I got the **** for my shifter in the mail yesterday. The added weight definitely makes a difference in the the shift feel. It takes a little less effort to put in gear, (it's noticeable) but some of the "feel" is gone now. It actually feels just a tad mushier. I was initially against Kartboy bushings (don't want the vibes), but I think if I add them it will make it perfect. The added weight of the **** should help damp any major vibrations transmitted by the harder bushings. (as long as I can't hear it buzz, I'm happy) I had to take off the e-clip that holds the boot up on the K&N -- the **** wouldn't even begin to thread on with the boot all the way up. It seems like it's lower now too, but that may be an optical illusion, not sure. At any rate, I like it.
Here's a picture.

Edit-- Problem now is the boot- looks like crap, has a really rubbery-cheesy look compared to the graphite perf leather on the ****. Gonna be a while before I can spend the cash, but I'll definitely want to upgrade.

 

If they had used the same typeface for the numbers that they used on the instruments, the **** would be perfect.

 

yea thats my only complaint w/ the mzspeed protege ****, hate the numbers. but feels solid and leather is a nice touch. im quite surprized that the B&M is practically the same height as the stock shifter. i kinda like that, but ive already gotten used to the Kartboy height hehe. the bushings are awesome, they really eliminate any wobbly play in the shifting. infact i woulda been happy with just the bushings and no shifter/**** upgrade.

when you are ready to buy a new boot look at www.srshiftboots.com for some boots that are super popular in the msprotege forum. i have 'em myself and they upgrade the look of the interior by 100%. they also have matching e-brake boots and they are still offering a discount price on horsepowerfreaks.com if you ask for Ben. i think if you want the shifter boot alone its $40 shipped.

here's a pic of mine:

-meGrimlock

 

My kartboy bushings don't add any noticeable vibration at all...shifting is very firm.

 

this thread has the funniest title I've heard in a LONG time. Thanks.

 

im picky 'bout vibration noise, and i can hear it faintly ever since i put the bushings in. its really not anything significant but an annoying side effect if you're **** like me. i can't tell any changes in physical vibrations though so i'm not worried about it.

 

i like vibration...it lets me know I'm still alive.

 

Glad to help.

I'm on a modest (and slowly progressing) NVH deadening campaign, so I don't want to add any more noise. Getting rid of the Mazdaspeed fart can and the effin' FM901s would make the most difference, but budget's tight, so I'ma have to live with it for a while yet. I don't expect (or really want) luxury car sound levels, but a little quieter would be better.
Edit-- That boot looks extra nice.