my shifter in neutral has alot of play to it. a good half inch before it has some feedback. also it can twist about 15 degrees. serious problem?? can it be fixed?? planning on getting a shortshifter. Any others better than one from Mazdatrix??

 

You probably need new shifter bushings.

http://www.mazdatrix.com/faq/shiftbsh.htm

Mazdatrix and other places also sell short shifters. Either way, it sounds like you need new bushings.

 

thanks... will i still need the shifter bushungs if i get a short shifter?? meaning does the shifter come with new ones??

 

Short shifters usually do not come with bushings, you have to buy your own if you need new ones.

 

Usually they don't, but the kit from Mazdatrix includes bushings.

http://www.mazdatrix.com/g4.htm

 

i had the exact same problem and the mazdatrix shortshifter and the bushings it came with worked like a charm now its perfect

 

if you buy new bushings for an S5, check how your groove bushing looks as well. i changed the others and my groove bushing was screwed up causing the shifter to be still sloppy as heck until i fixed it.