Short Throw - Free STS or TMW?
 

Hey All,

Just doing some reading around the forum and getting myself up to speed on my new Maxima that I've owned for almost a week now (2002 6spd).

I don't find the shifter in the Maxima to be horrible, but I do like a little more precision and a shorter throw. I've read about the TMW short shifter but I'm wondering if it really has any additional benefits for the $125 they cost compared to just drilling and shortening it myself, as outlined in the Free STS threads?

Obviously time is a factor, but I'm not currently making $125 per hour so I'm still ahead doing the free mod if it creates the same end result.

I look forward to your thoughts.

Brett

Do the sts it's just as good as the other one and while your at it order es shifter bushings totally worth the 39min to upgrade it and makes you feel way more iTunes with the shifting

In tune*

Thanks for the input. That's what I thought but wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something. For $18 the bushings are a no brainer!

Brett

Welcome to the org. I have to ask... should your org handle be taken literally? If you dropped a 302 in a Miata, all I can think is.....WOOOOOOOOO :D

I found this, seems like not too bad of a price. I've heard people talk about TWM Performance and I think their a pretty reputable company.
http://www.twmperformance.com/shorts...FQeCQgod3kYA9Q

The only thing that would concern me would be that the shifter knob might be real short and really close to the shifter boot.. They have a shifter extension but want an extra $50 for them. I would have to see what it looks like without the extension on. It might not be as short I think it would be.

The short shifter there is only for the 5spds not us 6mt you can only get the hook thing :( just do the free mod very easy and awesome performance wise

Thanks!

Yes I built a Monster Miata back in 2004, she is my summer fun car. It has a 91 Mustang 5.0L V8 with the usual heads, cam, intake swap stuff done and a T5Z trans. About 300rwhp and 2500lbs.

Some info on my car here: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/324817...zda-miata-mx-5

Brett

Thanks, yea she's a 2002 so a 6spd cable shift. I'll do the free mod and take my time and hopefully not break a bit! Bought the pin at TSC today.

Thanks for the link Brett.
Very nice, and a total sleeper too.... muahahaha :)

Is there a thread or something for a "short throw mod" or are you just cutting the shifter down? Am I missing something completely? I as well have owned my 02 SE 6spd for almost a week, and was thinking the same today about wanting a little more precision with the shifts. It seems like my 91 5spd had crisper shorter shifts.

There is a thread- do a search, it cost about $1-$2 for the parts and takes 30-60 minutes depending on how good your drill and bit are.

You'll cut your shift throws down by about 50%- it is a night and day mod and a must for any 6 speed owner

Congrats on your purchase fellow newbie. Link is here for the free STS:

http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...arts-list.html

Good luck, need to order the ES bushings before I take this on. I did the drilled holes in the filter box GAB mod tonight and I also cut the bottom off the front cold air intake tract, seems to have added a bit more growl to the intake above 3,000rpm. Not so sure about actual power...

Yea thanks. Sleeper was the plan all along, I'm not one for flash. I let the car do the talking! The Maxima is also great in this regard, pretty quick but not too flashy.

The car last summer (now has a hard dog roll bar and Wilwood brakes)

Attachment 42564

Attachment 42565

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It needs to be supercharged :)

dont do it! lol. my friend had a kenne bell on his and it would not hook at ALL! he sold the kenne bell motor and put a 8k rpm 347 in it. with boost theres just too much bottom end for that small of a car. rev it up!

Yea I'm already very traction limited even at my power level. It was lay two stripes all the way through 2nd and get sideways even in 3rd on cooler days. :eek:

No blower for me, 300rwhp in a 2500lb car is plenty to entertain this guy!

I'm going to focus on the suspension next. It has KYB shocks, custom springs, and Flyin' Miata sway bars, but I think a good set of coil overs, new shock mounts, and poly control arm bushings will be the next upgrades.

Had the Free STS for years without a problem. Here's a pic of what it looks like, and as you can see the cable is simply moved 1/2" inward from the post:

http://forums.maxima.org/picture.php...ictureid=17603

Bushings are a must-do for that 10 year old car. The banjo bushings are pretty straight forward, although a bit of a PITA to insert. Here's a write-up I put together on how to install the bushings underneath the shifter assembly:

http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...-assembly.html

In the winter, you *might* notice the shorter throw gives you less leverage on shifts until the gear oil heats up. To that end, Redline MT-85 is a fantastic gear oil option. There are a number of threads about this as well.

After removing the center console for this work, you might notice how a leather boot would work well around that e-brake handle. RedlineGoods makes some nice product for around $50.

Lastly and also while working in this area, you might notice that your 10 year old shift knob is pretty beat up. That's easily replaced for another $50 or so.

http://www.johnclare.com/pics/cars/shift_knobs.jpg

This mod is a no-brainer. The free ($1-2) mod works the same way and I have never seen anyone having issues. You might have to buy a good bit though, so that might be another $9 out of pocket. :lol:

I have seen issues where the TMW link actually broke...I know there's a thread in the forum somehwere.

Old thread revive for assistance with anyone wondering...

http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...arts-list.html

Good stuff. Thanks guys. Miata is sick.

My 02 may be 10 years old but I bought it with 49k miles so yea!
Mod looks great will do in a few days.

49,000 miles?! Wow!

I thought my car was low mileage with only 84,000 miles on the clock! I ordered up the ES bushings today so hopefully I can have the short shift mod done in a week or two.

One of the best bag for the buck. Also get solid torque mounts ;) #1 mod in my book ;)