Which Short Shifter should I buy?

[Outrun Talon]

I want to put a short shifter in my '95 Eagle Talon TSi AWD. There are several out there ranging from $25 with free shipping to over $200. Which one should I get? I want a short shifter that is going to have a noticeable effect when I drive and if I have to spend $200 or more I am fine with that, but if a $25 one is going to do the same thing as a $200 one then obviously I want to not waste money. Here's a few that I found, anyone have some experience with short shifters in DSMs?

Here's the $25 one: $25 Short Shifter

DNA Motoring Short Shifter: DNA Motoring Sort Shifter

Here's Megan Racing short shifter #1: Megan Racing #1

Here's Megan Racing short shifter #2: Megan Racing #2

"OBX" Short Shifter: OBX Shirt Shifter

I would appreciate some input, thank you for taking a look!

 

[gho5tone]

Dogbox short throw shifter: linky

 

[greekgodchaos]

Dogbox short throw shifter: linky

I just found this like an hour ago, I am definately going to get this before the end of my build Added insurance that I wont over shift and risk damaging my transmission forks.

 

[Outrun Talon]

Dogbox short throw shifter: linky

I guess you have to call them for more info. Looks like you have to send your shifter to them? I'm not sure if I'd be able to do that considering my Talon is now my daily driver It's worth looking into though. After watching a few YouTube videos it looks like a Dogbox short shifter is a professional set up used by rally car drivers and drag racers. It might be a little more then I actually need. I just need something that is going to reduce my shift throw, I'm not really worried about accidentally going from 3rd to 2nd.

Anyone else have input on a short shifter for a Talon?

 

[BoostFrenzy]

I wouldn't touch the Megan ones. I had one and I broke it downshifting...

From what I have heard, that Dogbox shifter is supposed to be the best available right now. But I personally haven't seen one.

...I'm not really worried about accidentally going from 3rd to 2nd.

Really? Because you should. I did that the first week of owning a B&M model. Luckily, I also had stiffer springs in the head and a fresh timing job so nothing was harmed.

 

[Outrun Talon]

I wouldn't touch the Megan ones. I had one and I broke it downshifting...

From what I have heard, that Dogbox shifter is supposed to be the best available right now. But I personally haven't seen one.



Really? Because you should. I did that the first week of owning a B&M model. Luckily, I also had stiffer springs in the head and a fresh timing job so nothing was harmed.

Yeah I'm pretty careful. Not that it wouldn't be nice to have that safety net to prevent any "D'oh!" moments, but it's not a 100% requirement for me.

I am going to take your advice though and call Dogbox tomorrow and see what they can do for my Talon.

 

[95gst96gsx]

i got this exact one this one (1995-1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE TALON MT SHORT SHIFTER | eBay) on ebay had to do a little filing down but it went on and has been working perfectly for months and looks exactly like the b&m on my gst also!

 

[Outrun Talon]

i got this exact one this one (1995-1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE TALON MT SHORT SHIFTER | eBay) on ebay had to do a little filing down but it went on and has been working perfectly for months and looks exactly like the b&m on my gst also!

How is it's performance? That eBay ad claims it reduces Shift Throw by 45 - 55%. Is that true? Does it work really well? If you really like it I'll buy one, you can't really go wrong for that price.

 

[95gst96gsx]

i think its performance is flawless! i would say its reduces the throw a ton from stock! i never missed shifted or accidentally went from 3 to 2! it only took abt 15-20 minutes to install used a little locktite and has been good since! like i said its identical to the b&m on my gst but paid 120 less! imo cant go wrong with saving some money sometime!

 

[BoostFrenzy]

i got this exact one this one (1995-1999 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE TALON MT SHORT SHIFTER | eBay) on ebay had to do a little filing down but it went on and has been working perfectly for months and looks exactly like the b&m on my gst also!

It's the same exact thing as the Megan. Both are B&M knockoffs. And both will have a Pivot shoulder that will snap over time due to it being a chrome plated piece. It will also add a bit more stress to the pivot pin which is known to snap on any shifter. And frankly, is a PITA to get it welded right.

In case you don't know what I am talking about, here is a diagram of what a B&M or "clone" looks like.

Also, if you end up going with one of these types, I HIGHLY recommend using a nylock on the "flange nut" as well as double nutting it to prevent any movement from it.

 

[Boostinsideways]

I can attest to the B&M Style shifters sucking balls. If your going to run one be careful on throughing it hard, and make sure to get solid shifter cable bushings, and solid shifter base bushings, or through some metal washers underneath the shifter base. Will keep everything rigid and increase the shift feel that you lost.

 

[GSX401]

Be nice if there was some pictures or video of the Dogbox one.

 

[Paching]

B&M, Megan and the knockoffs are unreliable, I broke one off in third gear and had to drive home without shifting.Take the advise of BoostFrenzy and Boostinsideways, don't get that style of shortshifter.

 

[Outrun Talon]

What is the difference in the short shifter styles? Look at the link "DNA Motoring Short Shifter" and then look at the "Megan Racing #2" link. They are both short shifters, but they look totally different. I understand the Megan Racing #2 shifter is a B&M knockoff, but what is the actual performance difference between the two designs of short shifters?

 

[97gst_spyder]

I bought a knock off B&M SS, worst thing I ever bought...

Either Stock with a weighted knob or DogBox SS

 

[Boomdeeze]

I run the Megan Racing #2 in my car with a TRE stage 3 and have no complaints. Has never came loose and I have never missed a shift.

 

[TWOpointFORliter]

I run the Megan Racing #2 in my car with a TRE stage 3 and have no complaints. Has never came loose and I have never missed a shift.

I'll second this statement. Tre stage 3 and a b&m shifter which is the same as the Megan. I have never had a single issue. Shifts way better than stock and have never missed a gear.

 

[Outrun Talon]

Well, I ended up buying the Megan. I figured that for the price it's worth a try. Sounds like some people have had them break and hate them, and others really love them so I'm just going to be super careful when I install it and not slam it around when I shift. I'll submit a review after it's installed and I've put 150 - 200 miles on it.

 

[dsmspick]

I have a B&M my dad has a Hurst. Both are the same design and have never missed a shift and love the feel of them. They are the style or your megan one. Make sure to replace the shifter plate bushings with poly or metal. It will make a difference. If you end up not liking it your megan. Go pull a shifter from the junk yard for your core so your car is not down. All 2g's both 420a and 4g63 have the same stick.

 

[Kingcof22]

not to thread jack, but how do you know if you bought a B&M knock off shifter?

 

[Paching]

Identical look, cheaper price = knockoff

 

[Kingcof22]

are the parts different or something?

 

[gho5tone]

I believe the difference is color, one blue and one purple. Forgot which one is BM, probably purple.

 

[Outrun Talon]

Make sure to replace the shifter plate bushings with poly or metal. It will make a difference.

I bought some Brass ones.

I believe the difference is color, one blue and one purple. Forgot which one is BM, probably purple.

The knock offs are the same color now. Now you tell by the price. $200 = B&M. $30 = knock off

 

[Outrun Talon]

Installed the Short Shifter and have put 170 miles on it. It works FANTASTIC. It shortened my shifter throw by 50% (wow!) and lowed the shift knob a good 1 1/2 maybe 2 inches. I also installed brass shifter cable bushings. All in all I have a really nice short throw and very crisp, tight shifts now. Best $30 I think I have ever spent on a car for sure!

If you've been thinking about installing a short shifter, I highly recommend a $30 B&M knockoff. The one I bought is extremely (and surprisingly) well built and solid and cost $30 shipped to my doorstep.