Short shifter for 4.11 drivetrain

[impreza_GC8]

My turbo'ed Outback has the 4.11 5MT LSD drivetrain. This is the same drivetrain as my '00 2.5RS however the stock shifter in my RS is much tighter and has a shorter throw than the shifter in my Outback. I was wondering why there would be a difference? I know the Outbacks were available with 5MT 4.11 drivetrains from the factory, did they have a long shift throw?
I was considering purchasing an ebay short shifter for the Outback but I wasn't sure what to search for. Would I look for a 2.5RS short shift lever seeing as they both have the 4.11 drivetrain? Any suggestions on how to reduce shift throw and play in my Outback?
Thanks!

[caoutback]

I have a 98 with a KartBoy short shifter, nicer than stock for SURE. If you want shorter go with an STi 5spd short throw shifter from the factory lot a LOT more $$$.

[grayguy]

Get the Kartboy shifter and bushing kit and you will be very happy.

[decke48]

If you want shorter go with an STi 5spd short throw shifter from the factory lot a LOT more $$$.
omg those shifter are pure ecxtacy. stiff, clean short throws. well keeping the shifter high but lower than stock for comfort. they are worth the money

[impreza_GC8]

Thanks for the input, I understand Kartboy and other name brands are nice however if I were to purchase one of those I would rather put it in my RS and put the stock RS shifter in my Outback. My question is whether the extra play is in the lever itself or in the linkage on my Outback, because if it is in the linkage then a stock RS shift lever isn't going to fix it.

[Plays_with_Toys]

I bought an STi short shifter for $10... I've had it for over a year... I should really start looking at how to mod it for install in my car...

[grayguy]

as far as I know, the drivetrain is basically identical on those cars, so I'd imagine that the bushings in your outback are just more worn out than your RS. you could start with just a bushing kit and see what that does for you.

[impreza_GC8]

as far as I know, the drivetrain is basically identical on those cars, so I'd imagine that the bushings in your outback are just more worn out than your RS. you could start with just a bushing kit and see what that does for you.
I think its more than just bushings. Going from one car to another is like driving a semi truck to a sports car. It feels that different. However bushings are a good place to start, perhaps I will do those and see where that puts me.

[rougeben83]

The RS shifter itself is shorter than the stock shifter found on other subaru's by about 1/2 inch. Switch it out and see if there's a difference.

pic; Stock RS shifter on the right. The left is the taller N/A shifter but with the excess thread cut off and lying beside it.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/09/P1060790-1.jpg

[impreza_GC8]

^ Aha! Now that is the information I've been waiting on! So not only is my Outback shifter taller but it most likely has worn out bushings as well. Thank you!
I think I'll see about getting an OEM RS shifter or an eBay short shift, coupled with some new bushings.
OR
Should I do what you did and just take an inch or so off the stock shifter and replace the bushings?

[rougeben83]

^ Aha! Now that is the information I've been waiting on! So not only is my Outback shifter taller but it most likely has worn out bushings as well. Thank you!
I think I'll see about getting an OEM RS shifter or an eBay short shift, coupled with some new bushings.
OR
Should I do what you did and just take an inch or so off the stock shifter and replace the bushings?

Hmm, it really depends if youre willing to do the labor or not; here's the DIY viewtopic.php?f=39&t=11017 (https://sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=11017)

RS shifters can be bought cheap enough, most can be had for only a little more than the cost of getting the die to cut the threads for the DIY method.

[peugoby]

I've got the RalliTEK short shifter, RalliTEK shifter bushings, AVO gearbox poly mount bushings, kartboy back bushing and the STi Group N tranny mount. I LOVE the setup. I drive my friends 350z track and it feels sloppy as hell in comparison.

It sounds like the primary reason for the sloppy shifter on your Outback is worn out bushings.

[chuckthefuk]

This is your problem.. Worn out and rusted. (rear bushing)
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

I installed the B&M short throw shifter. Kit includes front/rear bushings.

There's no point installing a OEM shifter unless your going with STi shifter + linkage..

My buddy with his GC8 has the STi short throw shifter and it shifts/feels the same as my B&M

heres a DIY with pics.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

viewtopic.php?f=39&t=9841 (https://sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=9841)

-Chuck

[impreza_GC8]

Thanks for the info guys, keep the ideas coming. Seems like bushings and a lever are in my future.

[KAG]

Adding a little more info for Impreza_GC8...

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1676424

Quoted from post #10:

it doesn't take much at all for the shifter to feel completely worthless. The 97 leggy that was brought to us was one of the most horrible shifters I have ever felt in a subaru. You could put it in 3rd and spin the shifter around in large circles. There is now no play in it at all.

Tony
So it sounds to me like your 97 Outback shifter was just like that from the factory, and you're bushings are most likely worn out. You will notice MUCH more improvement by replacing the rear shifter bushing. When I replaced mine, the front stay bushing was fine, but the rear was shot and extremely squishy.

And also, as posted above, the STi short shift kit is plain gold. It is however much more expensive than taking the aftermarket route and getting something like the Kartboy shifter/bushings for $150.

My 2 cents. :smile: Let us know what you decide to do.