i got my kartboy for 85. its insanely awesome. IIRC they are roughly the same as far as specs go

sweet. where'd you get it?

anyone else got an opinion?

got it with a group buy offa this site

I'm with Gro Harlem here. It is the increased length below the fulcrum point that makes it a short shifter. However, it is precisely this property that can cause excessive synchro wear since it changes the designed-in shifter geometry. Like Gro Harlem, I replaced my stock shifter with one from an MP3. The MP3 and the MSD shifters are identical and although they are the same length below the fulcrum point as all other OEM shifters, they are about one inch shorter than the 3rd gen sedan and P5 shifters. They may be even more than one inch shorter than 1st gen shifters above the fulcrum point but I am not absolutely sure of this-check with Gro Harlem as he is the expert here.

The point of using an MP3 or MSD shifter is that although you will not shorten the 'throw' of the shifter, your hand will move through a shorter arc when shifting thereby improving the overall feel when shifting. At the same time, you will not be placing extra stress on the synchros as would be the case with a true short shifter. Whatever shifter you use, definitely install the Kartboy shifter bushings. Go to the Kartboy website for more information and installation instructions. I don't know if they fit 1st gen's but as I recall, Gro Harlem had a group buy on one's that will fit. Again, check with him.

With the combination of the MP3 shifter and Kartboy bushings installed, my shifts require less hand movement and feel much more precise with almost all play eliminated. Definitely more fun to drive.

I should also add that if you use the MP3 shifter, also get the MP3 shift knob. The MP3 shifter has an M8 x 1.25 thread whereas the other shifters have an M10 x 1.25 thread.

or just do what i did when i threw in the new engine..trim the top shorter on the stock one, get an MX-3 shift boot, slap an aftermarket shift knob on the fucker, and presto......

the kartboy seems to be a popular short shifter. at their website, they have the shift lever and the bushings for the transmission sold as a set for 105. thats a great deal. even though the listing is for the protege5 and mp3, a lot of people on here have done it in their 1st gens. so my question is, are there any modifications that need to be made to make it work on a 1st gen?? also, will the bushings work on our tranny's?? thanks guys.

it will work the way it is. no adjustments needed, just use your stock bushings

the bushings won't work? what will improve if they are replaced? less shifter play? thanks

im not sure if the new ones will work or not ull have 2 wait for someone else to post. i just know htat the stock ones do work tho haha