7th gen short shifter, Install Options

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

I bought a 7th gen short shifter in tried to install it today. I just want to post this first off as a warning to all that try to do this. This is a pain in the butt to do. I went into it thinking I could do it in 30min easy. I mean, what's so hard about taking one lever out and putting a new on in? I couldn't get it, so I decided to look at the how-to on the TWM short shifter. Well, I didn't even think of cutting that plastic piece. That would have made things easier. I didn't think about the screws on the sides of the knee panels either. So, just as a warning to those who want to attempt this in the future, it's not really simple. I've never been into the dash on my car, and it's a new area for me any. So I was a bit uncomfertable in the first place. I'll try to get some pictures up here soon.

[j0e_p3t]

eh, wasn't all that hard for me. i followed the twm instructions and it took me about 30 mins installing and a few more mins putting it back together. only problem was reaching some of the nuts and bolts and screws and what-not.

[Cutrara]

I didn't remove the knew panels or anything. Mine was alright.

How do you like it? I love mine. When I installed mine, I lost the wire clip that held the bottom linkage to the shifter, so I substituted it with a zip-tie.

Also, what did you use for a clip? I bought 5 and none fit so I was just gonna drill a hole in the metal post and stick a nail in it, but when I was drilling my drill bit broke. I left it in there. Despite my ghettoness, every thing is reliable, 100%.

[dlx742]

next time you start to do something you should research it first and know exactly what you have to do. if you would have done research and read the how to before you started you would have run into less complications and would have been able to get it done in about 30 - 45 minutes

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

As far as under the hood stuff, I'm pretty good. It was the interior that irritates me. I've got kinda big hands, and they don't fit in those small spaces. After I looked at the how-to, it cleared some stuff up. I was just being a guy and saying "I don't need dirrections, I know how to do things." Which is right most of the time. I just thought it was easier than it was. That was my bad going in. Sad to say, I didn't put it in. I will try and re-use the clip to hold that bar in. If that doesn't work, I'll drill it out, or just cut a notch in it and make a new clip. When I looked at the how-to, I realised I had it. I couldn't get the shifter out, and I decided I would wate untill tomorrow and try again. I put it all back together too. I took more than I need to apart on the dash as well. I'm actually excited to get back to it. I wish I had a garage to work in at night. Next weekend I think I'm going to try and pull my intire dash apart just to see what in there. It's going to haff to be warm out though. No more of this cold bull crap.

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

Alright, I've got this in now. I've got to say, I hate it. I did take the rubber holders out though. I think I may put them back in later. This is the worst thing I've ever done to my car. Shifting is not more presice, it's not smoother. The only thing it is is shorter, harder, and louder. I'm going to try and put the rubber pieces back in later, that might help a little bit. If it doesn't, I'm putting the stock on back in.

[j0e_p3t]

its just a lil harder to shift at first cuz you kinda have to break it in a lil. greasing it helps out a lil too. unless you forgot to put the spacers underneath (cuz the twm instruction don't say to) and you're scraping the base everytime you shift.

This post has been edited by j0e_p3t: Feb 12, 2006 - 3:27 PM

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

I bet I was suposed to leave those rubber pieces in there. Remember, I have no experiance with short shifters, or much interior all. I've made some dumb moves on this one, but I"ll never make them again. Oh, btw, I broke that spring that holds the shifter in the center. I had to fab up a new system to hold it in there. I works pretty well. I'm proud of that one. I'm an idiot for breaking it though.

[Cutrara]

You have to grease the cups and shifter ball. I used all 4 spacers that came with it, not the rubber stock ones.

If it doesn't feel smooth and precise, you probably did something wrong.

[Digndoug]

make sure your cable isnt bending. I did. and was the first and only to do the evo/lancer one. And the assemble made the cable sit to low, and was bending when i shifted. Basicly it took a good amount of effort to put in gear. Then realized i could cut two plastic bars holding it up. Cut those, and now its perfect.

Check to see if it is bending on those bars. Is it hard to put into any gear? if so, that may be your problem.

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

You have to grease the cups and shifter ball. I used all 4 spacers that came with it, not the rubber stock ones.

If it doesn't feel smooth and precise, you probably did something wrong.

When I switched over, I used the spacers. I'm thinking about putting the old rubber ones in as well. On top of the new ones. I'll grease it up again. I didn't put any extra on it. I tried to just use what was there and transfer it over. I'll check the cables to see if anything is bent or anything.

I just check it again. It's not hitting on anything. I'll have to tear more appart to see if the cables are hitting. I lubbed it up a little more. How did everyone who's installed it stop that clunking sound? I don't like it. Sounds like somethings wrong.

This post has been edited by Bigmeanbulldog55: Feb 13, 2006 - 1:15 AM

[Bigmeanbulldog55]

It's gotten a lot better. I still don't like how the shifter is so close to the e-brake handle. Definately not a worth while mod, but it's okay. It's just okay.