Ranking of Transmission Mods from Stock

[ajcarson11]

Afternoon All,

I've read every thread that I can find on various transmission mods (MTEC springs, Perrin Rear Shifter Bushing, Whiteline Positive Shift/Transmission Bushing, Transmission Mount, Heavier Shift Knob, etc) and I just can't decide on what to try, and what to leave. To some degree, making many mods makes sense, but would most likely increase NVH, and I imagine some mods may increase NVH without giving much benefit.

Additionally, it seems like some people rave about the Perrin Rear Shifter Bushing, while others say they noticed little difference with the perrin, but more with the whiteline insert, etc. I know that all of our transmissions vary, but i'd like to get some more opinions on the following transmission mods:

1. MTEC shifter springs
2. Perrin Rear Shifter Bushing
3. Whiteline Positive Shift Kit (aka Whiteline Transmission bushing)
4. Whiteline Transmission Mount (the bolt)
5. Other?

I find the stock feel of the shifter to be pretty good -- but love to feel improvements and have extra cash around. I don't want to end up with a lot more NVH however.

Thoughts?

[fika84]

It's really hard to give suggestions if there isn't something you're trying to achieve.. I wanted to get rid of as much slop as possible to get better power delivery and have a very solid shifter feel, I also don't care about NVH. With that being said, I've done all of them except the MTEC shift springs and heavier shift knob.. I even did motor mounts and differential bushings and brace.

[JB86'd]

I have the Mtec shift springs, weighted shift knob, and Motul 300 in the tranny and diff and it feels great, much improved over stock. All fairly cheap, non-labor intensive, and simple mods. I'd give those a try first, I bet you'll be satisfied.

[WhiteFRS69]

Originally Posted by JB86'd

I have the Mtec shift springs, weighted shift knob, and Motul 300 in the tranny and diff and it feels great, much improved over stock. All fairly cheap, non-labor intensive, and simple mods. I'd give those a try first, I bet you'll be satisfied.

same mods, i also have an energy suspension rear shifter bushing (this did little to nothing IMO)

i can agree it feels great, can deff feel a difference over stock

[ajcarson11]

Sounds like i'll give the MTEC a try along with new fluids and potentially heavier shift knob. Thanks fellas!

There isn't a whole lot that I think needs improving over my car transmission at the moment, apart from the cold-crunch into 1st and 2nd when leaving in the morning. Fluids will help with that im' sure however.

[SPCorBUST]

My experience so far:

STI shift knob (heavier) made a big difference.
STI Transmission mount, big difference.
Whiteline transmission bushing, medium difference.
Perrin shifter bushing, small difference.
Fluid changes, small difference.
STI shifter, TBD.
MTEC shifter springs, TBD.
TRD quick shifter, TBD.

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by ajcarson11

Afternoon All,

I've read every thread that I can find on various transmission mods ............

Thoughts?

For average driving, I'd just leave it alone ......

(well, you asked .....)


humfrz

[RJasonKlein]

Here's what I've done so far to address what I originally perceived as notchy shifting:

Transmission Oil Change
- Millers Oils CRX 75W90 NT

Driveline Upgrades
- Whiteline KDT925 (differential)
- Whiteline KDT926 (transmission)
- Whiteline KDT922 (crossmember)
- Perrin rear shifter bushing
- MTEC springs

All modifications and changes were done at the same time, so it's difficult to know exactly which changes brought the greatest improvements in feel. The end result was positive, with significant improvements in precision and feel, but with substantial increases in noise, vibration, and harshness. The Whiteline differential and crossmember bushings definitely made the differential noisier, which will not be tolerated by everyone. I can not recommend the Millers Oils transmission oil highly enough - it is an exceptional product and I won't run anything else in the transmission moving forward (I use Millers Oils throughout the car and love it).

After a lot of time in the car, I've determined that the notchiness is largely driver induced and there is no magic bullet that will eliminate the minor crunch that you get from first to second when cold, aside from improving your timing, motion, and throttle position when shifting - I know this because I can all but eliminate it by doing things 'right' when shifting when cold. I think our transmissions have a narrow envelope, which makes it all the sweeter when you nail it.

[jimmillion]

Like RJason said above the only real fix is to improve your technique.

But with that said, I too have been reading up a lot lately on transmission related additions. In the end I put in an order for the mtec springs*, since all the others are said to introduce nvh to some degree. I'm pretty ocd so even the slightest nvh would probably drive me bonkers.

I'll let you know what my impressions are once I install them.

* word of caution tho, is from what I read installing the mtec springs could be a real headache if you end up forcing it back together and striping the threads of your tranny housing. I'm gonna take my install pretty slow and hope for the best.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[Vracer111]

Stock shifter is fine to me, but my goal for improving the shifting feel and put the shifter where it needs to be is to upgrade to the CAE Ultrashifter (once I get the funds)...



[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_h958lYGugw"]29.07.2015 Nuerburgring GP - Finding my limits (Part #1) - YouTube[/ame]

[ajcarson11]

Thanks fellas -- All good stuff! I think i'll jump on the MTEC springs, new fluids, and maybe shift knob now.

I'm getting close to the fluid change interval either way, and I don't see a problem with $30 in springs. Any ideas on the best looking shift knob? The stock knob looks the best (and matches well). Perhaps STI knob?

[raven1231]

This is one of the few cars I have owned where I felt the shifter was perfect stock. The WRX on the other hand is another story. I'd leave it alone personally.

[RJasonKlein]

By the way, I've also purchased a TWM Performance short shift kit and hope to get it installed soon. I'm waiting on a custom JPM Coachworks shifter boot to be made that will clear the larger-than-stock shifter lever, but once it's done I'll get everything installed and let everyone know the results of the modification.

[ramiram1984]

1.kartboy short shifter
2.perrin tranny mount
3.perrin rear shifter bushing
4.AVO trans insert
5. AVO diff. bushings

call it a day.