2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

replacing the s4 shiftboot.

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Old Dec 13, 2007 | 12:42 PM
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replacing the s4 shiftboot.

i have a s4 and im getting the mazdatrix short throw shifter and i wanna replace the shift boot. should i swap it out with the s5 shiftboot or are there some better aftermarket ones that i should get?
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Old Dec 13, 2007 | 04:06 PM
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http://www.redlinegoods.com/

I bet they can make whatever ya want.
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Old Dec 13, 2007 | 05:04 PM
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A shift boot is generally universal.
It's a piece of fabric basically... Now if you're replacing the assembly which you don't need to with the short-throw, just stick with an S4.
I recommend not getting a stock shift boot as other ones that are just as good are cheaper; also look better. redlinegoods
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Old Dec 14, 2007 | 04:10 AM
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Originally Posted by Craiger
http://www.redlinegoods.com/

I bet they can make whatever ya want.
They actually make a premade one, fits well and looks nice and it's a good cost. I love mine.
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Old Dec 14, 2007 | 04:16 AM
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im trying to decide on the carbon fiber black or the regular black with either red or silver stitching.....

and when ordering, the size reduction, i have to reduce is by 3.5 inches right? cuz according to the mazdatrix site, the short shifter i got is shortened by 3.5 inches.

http://mazdatrix.com/g4.htm
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Old Dec 14, 2007 | 04:24 AM
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What are you talking about?

"The shorter throw of these Short Throw Shifters is accompolished by changing the pivot point of the lever. The distance the **** travels when shifting is shortened to 3 1/2" from the original 6"."

^From Mazdatrix, they're talking about the distance the **** is moving from stock. The actual shifter isn't shortened at all, it's factory height.
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Old Dec 14, 2007 | 01:19 PM
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Yep, I don't know about you but you should break it in before any sort of spirited driving. Feels tough at first.
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Old Dec 15, 2007 | 12:43 AM
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hrmm... should i of ordered the s5 short shifter for my s4 instead? i dont like how the s4 shifter is so high...
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Old Dec 15, 2007 | 01:10 AM
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Is there a difference between the two?
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Old Dec 15, 2007 | 02:35 AM
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i dont know if theres a difference. i assume that there would be cuz on mazdatrix's site theres 2 part numbers. one for s4 and one for s5. i owned a s5 and the shifter is much shorter than my s5.
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Old Dec 15, 2007 | 04:47 AM
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the difference is the the thread on top of the shifter.The ***** are a different thread.then they are pretty well they same over all.the shortthrow Shifter changes the Pivot point on the shifter.They change the spacing of the lower ball to the upper ball to do this,and add a spacer..Look at www.mazdatrix.com Under shortthrow shifters..you will see what I mean.they have a Video..the Ebay shifter comes in Two Pieces,and you can make the shifter a SHORT Shortthrow or retain the stock height...and here is an Installation Found BY SEARCH. (thanks KARACK) . https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-gen-archive-72/miata-short-throw-shifter-writeup-445801/ of the shortthrow ebay shifter..As far as the BOOT,just Squish it down a bit..Unless you retain the height.In my opinion the Lower One piece Ebay Shorththrow looks like crap,and would be hard to get at to shift,and is close to the Ebrake and whatnot..Besides you can always make the shifter a 'little bit lower" by taking some of the Thread Portion off.That will bring the **** closer Down into the boot..The SHORTER the Shifter is not necessarily a good thing,It will be stiff because you are not using the Pivot point to your advantage..you have to use your Wrist to power the shifter into gear..which would Literally be a pain,,Good luck,,STYX.
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Old Dec 15, 2007 | 07:53 AM
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Originally Posted by misterstyx69
In my opinion the Lower One piece Ebay Shorththrow looks like crap,and would be hard to get at to shift,and is close to the Ebrake and whatnot....The SHORTER the Shifter is not necessarily a good thing,It will be stiff because you are not using the Pivot point to your advantage..you have to use your Wrist to power the shifter into gear..which would Literally be a pain,,Good luck,,STYX.
I disagree with much...OK, all, of the above.
I installed an eBay short shifter that I machined to be physically shorter as well.
Now, with my forearm laying on the console, the **** is right at hand height and the shifting is very precise and crisp.
Effort is minimal- I spend a goodly amount of time in stop-n-go city traffic and haven't developed "Popeye arm" and even my niece thinks it shifts nicely (although to be fair, she could also drive my 240Z perfectly and it was a brute...).
It doesn't foul the ebrake handle at all.

I think there are two critical areas when modifying the shift mechanism.
First, the bushings must be shimmed so that there is no binding and minimal play.
This can take some time (I spent an entire afternoon) and may require revisiting after the bushes have bedded in.
Make sure you have a new rubber gasket in place as well.

Second, you need a heavily weighted **** to compensate for some of the mechanical advantage lost in the conversion.

Before you screw with the shifter I'd recommend assessing the condition of the transmission in general.
If the syncros are worn, a short shifter will only make the problem seem worse.
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Old Dec 15, 2007 | 06:02 PM
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Originally Posted by xUnKnOwNx
i dont know if theres a difference. i assume that there would be cuz on mazdatrix's site theres 2 part numbers. one for s4 and one for s5. i owned a s5 and the shifter is much shorter than my s5.
Just run a shorter shift ****. I use a Razo round **** that makes the shifts hella short feeling. I have that ontop of my Mazdatrix shifter. Not much to the throw at all.

And btw, S5 shifters are shorter.
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Old Dec 15, 2007 | 06:53 PM
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damn i shoulda ordered the s5 short throw shifter instead.....
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Old Dec 15, 2007 | 09:53 PM
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the s5 short shifter should fit on the s4 right? cause i think im gonna order it and return the s4 one.
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Old Dec 16, 2007 | 07:16 AM
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From: Mile High
Originally Posted by xUnKnOwNx
the s5 short shifter should fit on the s4 right? cause i think im gonna order it and return the s4 one.
The business end of the shifters is identical so yes, you can swap.
AFAIK, the only difference 'tween the two is the threading for the ****.
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Old Dec 16, 2007 | 05:54 PM
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Originally Posted by clokker
The business end of the shifters is identical so yes, you can swap.
AFAIK, the only difference 'tween the two is the threading for the ****.
hrmm.... why is the shifters on s5 shorter and jager, its shorter....
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Old Dec 16, 2007 | 09:04 PM
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Originally Posted by xUnKnOwNx
hrmm.... why is the shifters on s5 shorter and jager, its shorter....
That doesn't make sense. I don't see the "big" deal about having an S4 shifter from Mazdatrix. If you want a shorter "shifter", toss on a different **** and call it a day. I think this is being made an entirely too big of a deal.



Now since Clokker had something to say, I'll just toss out this quote just so everything is clear.

Originally Posted by RotaryResurrection
The shifter itself is also different, with the shaft being smaller to accomodate the new shift ****. The s5 **** sits over the shaft, about 2 inches lower, while the s4 **** fits on top of the shaft and so the whole thing is taller. Let's say it all together now, yay for racing style s4 shifters that are 2" taller than the s5.

Oh yeah, s4's tend to have the custom 7 speed shifter bushings that give you some extra gears (or they just have that much slop in them) while s5's are *usually* still okay.
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Old Dec 16, 2007 | 10:32 PM
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From: Mile High
Originally Posted by Jager
Now since Clokker had something to say, I'll just toss out this quote just so everything is clear.
So is the shaft itself shorter or just the installed height with ****?
Sounds like it's the **** that makes the difference.
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