Shifter rebuild/Short Shift

dazzvazz · Postby **dazzvazz** » Mon Dec 05, 2011 6:35 pm

I am going to rebuild my shifter as both rubber boots are practically nonexistent.

I was thinking of going the whole distance and fitting a short shifter, aluminium/brass bushing (the one at the bottom), and replace all of the consumables.

Here are some stuff I found on the web...

Shifter Rebuild Kit (anyone seen a kit like this in Oz?)
http://www.planet-miata.com/index.php?s ... em&idn=214

Aluminium Bushing (other option is a Beatrush brass one)
http://www.planet-miata.com/index.php?s ... em&idn=107

I am already ordering some Redline MTL (might as well use some good stuff).

Now with the big question, the short shifter.

Anyone have a short shifter they can recommend? Will they use the standard Mazda service parts?

Thanks!

Dale

Jace · Postby **Jace** » Mon Dec 05, 2011 7:24 pm

The short shifters I've felt are shithouse and really unnecessary.

The rebuild is pretty simple, i got my rebuild kit off ebay.

dazzvazz · Postby **dazzvazz** » Mon Dec 05, 2011 7:45 pm

Do you remember what brand were the short shifters you have experienced? Or are you just talking about short shifters in general?

Locutus · Postby **Locutus** » Mon Dec 05, 2011 8:15 pm

if you have a 5 speed, the IL motorsport ones are brilliant.

dazzvazz · Postby **dazzvazz** » Mon Dec 05, 2011 9:05 pm

Locutus wrote:if you have a 5 speed, the IL motorsport ones are brilliant.

Yeah, it's a five speed, NA 1.6. Thanks, I will check it out.

dazzvazz · Postby **dazzvazz** » Mon Dec 05, 2011 9:28 pm

Unless I find a second-hand IL short shifter I will have to go without. Their site doesn't list them for sale anymore.

I heard Ultrex make a good one, but they are sold out, hopefully not for good.

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Tue Dec 06, 2011 12:09 am

dazzvazz wrote:I am already ordering some Redline MTL.

If you're going to use Redline then the MT90 is preferable in the NA at least.

OurCognitiveSurplus · Postby **OurCognitiveSurplus** » Tue Dec 06, 2011 8:14 am

dazzvazz wrote:I was thinking of going the whole distance and fitting a short shifter, aluminium/brass bushing (the one at the bottom), Thanks!

Dale

I recently did similar (without installing the short shift). My reading had a number of people saying pretty nasty things about the aluminium/brass bushing at the bottom of the shifter. IIRC people were saying that the replacement was wearing out in only 20,000km~ and was no better than the stock part.

When I replaced my boots the stock plastic bushing was showing zero wear after 130,000km. On that basis, I'd (did and would) stick with the stock part.

Never tried a short shifter, so I can't help on that front.

Good luck

Benny · Postby **Benny** » Tue Dec 06, 2011 5:25 pm

I've got an IL short shifter in my SP, and it's fabulous.

The real trick with the short shifters is to make sure of the fit of the shifter and the bushing.
If the fit is tight, the shift will be very stiff.

When you fit it, take some time to ream out the bottom bushing so it is a perfect fit.

My shifter is as light as a standard shift, but so short that it feels like a light switch to operate, and I can work it really easily resting my hand on the handbrake and using my thumb to go from 2nd to third and one finger to pull it down.

A few guys that have dríven my car were quite surprised at how good it feels and amazed at how short the throw was.
Even Mrs Benny likes it!

dazzvazz · Postby **dazzvazz** » Tue Dec 06, 2011 6:07 pm

93_Clubman wrote:
dazzvazz wrote:I am already ordering some Redline MTL.

If you're going to use Redline then the MT90 is preferable in the NA at least.

Thanks for the tip, I will adjust my order.

dazzvazz · Postby **dazzvazz** » Tue Dec 06, 2011 6:12 pm

OurCognitiveSurplus wrote:
dazzvazz wrote:I was thinking of going the whole distance and fitting a short shifter, aluminium/brass bushing (the one at the bottom), Thanks!

Dale

I recently did similar (without installing the short shift). My reading had a number of people saying pretty nasty things about the aluminium/brass bushing at the bottom of the shifter. IIRC people were saying that the replacement was wearing out in only 20,000km~ and was no better than the stock part.

When I replaced my boots the stock plastic bushing was showing zero wear after 130,000km. On that basis, I'd (did and would) stick with the stock part.

Never tried a short shifter, so I can't help on that front.

Good luck

I have also heard that it makes no difference, but, I was hoping it would last longer. I will do some more research on it.

dazzvazz · Postby **dazzvazz** » Tue Dec 06, 2011 6:16 pm

Benny wrote:I've got an IL short shifter in my SP, and it's fabulous.

You wouldn't be selling it by any chance?

Because, I am having no luck finding one by IL.

de Bounce · Postby **de Bounce** » Tue Dec 06, 2011 8:16 pm

Have a read HERE
http://mx5cartalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=47730
Main discussion is about the SSK for the 6 speed however there is a kit for the 5 speed available.
As a sweetener it comes with the upper and lower boots and bush
http://miataroadster.com/miataroadster/miataroadster_short_shifter_kits/g-63251.aspx

A lot of positive feedback on cr.net and the big forum.

dazzvazz · Postby **dazzvazz** » Tue Dec 06, 2011 10:39 pm

de Bounce wrote:Have a read HERE
http://mx5cartalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=47730
Main discussion is about the SSK for the 6 speed however there is a kit for the 5 speed available.
As a sweetener it comes with the upper and lower boots and bush
http://miataroadster.com/miataroadster/miataroadster_short_shifter_kits/g-63251.aspx

A lot of positive feedback on cr.net and the big forum.

That is exactly what I am after, Cheers!