i need a new shifter for my car, is the '85 gsl-se shifter the same as the one in my car? would it work in my car?

 

no it would not work ,i think and 85 is a first gen ,86 2nd gen

 

I know that the '85 is a first gen. and the '86 is a 2nd gen. thats why I asked here in the first place, but on the mazda trix website the short shifter kit is for 84-88, invoking the idea that the 84-88 shifters may be the same from the factory...? If it is I can buy this one for a cheap price rather than wait for a 2nd gen shifter to pop up.

 

Yes, it should be the same. The real only difference between the 86-88 and 89-91 shift rods is the threads for the ****, and the 89-91 shifter is slightly shorter in length.

 

THe shift stick is bent backwards at a slight angle on 1gens, and is straight on 2gens. I actually have a car that I put an SE shifter into...it feels sorta cool. The stock s4 shift **** will work on it...the GSLSE uses it as well, only in other colors than black.