Where to find good Shortshifter and boot?

[shizznats]

I just finished painting my interior trim pieces, and the next interior mod id like to do is install a short throw shifter in my BD along with a good quality shifter boot. I've found a few different shifter ranging in price from $30 to $100. I figure there must be some difference, have any of you guys had any experience with any of these?:

Kartboy short shifter
http://www.allwheelengineering.com/bask ... B-001-1997 (http://www.allwheelengineering.com/basket/catalog.cgi?query_net_id=kartboy&query_class=KB-001-1997)

OBX short shifter
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/OBX-Shor ... enameZWDVW (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/OBX-Short-Shifter-Subaru-Impreza-96-01-Legacy-RS_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33736QQihZ007QQitemZ170134528021QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW)

Power Import shifter
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 88491&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=009&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=190134988491&rd=1)

Also, where can i find nice shifter boots that will fit the new short shifter (perferably with some red stitching or something :grin: ? Thanks.

[Plays_with_Toys]

Go kartboy or the last one you posted. The B&M shifter is pretty much identical to the last one you posted. As for a shift boot, stitch it up yourself! That's what mark did.

Oh and perrin makes an adjustable short shifter as well.

[shizznats]

Does this look like a good quality one? Also, if a short shifter fits an impreza (95-01), it will also fit a legacy, correct?

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/07/SSSubaru9501-1.jpg

[Huffer]

Also, if a short shifter fits an impreza (95-01), it will also fit a legacy, correct?

Unfortunately, not always. Best thing to do is remove your stock shifter, and do some measuring to work out which ones will fit.

Another method is simply to lop an inch or so off the top of the shifter, that will give you the "short shift" feel.

[shizznats]

Ok another difference i noticed is that some short throw shifters are straight and others are not. How does this affect the feel and which, if either, is better? Here is a picture of the straight one, and the bent one is 2 posts up. Thanks.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/07/d488_1-1.jpg

[Reason]

For short shifter go Kartboy or B&M. If it weren't for Kartboy having the largest shift reduction I would get the B&M one.

As for shifter boots check out http://www.redlinegoods.com/Legacy9599shiftboot.shtm

[Plays_with_Toys]

There's a few things to look at here. If you look at the one that has the blue piece for attaching the shifter fork, the pivot point isn't in a direct line with the shifter staff itself. So that shifter will be tilted backwards a little bit from where the shifter would sit in each gear. The bent one pushes the shifter forward and also tilts it some. Kartboys are bent/angled. Most short shifters of either style look fine once everything is buttoned up.

Just look for one that is made of steel, possibly stainless.

Oh and I agree. Before you make any purchase, take apart the center console (open your cubby hold, remove the two screws and from there everything is just interlocked together). Check the width of the barrel where you attach the shifter fork. It should be about a 1/4" wider than a quarter (the coin). If is not that wide, and if it is narrower your bum out of luck. There was a shifter made for a bout a year or two that there exists no short shifter for, because it's measurements are different everywhere. I have one of these and will resort to making my own shifter on the lathe/mill. Here's what that one looks like:

http://www.legacycentral.org/library/shifter.htm

If your's looks like this, then you can read my struggle to find a shifter.
http://www.sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?t=6479

[Reason]

The whole point of the angled shifter, or relocated pivot hole is because when the shifter is shorten your arm has to be more forward to rest on the knob comfortably. With the angle or moved pivot hole it brings the shifter back to make it more comfortable for the driver.

[shizznats]

I just bought this, so please tell me it will work :grin:

Also, will i need any other pieces to install this if indeed it will fit?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 57226&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=005&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=150146157226&rd=1)

[Plays_with_Toys]

Shouldn't need anything else. I hope it fits, but if it doesn't you're not out a lot of money. Like I said, to take out your center console was two screws, and would've been the first step I took before presing the buy it now button.

[shizznats]

I took out the center console and checked like you said and it was exactly 1/4 wider than a quarter (about 4 cm). that's why i bought it. And if it was buy it now for 4.99 i dont think i would have gotten it, 4.99 was just the starting price, so im hoping i just got a good deal that no one else noticed/wasn't interested. Thanks for all the help, ill let you know how it works out.

[Reason]

That shifter is garbage. I hope it won't snap on you. Looks like shitty welds covered by a shitty "chrome" job. You should have went with Kartboy.

[shizznats]

youre probably right, but for $15 i figured ill check it out. If it is like you say, complete shit (in which case im wont even try to install it), then i will get a kartboy

[Plays_with_Toys]

That shifter is garbage. I hope it won't snap on you. Looks like shitty welds covered by a shitty "chrome" job. You should have went with Kartboy.

how can you tell the welds are crap when you don't even see them? The welds are laid down nice and flat from what I can see, they're not all bubbly and popcorn-y like the welds on most ebay intakes.

[Brockley]

im using an ebay short shifter... one that is straight. plus its got bearings (metal) already installed.

I also used a dye set to shorten the length by nearly 1-3/4 inch. now the shifter sits exactly where it looks right, and it feels much better.

the gears are very notchy, which IS what i wanted. the throws are literally about 3-4 inches TOTAL travel of the shift knob, so it is very short. feels very odd for about a day, then you like it alot.

yours shouldnt be this short, or notchy, but I just wanted to add that the eBay ones (atleast mine) is good quality and works fine

[Plays_with_Toys]

Where did you find the tap and die set??? I will be turning my short shifter on the lathe and that's the only thing I need, but metric taps and dies are hard to find.

[Reason]

I can see the weld from the bottom rod into the pivot cylinder, trust me I seen guys weld better with their eyes closed.

[RckyMtnLegacy]

Would any work for my 1990 legacy?

[Wiscon_Mark]

Would any work for my 1990 legacy?

If it works on a 97GT? No.

[RckyMtnLegacy]

Do you know any that would work?

[shizznats]

Alright so i got the shifter in today and took a closeup picture... I dont know anything about welding so im askin you guys if this looks like its gonna hold up or if its garbage.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/08/DSC05154-1.jpg

[Reason]

That looks better than the other pic. Hopefully it goes in no problem.

[shizznats]

Ill be puttin it in tomorrow so i'll let you guys know how it goes. thanks for all the input.

[Wiscon_Mark]

Looks like it will go in fine. The 97+ trannys (not sure about the cable clutch variations) are a bit more standard and have a pretty good aftermarket. Earlier than that is hit or miss.

[shizznats]

Well, everything looked good up to the point of getting the new shifter into the socket. impossible. tried rubber mallet, then regular hammer with a block of wood, then just pushing down with full force. nothing will get this new shifter in the socket. the ball is the same size as the old shifter, but the old shifter ball has two sides of it cut down just a bit to make it easier to get in there i guess. anyway im wondering if anyone else had this problem and if there are any tricks to get it in there.

[Wiscon_Mark]

Hit the shifter harder? I'm guessing those "grooves" are from when you pulled it out.

[shizznats]

ive tried everything from this point, including putting a metal pipe through the linkage hole and pushing down with someone else on each end. it just wont go through. and the oem shifter ball is just not a perfect sphere. its got both sides kind of shaved off and that is where the ball is screwed on. that one goes in np. its such a disappointment.

[Reason]

pics of the two side by side may help someone come up with an idea.

[shizznats]

here are pics. the one with the white ball is the OEM shifter. you can see in the first picture how the two sides are slightly flattened on the white ball.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/08/DSC05162-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/08/DSC05166-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/08/DSC05167-1.jpg

I tried with as much force as possible, to the point where the socket as a whole itself was moving down with the pressure applied. the balls look the same size, but the new one must be that slight bit larger and that makes it absolutely impossible to install. Is there any way to just remove the socket itself, put the shifter in, and then put it all back in.

eh...lesson learned: dont buy shitty brandless parts for a fraction of the cost and hope they will work like the real thing. i should have listened to Reason from the start. piece of shit shifter. i just hope i didnt f*ck anything up by forcing it so much. time to trash this and save up for a kartboy.

[Reason]

I already see the problem. The shaft above the ball is too tall. It will only go inside so far before it bottoms out.

[Wiscon_Mark]

I already see the problem. The shaft above the ball is too tall. It will only go inside so far before it bottoms out.

Have you ever removed a shifter from a Subaru? I highly doubt this is the problem.

I'd say try to imitate the little flat spots on the side by taking a dremel or something like that to it.

[Reason]

No I haven't but I doubt the concept is much different in other cars. I've install short shifters on Hondas, Mazda, Toyotas and a Mistu etc.

That ball may be a hair larger and if the ring of the socket has no give it won't go in.

[Reason]

Get a grinder and try to trim the side like on the stock ball.

[shizznats]

thanks for the ideas, i thought about trying to grind down the sides, but i dont have a dremel or a grinder, and i would just feel much better with a kartboy in there. ill save up for that. thanks again for all the input.

[Brockley]

that thing will fit... I guarantee it

just put the shift knob on it first, then whack the SHIT out of it with a rubber mallet

it wont break...

[shizznats]

that thing will fit... I guarantee it

just put the shift knob on it first, then whack the SHIT out of it with a rubber mallet

it wont break...

no way. trust me i tried more forceful ways than that (and i did try that also). and nothing. the socket itself was bending down and it wouldnt pop in. compared to the ease with which the stock shifter poped in (just some pressure with the hands), its obvious something is wrong with the aftermarket one. it just will not go through no matter what. i recommend everyone stay away from this short shifter.

[Plays_with_Toys]

Got a bench grinder? More than likely the shifter has been hardened, but just start grinding the sides a bit to make it more like the white ball with the flatter sides (which I guess I don't see in the image).

I don't know what you're talking about reason. The shaft above the ball is taller to change the pivot point for a shorter throw...

You know, modifications are called such because they don't always go in easily. I say find a bench grinder and get working. That thing'll go in if you show it some loving.

[Plays_with_Toys]

Oops, there was a page two.. Anyway, i still recommend you find a grinder (check with neighbors, especially anyone who hunts, they like to keep grinders for sharpening their knives).

If it doesn't go in after some good whacks, don't try to really force it in or it might be too hard to actually move the shifter around once it is in. And then you might not get it out.

Can you take a measurement of the ball's diameter for me?

[Reason]

I don't know what you're talking about reason. The shaft above the ball is taller to change the pivot point for a shorter throw...


No you are right, It's been awhile since I done one.

[rwm5]

Let me know when you get the Kartboy. Our cars are the same and I'm looking to buy one soon!! :grin:

[rougeben83]

I have the Kartboy on mine, shortened the throws a good couple of inches (I can measure the throw from 1-2 for a more definitive comparison).

It does shortened the lever by a couple of inches too though...I preferred the PDM shortshifter I had before in terms of reach. (It was harder to shift 4-5 and had a higher pitch gear whine due to aluminum construction though, hence why I went with the kartboy)

[battman]

Well, if you care, I just picked up a USED STI short shifter with the aluminum STI shift knob for 125 shipped. If anyone wants my opinion once I get it installed, hit me up.

[rwm5]

Well, if you care, I just picked up a USED STI short shifter with the aluminum STI shift knob for 125 shipped. If anyone wants my opinion once I get it installed, hit me up.

Please let me know how it works! Oh, and what year is your car?

[AJM]

LOL

Guetto short shifter.

Step 1: find welding shop.

Step 2: take out stock shifter

Step 3: cut the desired the length from stock shifter, then possibly cut peices to be welded in to add length if desired...

Step 4: have shop (or buddy in my case) weld it back together in about 10 min.


:lol:

[battman]

My car is an 00 leg. The short shifter is in, it is a HUGE improvement. I need to do some modifying because it "sits" so far forward. I can post pics and I will start a new thread so I am not thread jacking.



Well, if you care, I just picked up a USED STI short shifter with the aluminum STI shift knob for 125 shipped. If anyone wants my opinion once I get it installed, hit me up.

Please let me know how it works! Oh, and what year is your car?

[rwm5]

My car is an 00 leg. The short shifter is in, it is a HUGE improvement. I need to do some modifying because it "sits" so far forward. I can post pics and I will start a new thread so I am not thread jacking.



Well, if you care, I just picked up a USED STI short shifter with the aluminum STI shift knob for 125 shipped. If anyone wants my opinion once I get it installed, hit me up.

Please let me know how it works! Oh, and what year is your car?

It does pertain to the thread but start a new one if you prefer. I would love to know what you mean by it "sits" far forward.

[battman]

well, basically, when I am in first gear, the shifter rod is almost touching the trim and the knob is about an inch away from the center console. I don't know if anyone else has had this problem and figured out a better solution but I will probably mess with it sometime this week.

[shizznats]

u sure its not installed the wrong way?

[Wiscon_Mark]

u sure its not installed the wrong way?

I'm really not sure how you install it the wrong way.
From what I remember, you can't do it the wrong way.

[shizznats]

you can just install it 180 degrees wrong, so the bent part is facing the console... thats the wrong way. the bend needs to go towards the back of the car.

[Wiscon_Mark]

you can just install it 180 degrees wrong, so the bent part is facing the console... thats the wrong way. the bend needs to go towards the back of the car.

Well, yeah, but I'm not just not seeing how you can connect the linkage properly if it's the wrong way...unless this shifter has the connection within the shifter column? I may be thinking of the older linkage where there's only one way to do it...

[battman]

well, it came all one piece, so if I installed it wrong, it must of come that way. Of course, I could be a complete idiot. maybe someday when I am actually home, I will take the trim pieces off and take pics.

(Battman misses his battcave) :lol:

[Reason]

well, it came all one piece, so if I installed it wrong, it must of come that way. Of course, I could be a complete idiot. maybe someday when I am actually home, I will take the trim pieces off and take pics.

(Battman misses his battcave) :lol:

Yes pics would help in this situation.

[PJ2277]

I have a spare WRX shifter linkage. Can I just use this and get the Perrin adaptor to make it work?

http://www.perrinperformance.com/products/show/229/Short-Shifter-Adaptor?category=9&model=19

[shizznats]

just got the kartboy in my car... a solid whack with a rubber mallet is all it took. feels great, its takes more effort to shift but i actually dont mind that at all. next up are the bushings :grin:

[undasighted]

Has anybody tried this one or one that's similar and how did it work out?


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SHORT-SH ... enameZWDVW (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SHORT-SHIFTER-SUBARU-LEGACY-IMPREZA-WRX-STi-7-8-96-05_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33736QQihZ013QQitemZ230219185712QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW)

[Reason]

If you want a short shifter I would suggest a Group A shifter.

http://www.sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?t=6936

[undasighted]

I ended up ordering the one I posted a link to and got it installed with little trouble. You really do need a mallet to get that sucker in there, but a good five hits took care of it for me.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/02/244543135_821798823_0-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/02/shifter2-1.jpg