I received the STS from Cattma's group deal last week and installed it this weekend.

Removal/install instructions for:

Center console
http://www.vqpower.com/v2/readarticl...article_id=114

Shifter:
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=25552
http://www.twmperformance.com/manual...stallation.pdf

From start to finish the install took took 1.5 hrs. There were no PITA steps if one has a flexible head socket wrench or universal joint sockets, AND one follows where to move the shifter to access the two nuts and one bolt to remove the old shifter and install the new one.

While the Ralco came with a solid **** see - https://maxima.org/forums/showpost.p...4&postcount=24, I chose to use my stock leather ****.

First impressions: Since I have never had any other exposure to other STS' except for a coworkers hurst in his camaro, and that today was really the first day I had any extended use of the shifter (thanks to DC traffic), there are a couple of noticable changes from stock.

There is an extended, but comfortable reach for the **** even up to 5th gear, and that the shifting is a bit harder. Since the bushings are new, this is one of two suspects. The other being by design where having lower leverage from the **** to the shift control rod.

Unfortunatly I was not able to measure the stock shifter (but have pics), the Ralco with stock leather **** sits 5.25 inches from the console and the actual throw travel is an average of 2.5 inches.

 

good info...but wouldnt this be better in the 5th gen forum?

 

im not savy about these things seing as I haven't posted much and figured it would be a safe bet posting here. how do I move it to 5th gen forum?

 

Moved to 5G.

 

I'm going to take the liberty to bump this thread for those with a 5th gen who are planning to install their Ralco STS soon. I'd like to thank the OP for this info

 

Is there and advantage over the free shifter mod?

 

only 5.5gen can do the free mod. this is for 5th gens

 

What bushings were replaced when you swapped the STS in? I thought only the 6 spd trannys had bushings that were replaceable. I have the same shifter which is why Im curious.

 

from the parts left in the box...no necessary bushings were needed. you can use all of your old stuff to install the new one, i guess new bushings are preferred

SN: loving my shifter, as soon as i can get my AE shift **** secured firmly ill be fully satisfied...until then i guess ill be rocking the Ralco shift ****

 

I have an 02 max and the shifter adaptor was VERY easy to install did it today and it only took me about 25 mins. All I had to do was take the air box off and take that pin out from the shifter cable and put the adaptor on and screw in the bolts and put some loctite on them. that was it. WHAT A BIG difference...took away that "straw in a slushy" feeling from the stick and got rid of that LONG throw from the shifter....now I feel like I'm driving a car instead of a MAC TRUCK....Ralco short shifter is great!!!

 

You should invest in the ES bushings as well. Also makes a noticeable difference.

http://www.energysuspensionparts.com...sp?prod=7.1115

 

Thanks! I actually have those on order and they should be here sometime next week....I just got impatient and installed the short shifter first. Do you hve to remove the short shifter to install the bushing on the outside under the airbox? Did you do the install yourself? How difficult was it?

 

Install is a breeze and you do not have to touch the adapter. Under the hood, the one bushing is a PITA to squeeze into the metal ring. I used two vise grips, a little bit of liquid dish soap and some patience.

 

are teh bushings available for the 5th gen as well?

 

i have used ralco before for underdrive pulleys and shifters . youll notice alot of there shifters look exactly the same as the b&m

 

Nope, only 5.5

 

Where do u find the Ralco short shifters at?

 

I ordered mine off of eBAY...try there.

 

I see what you meant about those bushings being a PITA....the one on the shifter you have to squeeze into that metal ring and the one under the hood were the worst.....after about 30 mins of frustration I thought to use a C-clamp.....clamped the rign and bushing and just kept turning and it popped in there no problem!! Used some silicone spray lube too.....after that it was easy! BIG DIFFERENCE in the shifter now!

 

i got my shifter from a member off of nycmax...but now he's got a half tainted reputation. oh well i got my shifter installed and love it

 

Aight cool thanks