Well I got my 99 Si about two months ago. When I went to test drive it and check it out it had a really short shifter in it (which I really didn't care for) but it drove good and ended up picking it up a few days later.

When I picked up the car it had a dual bend shifter in it (unknown brand) and the shifting feels snappy. Almost like it clicks or pops into gear. I really don't like it at all as I prefer the smooth glide that I'm use to. Any idea what could be causing this? Maybe the shifter wasn't lubed before install?

 

check bushings for binding.

 

Poly bushings.

 

it may be bushing related, but my bet is on something internal with the trans.

my belief, and recommendation is that you should drain and refill with your fluid of choice. in this case honda MTF is probably best... if you decide you don't like it, it's only two quarts. on any new-to-you (pre-owned... used) car, you can only guess what the previous owner put in... unless you know them well. it's pretty cheap and can't hurt to replace all fluids with high quality, fresh fluid.

i've drained customers cars full of heavy weight gear oil... 'come on!! really!?' ...never know till you drain it.

 

Yeah I usually do that, I just haven't gotten around to it. I still have a quart of Honda MTF left over so need to pick up another. I don't think it's the tranny. Like I said when I test drove it the first time it didn't click into gear, so my guess is something to do with the shifter.

 

put a stock shifter back into the car

 

I don't think that will matter any as far as the shifting feeling snappy. Also forgot to mention that there is something rattling from the shifter area. Not sure if it's the shifter or if it's rattling on the exhaust. I'm probably just going to take it out, lube up everything good, check clearances, and make sure everything is tightened properly. Could it be that the shifter is bolted in too tight?