TWM Performance Short Shifter Installed!
 

Well, after waiting for what seemed like forever, my TWM Performance short shifter (the 2nd gen one with ball bearings) finally came in yesterday and I installed it today on my P5. The installation was ok, though it's a little bit more complicated than the directions make it out to be. But man! It's like night and day! The throws are SHORT, and the height is significantly lower. Overall, I'm quite satisfied. Just gotta get used to it a little. Also, it's quite notchy. Like sometimes it'll take extra effort to get into gear, particularly 2nd. I'm hoping that the notchiness fades away over time. Anybody know how long it takes, if at all?

Anyways, I really appreciate TWM's including the heat shield spacers as well, though I did have to bend it down a tiny bit more. But it's great!

Ok, I have some pics!

Damn, I have to say, the height is so much lower! I switched back to the stock shifter from my Sparco Tecno so I can have some leverage while the shifter is still real notchy, but the stock shifter is even shorter than the Tecno.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...3/fc016f50.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...4/fc016f4e.jpg

is that the stock knob? looks great

Yeah that is the stock knob. Originally, I had a Sparco Tecno, but after the short shifter install, everything is really notchy and really stiff. I went back to the stock knob for the time being because the top goes a little forward, creating that "lip" to provide more leverage. At first I was thinking of just doing this until the shifter smooths out a little bit, but I'm beginning to appreciate the form factor of the knob, along with the "lip", and I think I may keep it and not go back to the Sparco Tecno. But then again, it's a tad bit wide, so I might go with another knob with a similar form factor. Perhaps one of those new 2003 Momo F16s?

Thinking about getting one
 

Hi, Nitewing911

I like the way your new TWM shifter looks. I was am closely considering going with the TWM shifter and was wondering if you had any problems with yours?. I noticed that the both seats in the front are close to the shifter and I was concered that it may get in the way with shifting. Have you run into this difficulty? Do you also have any problems with the shifter heing thesame hight of the hand brake when pulled up?

Also did you end up using a snap ring pliers to remove the snap ring?:) :)

I just got my 1st gen twm ss w KB bushing installed today too... It shifts great now.

I traded my '03 leather knob for a 01-02 ball shifter. It looks very sharp.

Jagan,

I haven't had any problems with the TWM shifter, it's great. I'm not too sure what you mean by the seats being too close to the shifter, but there's no problems with anything getting in the way, and that includes the hand brake, no problems whatsoever. The only thing is it takes a little getting used to because it's so much lower than the stock shifter height, but you'll get used to it really quickly. Otherwise, no difficulty shifting other than it being really notchy in the beginning. After a few days, already I can notice it being easier (or maybe I'm just getting used to it), but I would NOT go back to the stock shifter.

Oh it might be good to mention that even with the included heat shield spacers, I ended up having to make small adjustments with the heat shield anyway. When I would be in 1st or 3rd, there was some slight rattling. I wouldn't really call this a problem though.

And yes, I did use a snap ring wrench for the snap ring. Pain in the butt initially, but you kinda get the hang of it.

TWM shifter
 

Hey Nitewing911,

Thanks for your response. The reason I asked about the seats is because, I read another thread with someone complaining about the seat getting in the way because the shifter was so low. He installed a Kartboy shifter so maybe that had to do something with it being a bit shorter than the TWM. I think I will end up ordering a TWM as well thanks to your high praise.

Enjoy!:D :D

TWM kicks ass!
 

Hey guys,

I finished installing my TWM short shifter and my car feels completly different. The shift are much shorter and the shifting feels alot more secure and tighter. For some reason my clutch action also seems alot smoother with less jerkiness. I would highly reconmend this shifter to anyone who is looking for one. The shipping was quick and the product has great installation instructions. My only complaint was removing the snap ring which was a b*tch to remove.

Okay peeps Im off to play with my TWM again!

(Best investment!):D :D :D

Oh yeah thanks again Nitewing911 for your review.

I have the same one on my protege it kicks ass it is easyer over time to put in gear did not take long few weeks

protege 2.0 dx
aem intake
borla cat-back
sort throw twm
ebach springs
crank pulley
intake and exhaust cams mazda speed
act clutch