[J_Maher_WRX]

Hey guys, as a lot of you know I have a 2011 WRX sedan. I was wondering if I could get your opinions/advice concerning various short throw Shifters.

I currently have the SPT short throw shifter along with the SPT shifter bushing. I also just ordered the Kartboy rear shifter bushing.

I basically have two questions for you guys. 1. Are the Kartboy front shifter bushings a replacement for the SPT bushing or are they something different? 2. If I was to buy another short throw, i.e Cobb or kartboy, would it still be as simple an installation? Or how it work considering I've already got the SPT installed? Would I have to get the entire SPT system removed or is the aftermarket short throw just a simple 'bolt on' as such.

Thanks for your time guys, appreciate all feedback!

 

[Stu_Gotti]

They're pretty much going to do the same thing if I had to guess. Usually installs of them are pretty easy, just tedious like anything else. I'd guess you'd be pretty happy with just your front and rear shifter bushings. I have the factory short throw shifter and the KB front and rear shifter bushings with the KB black aluminum shift knob. I love this setup personally, don't really think I'd want much else in terms of that.

 

[J_Maher_WRX]

yeah, I'll prob keep the SPT shifter, but are the front Kartboy bushings a replacement for the SPT shifter bushing? Cause I saw a pic of the SPT bushing on genuine Subaru parts, and it just seems to be another rubber bushing... Which kinda sucks. Was just wondering if it's worth ordering the front kartboy bushing. And what about the Kartboy pilot bushings? Are they worth it??

Stu what's that 'Pro-Clip' you git in your mods?? And did you notice any decrease in performance after going to those heavier wheels?? I know it's off-topic, but just curious

 

[mangostick]

I love my full kartboy setup.. but if you're going to keep the spt.. definitely use the KB bushing kit. You'll never look back

 

[J_Maher_WRX]

I'm certainly not set on keeping the SPT, just wondering how it would work if I were to get another one, either the Cobb or Kartboy. Take a look at the 5MT SPT short throw shifter on subaru website under accessories, it looks completely different in comparison to either of the other two Shifters I mentioned. So I'm wondering, if I already have that entire spt shifter assembly installed, is it still just a simple swap or does that entire assembly have to be removed, the original OEM shifter be reinstalled, and then the Cobb or Kartboy be installed?

 

[mangostick]

Nope, all you'd have to do is change the shifter stick. Pretty quick n simple. The spt assy is a little different than the factory one but only in slight geometry changes.. they otherwise both do the same job. I'd keep what you have and change the bushings first. Once you do that drive it a little while and then decide what you want to do from there. You might be happy with it, in that case no sense in changing it further.

My factory non-short throw was much improved with just bushings, so they really do make a huge difference. If I had already gotten the factory short throw I might not have changed the stick.

 

[EJ257]

Replace all four bushings: front/rear shifter stay, shift linkage, pivot.

My factory non-short throw was much improved with just bushings, so they really do make a huge difference. If I had already gotten the factory short throw I might not have changed the stick.

I'd have convinced you otherwise

 

[mangostick]

I'd have convinced you otherwise

your ego also doesn't fit through doorways lol..

For the money though, the KB shifter is the cats rear. It makes things tight without being annoying.

 

[EJ257]

your ego also doesn't fit through doorways lol...

I beg to differ

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

 

[mangostick]

I beg to differ

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

ha.. ok so maybe you can turn it sideways. lol.. bottom line is that if I was happy with what I had I'd not have changed it regardless of any "convincing" anyone could have attempted. Which is why I still say to the OP.. change the bushings, if you like it.. leave it be. If you want it tighter go Kartboy

 

[lokey]

I drove for about 10K miles on the SPT short throw shifter with kartboy front and rear bushings. I come from a Z, so I still felt the throw was way too long for me. Just 2 weeks ago, I bought and installed the Cobb double-adjustable short throw shifter. Like magnostick said, it is just the shifter stick/rod, not the entire assembly like the SPT. Now, I'm set. I love the fact that the Cobb is adjustable for both the throw and the height. I originally set it up with a conservative throw and the knob height very high. I'm now on my 3rd adjustment, with the throw being extremely short...as short as it can go without the arm hitting the front left corner of the metal frame. There's an option in the instructions to trim this frame for a VERY short throw. I also moved the shift height way down to see if I liked it (I did, but thumb kept hitting ebrake handle in first and second), so I moved it back up about an inch, just enough to comfortably clear that handle.

Install is fairly simple. You'll need snap ring pliers (commonly available at any auto parts store for like 10 bucks), phillips head screwdriver, 10mm socket wrench w/ extension, 2X 12mm box/open wrenches. Here's a vid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrDlrxcn7dk

 

[J_Maher_WRX]

Replace all four bushings: front/rear shifter stay, shift linkage, pivot.


I'd have convinced you otherwise

You mean the TiC linkage? Was gonna order it through WC Lathe Werks, just wondering if it's the correct item. And what exactly will the linkage help improve? Sorry to sound dumb, but I'm basically a newbie when it comes to any of this stuff haha

Thanks for your replies guys, really appreciate it!

 

[J_Maher_WRX]

Also just want to mention, will those TiC linkage bushings fit my 2011? Just wanna make sure

Just wondering too Lokey, I read that if the throws are tooo short that it can affect and hurt the synchros, do you know if that's true?

 

[lokey]

Just wondering too Lokey, I read that if the throws are tooo short that it can affect and hurt the synchros, do you know if that's true?

I've never heard that before. Subaru wizards?

 

[J_Maher_WRX]

Nope, can't remember where, I think it was in one of the 'similiar threads' that I saw at the bottom of the page, or it could have been on nasioc. I really like the idea of the Cobb cause I could retain the stock height but change the throw length. Does it take much time to make either adjustment?

 

[lokey]

Nope, can't remember where, I think it was in one of the 'similiar threads' that I saw at the bottom of the page, or it could have been on nasioc. I really like the idea of the Cobb cause I could retain the stock height but change the throw length. Does it take much time to make either adjustment?

The adjustments are very easy with everything off. Try to get the height and throw right before you put it all back together...unlike me, who had to take their console off 3 more times. On a brighter note, now I'm really fast at taking it apart and putting it back together. If I had to do it over, I would test drive it with no center console or shift boot on and make all the adjustments then.

 

[rage-wrx]

Theses are essential TiC 5MT Lever Pivot Bushings - WIDE

These are the shift linkage bushings.They will fit your 2011.I have them lying around the garage but have yet to install them TiC 06-08 Subaru Shift Linkage Bushings

 

[lokey]

Digging up one of your old posts to help the OP -

A: Shift Linkage Bushings
B: Short Throw Shifter
C: Pivot Bushings
D: Front Shifter Stay Bushing
E: Rear Shifter Stay Bushing

He hasn't installed them yet, because it's a PITA.

 

[rage-wrx]

He hasn't installed them yet, because it's a PITA.

Lol,true.You have given me new inspiration.I will do them & the X members next weekend.

 

[lokey]

I will do them & the X members next weekend.

Did you go with the full replacements or just the inserts (like lazy, old me)?