vote4pedro
03-12-2012, 07:08 PM
I replaced the stock shifter with a short shifter from Nielex. It gives nice precise shifting
and has a good overall feel. One extra benefit of the Nielex shifter is that the shifter has an adjustable shaft,so I can actually change its length a bit to a preferred height. This adjustability also allows for re-alignment
of the shaft threads which in turn allows for proper alignment of any shift knob - I hate it when the shift pattern on top, or some other part of a knob is off center.:(
While there, I also replaced the upper and lower rubber shifter boots. The shift boot rubbers were tissue paper
thin from general wear and tear. I also replaced my cracked factory plastic bottom shifter bushing with a Beatrush brass bushing. I have read that some people 'know of' or 'fear' that the metal bushing will destroy their transmissions innards. Well, I have had it in for about 6 years now w/o a problem. Mazda Speed also offers an aluminum replacement bushing, so I guess that trumps the theory of the metal bushing causing woes.
In any case, some nice pieces that I have added, and I put in Red Line Synthetic trans oil FTW.
248824892490
and has a good overall feel. One extra benefit of the Nielex shifter is that the shifter has an adjustable shaft,so I can actually change its length a bit to a preferred height. This adjustability also allows for re-alignment
of the shaft threads which in turn allows for proper alignment of any shift knob - I hate it when the shift pattern on top, or some other part of a knob is off center.:(
While there, I also replaced the upper and lower rubber shifter boots. The shift boot rubbers were tissue paper
thin from general wear and tear. I also replaced my cracked factory plastic bottom shifter bushing with a Beatrush brass bushing. I have read that some people 'know of' or 'fear' that the metal bushing will destroy their transmissions innards. Well, I have had it in for about 6 years now w/o a problem. Mazda Speed also offers an aluminum replacement bushing, so I guess that trumps the theory of the metal bushing causing woes.
In any case, some nice pieces that I have added, and I put in Red Line Synthetic trans oil FTW.
248824892490