RotaryEvolution

iTrader: (30)

here it is finally, my writeup for the miata short throw shifter:

here is a link to a current online auction for the shifter i used:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...spagename=WDVW

as well you will need 1 upper shifter bushing, i purchased one from the local mazda dealer for approx $7 including tax and it took 2 days to recieve.
upper bushing part number is #M508-17-481A

you can also purchase the bushing from mazdatrix:
http://mazdatrix.com/getprice.asp?partnum=17-481A-M508

you may also want to replace any ripped or torn boots after you see the condition of yours upon disassembly, you can purchase them from the dealer or from mazdatrix here:
http://mazdatrix.com/g4.htm

i prefer this style of shifter as it is a 2 piece shaft so you can choose whether you want a mild short throw or an extremely short throw. i will see if i can find a link to a supplier of these shifters off ebay so they will be available anytime not during auction periods.

to start:

1) remove the shift **** by using a crescent wrench or suitable open ended wrench and loosen the jamb nut at the base of the shift ****.
2) with a rag or something to get a good grip on the **** with, make a sharp counterclockwise twisting motion with the **** and it should break loose from the shaft. remove the **** and the jamb nut.
3) take a flat tip small screwdriver and place it under the shifter trim surround and pry it upwards to pop the locking tabs loose and remove the shifter surround.
4) remove all the boots that seal the top of the shifter housing.
5)remove the shifter housing top seal/gasket.
6)remove any remnants of the top shifter bushing and pull out the shifter shaft being careful not to drop any pieces of bushings or other materials into the housing.
7) remove the bottom shifter bushing or pieces of the steel cage that is left.
8)clean out the housing of any debris.
9)siphon any excess lubricant out of the shifter slide bore and housing, you can remove as much of the gear oil as possible and refill it so that the level of lubricant is half way up the shifter slide bore(the square piece with a bore in it).
10)now you have to remove the slip collar from the new shifter assembly and sand approx 1mm from it's diameter as the stock miata shifter is slightly too large for the FC3S shifter bore. you can do this by placing some medium grit sandpaper on a flat surface and rolling the collar while sanding it. place the collar back onto the shifter ball and try placing it into the bore, when it slips in and pulls out easily you are ready to install it.

11)once you have the shifter collar ready you can setup the pieces for assembly.

12)now place the smaller aluminum collar into the bore of the shift housing with the groove in the collar face down interlocking with the dowel in the housing:

13) now remove the steel collar from the white lower bushing that came with your short shifter and lube it up with some petroleum jelly or gear oil and place it on top of the collar you just installed:

14)take the large diameter spacer collar and remove the allen key screw, place a srop of blue locktite onto the threads and install it snug into the collar.
15)install the large diameter collar onto the housing aligning the holes with the bolt holes in the stock housing, the allen guide screw will face forward and be near the bottom of the collar bore.
16)install the shifter shaft, guide the bottom slide bushing into the shifter bore and align the keyway in front with the allen guide screw. push the shifter down into the bore so it all is aligned:

17)take the top bushing you purchased seperately and install it on top of the shifter ball in the bore so that everything is snug, do not add a spring washer to this bushing unless your shifter happens to be loose, more than likely it will be a bit tight until it breaks in(i have the washer installed in this picture, disregard unless your shifter happens to fit loosely):

18)now install the top cover gasket, if you don't have one you can substitute anaerobic sealer, gasket maker or even a small amount of silicone. install the top cover and boot assembly and tighten the bolts snug.
19)now reinstall the rubber boots for the top of the shifter housing in the reverse order you removed them.
20) install the shifter console cover.
21) now you can play with the different lengths of the shifter and see which you prefer, the super short or the stock length shifter with short throw:



the shifter may be a little tight, it will break in slightly. if you think it is too tough you can disassemble and remove the bottom bushing steel spring washer to help loosen it up. keep in mind as you drive it you will get used to how it shifts, the super short shifter is an acquired taste and it will free up as you drive it. the stock height shifter is easier to shift but the throw is also a bit more than the super short shifter but a bit less than the stock shifter.


also, you will need to pick up a shift **** insert for the **** to fit this shifter as the threads are a bit small for the stock shift ****, you can try varying suppliers for a thread fit adapter for the stock **** or fabricate your own with PVC. as you can see i just purchased a tall B+M shifter **** for my super short shifter, the adapters needed are in the kit.

if you have any questions about this install feel free to send me a PM.

if anyone happens to come accross these shifter kits on a website please let me know so it can be added to this writeup as i have no part# or a make for this kit.

yes i know i need to clean my car.