[Frantic3]

I also changed up to the stock bushings to aleviate the clunking noise when shifting into gear. This shifter works like a champ now. Way smoother than stock and no added noise :spin:. I would definately reccommend using the stock bushings for this mod.[/b]

Can anyone else confirm this?

I just install my MS SS this weekend and I'm getting the same discrepancies with the noises?

Shifting does feel a bit more involved but I'm guessing I just have to get used to the new feel?

 

[Frantic3]

Can anyone else confirm this?

I just install my MS SS this weekend and I'm getting the same discrepancies with the noises?

Shifting does feel a bit more involved but I'm guessing I just have to get used to the new feel?[/b]

I changed back to the stock bushings and it feels allot better, but the cable popping up problem still exists.

I am going to try to raise the back end of the base by using washers as newumbrella suggested.

Somebody have mentioned that the shifter cable pops out of the shifter mechanism, it's because the new bushing that comes with the MS short shifter kit makes the shifter mechanism sit a little too low, thus causing a bend in the shifter cable. The cable pops out because it wants to straighten itself. The ideal height would be archieved using the original bushings. But if you want to keep the direct feel of the new bushings, that just use the new bushings plus metal washers underneath to adjust the height. If you think the shifter is too noisy, then use the OEM bushing plus rubber washer instead.[/b]

I think the bend is cause by the lower position of the base when using the new bushings. I hope by raising the base from the back will give a more straight motion for the cable, thus making it not to bend.

I'll post once I try this and keep everyone updated but if anyone has done this already, please post how you did it.

 

[dumatt]

Anybody that has done this mod willing to part with their stock shifter rod?

 

[xshellshock]

Anybody that has done this mod willing to part with their stock shifter rod?[/b]

I think most people threw them out, as they are useless since you have to cut a piece off.

 

[dumatt]

Ah didnt read the steps that close since I was trying to go back to stock haha. Thanks.

 

[Chilly604]

i'm installing the short shifter right now, i'm at the step right before drilling the hole. stage 2 mazdaspeed. Anyways, theres supposed to be a threaded hole under my stock shift plate to line up with the aftermarket one, but there is none. Anyone know why this is? I have an 06 mazdaspeed 6

 

[mariusvt]

I know it was touched on, but when taking apart the stock setup and removing the factory rubber bushings if you look at the underside you see they stick through about an 1/8th of an inch. To compensate and use the the metal bushings that come with the STS kit I popped a washer over the stud, then put the base back on and everything is smooth & the angles looked good. The shifter feels perfect, so much better than stock.

 

[brightwhite]

Ah didnt read the steps that close since I was trying to go back to stock haha. Thanks.[/b]

If you want, I can sell you the two pieces for the cost of shipping it to you. You could have it welded back together if you wanted, I bet.

 

[littlegti84]

If you want, I can sell you the two pieces for the cost of shipping it to you. You could have it welded back together if you wanted, I bet.[/b]

Just make sure you put the plastic piece on before having it welded...

 

[brightwhite]

Just make sure you put the plastic piece on before having it welded...[/b]

Yeah, forgetting that would kind of suck!

 

[joebrez]

Just did the install yesterday, and the instructions were great!!! Priceless. I did take the rest of the console off, and it made the entire process so easy. Do in deed have increased effort, but the feel is great. Nice mod. I already had MT-90 in it. Tomorrow I will get a chance to drive it a bit, as it's been below 0 degrees for a couple of days now. Even then, it performed great.

 

[dups]

I just did the install yesterday as well! I just did it last night. I too took the console off though I was reluctant. Me and a buddy did the install and we talked about taking the console off and both blew it off thinking it would be too much work. We ended up having trouble getting the plastic piece unclipped that held the shift cables in so we decided to try to take the console out...

DEFINITELY TAKE THE WHOLE CONSOLE OUT! DO NOT BE LAZY! I saw somebody else try to say this on here as well and I ignored it! Taking the whole console out takes hardly ANY effort and results in more workspace and a much easier time remove the shift cables. There were two screws up front where the cig lighter was, two inside the center storage section and two in the back on each side behind plastic covers that the front seats covered up. And then disconnect the additional center power outlet and it comes right out. Soooo easy and totally worth it!

The install took us a total of a little over two hours. We used a rotary/dremel to do the necessary cutting and that was easy. Be careful when cutting the piece that is on the stock shifter stick - We covered the plastic parts with a towel and I'm glad we did because with all the sparks flying off the rotary cutoff caught the towel on fire. No big deal, but I'd rather burn the towel a little than melt the plastic piece that was still stuck around the shifter.

Shifter has a little added effort but the throws are definitely shorter and overall it feels much smoother. Feels like what you'd expect from the shifter on a sports car I love it!

 

[dumatt]

If you want, I can sell you the two pieces for the cost of shipping it to you. You could have it welded back together if you wanted, I bet.[/b]

Just saw this - thanks though. I just used it to rationalize getting the TWM kit - its installed and I'm happy

 

[Mazda Fan]

Well I just installed my Mazdaspeed short shifter this weekend with the help of this DIY. It's definitely one of the best upgrades I've done. Thank you OP for the detailed instructions. My question is how do the blue bushings make the shifter better? They look like it only connects the base platform to the car. Nothing that I can see moves around it.
I had changed shifter bushings in a Protege5 and they were stiffer urethane parts that connected linkages under the car. Still trying to understand how it works in the Mazda6. Would someone mind enlightening me? It's been bugging me.Thank you

 

[justsomeguy]

the solid bushings just help keeping everything stiff and not flex....they make sure to give a solid connection to the car

 

[Mazda Fan]

thank you it's makes sense now.

 

[DragonLord3688]

So I know this is like a 9 year old post... but I'm getting ready to do this in my 03 mazda 6 with a RZ Ralco shifter... could you get the pictures hosted back again if you even still visit this site or if someone else knows about it, a tutorial?