GoodfellaFD3S

iTrader: (213)

I just ordered a Mazdatrix short shifter for my Black R1, and it appears I scored one of the last new ones in the country. Mazdatrix has them listed as 'No Longer Available' and Ari over at RP happened to have a single unit in stock.

Soooooo, let's see here:

C's: NLA
B&M: NLA
Mazdaspeed: NLA
Mazdatrix: NLA

So we're left with either the RE-Amemiya (do not like, just a shorter height shifter with stock throw) or the Pettit. I remember reading that the Pettit has a similar issue, although I haven't had my hands on one in a long time. I'm not going to mention the cheapo/no name/ebay shifters.

Not a great situation for those looking to move away from the OEM shift linkage......

Silver lining to the clowd, Ari tells me that RP has most of the parts already made to construct Mazdaspeed replicas. Being that there aren't many options out there, he's looking into pushing forward with production

DaleClark

iTrader: (55)

Good riddance. I've yet to drive a car with a short shifter that was worth a damn.

Fresh OEM bushings on the OEM shift lever with a good, heavy shift **** and that's all you need.

Dale

GoodfellaFD3S

iTrader: (213)

Different strokes for different folks, Tree....

I currently own two FDs with OEM shift pieces. One has 12k miles on it and feels as good as any I've yet to try, and another is a higher mileage FD but with all new bushings. While it's not horrible, I definitely prefer the feel of say, a C's unit to it

XLR8

iTrader: (52)

I have a B&M replica from Rx7store. Personally, I really like it. Shifts are smooth and exact. I have heard some say they didn't like the clicking feel of the engagement, but I have had no issues. For $80, it was a definite win.

Jrexx6

iTrader: (6)

I have a B&M setup and I really like it. I also have an Rx7 store one that I haven't tried yet for my other car.

electricit

iTrader: (8)

B&M here. Came with my first fd. When I got my 94 previous owner had a Re-A shifter and it was one of the first things I swapped from the old car, that and my mazdaspeed shift ****. Afterwards I was like "ok, there we go."

Like you said, different strokes. I drove my brother-in-law's Lancer with a stock shift and I was thinking, wow this is like driving an 18 wheeler. lol

tek_88

iTrader: (21)

I have the old version Pettit short shifter and I like it. Way better than the ebay shifter the car came with.

LoneStarS30Z

iTrader: (2)

I think I need to try another shorty, I've never driven with the stock shifter. I'm not sure what mine is since it had no labeling, looks maybe an eBay B&M clone.

It can be seen here:

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...9/#post9945242

I've been thinking about changing for a while. It's very accurate, but a not smooth enough for my liking. Sometimes I have trouble getting into 2nd, sometimes it's smooth as butter. For whatever reason I've missed upshifting to 5th and accidently going into 3rd instead. I think I'm ready to start trying out some other shifters. Love the accuracy, but the notchiness is a bit annoying.

MADDSLOW

iTrader: (11)

Have you tried changing the tranny oil? Which brand are you using now?

LoneStarS30Z

iTrader: (2)

Yup, the oil is brand new Redline. Granted, this was after a fresh AT to MT swap, but I've put about 500-800 miles on it since then. Lot's of traffic and shifting up and down. It's not as clunking as it was new which was to be expected, but it's still notchy.

David Hayes

iTrader: (6)

Old school Pettit version here. Works great, very smooth and much better than the stock unit IMO. Have heard the new Pettit ones are not good though but that is from here on the forum not in person.

Dale you can drive my car to test the shifter out

DaleClark

iTrader: (55)

Hell, with your car the shifter is the last thing I'm wanting to try out .

But I may take you up on that!

Dale

cewrx7r1

iTrader: (2)

Haven't driven any SS that offered any improvement over the stocker.
Must be for people with limited arm movement?

May they rest in pieces.

RedBaronII

iTrader: (4)

Mazdaspeed here FTW!!!
Can't get any better than that.

David Hayes

iTrader: (6)

Too funny and please do take me up on the offer.

NoPis10

iTrader: (29)

I have a C's short shifter and I love it.... I have also heard that the "NEW" Pettit shifter is just a new shifter that is cut down... can't confirm though...

Also, both my sons have B&M replica's in their FD's and they have had NO issues with them...

L8R

Riccardo

iTrader: (1)

Short Shifter

I did this before seeing Rob's site and was looking for a pic on google for Sparco and it came-up...probably the most cots-effective mod I have ever done...I have not even grinded mine !

MADDSLOW

iTrader: (11)

There are a ton of threads that compare Redline to other oils. The general review is that Redline causes notchiness. Here's a good read:

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...rience-371203/

I would suggest changing out the oil to Neo or Amsoil GL-4.

LoneStarS30Z

iTrader: (2)

Wow thanks for the link. This is my first time hearing about that. I'll see how the Neo oils work for me.

ALPSTA

iTrader: (3)

I have a B&M replica but my mechanic convinced me not to use it cause according to his experience most cause problems in the long run and very notchy overall. Most short shifter threads in this forum agree. Having said that, I think the one in my MR2 Turbo was ok. I vaguely remember a difficulty putting in first gear though....

Enthalpy

iTrader: (10)

Agree with this. (minus the arm movement part lol)

I used to have a Mazdatrix SS in my previous FD (with the same transmission I'm using now). While it did not have the vibration issue they warn about on their site, it was too notchy. A stock shifter with all new bushings is just buttery smooth. Hard to beat the OEM feel imo, and the throw is already fairly short.

B&M Replicas suck ***. Had one in my current FD when I bought it.

electricit

iTrader: (8)

Is there a huge difference between actual B&M short shifts and the replicas? Ive never had any problems with mine.

Supernaut

iTrader: (83)

Which shoft shifters have you tried? I'm curious as to why you don't like them. While I see the appeal of the smoothness of the stock FD shifter, I have to admit, after getting used to the short throws and tighter feeling of engagement, I can't go back.

curacaosfinest

iTrader: (12)

ye i'm with super on this one... i have a B&M unit in my car and i cant go back to stock now

plus i just ordered the Garfinkle engine brace which is also supposed to make shifting feel better so it should only get better from here

i think what Dale might be saying is the visibility of being in gear?? i really had to get used to not seeing the **** thrown in a direction anymore when i first started with my short shift...scared the hell out of me a couple times at passing glances while driving loll

Natey

iTrader: (19)

I have no idea why someone would not like them after driving a car with one, but the Amemiya shifter in my FD feels like the stock shifter in my old NB Miata..which is to say short, buttery smooth and not notchy at all like a B&M.

I'm 100% stoked on the Amemiya shifter that's been in my car for almost 8 years.