I love my 98 SE 5-speed, but one of my biggest complaints is that the shifter throw is too long. I have driven my friends cars and liked how they had a shorter throw. Also the shift rod in these other cars (eclipse, 2.5RS) seems a lot stiff than in the maxima. Is there anything to be done about this?

 

You can cut the shifter if you'd like. Or you can go with a short throw shift kit which will reduce throws up to 30% i think, and have a shorter shaft. The best of both worlds i suppose.

 

get a short throw shift kit, not worth it to cut yours. While you're down there putting inthe new rod, replace the bushings with urethane mounts for much firmer feel. Not sure who makes this for our car, but pretty sure it exists. I have auto, love it/hate it.

 

I also have an auto, and I hate it! I wouldn't mind the long throw, as long as I have a stick shift. Having an auto, you can't really do much with it. I really thought about getting a manual transmission conversion, but I don't think it's worth. Too much $$$, and hassle. Better to just get a VB upgrade, or Level 10 torque converter. Damn auto!

 

Add up the cost of the VB upgrade and the fancy torque converter. You will see that you will be better off to sell you present car and buy a 5-speed Maxima.

 

I have an auto too and it sucks. What does the level 10
torque convertor do! and what's up with the VB thing.
Thanks again!

Maxi-milliyon

 

I drove my brother's 2000 5speed for a month. The throw is unacceptably too long. It's not even funny. And unless you have the automatic seat, it's impossible to get a comfortable seat/steering wheel/acceptable shift throw combination. I hate it.
Now the 2000 5 speed Accord's real nice. The throw is just about right and the car's fun to drive. I like it a lot.

 

courtesy nissan sells the short shifter for less thqan $100, but it is non-adjustable.

$tillen sells one for i think 250? Also, pace setter has an adjustable for around $150.

But, around here (Atlanta) if you want a professional to do it, it'll cost you 200 bones....I heard it's worth it though.

 

thanks for the info! I guess I'll take a look around for someone in the northeast that can do it. I am a pretty good mechanic myself, but I dont want to risk setting it up wrong and mashing my gears!

 

I was thinking about cuting the shifter about an inch or so but the question is should I just cut it or is it better to get one of those short shifter kits what do they actually do different from if I just cut the damn stick

 

It makes the throw a lot shorter. I just cutted mine, b/c I thought the stick was just too high and I'm happy w/ the hight right now.

 

How much did you cut it by and what did you use