint not much difference, it does seem to have a quicker throw between shifts. But most 1 gen owners run the factory one, If you have an ebay one don't waste your time keep the stock one because you will probably snap it in the future. Just giving my personal opinion on the matter and others will chime in with theres.

 

[GSXtra]

not to thread jack but i purchaced a shifter that was cut down then re welded. will I see any difference if i put that in? i know the actuall shifter cable points have not been moved but will there be a less throw distance on just a cut down one?

 

[92AWDHX40]

I did it once didn't like it, but that's me again try it out it may work out for you.

 

[ReggieRay]

Its worth it, driving a dsm without one feels like you're rowing a boat if you ask me.

 

[DSMFalcon1]

I'm actually not sure what it is. There aren't any markings on it so I'll have to assume it's an Ebay special.

GSXtra, The two DSM's that I drove for long periods of time had the actual shifter cut short. It's not a short shifter but it does make the throw a little different. I like that I can shift with a flick of the wrist. Is it a good move? It seems a little ghetto but I've grown so accustomed to it I don't know what it'd be like without it plus I like how the knob sits so low on my center console. People always comment about it.

 

[boost97gst]

I put in an ebay shifter. Its made well and reduces the throw as it should but it wasnt a big upgrade,IMO, at all. I realized the stock throw wasnt that bad at all. Its objective. Some like it/need it, some like me could live without it. Bushings do help more with the feel. I noticed a difference installing the shifter base bushings and the tranny bushings.

 

[TSicktalon]

I have a b&m copy, and I'm still going to pull it out and cut it shorter on the top. I had a 80% reduction one in my SRT4 and it was great.

A little birdie told me we may have a better STS option next spring...

 

[jakes97gs]

In my 2g I had a b and m knockoff that broke on me, I reinforced it with better bolts and then it shifted wonderfully. In my 1g I have the factory one cut down quite a bit, and if your trans is already notchy (if that's what you meant by the rocks and wood thing) I would not recommend it. The extra force needed with a short shifter makes the shifts that much less smooth. In the gears that are still smooth (1,3,4, and 5 for me) I love the quick throw though. Difficult choice

 

[GSXtra]

ill just put the shifter i have into the car. got it in a big box of stuff i bought off of a guy. seems like its 1 or 2 inches shorter than my stock one so might as well try it out

 

[Blurred Talon]

I personally do not like Short Shifters.
I'd do all new bushings in the base and cables plus rebuild the shifter assembly. Also depending on the mileage, maybe new cables too.

I replaced everything but the cables in my 2G and it feels 10X better.

 

[dsmboise]

I agree that the short throw may make it more difficult to shift.

Definitely new bushings: improve the feel of the stock shifter and you may be able to better tell what is going on in your trans so you can repair that.

I have seen somebody put bearings in place of the bushings (skateboard bearings, I think). They say it gives them a better shift feel.

At least you have the shifter, and can swap as desired.

 

[Blurred Talon]

I have brass bushings in my cable ends, noticed a big difference and easier to put in then the skate board bearings.

The bushings in the shifter are a biggie too, there should be no play/slop in it. Mine has a tiny bit I need to get rid of.

 

[Canadian_CD9A]

In my experience, cut shifters suck and aren't the proper way to do it.
If it's name brand, yeah, go for it. Chinese, don't bother, since it might just create more problems.

 

[this_tsi_8urV8]

When i put my B&M, I loved it. I wondered why I waited so long, I want it even shorter though. I replaced the skater bearings with brass bearings & put in the bracket bushings from Shep and that helped a lot too. I also have the base bushings done.
I forgot, I also have a 340g? Razo Shift Knob.

 

[EVO9_Inside]

Solid bushings and a nice shift ball is more than what you need for a manual, i personally do not enjoy short shift kits either. mostly because they are difficult to get alligned properly once installed, and ive seen a few fools ruin their trans that way.
solid bushings and a nice trans get you that solid click of a well placed shift.

 

[lewishamilton]

A little birdie told me we may have a better STS option next spring...

Can you tell us any more than that???

.....and ive seen a few fools ruin their trans that way.

and could you elaborate on this? I read about this in another older thread on short shifters but the poster didn't explain exactly what happened. Is this a problem with a specific brand?

 

[NHerron]

Yes, please elaborate on how a shifter ruins a tranny.

 

[lasthope05]

Yes, please elaborate on how a shifter ruins a tranny.

If the shifter does not have the proper shift stops it allows the user to over extend the shift forks(which breaks) in the trans in aggressive driving.

 

[lewishamilton]

If the shifter does not have the proper shift stops it allows the user to over extend the shift forks(which breaks) in the trans in aggressive driving.

Thanks, is this a risk with all short throw shifters like the B&M's, Megan, and knockoffs or more so just people that cut their shifters?

 

[lasthope05]

Thanks, is this a risk with all short throw shifters like the B&M's, Megan, and knockoffs or more so just people that cut their shifters?

I don't know specifically if those shifters have the correct stops, so you would have to contact the manufacturers, but it was an issue with people shortening the throw on the transmission arm.

Cutting the shaft down does not create a short throw shifter. Lengthening the arm below the pivot point or moving the shifter cable attachment point on the trans does.

 

[NHerron]

Interesting, I'll have to check mine out. I've been working on revamping the whole system so I'll be sure to research/inspect the stock vs aftermarket shifter.

For reference here's one brand that I installed a while ago. Like I said though I'm redoing the whole system so it's a little different now.
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/art...epower-short-shifter-review-install-tips.html

 

[ceedawg]

Authentic BM shifter and metal bushing upgrades in shifter and cable ends made a big difference in my car.

I tried all the other methods,cut welded shifter,ebay shifter. I find my first statement to be the best my shifting has felt since owning my car.