Short shifter? Tell me more (please?)

Ever since I test drove that MR2 that had a short shifter, I can't get the feeling out of my head. I really liked the short/quick/notchy shifts it made.

What exactly do I need to know? Twos R Us seems to have a kit for only $67? Two's R Us shifter kit

I remember him saying something about most short shifters only do (something), this one was a "true" short shifter. I remember something about how they mounted into the transmission or something, didn't really pay attention (I was too busy practicing shifting in his driveway before I took it out onto the street!)

Is the above link what I need? Is there something else, possibly better?

A lot of short shifters only shorten the fore-aft motion, while others also shorten the width between the gates. That particular change is not always possible due to the vagaries of transmission/shifter design.

Apparently the Shift1 kit is still available, but doesn't offer a short lever. Another kit includes a shorter lever from a MK2 but only installs correctly 90% of the time?

FWIW I wouldn't have a T5 without one

From MR2OC Facebook page: "Depends on which one you're looking at. Shifkit3 (with the 93+ lever) seems to give more people problems than not. I don't know why - I've installed 3 of them with no issues. Putting parts into 30 year old cars with hundreds of thousands of miles of use and play in the components is bound to yield varying results. Shiftkit1 should drop right in with no issues - but doesn't give you the shorter lever."

I use a fairly tall shift lever anyway, I'm wondering if this kit would even be noticeable with the same height lever and tall handle?

I don't care for short kits, a longer pattern just feels better to me. I must be the only person who dislikes the Miatas shifter...

I did use a short kit in my '88 C4 Corvette though. Shifter was simply mounted to far back in the car to be comfortable engaging 2nd and 4th. The 2" reduction in throw made a huge difference. My 1976 Vette had no such issue.

As a rule of thumb, i like about a 30-50% reduction in throw, but i hate hate HATE when the shifter itself is shorter, makes for some terrible ergonomics.

On the Escort, i ended up using a Pacesetter adjustable that i adjusted to take over 50% of the throw out, which brought effort ridiculously high.

Then i added 5" with a shifter extension and used a small round delrin knob. Ended up with better ergonomics than stock (much closer to the steering wheel), and a total hand movement/throw that was similar to stock, slightly shorter, with an incredible positive engagement feeling. Has a nice satisfying "CHUNK!" every shift.

Pretty much every other short shifter i've ever tried, i hate. I spent bunches of money on a TWM short shifter that everyone on the internet went gaga over on my 92 Celica. (Had the updated dual bend from factory, nice piece) Installed it, hated it, sold it, put the stock one back in.

I agree on hating short length shifters. Tighter pattern yes, shorter shifter, no. I do not want to move my hand that far from the wheel

In reply to mad_machine:

So basically short shift kit, using my tall handle and the not-shorter rod that comes with, equals happiness then?

Gearheadotaku wrote: I don't care for short kits, a longer pattern just feels better to me. I must be the only person who dislikes the Miatas shifter...

The RX-7's shifter is the stock lower piece with a chunk of Tempo inner tie-rod welded on and bent to a nice angle. It's longer and easier to reach.

I was kinda hoping some of you MR2-type's would chime in, curious if anyone has ever had one in their own.

Isn't the mr2 shifter cable operated? So shortening the shift arms on the trans =short throw shifter?

Depends on the car. The Fieros, for instance, had far too long shifters and benefit greatly from a shorter lever. I also shortened the lever on the T5 I put in my Jamaican MGA. Makes a worthwhile difference in feel.

oldopelguy wrote: Isn't the mr2 shifter cable operated? So shortening the shift arms on the trans =short throw shifter?

I believe so. And when doing that you can choose to only shorten 1 arm to only make the fore aft throw shorter without moving the gears too close together left to right.

Wife's spyder has a trd one that works perfectly. (before and after c60 6 speed swap)