Ok, I got the shifter in but it isn't flush with the sides of the bracket on the shift linkage. It goes in first with little throw, but wobbles side to side like it's in neutral!! I looked at the assembly and the part that the bolt goes through is not as wide as the stock shifter and thus the shifter moves side to side on the bolt that connects it to my shift linkage. Also, is the shifter assembly that connected to the stabilizer bar supposed to be flush with the body? Mine has a gap between the body and the plate that holds the shifter itself in place. SO FRUSTRATING ON AN EASY INSTALL!! Help! Thanks guys.

 

Yes it's supposed to be flush.
The cause of your wobbling is b/c you're missing spacers/washers to accomodate for the shortened width.


[Modified by RacingE_Teg, 11:33 PM 3/1/2002]

 

911 baby

 

Did you install it the wrong way?

 

no the S curve goes towards the back of the car.
It's the fact that it isn't flush with the sides of the bracket of the shift linkage.
Is this shifter supposed to come with bushings?
thanks
Joe

 

Are you talking about the bracket at the very end, mounted by two screws to the frame?

Your SS should come with metal spacers to accomodate this. It doesn't come with rubber bushings like the factory one, but you don't have to use them. Some ppl use them to get rid of the rattle. Personally, I don't use the rubber bushings, and still do not have rattling.

 

i got spacers but they don't nearly make the shifter fit in the braket it fits like this
=====[-------<> where the bracket represents the shift linkage bracket and the --- represents the shifter's end. So the thing slides around on the bolt that connects them.

 

the spacers i got were to prevent over tightening not to make the shifter flush with the bracket.
Ok the other thing I was wondering about is the bracket that connected to the body at the bushing/stabilizer bar thing. The braket is not flush with the rest of the car, it has a gap where there is a boot that is conects to the inside of the car.

 

I added some washers to keep the shifter from moving/rattling around.

Not sure what you're talking about for the second question though. Sorry.

 

Yes, those are the spacers I'm talking about. Put them b/t the ss and the bracket. If there is still quite a bit of room, you'll need to find more, or you could just add the original rubber pieces.

Ok, I see which bracket you're talking about. That bracket is supposed to float a bit. The rubber piece you see on top is to come down to the bracket and seal it from dust and debris.

One question though, when you tightened the two tiny bolts and nuts, did you make sure that the bolt is flush with the bracket? Look closely, you'll see what I'm talking about...hopefully.

 

yeah i got those 2 10 mm bolts, the self-locking ones right? I got those to tighten down pretty well. They stick out past the surface of the bracket though. Is there a recess that it is supposed to sit inside? I couldn't see the top of the bracket very well because I was using the spare tire jack and didn't get the car up high enough.
For the spacers, what kind of material would you use?
I was thinking rubber bushings from pep boys or something.

 

The head of the bolt is supposed to stick out a little, but the head of it must be flush with the bracket--there is supposed to be no gap b/t the bracket and the head of the bolt.

Rubber bushings are ok. You could even use washers.

Please tell me you're using jack stands while going under there--don't trust those spare tire jacks.

 

So If I got a bunch of washers and put them along both sides that would work? Which option is better for smooth shifting and no rattle? I need some jack stands...

 

a bunch of the local speedshops say that the shifter should just fit right in, with no bushings or anything. ANyone have a opinion about this? Some people on here say it needs bushings, some say it doesnt.
Thanks
Joe

 

sell that sucka on ebay, take a hacksaw and cut an inch of the stock one and reinsstall that one. No fitment problems or rattling, feel almost stock =D really i did it and it worked just fine. As long as you have an aftermarket shift **** that dont require threads like Momo.

 

I had the same troubles with my shifter. The bolt that came with it was not nearly long enough, so I just used the stock bolt. I used the spacers included, and also added some washers to take up the rest of the space. I also added a lock washer in with the mix to keep the other washers tight and to prevent rattling. It's pretty difficult to get all the washers up in there, but I've had my shifter for 8 months now w/o any problems at all. Shifts feel very nice, with throws shorter than a stock Miata shifter. Not bad for a $40 generic short shifter.

 

You said that the shifter wobbles side to side when installed. If it does, then add washers/spacers. It will be a PITA to get the bolt through, but once you do you'll be in heaven.

 

what kinda shifter is this anyways????????

 

I'm going to guess... OBX... or some other aluminum shifter that will be snapped in less than a year of abuse.

 

What is it w/ you people busting on aluminum shifters all the time. Mine is aluminum and I've had it over 8 months now w/ not a single hint of a problem. It doesn't rattle, doesn't hit any exhuast parts, nothing. Shifts feel great, too. And believe me, I've done my fair share of hard shifting.


[Modified by PatrickGSR94, 9:05 AM 3/4/2002]

 

Don't worry, your time will come eventually. Have you got an aftermarket exhaust? Do you still have the heat shields in place? I think that may be one reason some last longer than others. Me, for example, have a test pipe and GReddy cat-back.... took out all the heat shields... Those of you with the OEM exhaust and/or heat shields in place will probably have the shifter a bit longer before the heat finally gets to it.