Those who have short-shifter...

[wtom]

What benefits are there to have the shorter shift? It takes less time to throw it into gear? Any hamper on actual shifting itself?

I\'ve heard/read that our stock shifter (manual tranny) shifts pretty quick already but since it is my first manual, to me it feels like the shift path is quite a distance... so I\'m considering a short shifter...

Maybe I just need to practice my shifts to get faster/smoother :)

[mEtH]

Im guessing you are implying me :D

I absolutely love it, It is 35% quicker shifts, mainly a flick of the wrist to get in gear. The stock knob height is decreased by 2 inches, which in my opinion is more comfortable for me. It\'s a little stiffer too, it feels more solid in the throws. With a heavier shift knob it will glide into place.

Ever since I test drove the car I felt 2nd gear was too long. So I opted for the short shifter as soon as I could. Take into consideration that if you change the shifter you will probably want to change the boot and maybe knob depending on your feeling towards the stock knob. So take those costs into account too.

I personally love the stock knob, just wish it was a bit heavier. I am doing my best to find a leather threaded knob. Winter\'s gonna be cold with an aluminum one.

Hope this helps, if you have any questions just post them and I will try and get back to yah. Maybe I\'ll consider you taking my car for a spin, if I plan to go to MOM.

[midnightfxgt]

I have had one, not in this car though.

Throws are shorter (duh) lol
Faster shifts

BUT

The effort required is more, and there is some notchiness included.

Overall, I loved mine.

I have driven a far bit of standards, and gotta say the MZ3 has one of the shortest throws yet :)

~JOHN

[Snipes]

I can agree with midnight. I have driven many standards as well and this one (stock) is pretty sweet. I drove a friends 2000 Sentra the other day and the shifter had about a foot of throw on it. That was crazy. Thought I would never get this broom handle into gear but on the Mazda3\'s no worries. It\'s perfect.

[wtom]

Thx all for your replies, and methodyst, thanks for the offer to try out your car. I won\'t mind to, we\'ll see if the opportunity comes up.

Yep I read about methodyst\'s post in M3F about changing the boot as well. I like the stock knob as well so probably wouldn\'t change that unless it freezes up in the winter. That or I just keep a pair of gloves with me all the time. :)

I do feel the stock shifter is a bit high up but if anything I can sit in methodyst\'s car and get a feel for the comfort level of the shorter shifter.

I\'d hate to get it and have to get someone else to install it with a service charge costing around the same or more than the shifter itself. :(

[mEtH]

Do it yourself, its so easy. They send you a full step by step booklet. Mind your its for a GS or somethings but its pretty close to the same. There is only one point where it gets difficult, which is trying to put the spring clip back in place. Other than that install is less than half an hour

[wtom]

Thx methodyst! I checked it out on ptuning.com ... whoa, that\'s US$ too right? I\'m wondering if those car shops in Pacific Mall will carry it... :p

Did you order it from PTuning? Shipping cost? Bent over for duties/taxes? TIA

[///M]

The only other standard cars I\'ve driven is are a 626 and Prelude SH...compared to both the 3 has a much \"tighter\" and shorter shifter.

Best shifter feel by far has been a Boxter S...but I\'ve only sat in one and played around with the clutch and shifter - haven\'t driven it.

[mEtH]

Ptuning had it on a sale at 139USD shipped and everything was just over $200. TELL THEM NOT TO SEND VIA UPS!!!

Element autowerks in Mississauga on derry not sure of address has it at $199 walk in price. Taxes on top. $229 delivered to your door, and again taxes on top.

[dredd2099]

been lucky to drive mr methodst\'s car before and after the SS
luved it either way
okay, mebbe im leaning more for the SS
hehehehe

[thegrez]

Element auto works....1165 Derry road east. Mississauga
found it with canada 411:D