I migh tbe cutting the lenth of my shifter down alittle for looks until i want to get a short shrow. Does cutting down the shifter help with shifting faster? Does it make the throws shorter???

 

when you do this post a couple pics like as your doing it for a writeup, I would like to see how its cut and where its cut, thanks

 

jmaxima did that and it looks real good... shifts alittle better since the stick is shorter but it's no where near what my short shifter is like... but an A++ on appearance...

mike

 

It doesn't change the actual length of the throws if I'm not correct, but it could make it feel more comfortable, and if you like the looks of a shorter, aggressive shifter in the max...

 

I was contemplating cutting mine as well. I beleive I need a pipe cutter, like a plumbers tool? Where would I cut it is the main question....Anyone?

 

(jmaxima) depends on what type of shift **** you have. on the shifter, there are two flares that hold up your shift boot... i had to grind mine down because my Momo shift **** wouldn't go over them. but i cut off about 1.5inches and i think it looks great... it also feels a little tighter in the shifts. oh, and i used a dremmel cut off wheel... worked great... and a pipe cutter wouldn't work and a hacksaw would take forever... so use, buy/borrow a dremmel. good luck.

-jon

 

you can always get one of these...


By the way JerseyMaxima i have two working LED's.

 

Thanks jon, I'm gonna try that...

Geo1317, It finally came in the mail, huh? Install that puppy ASAP...
Thanks for hooking me up with the 2 Led's...

 

How hard would that install be? I am thinking of getting an sts, but I can't do a search! Freaking server. What kind of work is required?

 

Also, could you direct me towards installation directions for that? Thanks!
Matt

 

the 5speed writup has instructions to putting the stock one on http://www.hlh0501.com/

 

i was going to use these directions when i try to install the STS

http://www.vbxmaxima.8m.com/shifter.html

 

What is the SMS shifter they talk about in the vbxmaxima directions?

 

how about a shop? how much would they charge?

 

SMC no longer makes the shifter. It was VERY similar to Pacesetters'. Some even speculated it was made at the same factory. It was just almost twice as much as the Pacesetter.

Re: cutting the stock down. Don't do it. Even if a temporizing measure, it's not worth the effort. Just wait to buy a STS. Install is not bad provided you get enough height under the car. Any 3 or 3 1/2 ton jack and decent jackstands will do the trick.

 

Have you had experience with cutting the shifter? Or know any stories? Is the only negative because it's not worth the effort?

Thanks

 

I cut my shifter down a little over an inch with an electric saw, with a metal cutting balde on it. Wrapped a clear bag around the shifter and end of the saw so metal filings wouldn't be everywhere after. Definitely looks better, and throws are slight short (based on pure geometry alone). No problems at all. Must use clamp-on shift **** though...since the threads are cut off. Definitely looking to get the B&M SS soon.

 

are the short throw shifter as tall as the stocks? Or are they shorter????

 

Yeah. I was planning on getting an STS but decided to cut it to try for 6 weeks or so. I got one of those small pipe cutters although once you dig in 1.5mm or so, it is then useless. I then used a cutoff wheel for the rest. Needless to say, it was a mess. metal dust all over the place and I even made an effort to be neat by covering the shifter area with a plastic bag and trying to work inside the bag.

The throw is the same (obviously) but your arm does move less distance simply because it is closer toward the pivot pt. It looks better certainly but leaves you unsatisfied. I wouldn't waste my time.

The biggest thing about the STS has always been the install because $60-140 is not a lot to pay to increase your driving experience immensely. In particular the CAT-Ypipe bolts are typically rusted beyond salvation. You typically have to cut them or torch them off (unless your car is newer). And even though the shifter nuts/bolts are rusty, they were never torqued down tight so they are easy to remove with penetrating oil--just be careful not to strip them. As some have said, you can leave the CAT-Ypipe bolts if you remove the heatshield above it. You should have just enough room to work. There is no problem with leaving the heatshield off permanently anyways, rather than risk banging noises from insufficient clearance.

 

see i just did it, i had some time. I kept it on the car and i put a sheet around the shifter and the seats and stuff. I get a saw and started goin at it. IOt took me maybe 5 min to saw through it and put the sheet down. I feel that is was definatly worth it. It took a big 5 min to make my interior look cleaner and shift more comfortable where i do not have to hold my hand above my head with that stock shifter. It was well worth it.