Guys,
I'm looking to get a short shift for my FD and I've run across a few cheapers ones.

Do y'all have an opinion on these shifters?

http://thmotorsports.com/fidanza/fid.../i-165431.aspx
http://stores.channeladvisor.com/aut...itemid=8630306
http://www.rx7store.net/product_p/bm...shortshift.htm

I kind of like the rx7 store and the fidanza.
Or would you recommend a different shifter?
Also as these seem to be shorter in height than the original shifter where should I look for getting a new boot?

Thanks!

 

The latter two choices are probably made by the same manufacturer. Personally I'm not a fan of that design, but alot of guys have them. I would recommend searching here and learning about some other options. Generally you get what you pay for.
You probably won't need a new boot, but if you decide to go that route, http://www.redlinegoods.com/productsMazda.shtm

 

C's: http://www.rhdjapan.com/jdm-low/Comr...-DC2-EK9-23180

 

I agree w/Sgtblue on this one. I've tried a few different ones and like the C's style best. I think it is the same as some others, but definately different from the last two above (that style always rattled in my car). Now, having said all of that, in retrospect, while I thought it was pretty cool at the time, I think I would just stay stock. I've never driven a 7 with a short shift that really felt good, and was smooth like stock. . .just something to think about. Maybe invest somewhere that will really make an improvement in your car.
--Jeff

 

might want to look into fidanza aswell

 

I had the 2nd one which is a B&M replica. I used it for a year and switched to Mazdaspeed which is the same as Mr C's. It worked well but felt to notchy for me. If interested I will sell you my first one $25 plus shipping. PM me if interested

 

Thanks for the opinions guys! I'm not sure what direction I'm going yet.
@mecman: Was the B&M noisy?

 

I have had ALOT of shifters in my day. From B&M to B&M replicas, cut stockers, and now to my mazdaspeed.

The mazdaspeed is by far the best shifter i had. Not notchy. ITs tight but not notchy.

The mazdaspeed SS with the Mazdaspeed shift **** (or even the rx8 ****) is the best combo IMHO.

 

i have a genuin b&m one like the latter two and i love it its was worth every penny i tried a mazda speed and it was too notchy the only other brand i would consider is c's but its about 250 i have a friend with one in an fc and it feels just like the b&m. the b&m was stiff when i first installed it but after a couple weeks the return spring softened a bit.

 

I loved my B&M. Its was a bit notchy, but felt precise and direct.

 

Just installed a B&M replica from Rx7store a few months ago... I actually wrote the review..

The shifter is direct, tight, and quality. The price is great and the shifts are greater....

If it ever wears out or becomes loose, I will likely go with a Mazdaspeed or ReAmiya

 

Mazdaspeed if you can find one at a good price. They're a bit more pricey but worth it. Easy installation and mine is tight with no notchiness.

 

No nothchiness? I've owned a couple different models (including the C's which I'm told is virtually identical to the Mazdaspeed), driven others (including the Mazdaspeed) and I do like the "shorter shift." But I have never driven one that was anywhere near as smooth shifting as stock. Is the "no notchiness" just wishful thinking? Again, I like the short shifters, but they all are notchy. . .seems to be a tradeoff.

 

1) C's
2) Mazdaspeed or Mazdaspeed equivalent replica ex. Mazdatrix
3) B & M
4) RE-Amemiya

This is normally how the ratings go. I guess it just depends on preference. I'm sure there are other short shifters out there but these are the most common.

I hear C's and Mazdaspeed are pretty identtical.
The B & M is a bit knotchy and farthest from stock.
RE-Amemiya is very close to stock in terms of smoothness in shift but it's basically a stock shifter but cut shorter (meaning only height of the shifter is shorter, the throw isn't much shorter than stock)

 

cut and re thread the stock one, throw a voodoo shift **** on it, it feels like perfection and dirt cheap! love the feel, feels like the rx8

 

Well, I like to powershift.... and the stock shifter really didn't cut it. It's a little too long and the gate feels imprecise. (Even with the updated "spindle select" springs in the tranny.) What I've found to work well for me is the B&M style shifter. It is notchier and takes more effort, however; the internal centering springs really clean up the critical 2-->3 upshift. On the other hand, it makes getting into 5th a bit more difficult AND you'll wear out your nice leather shift **** sooner. None the less, the heavy shifter feel is a good complement to a heavy clutch, so it feels proportionate and balanced on the car.

One important note FWIW: I hated the dreaded "rattle." However, the rattle is the result of normal gear contact noise being transmitted back up through the shifter and is not a fault of the shifter itself. To correct the rattle problem, I grafted a shortened stock shifter handle [upper portion] to the lower portion of the B&M shifter. In this manner, I retained the rubber isolator that eliminates the rattling problem, maintained a short, tight throw and kept the nice stock shift **** too. I believe that some aftermarket short shifters now include a rubber isolator bushing to eliminate the noise problem, so you may want to keep this in mind when you shop for a replacement.