Tell me about your short shifter

[ImADuck]

Been thinking about getting a short shifter, but not really sure which one I should get. If you could leave some feedback about yours that'd be great, thanks!

I've done some searches on the short shifter kits out there, but most posts seem relatively old. From what I've been reading, there typically is some sort of "issue" with each of them be it rattling (IRP) or getting locked out of 1st/2nd (TRD). Maybe, those issues have been fixed in the recent years? Also, there doesn't seem to be much if any info on the new 2017+ STI Short Shifter. Is there any consensus on whether or not it's worth it? I'm already leaning towards that one because it most likely would allow me to keep my factory warranty.

[Sapphireho]

Originally Posted by ImADuck

Been thinking about getting a short shifter, but not really sure which one I should get. If you could leave some feedback about yours that'd be great, thanks!

I've done some searches on the short shifter kits out there, but most posts seem relatively old. From what I've been reading, there typically is some sort of "issue" with each of them be it rattling (IRP) or getting locked out of 1st/2nd (TRD). Maybe, those issues have been fixed in the recent years? Also, there doesn't seem to be much if any info on the new 2017+ STI Short Shifter. Is there any consensus on whether or not it's worth it? I'm already leaning towards that one because it most likely would allow me to keep my factory warranty.

The US TRD short shifter is an awful product.


The JDM TRD short shifter I believe is the same as the STI short shifter. I have it and like it. I have had no issues.

[BigTuna]

I love my US TRD short shift kit. Install wasn't the most fun thing, but it was worth it.

[Irace86.2.0]

I had bad experiences in the past with short shifters so I have a centimeter to two drop in height, MTEC shift springs, Perrin shift bushing and Whiteline trans bushing, along with an aftermarket knob and reverse lockout. The stock throw is pretty short as is. If I was going racecar then I would get the IRP short shifter and never look back. Too tall for daily driving IMO.

[ImADuck]

Originally Posted by Sapphireho

The US TRD short shifter is an awful product.


The JDM TRD short shifter I believe is the same as the STI short shifter. I have it and like it. I have had no issues.

Originally Posted by BigTuna

I love my US TRD short shift kit. Install wasn't the most fun thing, but it was worth it.

That's the thing, I've read both bad and good things about the US TRD shifter. It's the cheapest option, but some say you have to use loctite or majorly risk getting locked out of 1st and 2nd.

Thanks for the input on the STI shifter! It's the most tempting due to not having any issues (tho no one has talked about it much) and being a Subaru part so ok for warranty. BUT it seems to be the most expensive...

Originally Posted by Irace86.2.0

I had bad experiences in the past with short shifters so I have a centimeter to two drop in height, MTEC shift springs, Perrin shift bushing and Whiteline trans bushing, along with an aftermarket knob and reverse lockout. The stock throw is pretty short as is. If I was going racecar then I would get the IRP short shifter and never look back. Too tall for daily driving IMO.

Ah I see. If you don't mind me asking, what does each part affect? Also what shift knob do you have? I'm on the fence about getting a weighted one, but am not sure what shape I want...

I'm mainly looking for a way to remove some of the play from my 3rd gear. The play is causing me to occasionally grind my 3rd gear . Having shorter throws would be a nice side effect as well.

[weederr33]

Well the ladies seem to like my short shifter

oh wait...

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by Sapphireho

The US TRD short shifter is an awful product.

+1


It takes balls to sell a kit that requires thread locker because the parts don't fit.

[Sapphireho]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

+1


It takes balls to sell a kit that requires thread locker because the parts don't fit.

I used loctite, then more loctite. Bolt stretched.

When is trying to add an inch to the end of a lever ever a good idea?

[Dr. BRZ]

Irp v3, best one.

[Irace86.2.0]

Originally Posted by ImADuck

Ah I see. If you don't mind me asking, what does each part affect? Also what shift knob do you have? I'm on the fence about getting a weighted one, but am not sure what shape I want...

I'm mainly looking for a way to remove some of the play from my 3rd gear. The play is causing me to occasionally grind my 3rd gear . Having shorter throws would be a nice side effect as well.

The transmission bushing makes the transmission twist less during times off and on throttle. The Perrin shifter bushing removes slop in the gate pattern. The MTEC springs give more force to the shifter to make it return to neutral, which gives the effect of making the throws feel quicker and with some spring. Throws from 2 to 3rd and others that go from the lateral to the medial positions will feel the most dramatic. A heavier knob will aid in smoothness, as will some quality gear oil like Motul, Redline, AMSOIL.

I have a knob n lockout from Aliexpress. Anodized aluminum which feels great in the hand.

[lantsalot]

I have the Kartboy with the rear shifter bushing and I really like it. At first it was noticeably more notchier/difficult to shift--but after getting a weighted shift knob it got significantly better. There is very little movement, it all feels super snug when shifting.

I later added the mtec shift springs, and kinda wish I would have done that all at once. It takes a bit more force to push the shifter out of a gear but is guided much more easily into gear.

I've had no issues so far with being locked out of any gears...have had the short shifter for close to a year I think.

[ImADuck]

Originally Posted by Irace86.2.0

The transmission bushing makes the transmission twist less during times off and on throttle. The Perrin shifter bushing removes slop in the gate pattern. The MTEC springs give more force to the shifter to make it return to neutral, which gives the effect of making the throws feel quicker and with some spring. Throws from 2 to 3rd and others that go from the lateral to the medial positions will feel the most dramatic. A heavier knob will aid in smoothness, as will some quality gear oil like Motul, Redline, AMSOIL.

I have a knob n lockout from Aliexpress. Anodized aluminum which feels great in the hand.

That sounds exactly like what I want to fix on my shifter. Hmm... How hard was it to install all that?

Also do you still have the link for that shift knob and lockout? It looks dope af!

[Irace86.2.0]

Originally Posted by ImADuck

That sounds exactly like what I want to fix on my shifter. Hmm... How hard was it to install all that?

Also do you still have the link for that shift knob and lockout? It looks dope af!

Not hard if you have basic mechanic skills and a collection of tools.

I bought it 3 years ago so I’m not sure. Last time I looked, which was two years ago, the store on Aliexpress closed.

[NRXRaptor]

Originally Posted by Dr. BRZ

Irp v3, best one.

I wanted to get that to celebrate getting accepted into school, but then the tuition deposit was $500 so I didn't