Anyone have any experience with short-shiter kits?
I purchased a B&M short shifter kit because I though they had a good reputation.
They sent me a kit for 02-03. because I have an 04 MCS production date 11/03. {the 04-05 model shifter was with production date of 10/04 & above}.
After dissassembling car, found my shifter different than what they sent me.{ball on end of shifter where shift cable attaches wrong size}
Got the next newer shift model{they only make two.--this one for 04-05}
Took car apart again.{checked size of shift cable ball-looked the same}.
Now I have the system on the car and don't like the feel of the shifter at all!
The shifter goes into 1rst & 3rd very nice, but when I pull shifter back to go into 2nd & 4th. very hard pull & doesn't feel like gear completely engaged. Also getting shifter out of 2nd. & 4th.takes a lot of pressure.
When looking underneath at shift cable it seems like cable is in a bind because of extreme angle from lower part of shifter{which is now much longer than stock to shorten throw} to shifter cable housing.
Did I do something wrong? Is this tipical of problems with extending lower portion of shifter?
Is it worth the effort to shorten shift throw?
I am unhappy enough with the feel of the shifter to take the car apart a third time & reinstall my original shifter.

 

I've installed a few of these, and always had good results. It could be a cable issue - make sure it is routed correctly and not twisted the wrong way. It could also be a bad cable, though it would be very coincidental to see the issue at the same time you did the mod. Finally, it could be the upper bushing - make sure it isn't cracked.

Hope that helps!
Randy

 

Thanks Randy. While I was waiting for a reply I checked my cable & did find a kink, I fixed that, and it improved the feel. I think I will finish putting it together & see if I can get used to the way if feels. Still takes much more effort than stock, but this may be normal.

 

This actually is pretty normal - you have less of a moment arm to effect the force needed to shift - net result, more effort.

Hope that helps!
Randy

 

O.K. Thanks again for your help, I was getting frustated.