Mazdaspeed Short Shifter

Mazdespeed short shift kit

[3/2/2019] Reviewed by: Keith Kimble

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.6 liter

Short shift kit for NA

Several years

Magic. Slightly higher effort but POSITIVE engagement. Highly recommended.

Not an installed item

Mazdaspeed Short Throw Shift Kit

[8/13/2010] Reviewed by: Andrew A. - awla.tmg@gmail.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.8 liter

Short Throw Shifter

Although the Miata's gearbox is one of the best ever, I was always curious to see if it could be improved in any way. I shopped around for a shift kit, but in the end, most of them looked cheap, poorly made, or just mimick the stock shifter but with a shorter height. Additionally, many of them would not accomidate the stock shift knob, and therefore would not fit my Mazdaspeed shift knob (I won't give that one up!). I narrowed it down to only the Mazdaspeed one for many reasons, but its high sticker price basically meant no shifter modification for me... Luckily I found a used one for a reasonable price and finally made the jump. I had no instructions to install it, but I found it very easy and straight-forward. I installed it in probably 20 minutes. With this piece installed, the shifter does sit slightly higher, but the throws are incredible. The throw distance is cut down significanly, but the tight,well-defined feel still remains the same. In my honest and non-professional opinion, I think this is how the perfect gearbox should feel like, and the only physical downside I can see is the higher effort for shifts (it's not that bad, but noticeable). And I was able to keep my shift knob! I would definitely recommend this to anybody, really. I honestly can't see how there could be a better shift kit out there. It's also nice to have more genuine MS parts on board (if you`re into that kind of stuff), but of course, the price is still very high for what it is. If you`re willing to pay top dollar for a top shifter, all power to you.

Under 5 minutes to remove

Mazdaspeed Sport Short Shifter Kit

[10/27/2005] Reviewed by: Jimmy Tran - jimtran@mail.utexas.edu

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.8 liter

Short Shifter Kit made for the Miata, supposedly manufactered by C's. Slightly raises the fulcrum point. Replaces the entire OEM shifter, but reuses two items--1 plastic alignment bearing and a wavy washer.

Installed on a '97 1.8l Miata, it was very quick. The included pictures and diagrams were all in japanese, but installation was very straightfoward. Whem the short shifter is installed, the fulcrum point is actually slighly raised when compared to OEM, but the throws are substantially shorter. It makes driving the already OEM shifter even shorter. IMO, this makes driving it much more enjoyable. It takes "slightly" more effort to shift, but it does not impact the overall experience of the Short Shifter. Installation was very straight foward and the process can easily be reversed.

The build quality is amazing. It does not give that "sunken" look that many SSK gives the Miata and fit's the OEM leather boot very nicely. It's quite expensive and hard to find, but if you can find it for a fair price, this item is worth every penny.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely

Mazdaspeed Short Shift Kit

[3/31/2002] Reviewed by: William Howell - william.howell@attbi.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99 +

Mazdaspeed's short shift kit for M1 Miatas.

I installed the product and have driven for a day or so.

Since the Mazdaspeed SSK is made to fit the M1 and I own a 99, some modifications had to be made because there are two alignment pins on the M2 turret and only 1 alignment pin on the M1. To mount the Mazdaspeed SSK in an M2, you must do the following: 1. Either remove on of the alignment pins, cut it, and reinstall it, or have the adapter ring provided by Mazdaspeed machined to fit around both pins. If you machine the Mazdaspeed adapter ring, one of the alignment pins still has to be removed in order to remove the stock wave washer and stock lower mounting ring. 2. Install the shifter "backwards" from the instructions. Everything else lines up perfectly. The knob is at stock height, however the shift throw is VERY short. I would estimate 1" from neutral to left or right, and perhaps 2.5" or 3" from the upper row to the lower row (1st to 2nd, etc). I highly recommend this product!

Over 30 minutes to remove completely

[9/15/2000] Reviewed by Jim Wilson - jtpwils@ix.netcom.com

Applicable to '90 - '97 '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter

Short Shift Kit - Raises Fulcrum Point about 3/4" and has a slightly shorter "lever" above the ball centerline to reduce the shift throw.

Easy installation but lousy instructions (Japanese only) with moderate quality line drawings. The lower half-sherical bearing and wave spring need to be removed from the turret and re-installed above the spacer. All other parts are provided.

Very, very satisfied with the product quality. Bought it through RSpeed, they gave excellent service and were about $20 cheaper than elsewhere. Shift is noticebly shorter and I have not experienced any problems. Also replaced the nylon shift bushing with an aluminum one at the same time. This gives a much more solid feel and stops the tranny from trying two syncros at the same time if the nylon wears. Boot aligns perfectly...no rubber bushings to stop it from sliding down like some other reviews note.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely

Reviewed by: Greg Maiser - SoMental@aol.com

Replaces stock shift lever with unit having essentially the same design, but different proportions.

The fulcrum is raised, and the length of the shifter ABOVE the fulcrum is nearly unchanged. When laid out side by side, the whole assembly actually appears to be a little LONGER than stock, and when installed, it sits taller. But the throw is reduced substantially, while effort is increased only slightly. I tend to shift 'pistol grip' style, so it's the lever travel that matters to me, anyway.

Instructions were in Japanese only, making it critical to inspect the illustrations very closely. Some of the parts where the shifter pivot ball rests need to be removed and relocated to the middle of the new parts you're installing. For almost $300, you'd think they could have hired a translator!

The look is nearly identical to stock, and doesn't leave the leather shift boot to slide all around, unlike most other kits.

Overall, I don't know that I'd say I was pleased with the purchase. I think it was a little bit pricey, and not a greta value. While I can't fault the design, I think the implementation left something to be desired.

I kept the factory parts - I may end up switching back.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely