I installed the replica Mazdaspeed Short Shifter in my FD about a month ago. I absolutely love the short, precise shifts, but the tiny rattle coming from it is bothersome when driving with the radio off. I mean, it really is a tine amount of vibration noise, but I have very sensitive hearing and anything that's sounds out of place simply irks me.

I was thinking about going back to the OEM shifter, but have a couple of quick questions.

Before I removed my OEM shifter, which had 39,000 miles on it, I was mis-shifting a lot, mostly my shifts from 2nd to 3rd, ended mis-shifting me into 5th , obviously screwing up any strong pulls on the strip.

Below are some pics of my old OEM shifter which I've already thrown away... My question is: do you think by looking at the wear on the old shifter, that could've caused the mis-shifting, or is it typical of the OEM shifter?

I'm really torn as I know that with added performance, usually something is sacrificed, so I'm not sure if I want the quick, firm shifts of the mazdaspeed with vibration, or the smooth, long throws of a new OEM shifter.

I know I could also buy a new OEM shifter and shorten it, but I'm not really sure if that's a wise idea either.

Your thoughts?

 

Also a transmission brace may help you with more accurate shifting. I am making another batch of my design now. Check my thread on the subject


Later

 

Thanks Tom...I was considering that, but I really don't like the potential for additional vibrations in the cabin....It really gets to me!

 

Have you tried replacing the shifter bushing with a new bushing?

 

It's possible that something was worn on your OEM shifter causing the mis-shifts, but with only 39k, it doesn't seem likely.
FWIW, IMO the noise you hear is due to the lack of rubber isolation in the short shifter's shaft. The OEM shaft is set on rubber, visible in the 3rd pic you posted. I found that different shift ***** make a difference in how much is transmitted too. Not sure which **** your using but my OEM one seemed to be the best. None will quiet as OEM shifter though.