TWM Short Shift Kit!

[CrankyOldMan]

So I pulled the trigger on a TWM short shift last week and finally put it in today. Wow, crazy short. Combined with the MI engine-side SSK, it's super stiff and notchy, but very very short from front to back. I can't say how it compares to the MI shifter extension, but it's at least 2" shorter above the ball, meaning you're going to get some strong arms from rowing that beastie. I would have taken pics, but the install instructions are 95% spot on, and the pictures on their site show the product as shipped.

[cali yaris]

So the shifter is shorter physically, not just shorter travel?

[CrankyOldMan]

Yup. I was in too much of a hurry to get any pictures taken for comparison, but I did at least look at them side-by-side when swapping the plastic ball cap. The upper end is shockingly shorter, though the lower end is only about 1/4" longer. Too much longer and I would expect issues with hitting the floor pan.

The boot cover now sits much lower, so it looks a bit funny. Almost like your pant legs when you're sitting on the toilet. The OEM boot support clip does not engage properly on the shaft, so I had to improvise with a 7/16" ID rubber grommet. I also bought a foot of 1/2" ID clear flexible tubing to make a standoff sleeve in the event that the grommet doesn't stay put.

I'll see about getting some pictures without the boot on this afternoon.

[thefalls]

I hear that after driving around a bit it gets better. So lets wait a bit.
I have been thinking about the short shifter,i think will go with the MI in-cabin and engine side combo. Will have to inquire about shipping sometime soon,Garm.

[cali yaris]

I wouldn't want my shift knob to be lower, I use an extension to bring it closer to the wheel -- but it's a matter of taste and arm length, etc.

[BEEF]

I've actually extended my shifter 3" and am seriously considering going 2-3" more. I have the engine bay SSK and am considering the in cabin SSK.

I couldn't imagine my shifter being lower than stock. I think it is too low even now with the extender. I also added the armrest which makes it uncomfortable to have at the stock level. I like the armrest.

[tooter]

:needpics:

(hint hint... :wink:

Here, I'll help to get things started. Here's my shifter...

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b90/compost_bin/car/IMG_5919.jpg

[CrankyOldMan]

OK, here's a few pics!

It's so low that you can see the frame of the shifter body around the base!
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/280x200q90/248/dscf4401m.jpg

Here's the OEM shift lever, measured from the top of the ball to the end of the threads. Keep in mind that I measured backwards because zero on this ruler isn't at the end. OEM = 9.25"
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/280x200q90/819/dscf4408h.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/280x200q90/109/dscf4407r.jpg

Here's the TWM as installed. The flash on my metal ruler made for some extra crappy pictures. TWM = 6.5"!
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/280x200q90/94/dscf4405l.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/280x200q90/27/dscf4403vk.jpg

I'm definitely keeping it, but it's taking some time to re-train my muscles. It's still a bit awkward getting it in to reverse, but the 1-2 and even 2-3 shifts are crazy fast! I do, however anticipate some response issues when I start autoX this summer--it's a LONG way from the wheel to the knob.

[why?]

Tooter, I take it that is stock? Mine is 100% stock. Wouldn't mind it being physically lower. Had a friend with an eclipse and the kit made his shifter maybe 3 inches long at most. Of course the eclipse use to be a real sports car, with the shifter nice and high.

[tooter]

Tooter, I take it that is stock? Mine is 100% stock. Wouldn't mind it being physically lower. Had a friend with an eclipse and the kit made his shifter maybe 3 inches long at most. Of course the eclipse use to be a real sports car, with the shifter nice and high.

Yeah, it's just the stock lever with an old school 1960's style Hurst "Cue Ball" shift knob stuck on it. The smooth round shifter feels really nice.

[CrankyOldMan]

Is it getting better?

Almost three weeks of daily driving and I'm getting really comfortable with it. I even tend to use just my index and middle fingers to shift from 1-2, since it's a faster movement than rowing my whole arm. There is still some awkwardness getting in to reverse and neutral, but I can live with that.

[kou]

^ I have had one in since 07 I have a 5'' extension and the throw is still shorter than stock

[CrankyOldMan]

My problem though would be with hight of this thing. The oem just works perfectly for me (in terms of height).

Well, it sits about level with the seats, but the throw is so short you don't have to reach very far forward.

Kou: interesting knob. what is it?

[kou]

^ It's a stock subaru impreza wrx maybe 2004 shift knob it even has the same shift pattern and thread.