Short shifters...
Discussion
Do you need an extra 1/100th of a second in your gear change? If so yes!
Otherwise they are just either a bit of a toy or done because you like a more direct gear change. I fitted one as it was a cheap mod (£50?) and I like the direct rifle bolt change, so to me it was worth it.
As to whether its worth it for you it depends on how much it is, what your current throw is etc
Otherwise they are just either a bit of a toy or done because you like a more direct gear change. I fitted one as it was a cheap mod (£50?) and I like the direct rifle bolt change, so to me it was worth it.
As to whether its worth it for you it depends on how much it is, what your current throw is etc
Depends if its for a ford van or a rice rocket...
Horses for courses though, i (like the above posted) installed one in my old car because I liked the quicker more precise gear change and because it was cheap and easy to do. The current steed has a short enough throw (imo) to warrant not needing one...yet.
Horses for courses though, i (like the above posted) installed one in my old car because I liked the quicker more precise gear change and because it was cheap and easy to do. The current steed has a short enough throw (imo) to warrant not needing one...yet.
Depends on the car as well I played around with a variety of shifters in my skyline and came to the conclusion that the transmission simply didnt like being rushed , in the end I fitted a Nismo item only 10% reduced throw but a very sweet, smooth and positive gearchange
On my Evo however i just bought a £25 job off ebay about 25% reduced throw and its fine
On my Evo however i just bought a £25 job off ebay about 25% reduced throw and its fine
Well, I have a 2002 WRX and tbh the shift isnt too bad, I just kind of like the idea of having something short n snappy, abit like the old Group A WRC cars. That may just be me fantasising abit tho. Its not like your stirring soup when you change gear by any means, I just got put off the idea when having a go in a friends civic, and it felt awfull! I was just looking for a few opinions 
Coincidentally I have an 02 WRX and a CDF short shifter. It was a right faff to fit (getting the new stick in the cup!) but the throw is much shorter and direct. As you know the change can sometimes be a little stiff on an Impreza in any case, so the shifter accentuates that a little, bit the pros far outweigh the con.
The theory behind fitting is easy.
Remove the plastic round the gearstick, open the cubbyhole hole behind the handbrake, pull the bit in front forward. Be careful, the mirror control is wired in, needs unplugging to get the plastic off. 2 mins
Gearknob screws off. 1 min.
Lift off plastic round gearstick with fairer. 30 secs
Undo nut and bolt that runs through stick that holds linkage on (keep it!)pull out gearstick, perhaps best to put the knob back on to get a grip. It will take a good bit of pulling and wiggling(put the seats back to get some purchase!) can take anything from 5 mins(strongman) to 20 mins (me!)
Get a bit of grease out of the cup the old stick came from. Slather the ball at the end of the shortshifter with the grease or add your own. Put the gearknob on to get a good grip and push like you have never pushed before! Same timings as above.
Refit linkage with the nut and bolt. With the knob on, check the throw. It might contact the metal ring that holds the rubber in the hole in 1st. If so, either bend the ring up (bodge) or cut with a grinder/dremel. Once happy with the throw, remove the knob and refit the surround with gaiter. 20 mins
Knob on and enjoy!
Remove the plastic round the gearstick, open the cubbyhole hole behind the handbrake, pull the bit in front forward. Be careful, the mirror control is wired in, needs unplugging to get the plastic off. 2 mins
Gearknob screws off. 1 min.
Lift off plastic round gearstick with fairer. 30 secs
Undo nut and bolt that runs through stick that holds linkage on (keep it!)pull out gearstick, perhaps best to put the knob back on to get a grip. It will take a good bit of pulling and wiggling(put the seats back to get some purchase!) can take anything from 5 mins(strongman) to 20 mins (me!)
Get a bit of grease out of the cup the old stick came from. Slather the ball at the end of the shortshifter with the grease or add your own. Put the gearknob on to get a good grip and push like you have never pushed before! Same timings as above.
Refit linkage with the nut and bolt. With the knob on, check the throw. It might contact the metal ring that holds the rubber in the hole in 1st. If so, either bend the ring up (bodge) or cut with a grinder/dremel. Once happy with the throw, remove the knob and refit the surround with gaiter. 20 mins
Knob on and enjoy!
Above is a rough précis, apart from the brute force needed to remove and refit the stick it is simple. I might have missed a little bit there regarding the metal ring found under the gaiter that might need cutting/bending, but it is obvious when you see it. Any shortshifter worth it's salt will be sent with comprehensive instructions.
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