TWM Performance Short Shift kit warning!!
 

I'm not sure that this is exactly the place to put this but here we go anyways. I bought the TWM SS kit last week. Nothing against just wanted to try something different that I had only read about. Fool me once completed, because its true. The kit showed up today and I moved forward with the install which is hella easy as everyone know. Fool me twice; done. See EDIT!! However what they failed to mention is that their still needs work!! Okay this third one is on you TWM (me. See Edit)

The reverse lockout plate (which has a nylon plate screwed too it) just doesnt work well at all. Due to the plate the bend for actual lockout is not the right angle. Which cause the reverse lockout collar to slip off the top and bind itself making getting out of reverse a bitch. And the screw holes have almost no play in them meaning that it's impossible to move any further to the passengers side.

Now to my absolute favorite thing about this kit. I now get the wonderful feeling of driving without a shift knob until my (theirs) new one shows up. And even with that I am not sure it will work. The collar at the top of the reverse lockout collar prevents the use of the stock shift knob or the STI delrin shift knob my buddy gave me. From looking at it I believe maybe TWM's own shift knob in certain configurations or something like a flossy may work. I would have been fine had I known this up front and could have prepared now I'm just screwed (See EDIT).

This isn't me bashing a company or their product. This is strictly my results with that company's product. I figured I could maybe warn a person or two before there is anyone else with screw prints in their palms. If I had to do this all over again (which may not be to far off) I would go Kartboy and never give any other companies a second look. I will do an actual review and such (with pics) when a knob is finally found that I can use. Guess I'm gonna go call this wonderful customer service line for the 5th time today without any success.........:mad0259:

-Chuck

EDIT: okay so looks like this is my fault. I located an email in my "JUNK" (spam) folder from them warning me about the issue. It says they tried calling me but I'm guessing it was while I was sleeping (during the day) as I always cut my phone off. I'm sorry that I misplaced the blame on this one. I will be calling some more tomorrow to get this worked out. I'm very sorry to TWM for posting this as their fault!!

-Chuck

In my past experiences short shift kits are a bad idea. A gimmick mod if you will. It makes makes you shift harder with harder engagements. And once a transmission builder told me it will shorten the life of your syncros. And your warranty.

Thanks for the update, glad I went with the Kartboy :thumbsup:

I concidered the TWM for about 30 seconds, but he kinda screwed himself here in his thread about shifter availability and unanswered pm's. Not too mention poor customer service with other members that had bought with the understanding it was readily available

I did my own research on this and as far as I can tell as long as you are ensuring you are shifting properly there shouldn't be any long term problems with installing a SS kit.

Gaining .3 milliseconds gonna help that much?

they contacted me, and told me there is a fix on its way. the kit u got was made to use their shift knobs, and they are sending me a replacement part to use the stock knob.

have you called them. I got their phone call the same day i receivd the package...

Nope but not every mod has to be governed by performance. I just want a shorter throw which is why I'm looking at getting one.

To each their own, but I found the stock configuration to be exceptionally short. Not sure I could find the gears with a short shifter. ;) You're really messing with the leverage at that point.

I have tried calling them and cannot get ahold of anyone. I have a knob on the way. Hopefully it gets here soon and we can see how it works. Btw did you have the problem with the reverse lockout plate?

no i have not installed it yet. they called me the same day package arrived... and told me the issues beforehand...

Email them: rma@twmperformance.com

You should have customer service communications in writing anyway...

Good call. Thanks. I hope it goes good because I really want to like this. And I don't mind the issue I just wish it had been known upfront. The shifts feel very crisp and it is made well. The fitment issues are my only peave.

-Chuck

I'm happy with my kart boy kit. It's not about reducing shift time as much as improving the aesthetic of shifting. It's why I'm reducing my tire width on my next set of autocross tires. Seeking happiness in driving.

I'm a little disappointed and very surprised. My prior experience w twm was fantastic. My last forum had nothing but good things to say. I hope they fix this for you. It sucks when you go to improve something something and it goes wrong

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I think they will fix it. And I don't see it being as being a big deal. I just wish I had known but I guess they just figured it out. That's why I am waiting to review until I get a knob. That could change everything ya know? I do like the feeling of the shifter so far very accurate and it does get rid of the vibe in the shifter. Overall I just wanted people on here to know about the fitment issue.

-Chuck

BPS ... BPS .. come on

Maybe. Who knows?:iono: I used to say the same thing about EIP when I was a VAG guy and look at them now. Every company has issues its how they deal with the issue that says the most about them.

-Chuck

Agreed. I have the Kartboy as well and the for me it's more about feel rather than shift time. After having driven and S2k, I've searched for something that was as short and crisp. The Kartboy comes damn close.

I used to have TWM STS with no issues in my 09 Cobalt SS/TC and never had syncro issues for 15K. The TWM STS helped with the height reduction and gain on short throw travel for that particular vehicle application based on needs. The only issue I saw after reading on TWM STS on FRS is what gains would I see from switching from stock to TWM after driving the FR-S for 3K and see no benefit in investing. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Toyota/Subaru did a great job in the first place for filling in the market needs on the stock throw shifter, which is no need to go aftermarket. Its based on preference.

UPDATE: I received an e-mail from TWM yesterday the part or parts to fix the SS kit so the stock shift knob can be used is on the way and should be here by monday. So overall the customer service seems awesome.

-Chuck

I see your point. I wasn't much on the stock throw of the FR-S shifter. Not that it is excessively long it is just my preference. Did the same thing on all of my VW's and Audi's. Overall tho preference is what drive any aftermarket components on a car right? I mean if the car drives fine looks, good, etc. then for all intents and purposes all aftermarket parts, components etc are mostly there to meet our wants.

-Chuck

From what I've heard, each company (TWM/BPS) had trouble with the shortshifter production so....shit happen, the company have to find solution and give a good service to their customers.

as i told you, the part is here for me...

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...ps1efd7824.jpg

have a pic of the shifter somewhere else.. lol., and it comes with instructions...

So i had nothing but positive so far...

Do your replacment parts look unfinshed compared to the original? Just wondering because I got mine yesterday and the finish on mine is dull (matte) in comparison to the originals.

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