1)Are short shifters worth it(pros and cons)?
2)If so which one is the best bang for the buck?

I always hear mixed reviews about short shifters and don't know whether I should get one or not. Thanks

 

I got the cheap one off of e-bay for $30 shipped and it is really notchy. All the threads I've read go back and forth on the quality of the adjustable pacesetter ($60). Some have written that it bangs the the console in 1st and 3rd and its notchy, then again some love it. I've read not one bad comment on the B&M ($150) except the price. Those are the only ones I heard of. It's all dependant on if you want take a chance on suspect products or you want fork out the cash.

Pacesetter @ custommaxima.com
B&M @ optauto.com (options auto salon)

 

I probably should answer your question. Mine makes a difference. Quick shifts. More time on the gas, less on the clutch.

 

It depends on what you want if you don't care about the throw of the shifter that much and only want the short throw looks then just cut your stock shifter and use a universal shift ****. This will save you money and will change the way the shifter feels a little bit but not alot. I cut mine, it looks pretty good and is considerably shorter than stock. The only cons of a Short Throw would be if you set the shift to low it will eventually mess up your syncro's

 

I also bought my STS off ebay I think I paid $25.00 including shipping. It is all aluminum. It is great. The throw is much much better. It is a little harsh at some times, hard finding 2nd or 3rd, but only once in a while. I would say it is well worth it. I love mine.

 

If I got an adjustable one what would be a safe setting to put it on so it doesn't mess up the synchros?

 

i'm sorry but how do you adjust the pacesetter one? i just got it used from another member and i dont know if it had instructions in the first place but i dont have them. and how do i know at what setting its on?

 

--- [top of threading (100% shortenes)]
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| <--(65-70%) most peeps have it here
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| [middle of threading (50% shortness)]
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|
|
--- [bottom of threading (0% possible shortness)]

 

how does it adjust? by the ball?
lower setting = less stress on the whole system right? whats a conservative setting ...like 40?

 

Yeah, you turn the ball on the threads and it is locked by a set screw. Follow RI-Max's diagram and put in on "most peeps have it here." If you are too conservative, it is like stock so what's the point of the STS? Make sure the ball is well lubed (comes with a packet when new) and the shifter rod to shifter linkage bolt is well lubed as well and not tightened excessively. Redline tranny oil will also help smooth things out.

 

i thought 60% was the point at which you shouldnt do any higher.
is 40% to 50% noticeable and harmless?

 

i got the one off ebay, the SRP STS, for like $30.00 shipped. Still in room haven't put it in yet, waiting to get full exhaust so i can do it all at once.

 

bump

 

I "HAD" mine, but I've had back luck with short shifters! Went thru two broken shifter. My first one was one of those $30 ebay ones, which lasted me a whole month before it snapped i half when i put it in reverse one day. Then I got the stillen one, which snapped 2 weeks ago, but it lasted 5 months. So now, I just have the heavy stock one in. I don't think this one's snapping off anytime soon.
I would go with a pacesetter or B&M in the future.

 

go the B&M route and dont look back, the pacesetter is ok, but it does require a small amount of modification

 

My pacesetter went in with no modification. It feels good, a little notchy, but I think that's just our trannies. Shifts are 100000x shorter when compared to stock.

 

What I didn't like about the Pacesetter shifter was the graininess/vibration and notchiness of the shifter. It grew tiresome after a year's use. Now I'm back to the stock shifter cut 1.5". If I knew the B&M didn't introduce ANY vibration or notchiness, I'd get it, but I have Honda friends with B&M shifters and there's felt similiar to my Pacesetter.


Dave

 

so what is the general consensus about where to place the throw at without causing potential harm?

i bought my PS STS used so im hoping since he had it in, it ll go right into my car no problem.

uh also how often do these things SNAP?

 

i haven't heard of a pacesetter or B&M ever snapping... just don't get s stillen or cheap as5 ebay one...

 

My car is about 90k miles old. I just got it so I don't know if the tranny was ever serviced or had anything done to it. As of now, I plan to flush it and put Redline MT-90 in it in the next few months. If I put a short shifter on there and set it to about 1/3 down from the top for shortness, is there any possible way this could dammage the transmission or any of its parts (syncros?)?

 

1) is new redline fluid a must? or can i just throw the sts in and drive
2) how do i turn the ball? (seems stuck)
3) please recommend a safe throw percentage

 

I put in Redline tranny oil in last fall. The shifts were significantly smoother. Having it may reduce the notchiness that sometimes comes with an STS.
Try wearing a dishwashing glove so you've got more friction to turn the ball.
Sorry, no info. I've yet to install my Pacesetter STS. Just waiting for the warm weather to arrive first.

 

thanks!
so i gues the redline would help but i wonder if its completely necesary. i like keeping things the way they are if possible thats all.

 

It's not really necessary, but why not put it in? You don't need to change the m/t fluid that often so the additional cost shouldn't be too bad, and you will appreciate the smoother shifts.

I set mine to about 1/2 way, and the shifts are significantly shorter than stock.

 

cool, so you changed to redline fluid too? i guess i just need to learn how to bleed it and whatever else. it should be easy but can someone give me the run down?
jeffeson- 50% is a safe way to go right?
btw you find any new wheels yet?

 

Yeah, I changed mine. I really don't know how short or long is "safe", but I figured half way was pretty safe.

Still looking for wheels, but other things are fighting for my limited mod dollars.

 

I flushed my last Fall. My only caution to you is that I drained the tranny from my position sensor b/c I couldn't undo my drain bolt. Here are my pics and instructions

 

thanks