TWM Short Shifter + Bushings Question

[Sacrilicious]

This is for all you people who have the TWM short shifter + bushings. I am about to get these, but I just wanted to clarify one thing: do the bushings cause noticeable vibrations to transmit through the shifter?

Here's what I've gotten from other threads about the short shifter and bushings:

1. 30% shorter shift throw.
2. Shifts click into place instead of squishing into place.

Both these combine to give an all-around faster, more responsive, and sporty shift feel.

It stands to reason that now that the bushings are no longer rubber, they will transmit more vibrations through the car's frame into the shifter...what do you guys think subjective about added vibrations? Do you notice them at all? If so, is it a negative thing?

Thanks in advance for all your answers! =D

[SwampAss]

No noticeable increase in vibration at all. None. In fact, I noticed only a slight increase in vibration with my 88 durometer AWR mount. Very slight. So slight my wife didn't notice it when she drove my car. That's good.

[Sacrilicious]

awesome...time to buy buy buy! ;)

[TurboWagon]

Noob question. Say I wanted to keep my stock shifter (for now) and just go with bushings. Do they fit the stock rod...

[dread]

I have stock shifter with bushings and it works great, the bushings go on the base not the stick and the twm shifter does not replace the base so your good.

[TurboWagon]

Did you have to buy the shifter/bushing set and just use the bushings or could you find them somewhere else. From what I could see on their site, they dont sell just the bushings. BTW, all these performance sites are new to me, I come from VW-land where your parts sources are slightly more limited.

[Hunch Back Drvr]

Go to *************.com. You will find the TWM short shift with bearings.

[Sacrilicious]

go to the base TWM site...it will allow you to buy the bushings separately. you can definitely get the shifter and or bushings in any combo you want...bushings alone, shifter alone, or bushings with the shifter together.

[guy_incognito]

The bushings can be found at multiple websites including *************, protegegarage, s-unit, and twm's site. Interestingly, it seems that the cheapest total price is currently from s-unit ($35). TWM charges about $13 for shipping and handling, and ************* charges $15; that is just plain ridiculous for these small parts.

[Sacrilicious]

ya, i got mine from s-unit in the end...=D they've definitely made a huge impact on the shifting feel, but a side effect i hadn't foreseen is that i seem to have loosened something on the interior of my car when i did the install. i've not had the chance to figure out where and fix it, but there's an annoying creaking noise coming from the dash/console/SOMEWHERE, and i can't seem to stop it just by pushing down on panels as i drive. i just went back and re-screwed the center console panels down again while paying special attention not to over-tighten things, but i haven't had a chance to drive the car around afterwards cause it was really late. i'm going to try that out and see if it fixes the problem. if not, then i'll try tightening them in more firmly and see if that helps...=/ blaaah...it's annoying, but i can't hear it unless the radio is off. with that said, there's no way in hell i'm leaving it there!

anyone else have a similar problem and have any insight to shed on this? ^^;

[User Name]

Sacrilicious, I have that creaking also, can't say it started after installing the bushings or not, but it's there and drives me insane along with the BS windshield/cowl creaking.

Haven't traced the interior console creak yet though, shall we keep each other posted of what cure it?

[companyman]

, but it's there and drives me insane along with the BS windshield/cowl creaking.


ahh..i thought i was the only person getting that? I have a few other small creaks in my car but this one drives me crazy.

[Vindikacione]

I got the creak too. On my car it was the seatbelt fastener. I move it around when I hear it and the creak stops.

[dread]

The seatbelt fastener is one source, but my car also had a creek from the door latch, fixed it with some grease. I also took car of the windshield creek with some thick electrical tape under the cowl, worked like a charm.

[chacon101]

I am lucky I guess, I only have a tapping sound and I can make it stop if I push on the upper left hand corner of the glove box lid. I am thinking of adding a liner to the left side for a tighter fit or something.

[robin2660]

ya, i got mine from s-unit in the end...=D they've definitely made a huge impact on the shifting feel, but a side effect i hadn't foreseen is that i seem to have loosened something on the interior of my car when i did the install. i've not had the chance to figure out where and fix it, but there's an annoying creaking noise coming from the dash/console/SOMEWHERE, and i can't seem to stop it just by pushing down on panels as i drive. i just went back and re-screwed the center console panels down again while paying special attention not to over-tighten things, but i haven't had a chance to drive the car around afterwards cause it was really late. i'm going to try that out and see if it fixes the problem. if not, then i'll try tightening them in more firmly and see if that helps...=/ blaaah...it's annoying, but i can't hear it unless the radio is off. with that said, there's no way in hell i'm leaving it there!

anyone else have a similar problem and have any insight to shed on this? ^^;

There's a thread somewhere on the cowl creak. You notice it in cooler weather. The fix is fairly straight forward and simple (though I haven't tried yet).

[SwampAss]

I posted my how to. Here it is if you missed how to fix the console squeak.

[ZooMIN3]

I posted my how to. Here it is if you missed how to fix the console squeak.

lol

gotta love it!!!! fairly easy to understand structions!! kudos to you Swampass!

[Sacrilicious]

LAWL, swampass! xD

[Sacrilicious]

but seriously...thanks for the note, robin! that does sound like it's going to be my problem, because it doesn't look like a loose panel in my cabin! =/

[guy_incognito]

I too have some rattles, which tend to get quite annoying. My center armrest/console always rattles. It goes away if I rest my arm on it. Seems to be some laxity with the latch, and perhaps an extra layer of lining would help. When I had my motor mount recall done I asked to have it looked at, and they told me that they had fixed it. By the time I got home (about 3 miles) it was already back.

I've also got some very minimal rattle noise that seems to be coming from underneath the dash? Also had a creaky seat belt which was gone away with some repositioning.

[dread]

The console just needs some padding, you can use those little felt circles to take care of it

[Vindikacione]

Back to TWM install results...

Just did mine today, with bushings. Took 45 minutes, not as bad of an install as I thought.

Instant gratification. The best mod available yet! Shifting improved exponentially. I was doubtful at first, but its like driving another car. Almost Miata like, but with 6 gears. Butter... silky smooth butter, no longer wimpy and lucid.

Added Locktite to the bushing bolts, just in case vibrations excited them.

To those who are afraid -the three tabs are impossible to break, unless you're a savant.

Also, to pop off the shifter cables, don't use a screw driver, use an open box wrench, 9/16ths should fit. Might crack or damage the delrin with a screw driver.

Buy this Mod!

[AutoXRacer]

So do you have to remove your center console? Or is this done under the car?

[ZooMIN3]

just remove the console...no need to go under your car unless you want a peek up her skirt? lol

Seriously, everything is done from the driver seat...literally. unless you happen to sit in the passenger seat, then it'd be the passenger seat! lol

ok, i'm done.... lol

-J

[jungleradio]

just remove the console...no need to go under your car unless you want a peek up her skirt? lol

Seriously, everything is done from the driver seat...literally. unless you happen to sit in the passenger seat, then it'd be the passenger seat! lol

ok, i'm done.... lol

-J

does anyone have a pdf for this? i'm about to get the TWM SS too.

btw, how do people like the weighted shift knobs? any difference? or should i stick with the stock knob? thanks

[AutoXRacer]

does anyone have a pdf for this? i'm about to get the TWM SS too.

btw, how do people like the weighted shift knobs? any difference? or should i stick with the stock knob? thanks

Here you go!!

[jungleradio]

Here you go!!

the internet serves again. grazie

[TWM Performance]

Back to TWM install results...

Just did mine today, with bushings. Took 45 minutes, not as bad of an install as I thought.

Instant gratification. The best mod available yet! Shifting improved exponentially. I was doubtful at first, but its like driving another car. Almost Miata like, but with 6 gears. Butter... silky smooth butter, no longer wimpy and lucid.

Added Locktite to the bushing bolts, just in case vibrations excited them.

To those who are afraid -the three tabs are impossible to break, unless you're a savant.

Also, to pop off the shifter cables, don't use a screw driver, use an open box wrench, 9/16ths should fit. Might crack or damage the delrin with a screw driver.

Buy this Mod!

Thanks for the props Vindikacione! Customer feedback on the MazdaSpeed 3 short shifter (http://www.twmperformance.com/shortshifters/mazdashortshifters/mazdaspeed3shortshifters.htm) has been great, it took a while to develop but we're very pleased with the end results :)

Thanks,

Kevin
TWM Performance

[TWM Performance]

does anyone have a pdf for this? i'm about to get the TWM SS too.

btw, how do people like the weighted shift knobs? any difference? or should i stick with the stock knob? thanks

Here's the link to the MazdaSpeed 3 Short Shifter Installation manual: http://www.twmperformance.com/manuals/mazdaspeed-3-short-shifter-manual.pdf

If the link doesn't open for you just go to this link and scroll to the bottom, there's a download link here: TWM MazdaSpeed 3 short shifter (http://www.twmperformance.com/shortshifters/mazdashortshifters/mazdaspeed3shortshifters.htm)

And the shifter base bushings (http://www.twmperformance.com/bushingkits/index.htm) install manual: http://www.twmperformance.com/manuals/mazda-3-base-bushing-manual.pdf

Kevin
TWM

[Sacrilicious]

oh, as a follow up: our cars are creaking/rattling MACHINES when the cold weather hits! good lord, i'm going to have to do some serious dampening with felt pads or SOMETHING, cause i hear creaks and rattles coming from like 3 different points in the car...=/

[jungleradio]

Here's the link to the MazdaSpeed 3 Short Shifter Installation manual: http://www.twmperformance.com/manuals/mazdaspeed-3-short-shifter-manual.pdf

If the link doesn't open for you just go to this link and scroll to the bottom, there's a download link here: TWM MazdaSpeed 3 short shifter (http://www.twmperformance.com/shortshifters/mazdashortshifters/mazdaspeed3shortshifters.htm)

And the shifter base bushings (http://www.twmperformance.com/bushingkits/index.htm) install manual: http://www.twmperformance.com/manuals/mazda-3-base-bushing-manual.pdf

Kevin
TWM

thanks. i want to order the SS and bushings, but I want to know more about your weighted shifters. i'm curious to see what some owners/users think about the weighted shifters. Kevin, if you have used one, let me know what you think.

and can someone tell me why this: (potkettle is an icon on this site. baahaha!

[Fritch]

and can someone tell me why this: (potkettle is an icon on this site. baahaha!
its the pot calling the kettle BLACK!

[schmitty]

Back to TWM install results...

Just did mine today, with bushings. Took 45 minutes, not as bad of an install as I thought.

Instant gratification. The best mod available yet! Shifting improved exponentially. I was doubtful at first, but its like driving another car. Almost Miata like, but with 6 gears. Butter... silky smooth butter, no longer wimpy and lucid.

Added Locktite to the bushing bolts, just in case vibrations excited them.

To those who are afraid -the three tabs are impossible to break, unless you're a savant.

Also, to pop off the shifter cables, don't use a screw driver, use an open box wrench, 9/16ths should fit. Might crack or damage the delrin with a screw driver.

Buy this Mod!

What knob did you use?

[AutoXRacer]

Is the bushing mod worth doing even if you have a solid (TRZ Dogbone) motor mount...? Will you still feel a difference in shifting?

[SwampAss]

Yes. Everything is cumulative.

[Vindikacione]

Stock knob.

Have u taken off your stock one already? Its pretty heavy from the get go.

[schmitty]

Stock knob.

Have u taken off your stock one already? Its pretty heavy from the get go.

I haven't, but from what i have read, everyone agrees with you. Lookslike I will have 99USD more to spend!

[ZooMIN3]

I haven't, but from what i have read, everyone agrees with you. Lookslike I will have 99USD more to spend!

if you would, I'll be taking donations in increments of 99USD. you can make a check payable to the ZooMIN3 foundation.... need money for upgrades! lol

-J

[FlyinMSP]

I changed the bushing last weekend. Took about 45 minutes, it was my first time at taking a shifter apart. No problems except it was a bit harder than I anticipated and I cut my hand a bit (pulling those damn cabled). Wear gloves ;)

The shifter is better now, the mod is worth it. But I still regret my TWM SS and Kartboy bushings of my old MSP...

[Vindikacione]

I recommend using an open box wrench instead of screw driver to get the shift cables off the stock shifter. I did one with a screw driver and it took forever, then thought it would be easier with a box wrench and it was. Someone should tell TWM to get with the program. lol

[ZooMIN3]

I recommend using an open box wrench instead of screw driver to get the shift cables off the stock shifter. I did one with a screw driver and it took forever, then thought it would be easier with a box wrench and it was. Someone should tell TWM to get with the program. lol

Perhaps you already did if they frequent these forums? lol

[TWM Performance]

thanks. i want to order the SS and bushings, but I want to know more about your weighted shifters. i'm curious to see what some owners/users think about the weighted shifters. Kevin, if you have used one, let me know what you think.


Hi jungleradio,

The vast majority of our customers who purchase our weighted shift knobs (http://www.twmshiftknobs.com/) are extremely happy with them. The added mass at the top of the shifter definitely helps to smooth out the shift feel. It feels like once the shifter is in motion it wants to continue, and this effect helps to engage the next gear with less direct effort from the driver resulting in a very smooth shift feel.

I have personally been using a weighted shift knob for about 12 years, before we started the company. I had one custom made for my first sport compact and used it for many years. This later became our Classic shift knob design. When we began designing short shifters (http://www.twmperformance.com/) about 6 or 7 years ago, naturally I felt that we could further improve the shift feel with optional weighted shift knobs. I can honestly say that next to a short shifter, a weighted shift knob is the best improvement you can make to your shift feel.

I hope this helps,

Kevin
TWM

[TWM Performance]

I recommend using an open box wrench instead of screw driver to get the shift cables off the stock shifter. I did one with a screw driver and it took forever, then thought it would be easier with a box wrench and it was. Someone should tell TWM to get with the program. lol

Point taken, good idea :)

Thanks,

Kevin
TWM

[Vindikacione]

Sweet!

Glad I can help.

And Super thanks for the Military Discount! Your Product is the best item I've added to my car so far. So well built and functional, that I can't believe Mazda doesn't use (buy) your design for future models.

[jungleradio]

thanks kevin. i'll probably go with the SS + bushings first. if the shifter is a notchy, then i'll get the weighted. thanks for your help!

the obligatory random icon (of which there seem to be thousands of on this site): (silly)