How To: Install Short Shifter

[derrick1623]

Short Shifter Installation Walk-through

Source: http://mazdaprotege.net/tech/howto/shifter/
Written by: Wil Fellows (Gro Harlem)
Estimated Time: 01:30
This article walks you through removing your OEM shifter and re-installing it with a aftermarket short shifter. (IT WILL WORK FOR MP3'S!)

NOTE: The pictures below illustrate me replacing the SUPER long throw stock 1st gen (2nd gen is the same as well) shifter with a 3rd generation lever which shortens the throw by about 1-2" and shrinks the total side-to-side area.

All Mazda Protege aftermarket shifter levers will fit any generation. There are currently two (2) models available for the Protege: Pacesetter adjustable ($80), and B&M non-adjustable ($140). The Pacesetter uses a plastic ball that screws onto the lower portion of the lever, which makes its legnth adjustable. It comes with a pair of plastic bushings, the chrome lever, silicone grease, new rubber boot, and a hex screw to tighten down the plastic pivot-ball. The B&M comes with a lever with a built in assembly. It replaces your OEM o-rings with a bronzeoil pivot-ball inside of an aluminum housing. It has two rubber o-rings that you squeeze into your shifter housing. The aftermarket Bronezoil Bushings DO NOT fit the Pacesetter, so DO NOT use them (i found this out the hard way). Only use the plastic bushings for the pacesetter unit. The Bronzeoil shifter bushings WILL WORK for the OEM Shifter lever and the B&M lever. I took some pictures of the difference in 90-98 shift levers (one on right) to the 99-02 lever (middle) with a picture of the pacesetter lever (shift knob not included). I also took a picture of the different bushings (pacesetter on far left, bronzeoil in middle, oem on right). You can see why using oem or bronzeoils on the pacesetter could be problematic, since they are different sizes.

Tools you will need:

(2) 12mm wrenches
Philips Head Screwdriver
Flat Head Screwdriver
Retaining-Clip Tooll (2nd/3rd gen only)
Silicone Grease
Paper Towels
Floor-Jack & Stands or Ramps Installation Instructions:

1: Jack vehicle up and securely lower onto jackstands


spicyzoomzoom: As an alternate to taking out the console. you can remove the shift knob and boot to get to the snap ring in question.
first you remove the shift surround by pulling the cupholders gently up and back.

then you remove the shift knob by unscrewing to the left.
locate the 8 places the shift boot is held in by slits in the boot and tabs on the retainer.

the front and back are fairly easy to see and remove. the sides look the same but are a little harder to get to (unless you have small hands around) you can pull the boot back to the knob once you removed the front (and forward for the rear) go inside the retainer and find the tabs. pull down gently and to the side you are removing. they should come right out.

you are now where you have to be to get to the snap ring.... without the pain of removing your whole console. Skip to step 6 if you chose to do it this way.

2: Unscrew two screws near back of center armrest
3: Unscrew two middle screws of center armrest
4: Unscrew two screws on side of center console peice
5: Unscrew shiftknob and remove it from lever. Remove console
6:

2nd/3rd gen: Use the retaining-clip tool to squeeze the retaning-clip, with your other hand, use the flathead to pry out the retaining-clip. (Since I worked on a 1st gen pro, i used a screwdriver to pry out the spring, but you could use a screwdriver on your MP3 if you like)
http://mazdaprotege.net/tech/howto/shifter/popspring1_thumb.jpg

7: Wipe off spring/retaining-clip with paper towel (it should be greasy) and place in a safe place. If you lose it, it will be a pain to drive without and its not a easy thing to replace.
http://mazdaprotege.net/tech/howto/shifter/popspring2_thumb.jpg

8: Slide under the car, and locate the shifter lever's bottom
http://mazdaprotege.net/tech/howto/shifter/shiftlinkage_thumb.jpg

9: Using the two 12mm wrenches, firmly loosen the bolt and nut that is threaded through the bottom of the lever.
http://mazdaprotege.net/tech/howto/shifter/loosenbolt1_thumb.jpg

10: Slide the bolt through the shifter and bushings and remove it from the linkage arm and place both the nut and bolt in a safe place! (your car will be undriveable without them!)
http://mazdaprotege.net/tech/howto/shifter/loosenbolt2_thumb.jpg

11: Get back inside your car and carefully pull out the lever assembly.
http://mazdaprotege.net/tech/howto/shifter/pullleverout_thumb.jpg

12: Woo Hoo! Lever removed! Be careful not to get too much of that nasty grease on your hand..it doesn't come off easy :-(
13: take the top white O-ring off the lever, and CAREFULLY push the bottom white O-ring off as illustrated. I broke mine when removing my lever on my white car which doesn't affect much, but it isn't a good thing ;-).
http://mazdaprotege.net/tech/howto/shifter/snapofforing_thumb.jpg
GroHarlem6: 14: If you have the B&M, BE CAREFUL with taht boot, since they don't supply you with another one (Pacesetter does, at least for my kit they did). There are two different lengths on the bottom linkage hole (that the bushings go into). After removing the bushings, push the boot inside out and then stretch the bottom part over the shorter length linkage hole (as illustrated). You might have to stretch the boot back and forth to increase its elasticity.
http://mazdaprotege.net/tech/howto/shifter/removeboot_thumb.jpg

15: After removing the boot, take that lever and chuck it in the trash!! (well thats your choice). After cleaning off the white O-rings, spring, bushings, and boot (you don't have to, but why reuse that nasty grease if you have new stuff?). Re-install them onto the new lever. If your installing the Pacesetter, its a LOT easier if you just put the bottom O-ring and rubber boot in place, then screw the plastic pivot-ball in, then place the top O-ring on top of that. B&M shifter users: skip this step since your housing is built into the lever
http://mazdaprotege.net/tech/howto/shifter/howreinstall_thumb.jpg

16: Push the old boot (or new) onto the new lever. If you have the B&M shifter, you might want to grease the boot and bottom of the lever so it slides on without teaing. Pacesetter shifter's don't even need this step, if you just remove the pivot ball and install the boot first, then the O-ring, then re-install the pivot ball. After the boot is on, put the bushings back in.
http://mazdaprotege.net/tech/howto/shifter/bootresinstall_thumb.jpg

17: Grease the new lever's pivot-ball up really good! B&M users DO NOT grease the inside of the aluminum housing since the bronzeoil pivot-ball self-lubricates itself. DO use the grease to grese the hell out of the rubber O-rings on the outside of the aluminum housing as it IS A VERY TIGHT FIT to get that thing back in there.
http://mazdaprotege.net/tech/howto/shifter/greasedup_thumb.jpg18: Take the lever back into your car and shove it into the shifter-lever housing. B&M users, you will need to put all your weight into pushing the aluminum housing in there. It is a super tight fit.
http://mazdaprotege.net/tech/howto/shifter/placedin1_thumb.jpg

After pushing the lever in place, make sure it is angled the right way so you don't install it backwards on the next step

19: Place the retaining-clip ring into the retaining-clip tool and sqeeze it back into place. You might need to use both hands to snap it into place (it takes longer than the spring but isn't too bad).

20: Get back underneath the car. Shove the bolt through the linkage-arm and lever-arm and tighten the nut. Don't overtighten because you could make the shifter feel super stiff if you do. but don't go too lax either, then there will be too much play and it will feel very sloppy.
http://mazdaprotege.net/tech/howto/shifter/loosenbolt1_thumb.jpg

21: Get back inside car, and re-install the center console. Screw them into place, screw teh shift knob back on, and lower the car.......
22: Drive around for awhile! You'll be amazed at the difference in feel and throw!!!!

thats it

[StuttersC]

Just so you guys know, TWM Performance has pretty detailed instructions about removing the shifter for the MP3/Protege 5...

Here is the site:
http://www.twmperformance.com/shortshifters/

Scroll down and you will see where it is...

[SpookyP5]

Hey! This is my first post!

I love this Forum, This is the best place for info on the P5. My White 2002 P5 just hit 12,500.00!!!

Anyway, back to business:

The pics for the directions on how to install my new Kart Boy are just little "X"s - The pics would REALLY help.....

Is there anyway to get them back??

Thanks a bunch, now I'll shut up and search for "Springs"

[scootzpr5]

i just installed the kartboy short shifter today. It feels good driving it, but i have a few questions. First, where can I get a smaller shift boot for it because the stock one is waaaaay to big and second, I think the bottom fo the shifter is hitting the heat shield when i shift. Has that happened to anyone? What can I do if it is hitting?? any suggestions? thanks

[azeli73]

check out TWM perfomances web site. There is an instruction pdf file there that include a spacer just for that problem. The spaces can probably be found at a local hardware store. i would of uploaded the pdf but the file is to large for here.

[SpookyP5]

I just installed the Kart Boy shifter and bushings about a week ago. I just bent the heat shield down some more - it's really easy.

Does anyone know the torque settings for the bolt at the bottom of the shifter? and the Bushings nut/bolt?

Thanks,
SpookyP5
:p

[SedanMan]

Could anyone repost the pics? They don't show up anymore.

Thanks!

[PaulMP3]

What does a retaining clip tool look like? do they come in different sizes? where do i get one. Will be installing my shifter this weekend.

[azeli73]

check out this link...

http://www.twmperformance.com/shortshifters/protegepics/1999-2003-protege-manual.pdf

[slamprotege5]

excellent post azeli73, thanks. i have put off putting in my kartboy, cause I had no pics.

[PaulMP3]

i will be intstalling mine this weekend, if i ever get my car back from the dealer. i have the kartboy. I was wondering if anyone knows what size washers i should get to put under the heat sheild?

[cbcbd]

Took it around for a drive, feels great!!! Thanks for the directions, they were very clear.

The job was extremely easy, but I could imagine how much trouble it could be without the retaining ring pliers.

The only screw up I had was with the heat shield. I got 3 oversized nuts to use as spacers and bought some longer bolts. Problem was they weren't the same size, a little little too big. I thought I could just thread it through and the screw's housing inside the body detached!!:mad: So my bolt was stuck there with the 3 nuts and it was loose. I'm going to try to fix that sometime later (it won't fall off for now) but for now I shoved some washers (the kind that have a gap) where there was give.
I should've just bent the heatshield.

With the bushings I got impatient with my stock one and just cut it out.


Anyway, thanks Kartboy for the stickers and rub on tatoos:) , oh and the shifter and bushings are awesome too.:D :D :D

[andy_guerriero]

I've been shopping around for short shifters for my P5 and I think this thread will help immensely.

Only problem - I'm uncomfortable with getting under the car and messing with things down there.

I'm a relative novice in fixing/maintaining cars. I've done some engine work including a thermostat, battery, and I installed my own intake with some encouragement from people on this board.

Any advice or thoughts? I don't have jack stands or whatever, but I do have two metal ramps - should I drive my car on to those ramps and just get to it?

[SpookyP5]

Yes!! Use your ramps!

I wish I had ramps when I installed my Kartboy shifter and bushings.

With a Jack, the problem I found is that there is no place to put it under the car! I down loaded a few pics someone posted on here that showed the proper placement for a jack at the front - the problem is that there is a very thin peice of metal in the way. When I put my jack on that, the whole thing started to bend.

As to installing the shifter, it was actually easy. My recommendations:

Get a very good Retaining Ring/clip Pliers. This will cut ALOT of time in getting the stock shifter out.

A good torque wrench that is in the range of 5ft/lbs to 100ft/lbs+. I torqued the bolt that holds the bushings at about 18ft/lbs.

In closing, it is easy! I am like you in that I am not a mechanic/gear head, but I have done the Thermostat/water pump replacement type of work. If you can do that stuff, don't worry.

By the way, what intake did you install?:)

SpookyP5
:p

[Cameleon3]

I just installed the Kartboy short shifter and bushings...the bushings made a big difference but to be honest I didn't feel much of a difference with the throw of each shift...which kind of blows...

In addition, my mechanic told me that he had to lower the exhaust a little bit to install my short shifter....to top it all off, I heard from someone here that our stock shifter knobs (MP3) were compatible with the Kartboy lever...well, that was NOT the case...

What the fuck?? I am having a real bad fucking day...

[Equinox]

Originally posted by Cameleon3
I just installed the Kartboy short shifter and bushings...the bushings made a big difference but to be honest I didn't feel much of a difference with the throw of each shift...which kind of blows...

In addition, my mechanic told me that he had to lower the exhaust a little bit to install my short shifter....to top it all off, I heard from someone here that our stock shifter knobs (MP3) were compatible with the Kartboy lever...well, that was NOT the case...

What the fuck?? I am having a real bad fucking day...

you don't have to lower the exhaust, you have to move the heatshield above the exhaust, just a tad. The MP3s are equipped with a stock short shifter, I know the B&M shifter is a whole lot better, than it, but I don't know how the kartboy shifter compares. It was built off testing on a p5.

[Cameleon3]

This day really fucking sucks..I am not happy AT ALL!!...Seems as though I spent a shit load of money for nothing.....

[PaulMP3]

i put my kartboy shifter on my mp3 and bushings. I agree the throw on the mp3 isnt change to much. you just have to bend the heatsheild down.

Over all the install is real easy. took about 45 mins if that. I bought a pair of retaining ring pliers for 13$ at sears hardware. The mp3 knob wont fit the shifter. but... if you would have specified kartboy would have made you a shift threaded to the MP3 knob. (thats what i did). Oh an about the ramps. be careful ramps put a nice scrath in my front fender. my car is too low so my front hit before the tires started going up the ramps and it twisted sideways and put a lil scratch in my car. Also make sure you have the silcone grease. Study how you take your stock shifter out, because the install of the new one is the same thing.

[Cameleon3]

Maybe I got myself to hyped up but damn..I truly don't feel any difference whatsoever...as for the knob, I had NO idea that u could request them to change the thread of the lever...that royally sucks ass!!!!

I know my frustration will pass after some sleep but I am pissed that my first mod on the car ended up being a downer.. :(

[PaulMP3]

I was sort of disapointed with the short throw too. but its not to big of a deal. I should have just got the bushings. I like the way it looks better. its about an inch lower than stock.

[Cameleon3]

Originally posted by paulmp3
I was sort of disapointed with the short throw too. but its not to big of a deal. I should have just got the bushings. I like the way it looks better. its about an inch lower than stock.

I have to admit that the bushings did make a big difference but why the fuck did I spend 80 bucks on a lever if it don't feel any difference..sorry..just a disappointed AND venting..

[freekwonder]

I got the TWM short shifter. a few people that have driven my car before and me have noticed a difference. everybody tries it and says WOW. i know corny but true. nothing agains kartboy though.

[Cameleon3]

Originally posted by freekwonder
I got the TWM short shifter. a few people that have driven my car before and me have noticed a difference. everybody tries it and says WOW. i know corny but true. nothing agains kartboy though.

What sucks is everyone was telling me that they love the kartboy shifter and I wasn't hearing much about the TWM...There is nothing wrong with kartboy's shifter but there is practically no difference between their shifter and the MP3 stock shifter...I feel like I spent money for nothing...to top it all off I have to buy a new shifter knob to install it over it because the thread is either too big or too small...

But I do have to admit that the bushings made a HUGE difference..

[freekwonder]

well i just got it and put it in. i did feel a difference with the bushings but that was over a year ago.

[uclap5]

it was a bigger difference for us p5s since we have a 2 inch extension. throw was reduced alot.

you mp3s probly only get it reduced like 15% were we get more like 30% or something, i dont remember the figures.

[Gro Harlem]

If you want to see the original pics of the how-to go here:

http://protegenetwork.org/pro/1stgen/articles/howto/shifter/

Note that these are for installing it on a 1st gen protege, not a 3rd gen like you all own. Its pretty much the same. I helped install Derricks shifter and all you do is undo a few screws and the whole console comes off the same way as in my How-To. I had to cut derricks heat sheild a bit to make clearance for the new shifter, but it isn't that big a deal.

[mighty2000]

Hey yall, just wanted to know if this kartboy shifter would work on a 1995 protege. I know that you said gen 2 (which it is) but I don't want it to turn out like the MP3 horror stories that I have just read about. I want the new shifter, but is it going to make a difference on my beast.

Thanks in advance.

M2k

[Gro Harlem]

someone just installed a kartboy on a 1st gen...he says it fit great...

and the 2nd gen shifters are basically identical to the 1st gen, so i don't see why it wouldn't

[Kooldino]

I had some issues w/ the install of the TWM...I'll post details later.

[freekwonder]

please do man. im interested to hear about different installs. mine went smooth as shit. so i would like to hear different accounts (no not being sarcasitic or an ass, i would like to hear)

[Bijou-MP5]

is Short Throw Shift also suitable for auto users?

[Kooldino]

Originally posted by Bijou-MP5
is Short Throw Shift also suitable for auto users?

You're kidding, right?

:confused:

[Bijou-MP5]

Honestly, I don't know Kooldino... :'(

[
]

i've cut the rob on my automatic, but they dont manufacture pieces. mine was an hour job which looked kinda cool afterwards, reminded me of a VW

[Kooldino]

Originally posted by Bijou-MP5
Honestly, I don't know Kooldino... :'(

:(

:eek:

Well, a short shifter is just something that shortens the length of the throws between gears...so you can only have it on a manual tranny. There may be some kind of different shifter you can get for an AT, but not a short shifter. Check out www.kartboy.com or twmperformance.com and take a look at their products and the install guide...you'll understand what I'm saying.

[Bijou-MP5]

Originally posted by Kooldino


:(

:eek:

Well, a short shifter is just something that shortens the length of the throws between gears...so you can only have it on a manual tranny. There may be some kind of different shifter you can get for an AT, but not a short shifter. Check out www.kartboy.com or twmperformance.com and take a look at their products and the install guide...you'll understand what I'm saying.

hmm.. that's what I thought....
do you know if there are any aftermarket vendors who makes these kind stuff for auto? or has to be custom done by me or other professional?

[freekwonder]

Originally posted by Kooldino
I had some issues w/ the install of the TWM...I'll post details later.

are you going to post details of the issues you had?

[Yaegs4life]

I just orderd my kartboy shifter today and then i come on here and see people have had problomes . Im somewhat sceptical but think it will be ok. Was it only mp3 people who had the heat shield problome or was it mp5 too? I didnt order bushings but i really dont have a problome wit the way my car shifts now. Should i order them? I know im prob dumb for not ordering them but i really didnt have the money. Payments on my p5 are due tomm.

[derrick1623]

the heat shield just needs to be bent or cut to allow for the bottom of the short shifter.

[Yaegs4life]

I got my short shifter in today and everything is great. thanx. theres one slight problome. i hear a rattle noise inside the car it seems to be arond the shifter. has any one had this problome and might know what it is???

[Gratefully Dead]

Originally posted by Yaegs4life
I got my short shifter in today and everything is great. thanx. theres one slight problome. i hear a rattle noise inside the car it seems to be arond the shifter. has any one had this problome and might know what it is???

You might want to get uunder there and make sure everything is good and tight. Plus you might be your shifter hitting the heat shield.

I just installed mine today and it took about 1.5 hours to do. Mind you 45 minutes was me screaming at the pair of snap ring pliers i broke and having to go buy a new pair. The bushings only took me about 10 minutes. This was by far one of the easiest installs thanks to the multitude of How-To's in the forum.

One slight problem though. I'm not sure if this is normal or not but it seems slightly harder to actually shift 'into' a gear now that I installed it. I'm guessing this is due to the decreased amount of leverage I'm getting with the shorter throw but I just want to make sure this is normal. Maybe I just need to get used to it. Anyone experiencing the same thing?

[andy_guerriero]

That's normal. It will break in after a few hundred miles or so.

[PepiMartinez]

I'm intrested in the Kartboy shifter, but I just wanted to know how significantly the throw was reduced, and if there was a way to make the actual "stick" shorter, but not lose the longer throw. I like the feel of a longer throw shifter, but the higher shifter just kinda looks silly. By NOT replacing the busshings, does the throw remain the same? Anyway, I hope somebody can get back to me on that. Thanks.

Pepi

[uclap5]

if you just want it shorter you can take off the shifter extension on the stock shifter.

take off the boot, heat the sucker up with a blowtorch and twist it off. you will need a new knob or need to thread the shifter.

i believe kartboy said %35 reduction in throw.

[PepiMartinez]

Originally posted by uclap5
if you just want it shorter you can take off the shifter extension on the stock shifter.

take off the boot, heat the sucker up with a blowtorch and twist it off. you will need a new knob or need to thread the shifter.

i believe kartboy said %35 reduction in throw.

Is there a picture of what the shifter extention looks like in the photos previously posted on the page, or is it something that I will see, and something that is fairly obvious? Also, wouldn't rethreading it be fairly costly?

Pepi

[uclap5]

youll definatly know it when you see it. :)

yeah i dont think rethreading is really worth it.



Another option is to buy a shifter from a mp3 or a mazdaspeed protege. Their shifter is basically ours without the extention. However, they are threaded, but have a different thread pitch than our stock shifter.

[PepiMartinez]

Thanks for the info

[goldstar]

The MP3/MSD shifters are the same and they are both a little more than an inch shorter above the fulcrum point than the P5/sedan shifters. The MP3/MSD shifters have an M8 x 1.25 thread while the P5/sedan shifters have an M10 x 1.25 thread so if you buy the shorter shifter make sure you get either an MP3 or MSD shift knob as your stock knob won't fit.

The shorter shifter will not shorten your shifts as the length below the fulcrum point is the same for all OEM shifters here, but your hand will describe a smaller arc when shifting so it will apparently feel somewhat quicker. On my car, the combination of the MP3 shifter and the Kartboy shifter bushings improved the whole feel of the shifter mechanism by removing excess play and making shifts feel more precise. I highly recommend the combination.

[TitanGray03.5]

Which is better TWS or Kartboy?

[StuttersC]

Originally posted by TitanGray03.5
Which is better TWS or Kartboy?


Kartboy...

[alexlitov]

Pictures not worky.

[TitanGray03.5]

Why is that? The bushings are aluminum on the TWS you'd think thatd be tighter.

[StuttersC]

Originally posted by TitanGray03.5
Why is that? The bushings are aluminum on the TWS you'd think thatd be tighter.

The Kartboy bushings are not the same part as what TWM has...

The Kartboy bushings attach on the shifter rod at the tranny. TWM is only a short shifter.

[toucci]

Originally posted by TitanGray03.5
Why is that? The bushings are aluminum on the TWS you'd think thatd be tighter.

I just finished installing my kartboy and the stock, plastic bushings are plenty tight. They show absolutely no wear at all.

the cool thing about kartboy is that you can get the shifter, "brace bushings", and knob all together. the bushings are a MUST have for a short shifter, and if you dont like the knob you can get just the bushings and shifter for cheaper than individually

[TitanGray03.5]

what is it exactly that the bushings for the TWM do? Also their new kit has a bearing in it as well doesnt that add to the smoothness?

[chimchim]

I've been scared off a bit to install a short throw... not because of it hitting the heat shield, but because I heard that it wears out your tranny synchros that much faster... fast enough to be a problem.

Any comments on this?

[StuttersC]

Originally posted by chimchim
I've been scared off a bit to install a short throw... not because of it hitting the heat shield, but because I heard that it wears out your tranny synchros that much faster... fast enough to be a problem.

Any comments on this?


No problems here...

[toucci]

yeah just dont slam it between gears and you'll be fine

it might change the way you shift by making you more agressive, but it won't change anything else but the throws

[lasermp5]

I'm sorry if someone has allready covered this, but why don't the pictures work? Pictures would really REALLY help :D

[anco2001]

I NEED the pictures, I'm going to buy a kartboy shifter and I need them.

[cbcbd]

Originally posted by anco2001
I NEED the pictures, I'm going to buy a kartboy shifter and I need them.
it's the TWM instructions, it's just another SS, same thing.

http://www.twmperformance.com/shortshifters/protegepics/2nd%20generation%202000-2002%20protege%20manual.pdf

[anco2001]

Originally posted by cbcbd
it's the TWM instructions, it's just another SS, same thing.

http://www.twmperformance.com/shortshifters/protegepics/2nd%20generation%202000-2002%20protege%20manual.pdf

Thank you, you saved my life :p, when I win the lotto I'll buy you a Mazdaspeed Protege!

[cbcbd]

Originally posted by anco2001
Thank you, you saved my life :p, when I win the lotto I'll buy you a Mazdaspeed Protege!
lol, no problem.

Now, GO BUY A TICKET!!

[Laser03pro]

When installing aftermarket parts or whatever where does every1 get there torque specs?

[Yaegs4life]

It usualy the same specs as the factory. If your really unsure call kart boy. they might know.

[zmepro]

i guess :p

[Yaegs4life]

Every Thing with a thread on on a car as a tq spec

[Laser03pro]

yeh prob have most all of them in a chilton

[Foolish]

I just installed my B&M this weekend and the one part of the instructions I didn't get was where it told me to remove the lower shift bushings from under the car. The picture in the instructions was pretty much the only one that was too fuzzy/blurry to make out! On top of that, I came here to look at the pictures, but they were all down, even the ones that were linked to in previous posts!
(bang)
When I did get everything apart, I found that the bushings did not need to be removed or reinstalled from under the car. This was way easier to do from above. Anyway, here's a picture of those lower shifter bushings and the before and after pictures of the shifter. That's a Voodoo Pearl knob in the after shot. The last shot shows the stock lever next to the B&M. The B&M is overall just a bit shorter, but the fulcrum point is much higher than on the stock lever, so the throw is shorter and the lever is lower to the console.

It's great by the way. Feels almost as good as the stock Miata shifter!(nana) That's not a jab, BTW. As a Miata lover, there's no higher compliment I could pay to a gearbox!

[Gratefully Dead]

I didn't get was where it told me to remove the lower shift bushings from under the car.
Actually the lower shift bushings aren't located on the shifter at all. I had the same silly predicament when I installed mine. The bushings are actually located on the OPPOSITE end of the shaft that connects to the shifter. Towards the front of the car. I'll try and remember to take a decent pic while I'm changing my oil later tonight.

[StuttersC]

Look here: http://www.triplezoom.com/news/publish/article_120.shtml

Some pics of where things are...

[Equinox]

Yes the shifter bushing is actually forward of the shifter, on the shift LINKAGE and not your actual shifter. Pretty much you are replacing a bushing on the transmission, more forward under the car.

[Foolish]

I didn't install after market bushings. I'm actually talking about the little bushings shown in my first picture above. The B&M instructions refer to them as the "lower shifter bushings" but it's impossible to identify them in the picture.

[cbcbd]

I made this crude pic a while ago to show where the Kartboy bushings go, here:

[Gro Harlem]

updated link for my how-to:

http://projectmazda.com/tech/howto/shifter

[Gro Harlem]

btw the site is down for some reason right now, but thats the correct link...i dunno wtf my webhosting is doing >:O

[BlueWolfCry]

i've had mine for about 2000 miles now and theres a squeak. did anyone else have this problem? what brand greases did you guys use? sorry if it is already in the thread, im just wayy too tired and lazy. thank you

[PaulMP3]

Tools you will need:

(2) 12mm wrenches
Philips Head Screwdriver
Flat Head Screwdriver
Retaining-Clip Tooll (2nd/3rd gen only)
Silicone Grease
Paper Towels
Floor-Jack & Stands or Ramps Installation Instructions:

[BlueWolfCry]

yes i know, but are there any prefrences? thank you paul for your help, you are my savior

[Laser03pro]

How did u guys them bolt on the side alright no1 said u had to put the seats up all the ways to see them lol.

[jc2904]

I just installed the short shifter in my p5 today. It seems to have alot of play in it. Was wondering if its normaly like that and i need new bushings or did i install in wrong.. did i need to install orginal o-rings... ????actually i didn't install lower bushings......

[Kansei]

Ok I installed my TWM a couple days ago and even with the heat shield lowering spacers it still hits. Can I remedy this with washers or should I have my dad fab up new spacers. Does anyone know how thick the TWM ones were or how thick new ones would have to be? I'm gonna try putting a few washers in (I hope the bolt is long enough). I'll contact TWM about it but I need a quick fix so it isn't buzzing and rattling all the way to the NJ meet.

[Laser03pro]

jc29 the b&m should have come with directions if not goto b&m racing.com. Yes you have to reuse the lower bushings no wonder you have so much slop as for the pivot point you reuse that top o-ring and shouve it down in with a small flat head screw driver. Mine fit great with no slop. Mynd try just pulling down on the heat sheild alil in the middle with it bolted up that should bend it enough to clear. Thats all i did with mine and i didnt even have spacers and it didnt rub.

[Kansei]

jc29 the b&m should have come with directions if not goto b&m racing.com. Yes you have to reuse the lower bushings no wonder you have so much slop as for the pivot point you reuse that top o-ring and shouve it down in with a small flat head screw driver. Mine fit great with no slop. Mynd try just pulling down on the heat sheild alil in the middle with it bolted up that should bend it enough to clear. Thats all i did with mine and i didnt even have spaers and it didnt rub.
I was going to try this, but it started to sprinkle when I had just finished the install monday and it has been raining heavily-light ever since... please god let it stop!

[coffeesmurf]

I started to install my B&M today and I came across 2 sets of wires that "connect" to the shift lever. They look like they are ground wires. They are attached to a plastic mount. The whole thing is attached to the lever with tie wraps. (confused)

I stopped at that point because I was not expecting to see this. They don’t show up on any of the pics I have seen here or elsewhere. What are they ?? I guess I can reattach them to the B&M... but I would like to know what they do before I go ahead.

Thanks !

I have a 3rd gen 1.6L. I will try to post pictures when possible.

[coffeesmurf]

I have pics of the wires on the shifter here... (http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1030660#post1030660)

[StuttersC]

I have pics of the wires on the shifter here... (http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1030660#post1030660)
WTF? I have no idea what those are for.

[Wiggles422]

Posting this here as well on the other link that your pics are on...
Remote starters that are installed in manual transmission cars, usually have some type of device to prevent the car from starting while in gear. I'd bet that is what the wires are for.

[mp5drift]

hey guys a quick question. when bending the heat sheild can you bend it too low cuasing the heat sheild to rattle on the exhuste?

[StuttersC]

hey guys a quick question. when bending the heat sheild can you bend it too low cuasing the heat sheild to rattle on the exhuste?
Yes...Been there, and I decided to remove my heat shield all together.

[Kansei]

Yes, it's very easy to do so as there is barely any space for it to move (especially since the exhaust shakes). I didn't remove the whole thing, I just cut the area around where the shifter moves.

[mp5drift]

ok cool, thanks for the help guys

[Groza187]

In the twm install link, there is a spacer for the heat shield. I dont have one for kartboy, that is ok, right? Do you need one for kartboy?

[PR5Matt]

I had a TWM and didn't like the notchiness. I put in Kartboy bushings and shortened and bent the stock shifter. Then I threaded it for a Mustang aftermarket knob (billet aluminmum).

At first I liked the TWM, but then it wore thin.

[Groza187]

I do have a kartboy but what i am conserned about is that i dont have the heat shield spacer. And, wether I need one for kartboy.

[Wiggles422]

I just bent my heatshield down. My brother put spacers on his heat shield and it still hits in first gear if you push down on the shifter.

[Groza187]

I just bent my heatshield down. My brother put spacers on his heat shield and it still hits in first gear if you push down on the shifter.

Is it bad, Should I bother and try to use spacers, or what?

[Wiggles422]

It's not bad, you have to be at a stop and when it's in first gear if you kinda drop your hand on the shifter you hear a slight bang, but all in all its nothing to worry about, it still shifts fine. I just bent mine down a little bit then put it back on and shifted through all the gears to make sure it cleared.

[Kansei]

It's not bad, you have to be at a stop and when it's in first gear if you kinda drop your hand on the shifter you hear a slight bang, but all in all its nothing to worry about, it still shifts fine. I just bent mine down a little bit then put it back on and shifted through all the gears to make sure it cleared.
Maybe this works on the MSP, but on the P5 there's a cat right underneath the shifter so there isn't enough space to bend it down.. if you bend it to the point where it doesn't hit the shifter it ends up hitting the cat if the exhaust shakes. I just took unbolted the shield, kinda bent it around to rotate it enough that I could get at it with heavy duty scissors, and cut away the area where the shifter was hitting. I haven't experienced the shifter getting hot at all. I wouldn't recommend taking the whole shield off though, because i'm sure the floor would get hot if it was gone.

[snooky]

check out this link...

http://www.twmperformance.com/shortshifters/protegepics/1999-2003-protege-manual.pdf


man thats sooo cool if only i saw this b4 i payed a guy to do it for me, thaks anyways for teh future.

ciao!

[brianmcd]

Just installed my b&m, man that retainer clip is a bitch (used pliers), but we got it out and back in. The shifter is amazing, everyone should have one. I found it helpful to have the b&m instructions and the twm ones, just to see different pictures and wording.

~brian

[Natey]

The pics are dead. (boom07)

I wouldn't mention it, but this thread is what Kartboy uses for their online installation directions.

[Groza187]

I just installed my kartboy not too long ago and everything works great. I love the shifts, but I noticed that the shifter isn't exactly in the middle when in neutral. Did anybody notice the same thing after their install?

[SpeedBeaver]

I just ordered the Kartboy shifter and since there is the heat sheild issue, i was wondering if somebody with the twm kit could tell me what are the dimensions of the spacers and bolts that comes with the kit so I could look for an equivalent in a local hardware store.

[AznXstazy]

hey sorry but are the pics workin for anyone else? it wont show at all for me n i would like to c exactly how hard it is to install a ss might b orderin one soon after my headers thanks

[blynd_spy]

http://www.twmperformance.com/shortshifters/protegepics/1999-2003-protege-manual.pdf

[tunersteve]

Now I just bought a Kartboy, and when you go on their site and click on Install for the Protege shift lever, it takes you to this post, yet theres absolutely nothing here that still works that can be used to help me with installing this. Coul anyone copy and paste the old how-tos again since they seemed to have disappeared, and almost all of the links don't work.

[khaosman]

Now I just bought a Kartboy, and when you go on their site and click on Install for the Protege shift lever, it takes you to this post, yet theres absolutely nothing here that still works that can be used to help me with installing this. Coul anyone copy and paste the old how-tos again since they seemed to have disappeared, and almost all of the links don't work.

These links work:
http://www.projectmazda.com/howto/shifter/
http://www.twmperformance.com/shortshifters/mazdashortshifters/Mazdaprotege-escort-mx-3manual.pdf

[U-Turn]

So, with all the read I made, I'm not sur what would be the best between TWM and Kart Boy short shifters. Can anyone explain me in full detail what is the difference and what advantages I would have to install the Kart or the TWM. Thanks alot!

[Laser03pro]

Go B&M I tried kartboy and no comparrison B&M is smoother and felt shorter.

[Canecreekfreak]

I've got a Kartboy, and it took about a week for it to "break in". It's still not buttery smooth, but the short throw is worth it. If the B&M is really smooth, I'd go that route.

[U-Turn]

Thanks for those answer, but I have another question. :) If I replace my engine and my transmission, would I have to buy another short shifter that fits on that new transmission. Thanks again!

[Laser03pro]

Well that would depend on what engine and tranny you plan on and the linkage would also have to be correct.

[U-Turn]

Thanks again!

[TWM Performance]

Thanks for those answer, but I have another question. :) If I replace my engine and my transmission, would I have to buy another short shifter that fits on that new transmission. Thanks again!

Hi U-Turn,

Here's a couple of unique features of the TWM short shifter:

-Full one piece CNC machined solid steel construction, no welds or weak points
-2 inch height reduction and 40% - 50% throw reduction (depending on application)
-Ball bearings at the lower pivot point for extremely smooth shifting
-Lifetime guarantee
-You can order the shifter with polyurethane bushings, a short shift boot, and a height adjustable NTIS knob and save on all the items
-Full install manual included
-And, last but not least, we ship from Canada so you won't have any customs or duty to pay when you receive the shifter

Check it out here: TWM Mazda Protege Short Shifter (http://www.twmperformance.com/shortshifters/mazdashortshifters/mazdaprotegeshortshifters.htm)

Let me know if I can answer any more questions, or give me a call toll free at 1-877-655-0540. We're bilingual also in case you're located in Quebec!

Kevin
TWM Performance

[Killer 8]

Does anybody one know how to Adjust the shift linkage on a third gen protege or a good websit? my transmission pops out of second on occasions and i want to try to adjust the linkage before i take it to the greedy trans people since there are no dealers in this area.

[U-Turn]

Anyone tryed TWM short shifter and could tell me what he think about it in comparaison to B&M short shifter. Thx!

[Downtown]

I just got the TWM w/ their bushing kit and had the chance to compare it to both the Kartboy and B&M on the weekend at a local meet. The general consensus was that the TWM was the best set up. The kartboy felt clunky and the B&M was really really stiff. The owner of that car said that whenever the shifter warmed up it would get super stiff and hard to shift, he was jealous of my TWM (thumb)

hope this helps.

[U-Turn]

I just got the TWM w/ their bushing kit and had the chance to compare it to both the Kartboy and B&M on the weekend at a local meet. The general consensus was that the TWM was the best set up. The kartboy felt clunky and the B&M was really really stiff. The owner of that car said that whenever the shifter warmed up it would get super stiff and hard to shift, he was jealous of my TWM (thumb)

hope this helps.

yup, thank you! (thumb)

[DarKrID3r]

it would be nice to fix the pic on page 1...

[Mick]

I just got the TWM w/ their bushing kit and had the chance to compare it to both the Kartboy and B&M on the weekend at a local meet. The general consensus was that the TWM was the best set up. The kartboy felt clunky and the B&M was really really stiff. The owner of that car said that whenever the shifter warmed up it would get super stiff and hard to shift, he was jealous of my TWM (thumb)

hope this helps.

Ive had my B&M for a year now and its not stiff at all. It was stiff for about a week then it was fine. At all engine temps. In fact, how in the hell would the engine temp make the short shifter stiff? That makes no sense at all. I think something is wrong with his tranny. Cuz a short shifter wouldnt change due to engine temp. Enging and tranny are in one place, and the short rhifter is in another. The short shifter is for the most part isolated from extreme heat differences. You got some bogus info it sounds like.

[Nos]

Ive had my B&M for a year now and its not stiff at all. It was stiff for about a week then it was fine. At all engine temps. In fact, how in the hell would the engine temp make the short shifter stiff? That makes no sense at all. I think something is wrong with his tranny. Cuz a short shifter wouldnt change due to engine temp. Enging and tranny are in one place, and the short rhifter is in another. The short shifter is for the most part isolated from extreme heat differences. You got some bogus info it sounds like.


LOL . What about the exhaust line that goes right under the shifter ? Of course an exhaust line is never hot ... lol

1st generation of B&M shifter had that problem . With the heat of the exhaust line the insert would expend and it would get really hard to shift .

[Kansei]

LOL . What about the exhaust line that goes right under the shifter ? Of course an exhaust line is never hot ... lol

1st generation of B&M shifter had that problem . With the heat of the exhaust line the insert would expend and it would get really hard to shift .

good point. Mine (TWM) is only hard to shift when it's really cold, I've never had a problem when it got hot. I have a little piece of the heat shield cut away because the resonator or whatever was there with the stock exhaust would rub if I bent the head shield down. With my Racing Beat exhaust I don't think it would even be a problem.

[StuttersC]

LOL . What about the exhaust line that goes right under the shifter ? Of course an exhaust line is never hot ... lol

1st generation of B&M shifter had that problem . With the heat of the exhaust line the insert would expend and it would get really hard to shift .

With or with out the heat shield, my Kartboy ran fine high or low temps...

The transmission is part of the issue in a case where it is hard to shift. If there is an issue inside the B&M, that's one thing, but the original idea that temp doesn't effect the short shifter would be correct.

Even running a turbo with no heat shield, I have zero issues and the Kartboy set up worked wonderfully for me.

[Phoenix5]

Can someone tell me what the retaining clip looks like since there aren't any pics to look at??Thanx!

[Nos]

With or with out the heat shield, my Kartboy ran fine high or low temps...

The transmission is part of the issue in a case where it is hard to shift. If there is an issue inside the B&M, that's one thing, but the original idea that temp doesn't effect the short shifter would be correct.

Even running a turbo with no heat shield, I have zero issues and the Kartboy set up worked wonderfully for me.


Yea i have a TWM aswell and i have no problem with the heat of the exhaust or whatever .

[o.g.sk8er]

Can someone tell me what the retaining clip looks like since there aren't any pics to look at??Thanx!

This is what it looks like. I dont have any pic of it on the shifter, but I hope this helps. When you remove the shifter knob and boot, the cir clip is right there.
http://www.msprotege.com/members/o.g.sk8er/circlipp.jpg

[Phoenix5]

oh,okay!
Thanx Pat!

[99 Pro]

Are getting new shift bushings really that necessary? What would be the pros and cons of them?

Also, how do the SS hold up in cold weather (ie: -20 Celcius)?

[Phoenix5]

W/ the stock bushing,shifting seems kinda flimsy and less precise since it's made of rubber.Now as soon as I put on the Kartboy freakin' hardass polyurethane,and damn, shifting was so much better,especially since I have weighted knob.

I think it would be fine in cold weather,we really don't get really cold weather here in So Cal.We just get rain and it's fine in that weather.

[chronus377]

Installed my ebayed j-spec short shifter today along with kartboy brushings. I must say, I LOVE it. Feels very tight, percise, and throws are greatly reduced. It took me and my friend about an hour and a half. No problems at all thanks to all the great info on this board. I bought a retaining clip tool and tin snips from sears ($20 total), which made the job much easier.

So much fun shifting now (thumb)

[D-rock240]

Subbing for my install in a week or two.

[altspace]

http://home.comcast.net/~jhanley22/shiftboot1.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~jhanley22/shiftboot2.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~jhanley22/shiftboot3.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~jhanley22/shiftboot4.jpg

[styme]

altspace i really like those leather boots and that metal trim you have. where did you get those, what brand are they? that metal trim is it cheap feeling? ive had fake wood trim kit in another car that was very cheap and ended up peeling and cracking after only 1 maybe 2 years.

[tunersteve]

That shift boot looks like one from Redline Goods, www.redlinegoods.com, they can make just about any color combo and stitching for 40$. As for the metal trim, I believe he has a p5, which has the nicer interior, similar to the ES trim. Its a faux polished aluminum trim, and its on the shifter surround, center console, and window switch bezels.

altspace i really like those leather boots and that metal trim you have. where did you get those, what brand are they? that metal trim is it cheap feeling? ive had fake wood trim kit in another car that was very cheap and ended up peeling and cracking after only 1 maybe 2 years.

[styme]

As for the metal trim, I believe he has a p5, which has the nicer interior, similar to the ES trim. Its a faux polished aluminum trim, and its on the shifter surround, center console, and window switch bezels.


on my es, i do have the trim on the window switch bezels, door handles, and around the stereo area but it dosnt have it on the center console or by the shifter surround. are these parts that i can order from mazda and can swap out my original with?

[Kansei]

on my es, i do have the trim on the window switch bezels, door handles, and around the stereo area but it dosnt have it on the center console or by the shifter surround. are these parts that i can order from mazda and can swap out my original with?

Is it just black on yours or something? There isn't a piece on the center console really, it's just that piece around the shifter and cupholders.

It's definitely a part you can order from Mazda and I can't imagine it being too expensive. Check out this new main vendor on the forums, they seem to have great prices on OEM parts. http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123631823

[tunersteve]

I believe so. PM Ken @ Protegegarage (Captain KRM P5) and he should be able to get ya a price on those.

on my es, i do have the trim on the window switch bezels, door handles, and around the stereo area but it dosnt have it on the center console or by the shifter surround. are these parts that i can order from mazda and can swap out my original with?

[styme]

Is it just black on yours or something? There isn't a piece on the center console really, it's just that piece around the shifter and cupholders.


yes around my cupholders and shifter it is all black.

[Rush]

.. Bumpity for this thread!

So, since I have to do some work on my shifter in a few days, and I don't remember exactly what I did to it while installing my short shifter this past summer -- does ANYONE have ANY functioning link with pictures for a short shifter install?

I could prolly get it done by just reading those instructions in the first post, but pics would be a GREAT help. I tried that 'pdf' link as well, and it's no longer working.

Thanks!

[Protege52003]

^^^^^

http://www.twmperformance.com/manuals/Mazdaprotege-escort-mx-3manual.pdf

here you go. what i used last month!

-R

[Rush]

^^^^^

http://www.twmperformance.com/manuals/Mazdaprotege-escort-mx-3manual.pdf

here you go. what i used last month!

-R
That's PERFECT! Thanks muchly! :D

[smo0f]

just used it myself yesterday. i'm pretty sure i messed something up coz it requires some force to put the stick into a gear, stiff i guess would be the symptom

[DeadAir]

I installed my B&M short shifter and Kartboy poly bushings last weekend, and what a difference! MUCH better feel. The instructions in this thread and the twmperformance instructions helped a great deal.

Yes, it's a bit harder getting it into gear but it feels much better that stock.

I have noticed that when things heat up, the shifter doesn't return to neutral. I saw another thread with the same issue, but I can't find it now. Any thoughts?

Also, if you're going to install new bushings at the shifter (I put bronzoils in) I would reccommend using a small mirror so you can see how things line up a bit easier..

[Kansei]

^^ lisakay was having that same problem with her B&M. Maybe it's just a B&M thing, I've NEVER had it happen in my 2+ years with my first gen TWM shifter. The only difference I see is that my TWM is just one single piece of aluminum, while the B&M has that poly ball thing on it. I also never lubed mine :P

[mzdalvr]

Just wondering...

Is 18 ft/lbs too tight for the bolt on the bottom that connects to the rod?

[Keno1542]

ive read the thread and seen all the stuff about bending the heat shield...but i have a mam catless midpipe, and was wondering i the pipe would interfere with the shifter...also has anyone tried to make the stock shift boot smaller to account for the samller shifter?

[SpookyP5]

ive read the thread and seen all the stuff about bending the heat shield...but i have a mam catless midpipe, and was wondering i the pipe would interfere with the shifter...also has anyone tried to make the stock shift boot smaller to account for the samller shifter?
I have a Kartboy shifter - it was my fist mod - and it looks great with the stock boot. Never felt the need to adjust the size - it looks really nice.

The stock shifter was ridiculously long - any short throw shifter is a necessity for a Pro!

(My god - the post is 10 pages????)

[Keno1542]

i also got the kartboy, but the boot is already too big with the mp3 shifter, so im wondering if it will get too big...also anyone know about the exhaust...any help would be great.

[StuttersC]

i also got the kartboy, but the boot is already too big with the mp3 shifter, so im wondering if it will get too big...also anyone know about the exhaust...any help would be great.

I originally bent my heat shield out of the way. Then, when I got the Corksport exhaust, developed a buzzing rattle from the heat shield/exhaust touching. So, I removed the heat shield.

No more rattle, no issues.

[SpookyP5]

I originally bent my heat shield out of the way. Then, when I got the Corksport exhaust, developed a buzzing rattle from the heat shield/exhaust touching. So, I removed the heat shield.

No more rattle, no issues.
When I installed my Kartboy, all I did was pull(bend) the heat shield a bit to clear the shifter. No real problem.

From what I remember, the heat shield is secured by 4 screws - you can add washers with longer screws thereby lowering the shield to clear the shifter if you want. But I found that uneccessary.

[Keno1542]

i dont think i have the heat shiled on the car still...the mam didnt come with one on it...or is the heat shiled bolted onto the body?

[SpookyP5]

i dont think i have the heat shiled on the car still...the mam didnt come with one on it...or is the heat shiled bolted onto the body?

From what I remember, yes, the heat shield is bolted onto the body.

[StuttersC]

i dont think i have the heat shiled on the car still...the mam didnt come with one on it...or is the heat shiled bolted onto the body?

Yes, the heat shield is bolted to the body with four screws.

[MazdaSpeeder]

I know this is an old thread, but i have an install q about the Kartboy shifter...do I need to grease the pivot ball, and if so, where the hell do I find silicone grease? I have checked auto parts stores and hardware stores...they have the silicone lubricant spray, but I don't think that's thick enough. Can I use something else instead? (Lithium?) I would appreciate the feedback as my SS is laying on my living room floor waiting to be installed...thanks!

[TWM Performance]

I know this is an old thread, but i have an install q about the Kartboy shifter...do I need to grease the pivot ball, and if so, where the hell do I find silicone grease? I have checked auto parts stores and hardware stores...they have the silicone lubricant spray, but I don't think that's thick enough. Can I use something else instead? (Lithium?) I would appreciate the feedback as my SS is laying on my living room floor waiting to be installed...thanks!

We generally use white lithium based grease, but most automotive grease will work just fine. The white lithium based grease is relatively inexpensive and can be obtained from almost any automotive parts store like Pep Boys or Autozone.

Kevin
TWM

[djarkitek]

as usual it took me way longer than the estimated time .but i got it all done. using the kartboy shitfer and bushings. it's so much lower now. i did'nt know the stock one was so damn long....loving the drive now...i feel more cooler, haha.

[Keno1542]

when installing the kartboy shifter do you put the bend in the shifter towards the back like the twm?

[MazdaSpeeder]

you are correct, towards the back...happy installing!

[Lewis7789]

I am going to be recieving my Kartboy SS for my P5 next week and was wondering about what shift knob it's threaded for? Will my stock P5 shift knob thread onto it? Will a new Mazdaspeed shift knob thread on?

Only reason I ask is because my salesman at Mazda is hooking me up with a Mazdaspeed shiftknob. If it doesn't thread on correctly I'll shed a tear or two but would like to know what replacement knob I should be looking for.

*edit* Forgot to ask about weighted shift knobs. What are the pros and cons of them? Thanks guys!

[tunersteve]

I am going to be recieving my Kartboy SS for my P5 next week and was wondering about what shift knob it's threaded for? Will my stock P5 shift knob thread onto it? Will a new Mazdaspeed shift knob thread on?

Only reason I ask is because my salesman at Mazda is hooking me up with a Mazdaspeed shiftknob. If it doesn't thread on correctly I'll shed a tear or two but would like to know what replacement knob I should be looking for.

*edit* Forgot to ask about weighted shift knobs. What are the pros and cons of them? Thanks guys!

Your stock one will fit, but your Mazdaspeed one unfortunately will not. I have a knob out of a 03.5 MSP that won't work on my Kartboy, and it's just collecting dust. I believe the only reason it doesn't fit is because the shift boot has a plastic piece that prevents it from sliding down far enough to engage the threads, but I could be wrong.

[MazdaSpeeder]

I am going to be recieving my Kartboy SS for my P5 next week and was wondering about what shift knob it's threaded for? Will my stock P5 shift knob thread onto it? Will a new Mazdaspeed shift knob thread on?

Only reason I ask is because my salesman at Mazda is hooking me up with a Mazdaspeed shiftknob. If it doesn't thread on correctly I'll shed a tear or two but would like to know what replacement knob I should be looking for.

*edit* Forgot to ask about weighted shift knobs. What are the pros and cons of them? Thanks guys!

Get a weighted knob...it smoothes out the shifts and aids in quick, precise short throws. Greddy's weighted ones are very good and only about 45 bucks. They also tend to be shorter than the stock knobs, so the slight height reduction adds to the shorter shifts. I honestly wondered if it was worth it before I bought the knob, but I would hate to have my Kartboy without it!

One a side note- make sure whatever knob you get is threaded; the set screw knobs (Momo, Sparco and others) tear up the threads on your SS...

[TWM Performance]

... Forgot to ask about weighted shift knobs. What are the pros and cons of them? Thanks guys!

Here's a link which talks about weighted shift knobs and why they result in a smoother feeling shift: What is a Weighted Shift Knob (http://www.twmshiftknobs.com/shift-knob.html).
Kevin
TWM

[StuttersC]

Your stock one will fit, but your Mazdaspeed one unfortunately will not. I have a knob out of a 03.5 MSP that won't work on my Kartboy, and it's just collecting dust. I believe the only reason it doesn't fit is because the shift boot has a plastic piece that prevents it from sliding down far enough to engage the threads, but I could be wrong.


The Protege MP3 and Mazdaspeed Protege have the same thread and pitch for the shifter. That thread and pitch is different than the stock Protege and Protege 5 shifter.

That is why they don't work. The Kart Boy Short Shifter is threaded for the stock Protege.

[TWM Performance]

The Protege MP3 and Mazdaspeed Protege have the same thread and pitch for the shifter. That thread and pitch is different than the stock Protege and Protege 5 shifter.

That is why they don't work. The Kart Boy Short Shifter is threaded for the stock Protege.

Actually the MP3 uses smaller threads, M8 x 1.25. The MazdaSpeed Protege and regular Protege and P5 all use M10 x 1.25 threads. The reason a MazdaSpeed shift knob won't fit the Protege shifter is the location of the boot retainer on the Protege shifter shaft. It is located higher on the shaft which does not allow the MazdaSpeed Protege shift knob to slide down far enough on the shaft to engage the threads.

The above thread differences and different boot retainer locations is why we chose to offer 3 different versions of our short shifter (http://www.twmperformance.com/shortshifters/mazdashortshifters/mazdaprotegeshortshifters.htm), a different one for the MP3, Protege, and MazdaSpeed Protege.

Kevin
TWM

[Lewis7789]

Blast, well just had to cancel my order with protegegarage.com for the Mazdaspeed knob then. The weighted shift knobs look great from TWM, especially the type-R style flat black, but $100 for a shift knob is going to be tough to swallow. Guess I'll just stick to the Greddy and hope the sticker doesn't fall off.

Thanks for the info, guys.

[tunersteve]

Does your shift boot allow someone with a Kartboy shifter use a Mazdaspeed knob? I would buy one if it does. The only reason I can't use that knob I have is because of that plastic retainer on the shift boot.

[StuttersC]

Actually the MP3 uses smaller threads, M8 x 1.25. The MazdaSpeed Protege and regular Protege and P5 all use M10 x 1.25 threads. The reason a MazdaSpeed shift knob won't fit the Protege shifter is the location of the boot retainer on the Protege shifter shaft. It is located higher on the shaft which does not allow the MazdaSpeed Protege shift knob to slide down far enough on the shaft to engage the threads.

The above thread differences and different boot retainer locations is why we chose to offer 3 different versions of our short shifter (http://www.twmperformance.com/shortshifters/mazdashortshifters/mazdaprotegeshortshifters.htm), a different one for the MP3, Protege, and MazdaSpeed Protege.

Kevin
TWM

Cool, I'm wrong.

[Lewis7789]

Screw it, I just ordered a Type-R style knob from TWM. It's weighted, flat black and doesn't have any stickers that will peal off. And I don't have to worry about it not fitting my short shifter. I'll post pics when everything arrives.

[TWM Performance]

Screw it, I just ordered a Type-R style knob from TWM. It's weighted, flat black and doesn't have any stickers that will peal off. And I don't have to worry about it not fitting my short shifter. I'll post pics when everything arrives.

Cool, thank you for your order :) We have several flat black type R's shipping today so I'm sure one of them is yours. You should receive a UPS tracking number by e-mail by the end of the business day.

Kevin
TWM Performance

[TWM Performance]

Does your shift boot allow someone with a Kartboy shifter use a Mazdaspeed knob? I would buy one if it does. The only reason I can't use that knob I have is because of that plastic retainer on the shift boot.

Our shift boot doesn't have the plastic retainer so you should be OK. Check to make sure the shift knob fits on the short shifter first without the boot installed though, usually what prevents the knob from working is the boot retainer on the shifter itself and not the plastic retainer on the boot.

Kevin
TWM Performance

[tunersteve]

Our shift boot doesn't have the plastic retainer so you should be OK. Check to make sure the shift knob fits on the short shifter first without the boot installed though, usually what prevents the knob from working is the boot retainer on the shifter itself and not the plastic retainer on the boot.

Kevin
TWM Performance

Ok, good. I remember testing it on the shifter while it was out of the car, so the retainer is my only issue then.

[D-rock240]

Does your shift boot allow someone with a Kartboy shifter use a Mazdaspeed knob? I would buy one if it does. The only reason I can't use that knob I have is because of that plastic retainer on the shift boot.

I bought a kartboy and had a 03 MSP sparco knob. It would not screw down enough to fit, I had to trim the shifter a bit for it to work. Then 6 months later the shift knob broke off while shifting to 3rd :(

I have a stock MSP shifter with the 03.5 shift knob now, and it feels much smoother than the kartboy. Plus its a noticeable height difference from the stock sedan (truck) shifter.

[Lewis7789]

I bought a kartboy and had a 03 MSP sparco knob. It would not screw down enough to fit, I had to trim the shifter a bit for it to work. Then 6 months later the shift knob broke off while shifting to 3rd :(


Well that's not what I wanted to hear... Hopefully my Kartboy will hold up. I installed it last week. It was pretty clunky at first but it's starting to feel better now. Though I think next time, I'll just go with the TWM short shifter. I just didn't like re-istalling those cheap OEM plastic bushings back into the bottom of the Kartboy shift lever when I could have been installing a TWM short shifter with metal bearings there instead. Well, at least I'm loving the TWM shift knob.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e98/Lewis7789/CIMG2462.gif

[TWM Performance]

Well that's not what I wanted to hear... Hopefully my Kartboy will hold up. I installed it last week. It was pretty clunky at first but it's starting to feel better now. Though I think next time, I'll just go with the TWM short shifter. I just didn't like re-istalling those cheap OEM plastic bushings back into the bottom of the Kartboy shift lever when I could have been installing a TWM short shifter with metal bearings there instead. Well, at least I'm loving the TWM shift knob.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e98/Lewis7789/CIMG2462.gif

Thanks for the props, the shift knob (http://www.twmshiftknobs.com/) looks great :)

Kevin
TWM

[Dimitrios]

Does anyone know what the shift bolt (i.e. the thru. socket head cap screw that holds the shifter to the shift linkage) size is?

I'm under the impression it's an M6 bolt and mine needs replacing (has rusted out and I get some buzzing/rattling along with some slight grinding I try to avoid while accelerating).

I'd like to order/find a stainless bolt prior to get getting under it.

Thanks,
D

[Nomad]

Just for kicks i got the ebay special. Tooksome dremeling to get it to fit right.
Nice and OEM looking now. eight difference isn't actually that bad. I'll still see about fitting the OEM extension piece onto it to raise the knob some.
(don't like it super low)

After:
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/4/web/2056000-2056999/2056679_43_full.jpg

Before
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/4/web/2056000-2056999/2056679_3_full.jpg

[TWM Performance]

Well that's not what I wanted to hear... Hopefully my Kartboy will hold up. I installed it last week. It was pretty clunky at first but it's starting to feel better now. Though I think next time, I'll just go with the TWM short shifter. I just didn't like re-istalling those cheap OEM plastic bushings back into the bottom of the Kartboy shift lever when I could have been installing a TWM short shifter with metal bearings there instead. Well, at least I'm loving the TWM shift knob.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e98/Lewis7789/CIMG2462.gif

Awesome looking knob, matches the interior very well :)

Thanks,

Kevin
TWM

[bradf_420]

i looked at the how to. to take a shifter out and there ar bolts under the car you have to loosen is it the same for a protege 5 i cant see them under the car

[D-rock240]

Yes, the manual P5 is the same as the sedan. I had to put the car on the lift to do the install.

[bradf_420]

are the bolts visible or do you have to take something else off to find them

[TWM Performance]

are the bolts visible or do you have to take something else off to find them

If you are referring to the bolt that goes through the bottom of the shifter, the heat shield needs to be removed or at least loosened and lowered to see it.

Kevin
TWM

[bradf_420]

yeah i thought thats what i had to do

[south9border]

i wish the pics worked... anyone know of any other DIY with pics?

[TWM Performance]

i wish the pics worked... anyone know of any other DIY with pics?

Here's a link to the TWM manual with pics: http://www.twmperformance.com/manuals/Mazdaprotege-escort-mx-3manual.pdf

Kevin
TWM Performance

[dxaveP5]

is there a specific torque spec for the bushings?
i thought i tightend it really tight, but i guess not.
the nut came off the bolt, the bushings fell off the fork thingy, and then i had to go back to factory bushing which is FTL.

[south9border]

Here's a link to the TWM manual with pics: http://www.twmperformance.com/manuals/Mazdaprotege-escort-mx-3manual.pdf

thanks!

[MazdaSpeeder]

is there a specific torque spec for the bushings?
i thought i tightend it really tight, but i guess not.
the nut came off the bolt, the bushings fell off the fork thingy, and then i had to go back to factory bushing which is FTL.

I noticed this happening with my bushings, but caught it in time. I just tightened them down again and check them periodically...no more issues.

[dxaveP5]

gay...i lost mine like a month after i had it installed.....now i have to get new ones.

[TWISFM]

i used loctite and havent had any problems

[TWM Performance]

is there a specific torque spec for the bushings?
i thought i tightend it really tight, but i guess not.
the nut came off the bolt, the bushings fell off the fork thingy, and then i had to go back to factory bushing which is FTL.

13-15 lb-ft should be sufficient, and a drop of blue loctite to prevent it from loosening is helpful.

Kevin
TWM Performance

[dxaveP5]

cool

[HKPRO5]

Awesome write up. I used this "how to" to install a MSP shifter into my P5.

[Mazda Doode]

How the hell do I get to the 2 screws on the back sides of the center console, that are right next to the seat belt catches? It's impossible, I swear...

[MazdaSpeeder]

How the hell do I get to the 2 screws on the back sides of the center console, that are right next to the seat belt catches? It's impossible, I swear...

Slide the seats forward, IIRC.

[Mazda Doode]

Wow... lol. I didn't even think of that >< I laid them down and everything and tried every tool I had to get to them. I'll give this a shot tomorrow, thanks :)