KartBoy Short Shifter DIY and Review

[F1point4]

Originally Posted by burnt toast

Excellent "science," writeup.

Question: does it feel very rifle bolt action like? How loud is this "thunk" noise when shifting into gear?

I'm on the fence with this unit. Price wont last. I'm pulling my hair out.

The thunk noise isn't so loud you can hear it over music. It is just more distinct than the stock shifter noise when the car is dead quiet.

I would say its more rifle bolt action like than stock yes. It doesn't take muscle to shift. When you do shift its very satisfying. makes you want to say stuff like "Engage second gear!" then shift.

[OrbitalEllipses]

Originally Posted by F1point4

The thunk noise isn't so loud you can hear it over music. It is just more distinct than the stock shifter noise when the car is dead quiet.

I would say its more rifle bolt action like than stock yes. It doesn't take muscle to shift. When you do shift its very satisfying. makes you want to say stuff like "Engage second gear!" then shift.

[racecaresuaceb]

This is an excellent write-up F1point4. Nice analytical and logical methodology.

[xxscaxx]

Just did this install today. F1 is correct, the dust boot is a bit of a pain in the ass to get off. Other than that, pretty simple install. Be careful with the boot, I put a slight tear in it because I pulled too hard.

Oh, the grease kartboy supplies is sticky and annoying and it webs when you try to stop the flow of grease.

I had a "white" ring around the top of my reverse lockout - if you have this issue just hit it with some swirl remover. If that doesn't take it off westand with 2000 grit and then polish (what I did). Haven't driven the car but I'm very happy with the throw and placement of the shifter.

I have the Carsmo armrest, and now the shifter sits PERFECT when your arm is resting on it for shifts.

[F1point4]

Originally Posted by xxscaxx

I had a "white" ring around the top of my reverse lockout - if you have this issue just hit it with some swirl remover. If that doesn't take it off westand with 2000 grit and then polish (what I did).

Just wanted to note I have this too. You can see it in the pictures. @tom@kartboy is aware of this.


Too busy to try to remove it right now. Borla header incoming.

[xxscaxx]

Originally Posted by F1point4

Just wanted to note I have this too. You can see it in the pictures. @tom@kartboy is aware of this.


Too busy to try to remove it right now. Borla header incoming.

Can't wait for your writeup and review on the Borla header. One of the many I have my eyes on... can't make my mind up haha. All I know is I want a UEL header. Just worried about making it too loud.

[MSTiFK8R]

you lit a fire, ordering mine )

[burnt toast]

Originally Posted by MSTiFK8R

you lit a fire, ordering mine )

Yes, because of this thread I ordered this shifter.

Shifter installed, feels good. Install was slightly time consuming and the boot was a slight pain, but not near as bad as other things ive done to cars in the past. Took like five attempts to get the boot off, no tears. I used a flat piece of metal with a crowbar-type bend at the end of it to help get the boot off. Getting it back on took one attempt. Easy peasy.

There was a rattle from my stock shift knob near redline- easily remedied with teflon tape on shifter threads where the shift knob screws on.

Now to figure out where ill be able to find a lift for the bushing....

[p00mba]

Thanks to F1point4 i was able to install this without an issues. The only thing left shifter bushing and trans mount insert...

but so far shifting feels great! also got myself a flossy shift knob to go along with the kart boy short shifter, for even a better feel

[xxscaxx]

I had a hard time getting the shift boot off because even though I was referencing this thread, I looked too quick at the photo of the boot removal and ended up pulling it back from the front, not that top hole I don't even know how I attempted to stretch it that far. Just figured i'd note that, make sure you stretch the boot down from the top opening where the shifter passes through, not the linkage!

[OrbitalEllipses]

Originally Posted by burnt toast

Now to figure out where ill be able to find a lift for the bushing....

EASILY doable on the ground, follow F1point4's guide to doing the Perrin bushing. I found it easier to drop the front pipe (I was doing a front pipe install at the same time anyway) because that gave me room to get a socket w/ extension in there easily.

[Scalzo]

Very detailed might pick one up!

[F1point4]

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

EASILY doable on the ground, follow F1point4's guide to doing the Perrin bushing. I found it easier to drop the front pipe (I was doing a front pipe install at the same time anyway) because that gave me room to get a socket w/ extension in there easily.

I forgot to mention that the rear shifter bushing can be seen when you install the short shifter. It may be possible to install the rear shifter bushing at the same time as the short shifter. Here it is pointed out

Sorry I didn't think to share this before.

[OrbitalEllipses]

It IS possible from inside of the car, but you're going to want flex sockets, etc. to make it easier.