I'd really like a short shifter for my 79 . Anyone else interested and know where to get one ?

 

A ribcase 5 speed shifter from a '76-'78 is the perfect upgrade on a '79-'80 tranny. I put this combo in the GLC and it's almost perfect as stock. The throws are stock length but very presice. All I gotta do is shorten the length a couple inches and it will net me a true short throw shifter. It works because the distance from the big pivot ball to the small lower ball is long on a ribcase shifter, and the housing is up higher to make up the difference. It's the same idea as the aftermarket FB and FC etc short throw shifters.

If you know anyone who still has a good ribcase 5 speed shifter with housing, it bolts straight in. All you have to do is shorten it a little to the same length as a 79-80 and it will feel like a short throw shifter. I may wind up doing this in the GLC if I don't like the stock length lever and throws. I must say however that it felt pretty good on the first test drive the other day.

 

mariah motorsports sells a short throw for first gens

 

and mazdatrix has one for fb/sa as well..

:AA:

 

i called mazdatrix and they told me their shifter does not fit my SA.

 

Bought one off of ebay for a Miata had to do a little file work on the ball but it fit and works great. Cheap fix for my 82

 

the 79/80 shifter is different.

 

I have a new 79 short shifter

 

where did you get it?

 

Rotary Shack made some a couple years ago for SA's. They raise the pivot point 3/4 or so to reduce the throw. They are kind of notchy in feel but bolt right in. I've also just shortened the stock level before with good results. I have an extra Rotary Shack one, if interested PM me.

 

cheers banzai, look forward to seeing it in the mail soon hopefully

 

Hope you like the shifter tiesto. I've had one in mine 85 RX-7 for about a year now and love it.