Recently, I installed a new clutch (Excedy Stage 1) and changed the clutch bushings. Before the new clutch, I had no problems with the short shifter, in terms of shifting. Then again, it was probably the reason I changed the bushing too.

Anyhow, now that I've changed the clutch, it's very difficult to shift into gears and get a smooth transition to other gears. Feels like my palms are bruising just to go down the street. Should I change the short shifter back into the stock stick?

 

Do you find the shifty Notchy?
try this: pull the shifter Up and put a Washer on each bolt,in between the Round 3 holed plate and the transmission.
What that does is it raises the shifter up a bit so when the bolts are tightened down,it doesn't Get Squished into that Block where the small shifter's ball sits.
That allows the shifting to be a little smoother.
note: you may need a Little RTV around the top of the trans to prevent any Fluid from coming up and leaking there,BUT it should make life a little easier.

 

Shifts should be smooth. Possible clutch pedal not adjusted properly.

 

something aint right, it should shift no different

 

^ you're flippin dreamin.

Assuming there are no problems with the clutch pedal or hydraulics, I'd say: of course it shifts worse. there's less leverage. Why do you think OEM shifters have long throws? The shifts may be faster (if done properly) but they are not easier or smoother... performance vs comfort.

 

i think he means it wasn't that bad with the short throw before the clutch job. which to me means the clutch is dragging a little.

try adjusting the free play in the clutch pedal to be near nonexistent and retry it. if it's still there then the clutch splines may just be too tight not allowing the disc to slide freely and dragging on the flywheel.

 

i love my $15 ebay short shifter

 

Thanks, I think it might be the "freeplay," however I'm not mechanically inclined so I will fiddle-faddle and let you guys know what happens. Merry X-mas!

 

Be careful though. Freeplay has a spec. About 1/2" of wiggle room when measured from the floor. This is because the master cylinder has a port at the top that allows for fluid makeup and expansion. If the port gets covered (no pedal freeplay) then when the fluid heats up, it will start disengaging the clutch by itself.

When you did the clutch job, did you lose any fluid in the clutch hydraulics? Try bleeding the clutch first before messing with the pedal freeplay. Definitely check it to make sure it's in spec, but you don't want to get rid of all of it.

 

Got it. I think I'll pay someone to bleed the clutch pedal and adjust the freeplay.

 

Did the trans fluid get changed when the clutch did? Crap trans fluid would cause it to feel a little notchy shifting especially from first to second. Also if you want to bleed the clutch pedal just have a friend there to help and it is very easy.

 

You did replace the bushing with a blue and white, not both white, correct?

The blue one is softer so has a bit of give built in and goes on top, white is harder compound so deals with the push down grinding better. Both White, both bushing have no give.

 

after all else has been checked, you might try a heavier shift ***. I heard it makes for easier shifting on short shifters since the mass helps push the shifter around too. are you sure you installed the all the parts replaced correctly?

 

It was installed by a mechanic. Thanks

 

sorry, did not replace the busing myself. My mechanic installed it.

 

The clutch fluid was low, the mechanic added more fluid, if anything.

 

Maybe it's time to invest in a basic set of tools, download the FSM, and start learning the car on your own!

 

+1

 

Then ask your mechanic

or

twist off the shift ****, pry up the shift bezel, remove the three 10mm bolts and look for yourself.

 

how original...I think that's why I'm here. TO LEARN!

 

So did you get it fixed yet?

 

Yes, but we can't offer any advice or information if what you can only provide is "Don't know, my mechanic installed it."

I love to teach and provide information - the same way I like to teach people how to fish, so that they can feed themselves.

The last time I was unsure about what was done to my car by a mechanic - was the last time I ever took my car to a mechanic. I was maybe 16 or 17.

 

My short shifter has a great feel to it but the rattling coming out of it is so annoying that the better shift feel isn't really worth it. I'll pull it out of there one day.

 

Yes, I think this is the answer, to pull it out eventually. The feel of the stock can never be duplicated by aftermarket products.

Funny thing, as time passes, the driving becomes easier. What I mean is, it was very stiff in the beginning (right after the clutch replacement), now it's a lot smoother and easier to get into gears.

However, it is not "smooth," coupled with the rattling which I hate too. So the answer remains, stick with stock, unless you guys know a specific short shifter I should be using.

Unfortunately, I am not a "grease monkey." Therefore, I make due with what I have. Sorry for your frustration!

Thanks for your help, guys!

 

yea i use the 15 dollar miata short shifter off ebay.... but when i installed it i saw i had now bushing to begin with.... now its 100 percent better than it was... my shifter would go around in about a 6 inch circle before the SS was put in...