SEturner

Hello all,

I did a google search of this site, but could not find anything recent regarding the newest short shifters.

Since the introduction of the originals, both the Watkins/HP/Active Tuning/Cattman shifter and the TWM shifter have changed. They both now leave the shifter centered in the pattern.

What are some opinions about which one is best (solid, smooth, effort is not much greater, etc.)? One is a two piece design and one (TWM) is one piece.
The TWM is also much less expensive, so if it performs as well, that is the one I want to buy, if not, I will go with the Watkins.

Thanks

zachary1988

I bought the 2 piece from Active Tuning because it was cheaper of the bunch. Very easy to install and definitely centered the shifter. Initially, I installed an extra washer so it was very, very difficult to shift. But after talking to the deisgner, he immediately knew the problem and I corrected it. Now it shifts as it did before. TWM recently changed their design but if I recall correctly from one of the members I read, he stated that the shifter was not positioned in the center.

Bluesbrekr

iTrader: (4)

I have one of the original HP single pieces (anodized black). Yes, it does move the shifter forward a bit, but I rather like it that way. It allows my arm to clear the armrest better.

IIRC TWM is the source company for the HP and Wadkins pieces.

Puppetmaster

iTrader: (48)

My Watkins (2 piece version) shortens the throw nicely and centers the shifter pretty much perfectly. There seems to be no adverse effect on shifting whatsoever and is even better now that I've sprayed the bushings down with white lithium grease. My Energy Suspension poly bushings will be in sometime soon and I'll replace the stock (busted) bushings as well and see how that works for me.

http://www.fast-shift.com/

I don't the TWM units are the same because even though they claim that their single piece centers the shifter, chr0nos, who got his TWM recently, apparently had to buy the 2nd piece from Watkins to get it centered.

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

i have the Watkins two piece one too and love it.

joel, i told you that you would like it

rbrown81

iTrader: (3)

Im going to do the bushings at the same time as I put in the shifter just to save the trouble.

Puppet : All you need to do is coat the bushings with lithium grease?

Park2670

I have an HP STS and its centered and really shortens up the throws

SEturner

I am unable to search posts by chr0nos, but in his profile he indicates he has a Watkins/TWM short shifter. I thought those were the two competing designs, not the same one? Did he switch from Watkins TO TWM or is it just a mistype?

The TWM is $109 now and the Active Tuning $159.

Thanks

Puppetmaster

iTrader: (48)

Yeah, I like it so far without the ES bushings, so hopefully when those come in my sentiments will remain unchanged. I guess a lot of lithium grease and some breaking in should do the trick.

Puppetmaster

iTrader: (48)

Get the white lithium grease in aerosol form and not the paste kind that Soonerfan had initially...

You just have to spray the inside of the bushings and the maybe also the shifter ball thing (sorry, can't remember the tech term) at the bottom of the shift rod. Basically all the components that may be hindered by excessive friction. You have my IM, lemme know if ya have any questions later, but it should be pretty easy to figure out once ya see it.

Puppetmaster

iTrader: (48)

Like I said in my post, chr0nos bought the single piece TWM for $109 but found that the throw were shorter but the shifter was not centered, so he bought the 2nd piece from Watkins to center the shifter.

Peabo5000

So which is the the 1st/ 2nd piece? 1.under the hood/under intake 2. under center console inside car.

Puppetmaster

iTrader: (48)

Using your numbering:

1. "First" piece - shortens throw distance

2. "Second" piece - centers shifter

Deckdout2

iTrader: (151)

When you make your way down here, I want to compare yours and mine. I just want to see if they are the same throw or if one is shorter than the other.

Puppetmaster

iTrader: (48)

I'll let ya know when I can come down....

Wait a minute here... I hope you're referring to our STS's, you feg.

"I want to compare yours and mine. .... or if one is shorter than the other."

silvermax2k2

iTrader: (1)

Puppetmaster

iTrader: (48)

Deckdout2

iTrader: (151)

Uhhh, no comparison needed, we all know who's slong is bigger.......

chr0nos

iTrader: (1)

i got the twm, and after having it for 2 weeks, i got the second peice from brian catts to re-center my shifter. the twm peice is great, it just relocates the shifter forward.
replace your bushings with ES bushings at the same time, i would use the regular gray self-lubricating bushings. there is absolutely no point in getting the red ones that need grease. people will nerver see the inside of your shifter mechanism.
i kept the OEM bushing inside my engine bay, and just replaced the ones inside the cabin. the STS shortens your pivot ponint, and it's harsher on the shifting mechanism, the softer oem bushing takes some of the stress off the shifter cable. i dont know if there is a big difference in between the ES poly and rubber OEM, but i left it for peace of mind.