I dont know if this is a stupid question but when i try to unscrew the shift **** to my fc it feels like there is too much play on the shift ****. I feel like if i turn it hard enough the shifter will just snap. Any ideas on what i can do to avoid breaking it?

 

This might be obvious but try using a rubberized pad in each hand to grip the shifter and the ****. I changed the shifter on my sister's Miata and did that to avoid putting force on other parts.

 

Well one thing I would be worried about if the shifter **** is SO tight and not allowing ot to come off the Shaft,is NOT trying to twist it while IN the transmission.
there is a PIN that aligns the shifter ball in the hole.If you break that the whole shifter shaft,etc will just spin.It will still shift but it will be very freakin annoying.
I think you would be better off and be SAFE to take the shifter out of the transmission hole and take the **** off while it is in a vice.Wrap the shifter shaft in some rubber or tape it well and put it in a vice and go nuts on the ****.
If you are not concerned about the **** any more then just grab whatever..Pliers,vice grips..and go to town on it.

 

Get a new shiftknob....just take some pliers and destroy it.

my corksport shifter is a PITA because I wanted to use stock **** but it does not thread down all the way

 

I think he is attempting to take the **** off and that is why he is asking about IF he will break anything by using excessive force.

 

Sorry misread....you're right tho take the shifter out....hard to imagine it's that stuck??

 

It wiggles and feels like it might ruin the transmission. I think destroying will be my last resort. Just going to try the pin thing. Seems simple enough

 

Whoops misread the pin thing. Im not going to do that. I guess my only hope is to destroy it

 

I think if you take the whole shift lever out, **** and all, you will have better leverage and not risk damaging anything. The shifter bezel and boot is held on with four push fasteners. Careful prying all around will take that off. Your middle boot set could be in any sort of condition, but you should be abe to pull off the top two middle boots. Then you are three bolts away from being able to remove the whole shift lever.

If you've noticed any play in the lever while shifting, now is a good time to replace the bushings.

Here is a link to Mazdatrix's short shifter install tutorial, which has pictures of what I just talked about.

81-95 Short Shifter Installation

 

Jerry hit the nail right on the head.
you may find a pic link on Mazdaspeed | CorkSport Mazda Performance Parts .If you look at the shortshifter replacement info it may give you a better idea of what you are into.
really it's not all that hard.3 bolts.lift and poof,shifter out.

 

Yeah, I think definitely take it out and put it in the vice. Wrap up the shifter and if you happen to have one, a channel lock works great.

 

Thanks for the link really helped alot.

 

you are welcome..But,If I answer two more questions for you, I am gonna request that you buy me a pony!..lol!