I just installed a Mazdatrix shortshifter. I noticed that the little socket on the very end wasn't lubricated and was very hard to move around, unlike the stock shifter which moved very fluidly. I filled the shifter case as per the instructions, so my new one is sitting in tranny fluid, but the shifter action is very stiff. Will this go away with general use as the mechanism gets lubbed up?

-Scott

 

This is exactly what my wife said to me last night!

 

I also just installed a Mazdaspeed short shift kit (upon which the Mazdatrix kit is based) in my FD as well. The shifter action will be a little stiffer since you don't get the same leverage as with the longer shifter. Shifts can be quicker, but require more force. One other thing, does yours make any noise? Mine seems to rattle quite a bit. Perhaps it was because I forgot to grease the shifter ball?

 

I was thing along the same lines! My girl friend doesn't want my stiffness to be temporary.

 

Mr. Seven: Some fds will experiencing rattling when a short shifter is installed and some will not. It's random and there is no fix for this yet.

 

Dynomat and JB weld can fix anything (Dynomat in this case) Just find the source of the noise and Dynomat it. Problem solved.

 

Where can I find this wonderful stuff?

 

You can get it at any Stereo shops !!

 

u shoulda bought the mazdaspeed one. i didnt use any lube while installing mine and its as soft as the stock one without any rattles. i highly recommend it

 

I put in a B&M shifter recently and it was pretty stiff for the first few days but it's about as loose as stock shifter now. I've heard that the rubber/plastic piece on the end of the stock shifter should be moved to the short shifter and it will eliminate rattling. I did that with mine and it doesn't rattle- maybe I was lucky though.

 

If you overtighten the shifter bolts it'll be quite a bit harder to get into gear. "More Effort"! I get the bolts so that they are snug. If the shifter feels sloppy then I know it's time to tighten them up a little.

Jc

 

D)What if you are all of the above?

 

The stock shifter sucks anyways. A short shifter aside from the racing aspcet just feels better then stock. You may not believe in them but I am sure most people here race there cars maybe not all the time but on occasion and every bit helps. It's good for them to go fast, it cleans them out. Don't just beat your opponent, embarace him. 1/10th sec here and 1/10th sec there, it adds up.

 

So you are telling me all you do is crise the strip or what??? You need to go buy a lowrider or something. Are cars do all of the above.

 

just get one and youll know that you did the right thing

 

you dont really know how much the stock shifter sucks until you get on a road course.