Hi there, I'm new to this forum. I've been searching for a couple of months now for a short shifter for my 1997 Accord EX, however I only came across adapters. I have read that the 4th gen prelude shifter will fit and offers significant throw reduction as well as shortens the shifter. I was wondering if anyone could possibly help me in instructing me on how exactly the swap is done and what supplies are needed. Thanks.

 

I'm interested. I always liked the way my 4th gen prelude shifted. The 5th gen felt like a truck, Ill add that to my list to keep an eye out for. I read a few posts that sound like it will bolt up. I cant imagine they are that different. They are $80-$100 on ebay and most likely $30 at the Junk Yard/Pull Part. Give it a shot and take pics.

 

Throw is the same in terms of actual degrees of travel. The Prelude shifter has a short column and that makes it feel shorter, absolutely. But a 4th-gen Prelude shifter is exactly the same length from the gymbal axis down to the actual cable throw. It will bolt in to the Accord's shifter carrier, but the fore-aft cable loop will need a bushing pressed in as the Accord's mount is larger than the Prelude. As well, the carrier tray itself has different over-travel stops. The Prelude's are more modest, so the horns on the Prelude shifter are longer. You're better off grabbing the Prelude shifter carrier, or you need to be judicious on how much material you remove from the horns.

 

Adding to Tachi's comments.
IIRC the main bracket to body bushings for the shifter assembly on the Prelude are firmer, or there is less rubber for isolation, less tolerance to give up.
And the location of how the front cable attaches to the shift lever may affect shift feel as well. On the Accord it is a stud that is slightly offset, where the Prelude has it mounted directly in front of the shifter. On unworn shifters this is probably not noticeable but on a worn Accord shifter this may cause some rotation of the shifter lever slightly which can delay shift action through added slop.

The main difference is that the Prelude shifter handle is slightly shorter overall. Which is what a typical short throw shifter is just a shorter handle.

Always verify the cables are in good condition and the bushings are not worn or damaged on the cable ends, and the proper hardware is used to attach the cable ends. A missing washer or loose cotter pin may add to the slop. Avoid solid bushings(if you need to replace them), these were known to cause issues with the cable. Either use a urethane or spherical bearing to allow the cable ends freedom of movement while removing slop.

 

So how do you suppose I go about obtaining a short shifter for the CD5 accord? Thanks for the replies everyone.