New Short Shifter Kit

[Lokiel]

The NB's 6-speed gearbox is known for its ambiguous reverse gear selection and sloppy feel when compared to earlier NA 5-speed gearboxes. I've never been really happy with my SE's gearbox, especially when compared to my previous car, a 1982 Mitsubishi JA Starion. About 30% of the time I need to re-select reverse gear when I don't move or get the dreaded gear crunching and occasionally I select the wrong gear which makes me second-guess each subsequent gear change.

Miataroadster has recently created a Short Throw Shifter for the MX-5 6-speed gear box that has been getting rave reviews on the web so I thought I'd give it a go.
See:
http://www.mazda-speed.com/forum2/index.php/topic,23486.0.html
http://www.mazda-speed.com/forum2/index.php/topic,23531.0.html

Here's the 2 versions offered (standard height and long version) and a comparison of the long version against the OEM shifter:



Summarised comments from the manufacturer:
*Because of the better design (use of the NA factory shifter's "crescent" bushings on both sides of the fulcrum ball vs. the NB factory shifter's crude metal-on-metal contact with the dowel pins in the turret) and superior manufacturing quality over the factory shifter, with either the tall/angled or stock height version MiataRoadster shifter, shifting will be more precise and predictable (rather than having to "find" the desired gear).
*The stock height version will be harder to shift than a stock shifter, but with a shorter motion.
*The tall version takes the same effort to shift as a stock shifter, but with a slightly longer arm motion.
*We had been using the JDM brass tube angled extensions with a Mazdaspeed JDM short shifter in our race car and snapped off two of them.
*For liability reasons, I stopped selling them and pursued offering a one-piece shaft with the angle built in.
*The benefits of the tall version having the shift knob closer to the steering wheel alone outweigh every other feature, that's the main reason why I got into the short shifter business.

FYI: The tall version can be used on LHD or RHD models, spinning the shifter 180 degrees from the alignment notches allows you to angle the shifter to the left or right,

I ordered 3 standard height SSK kits (one for me, MINX and Davex3) and they arrived from the US within 7 days - this also included the actual manufacturing of the shifter. Everything was included except the heavy duty grease for the shifter's pivot ball and selector ball.

Installation was a breeze, taking only 30 minutes or so each and the instructions are comprehensive with lots of pictures to make everything idiot proof.

As expected, the SSK throws are much shorter. Gear selection takes a little more effort and is now much "notchier", selecting a gear is very distinct; before my gearbox felt quite sloppy at times. Reverse is much better because of this, I now know that I've selected reverse because you can feel it locking into the notch; before I really never knew.

So far I'm liking this mod a lot and wonder why the OEM shifter was so sloppy/vague, especially given that early 5-speed NA gearboxes were praised for their precision (ie. How can Mazda have accepted a gearbox in the NB that was much worse than the NAs?)

If you're at all unhappy with your 6-speed gear selection, this is a "MUST DO" mod IMO.

[MINX]

Initial road test was ok, I found it a little 'notchy' and takes a bit more effort to push into gear.
But it is very defined, and obviously shorter throw.
Getting up into fifth is a dream, and into reverse is perfect.

Tried to do a before and after video. See if you get the idea. (sorry about crappy sound, blame GoPro!)

[youtube]http://youtu.be/GfpDA8y2-P8[/youtube]
http://youtu.be/GfpDA8y2-P8

[de Bounce]

I'm quite impressed with this short shift kit and the write ups and reviews both here and on the Mazda-speed.com site.
Many of the comments about miss shifts and having to think before changing gears rang true to my on-track experience.

After watching the video, I'm thinking the stock height might be the way to go, however I have sent an email to MiataRoadster to see if Bill is willing to make a tall/angled SSK for right hand drives.

[MINX]

I'm quite impressed with this short shift kit and the write ups and reviews both here and on the Mazda-speed.com site.
Many of the comments about miss shifts and having to think before changing gears rang true to my on-track experience.

After watching the video, I'm thinking the stock height might be the way to go, however I have sent an email to MiataRoadster to see if Bill is willing to make a tall/angled SSK for right hand drives.

The 'Tall' one is fine for RHD.
It simply rotates 180 when installing.
It will also be 'easier' to shift, as it has more leverage.
But may make your interior look like a Mac Truck cabin.

[pcmx5]

I have a Simpson design short shifter kit that has also improved the shift quality greatly.I no longer have that horrible "where is it" feeling especially 4th to 3rd just when you need it!

If you are considering buying one of these and are in doubt about the length of the shaft you can buy a generic extension with a small bend backwards that will fit onto the standard shifter and I guess this one, so you could try the smaller version and if it doesn't suit add the extension.I didn't like the look of it but it certainly made shifting easier and put the shifter near the steering wheel.

Now this would be really useful information if I could remember where I bought the extension or if I had it here to check the brand.Unfortunately I have lent it to someone who reckons I didn't so I can't!!! Sorry.

Peter

[Lokiel]

:
After watching the video, I'm thinking the stock height might be the way to go, however I have sent an email to MiataRoadster to see if Bill is willing to make a tall/angled SSK for right hand drives.

This was "buried" in the initial post:

"FYI: The tall version can be used on LHD or RHD models, spinning the shifter 180 degrees from the alignment notches allows you to angle the shifter to the left or right"

If you look at the top photo in the initial post, you can see the vertical notch on the shifter ball. There's one on the other side too so spinning the shifter 180 degrees angles the shifter to the left or right.

I actually mentioned this to Bill from Miataroadster before ordering these since he's a big fan of the tall version and was trying to convince me to buy it instead of the standard height SSK. Here's the abbreviated e-mail transcript:

Me> FYI: Your long shifter probably wouldn't be suitable for us Aussies anyway because we drive on the other side of the road to you guys
Bill> the least of the beauties of the tall/angled shifter design is that it's symmetrical. For RHD installs, it would simply be flopped 180* vs. the LHD install.

So if you're OK with the look of the longer version, it's definitely the one you want.

[NitroDann]

With the size of my cams, this is all to late for me, mine will never select 1st or reverse again. I only have an issue with 6th wacking it in at speed occasionally zinging reverse anyway, i reckon its too notchy. Mine is 'looser' than most and easily slides into gears compared to some ive dríven, might have worn gates.

Dann

[de Bounce]

I have sent an email to MiataRoadster to see if Bill is willing to make a tall/angled SSK for right hand drives.

This was "buried" in the initial post:
"FYI: The tall version can be used on LHD or RHD models, spinning the shifter 180 degrees from the alignment notches allows you to angle the shifter to the left or right"

If you look at the top photo in the initial post, you can see the vertical notch on the shifter ball. There's one on the other side too so spinning the shifter 180 degrees angles the shifter to the left or right.

I actually mentioned this to Bill from Miataroadster before ordering these since he's a big fan of the tall version and was trying to convince me to buy it instead of the standard height SSK. Here's the abbreviated e-mail transcript:

Me> FYI: Your long shifter probably wouldn't be suitable for us Aussies anyway because we drive on the other side of the road to you guys
Bill> the least of the beauties of the tall/angled shifter design is that it's symmetrical. For RHD installs, it would simply be flopped 180* vs. the LHD install.

Now triple confirmed that it can be rotated for use in RHD's.
I've decided to go with the stock height SSK.

[RawSouth]

Group buy anyone?

[jerrah]

I was interested but I don't hate my 6 speed enough to cough up $200 + p&h. Will have to try one of these out first perhaps?

[Steampunk]

Do these come with a spring-washer for the three bolts that attaches it to the gearbox housing? If not, then put on a spring washer or a smidge of high-temp threadlocker on the bolts as they come loose over a short period of time.

[Lokiel]

Do these come with a spring-washer for the three bolts that attaches it to the gearbox housing? If not, then put on a spring washer or a smidge of high-temp threadlocker on the bolts as they come loose over a short period of time.

No they don't, but they do come with a tube of Loctite for that. Unfortunately I didn't use the Loctite so will now have to do that this weekend

Thanks for the "heads up" on this - better safe than sorry (and easier to do in my garage than out in "the boonies" if a problem occurs).

[Steampunk]

I like the idea of the longer stick version. Obviously aimed at racers.

[NitroDann]

Personally id love a full length gearstick and handbrake, but I can only imagine the hell id go through with cops and for rego.
I really want a proper handbrake, 10 cm from the side of the wheel.

Im not paying 200 for one that just isnt big enough though.

Dann

[Mr Morlock]

jerrah has a point- I have a 6speed and it is terrific. In the old days with long gearshift levers it was common to reduce the length as this of course reduced the travel but in theory the effort goes up ie the leverage effect.