I just ordered the MazdaSpeed Short Shifter and some aluminum bushings for the base. I got sick of missing shifts. I'm also replacing the knob with one from the Speed6 which is a lot smaller than the massive bulky one we have. I took pics and pulled up a parts diagram for a Mazda6 and everything looks like it will bolt right up. Parts should be here next week and I'll do a write up w/ pics.
Short Shifter/bushings ordered
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Sounds good.
As for missing shifts - are you speed shifting when this happens? I haven't missed a shift yet in my Fusion. I agree, the the shifter knob is big but ya don't have to grab a handfull of it. I just kind of palm it up or finger tip it down which is made quite easy by the shape of the stock knob, at least for me. It's the best shifting manual I've ever driven. 8)
As for missing shifts - are you speed shifting when this happens? I haven't missed a shift yet in my Fusion. I agree, the the shifter knob is big but ya don't have to grab a handfull of it. I just kind of palm it up or finger tip it down which is made quite easy by the shape of the stock knob, at least for me. It's the best shifting manual I've ever driven. 8)
My three previous cars with sticks where a sport trac, focus w/ short shifter, and a ranger. I'm used to notchy shifters with feel. Yes, every time I've missed a shift I've been shifting fast. By speed shifting I think that's what you mean and not just banging through with no clutch. I touch the clutch just enough so it disengages then shift...kind of like a motorcycle.
I'm also putting in some RedLine MT-90 tranny fluid.
I'm also putting in some RedLine MT-90 tranny fluid.
Ya that's what I mean.
My last car was an '99 Escort ZX2, which also used the Mazda G5M transaxle. I drained the OEM fluid (Mercon ATF) at 8K and filled with Redline D4 ATF - it made the gearbox a little smoother with no shift degredation over the next 50K. The next fill I used was probably the best comercially available lube we can buy - Speciality Formulation's MTL-P. It shifted very well too, a bit better then the Redline, even in extreme cold. Thanks to BITOG (THE oil forum http://theoildrop.server101.com/forums/ubbthreads.php )
word is getting out about Speciality Formulation's excellent products: http://www.specialtyformulations.com/
Our Fusions also use the G5M transaxle and I'm guessing that Ford/Mazda have improved the unit since it was in my Escort because it shifts noticeably better in my Fusion then it ever did in my ZX2. I'd really like to know what fluid Ford puts in at the factory.
My last car was an '99 Escort ZX2, which also used the Mazda G5M transaxle. I drained the OEM fluid (Mercon ATF) at 8K and filled with Redline D4 ATF - it made the gearbox a little smoother with no shift degredation over the next 50K. The next fill I used was probably the best comercially available lube we can buy - Speciality Formulation's MTL-P. It shifted very well too, a bit better then the Redline, even in extreme cold. Thanks to BITOG (THE oil forum http://theoildrop.server101.com/forums/ubbthreads.php )
word is getting out about Speciality Formulation's excellent products: http://www.specialtyformulations.com/
Our Fusions also use the G5M transaxle and I'm guessing that Ford/Mazda have improved the unit since it was in my Escort because it shifts noticeably better in my Fusion then it ever did in my ZX2. I'd really like to know what fluid Ford puts in at the factory.
[quote author=Showtime link=topic=63673.msg1093127#msg1093127 date=1164838288]
I took pics and pulled up a parts diagram for a Mazda6 and everything looks like it will bolt right up. [/quote]
Good to know. i'd even be interested in seeing your pics and what you've compared them to. I'm interested to see what happens with this project. i've gotten used to my shifter now (i used to drive an '00 Cougar and that shifter had a much better feel), but i'm still interested in upgrading.
I took pics and pulled up a parts diagram for a Mazda6 and everything looks like it will bolt right up. [/quote]
Good to know. i'd even be interested in seeing your pics and what you've compared them to. I'm interested to see what happens with this project. i've gotten used to my shifter now (i used to drive an '00 Cougar and that shifter had a much better feel), but i'm still interested in upgrading.
No pics on this because it was pathetically easy, but my bushings arrived today and I had to put them in. Damn, it's a night and day difference. Almost all the slop is gone, what's left is in the shifter itself. Installation took 10 min. They were ordered from www.twmperformance.com and came to ~$45. It seems like a lot for what you get but the end result is worth it. You have to order ones for the Mazda6 and as far as I know, they're the only place that makes them.
I may have to call about my shifter as I haven't got an email confirmation yet.........
I may have to call about my shifter as I haven't got an email confirmation yet.........
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Hi Showtime...THANX! ...what an improvement...tighter...more solid feel. Ordered last week after reading your thread...arrived yesterday...piece o cake install...13mm socket...small straightslot screwdriver to remove OEM steel bushings...needlenose pliers to remove OEM bubblegum grommets. Minimal investment for a noticable enhancement in drivability with regards to this area...definately recommend.
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280 Posts
Hi cos...its an 'inside' job...here are sum pix i took...
Before start...dome lites on...easier to see by...
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New TWM bushg/washer ready for install...
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Bottom compartment...pull up...whole top console is 'snap in'...
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Continue unsnapping...forward tray/cig liter is the same...drape to right..
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left shift nob on and draped console outta way...
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13mm 1/4" rachet with extenstion...left cable slides off pivot for easy access to front left nut...
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Small screwdrvr to pry out 4 OEM metal bushings...
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Needlenose pliers to remove OEM bubblegum grommets...
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Drop in bushings...make sure they'r 'seated'...then washers..nuts...
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Tighten hand tite...slide cable end unto pivot post...
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Snap in tray & console...done deal...those are the OEM parts...and the tools used.. on pass [email protected] 1/2 hr.
![]()
Before start...dome lites on...easier to see by...
New TWM bushg/washer ready for install...
Bottom compartment...pull up...whole top console is 'snap in'...
Continue unsnapping...forward tray/cig liter is the same...drape to right..
left shift nob on and draped console outta way...
13mm 1/4" rachet with extenstion...left cable slides off pivot for easy access to front left nut...
Small screwdrvr to pry out 4 OEM metal bushings...
Needlenose pliers to remove OEM bubblegum grommets...
Drop in bushings...make sure they'r 'seated'...then washers..nuts...
Tighten hand tite...slide cable end unto pivot post...
Snap in tray & console...done deal...those are the OEM parts...and the tools used.. on pass [email protected] 1/2 hr.
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280 Posts
Hi cos....THANX!!...hope this helps you do yours with ease.
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280 Posts
Hi cos...YES!...that is why i did this upgrade as i wanted my normal everyday cruz to work & back...which is all NewEngland backroads with lots o shifts a more pleasent experience. The speed shift thing is few & far between these days...virtually non existant......and...as far as vibration...none that i have been able to detect at this time...only a couple o days though...and no hiway yet...but will make it a point to check it out & get back to you.
IMO the stock bushings is all slop, but i'm used to driving sports cars so for me at least this is to be expected, I'm really not a fan of the entire transmission setup as the clutch play is just plain sloppy, the clutch itself has no grab, and the flywheel is too heavy, again tho im used to driving suped up sports cars, i think once i bring the transmission half of the drivetrain up to snuff then I will be a much happier person, i just know that every time i put this car to the test it fails...i mean my old geo was more precise than this car....when will ford install a solid 5-speed in something other than the mustang, I wasn't expecting much, but I got nothing.
I FINALLY got my shifter yesterday. Took about an hour to put in. Night and day over even the aluminum bushings. It feels totally solid and you can really rip through the gears without fear of missing a shift. After driving it like this I have no idea why Ford made such a horrible stock shifter.
As for the shifter, it's build like a brick shithouse. It's one of the most solid feeling shifters I've ever driven. It even comes with aluminum bushings so you don't need to order those. I had a Steeda shifter in my Focus and this makes that feel cheap.
I said I'd do a write up but someone over at the Mazda6 forum already did, even with pics.
BTW, my aluminum bushings are for sale for $20 shipped if anybody wants them.
As for the shifter, it's build like a brick shithouse. It's one of the most solid feeling shifters I've ever driven. It even comes with aluminum bushings so you don't need to order those. I had a Steeda shifter in my Focus and this makes that feel cheap.
I said I'd do a write up but someone over at the Mazda6 forum already did, even with pics.
BTW, my aluminum bushings are for sale for $20 shipped if anybody wants them.
The short shifter that you used was the one from the mazda 6 or the mazda 3. I want to order one but im not sure which one will work and dont feel like goin through any trouble to trade it out if i get the wrong one. And mine is a 07 SE 2.3 manual. hope someone can help.
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