Well I installed the Mazdaspeed short shifter today, it was pretty straight forward and I have practice removing everything since installing the lighted ****, parking brake handle and light weight flywheel...

You will need a phillips screw driver, small flat blade screwdriver, needle nose pliers and a small socket with an extension and 10, 12mm sockets...

Here are some pictures, I will post some install steps and an overall impression later...

 

A few more of the install...

 

A few more...

 

How much has it shortened the shift throw?? It's short already...must be really short now

 

post the pic which u install it on.

 

cortc you are out of control. (in a good way) what do you do for a living can you get me a job maybe the whole cop thing was the wrong way to go.

 

More details later, like the advertisement says it's a 20% reduction in travel... It is noticeable and I like the fact that the shifter is now 1/4 higher; it feels even more natural now...

 

Here are two after pics of the shifter, if you compare to the ones before the install you will notice less travel and 1/4 inch higher position...

 

cortc -- nice, how long did it take you to finish the job? and, is it smooth running up the gears and back down while driving?

alex

 

the way you explain the whole process everytime you make a new installation is amazing cortc. great job.

the shifter is indeed higher than before, but it doesn't seem as a big deal, its barely noticeable. I assume the illuminated part works perfectly, right?
Sorry, but I don't know much about this aftermarket part, but does it affect top speed/acceleration?

 

You may shift faster and get a better quarter mile but I think this is very very nice mod. I am considering it.

Reason: No insurance would know this and certainly not obvious for other RX-8 owner at first but wait until they touch 'my stick' :D

EDIT: cortc, a request: Video of your hand in action on the stick, please ? :D

 

Thanks guys, and yes it is very smooth up and down the gears, the illumination on the **** works great and since it's only 1/4" it is hardly noticeable and since the travel is less the shifter does not lay down as much so it is more comfortable...

The spacer raises the shifter mounting plate and the new shifter (The one on the right in the pictures has a longer bottom peg that increases its travel… The spacer raises the complete assembly ¼ of an inch and the top portion of the shifter is shorter by ¼ of an inch to compensate some… Once you remove the assembly you replace with longer bolts the spacer and two new paper gaskets and reassemble in reverse order…

The complete process took an hour and that is because I took my time and took pictures, on a 1-10 scale it is about a 4…

 

hum.. .it's not a big different. the factory one. is short enough to me.

 

taka: I will try and take a short video within the next few days...

 

Nice mod! looks real nice.

 

Actually, it is more than you think... This is a 20% reduction in total travel, and you can tell right away... It feels much shorter than it actually is, if the total travel measured from the top of the shifter was 100mm before, it is now 80mm; so from 1st to 2nd gear it's a 20mm reduction in travel...

It feels very precise...

 

Cortc, how much was it all together?

 

Cool. I can't imagine anything shifting any shorter than it is stock. It must be about the same as a 6 way toggle switch.:D

 

Sky88: Do you mean price?

 

Awesome cortc.

I can't wait for the report. I was initially skeptical about the MS short shifter; the stock throws were short as it is (at least, compared to the 2003 Mustang Cobra).

 

yeah, what did you pay and where did you get it from?

 

Paid 395.00 from Canzoomer...

 

That's kind of expensive. I'm sure it's worth it however. Are there any other places that sell the short shift kit for less?

 

We've been making shifters for other cars now for months. You think this is a good mod??
If there is a market we'll run off 100 parts. Don't know how many parts are in the kit so I can't say how nuch. I'm sure it will be cheaper then that though.

 

Richard, I think this is a good mod. I plan on taking my 8 to the track, and I want to shave off as much time as I can, especially when shifting. Perhaps you could design one for the RX-8?