Short Shifter Feels a Little Rough in 1st and 2nd

[gularti]

I just installed my TWM Short Shifter with the aluminum bushings that came with it last Saturday and I've noticed that its a little "clunky" going into 1st and 2nd gear but seems fine through 3,4 and 5.

Anybody know why it would feel like that going into 1st and 2nd? I read the short shifter posts through search on the forum and got a couple ideas but I'm leaning towards the fact that maybe there isn't enough lube on it, or something may not be installed right.

Thanks for the help.

[stevenma188]

You should look into switching the transmission gear oil to synthetic. I experienced a noticeable improvement in smoothness when I switched mine.

[gularti]

You should look into switching the transmission gear oil to synthetic. I experienced a noticeable improvement in smoothness when I switched mine.

Yeah, I have to do that ASAP ... but I still think there isn't enough lube around the ball at the bottom of the shifter - which is my fault. Also, when I wiggle it left and right ... it's not overly smooth but rather stiff. Is this normal?

Is it hard to swap out your own tranny fluid?

[stevenma188]

1. Wiggling left to right: Will be noticeable stiffer since the spring is still the stock spring, but there is much less leverage. This is normal

2. Swapping tranny fluid: It is a pretty simple job. However, be prepared to get messy.

[gularti]

Thanks for the input. I love TWM and my short shifter as I had one in my other car before too. I just need to figure out this thumping sensation/feeling with a little noise while going into first and second because its going to drive me berserk!

[stevenma188]

Ya, the instructions for how to change the fluid are on M3F, but the site is down right now.

As well, you should look into a weighted knob. I bought a Razo 400g knob and it made a noticeable difference as well.

[MistaChin]

+1 on the weighted knob. I have an OEM leather RX-8 knob and I noticed the difference as soon as I installed it.

I think the feeling is supposed to be a bit stiffer due to the bushings.

[ST3ALTH]

Yeah i installed mine on Sunday, and i have a weighted shift knob and it is a bit stiffer but thats the way its suppose to feel!

[gularti]

+1 on the weighted knob. I have an OEM leather RX-8 knob and I noticed the difference as soon as I installed it.

I think the feeling is supposed to be a bit stiffer due to the bushings.

Where did you end up finding an OEM leather RX-8 shift knob if you don't mind me asking? I may even purchase one of the TWM weighted shift knobs in due time when there is some extra funds lying around. I probably should have put it with the short shifter but oh well.

Yes, I agree its suppose to feel stiffer - however I don't think there is another lube/grease around the ball at the base of the SS. That's what I believe is making mine feel slightly rough and I'm sure it's a quick fix on the weekend.

Thanks again for the replies everybody - really appreciate it.

[CanSpeed 3]

It feels exactly what it should feel like at this moment. Give it about 2-3 months of driving and it will break it like your oem shifter, or ull just get used to it. White lithium grease is what you need to buy for lube if you need more.

[MistaChin]

Where did you end up finding an OEM leather RX-8 shift knob if you don't mind me asking? I may even purchase one of the TWM weighted shift knobs in due time when there is some extra funds lying around. I probably should have put it with the short shifter but oh well.

Yes, I agree its suppose to feel stiffer - however I don't think there is another lube/grease around the ball at the base of the SS. That's what I believe is making mine feel slightly rough and I'm sure it's a quick fix on the weekend.

Thanks again for the replies everybody - really appreciate it.

I picked up my RX-8 knob off ebay. Got a great deal on it too!

[gularti]

It feels exactly what it should feel like at this moment. Give it about 2-3 months of driving and it will break it like your oem shifter, or ull just get used to it. White lithium grease is what you need to buy for lube if you need more.

Awesome, I have Lithium Grease at home. I'll make sure to lube that SOB this weekend and just continue breaking it in. I purchased a new TWM shift boot since I don't like how the stock boot sits with the new SS and I have to install that this weekend too.

Now I'm toying with the idea of grabbing a TWM weighted shift knob. Trying to grasp my head around discarding the stock shift knob (I like the classical look rather than modded). Kind of pricy at $140.00 shipped for a shift knob but oh well :)