Simpson Design

Simpson Design Short Shift Kit 99+ 6 Speed

[12/14/2007] Reviewed by: Jason

Applicable to: '99-'05 1.8 liter

Exclusive.. Introducing the brand new short shifter kit made especially for you lucky folks with the new Six-Speed gear boxes. Same smooth feeling, only with a quicker throw. Made in the USA by Simpson Design.

I usually wouldn't write a bad review, but I feel the need to protect others from this buy. I purchased the short shifter at what I felt the high price of 115 plus shipping, but I felt it was worth it. Once I got it, I was excited to install, and unfortunately it was more difficult than I expected. I ended up having to cut off a metal ring that holds the washer on top of the shift knob due to the fact I could not remove it. Permanent damage. This may have been possible other ways, but I tried for more than enough time and I could not remove it. Now this is the same with any short shifter, unless it comes with the parts. I installed everything, and when I went to try it out, I could not believe what happened. The shifter felt STOCK. The only noticable difference is that the knob sits lower. Let me say that again, STOCK THROW FEELING. What is the point of a short shifter, if it doesn't reduce throw? I am sending it back, and going to try something else.

Returning it and trying the OBX with my fingers crossed.

Difficult to remove without leaving damage

Simpson Design Short Throw Shift Kit

[4/14/2003] Reviewed by: David Rasmussen - thewaveof77@yahoo.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.6 liter

Short Throw Shifter by Simpson Design

The reason I ended up buying this shifter from John at Simpson Design changed from being a seemingly good product for less money to an excellent product backed by a man who knew his stuff and had a great passion for his work. It came in perfect order and installed very easily. John was a phone call away (or email) for any installation questions and it went in easily in less than 20 minutes (if that). Immediately, you will notice that there is absolutely no slop in the gate--it is very tight and sharp, but not 'notchy' (not difficult to engage) and the throw is shorter. The reason to buy this, though, isn't necessarily to have the tiniest, video game joystick out there, at least not in my opinion. The reason to buy this is the overall feel. When you think about what actually DIRECTLY affects your perception of a car, there are only three things—the feel of the steering wheel, the pedals, and the shifter. For the feel of how my car drives, this has been o! ne of the best buys I have made.

I am also one of those people who demands good service and a friendly attitude, sometimes even over price (though not an issue in this case) and I feel as though John was one of the most personable people I have ever bought from. Unlike EVERY other seller, he didn't just take my order, but instead chatted with me about what cars we've each owned and the projects we were in the middle of. Though not a necessity for a good product, it was refreshing to talk to someone so in tune with what he does that even after day in and say out of ‘car talk’ he still enjoyed conversing a bit just for fun. Not to mention that his ease and confidence made getting instructions from him surefooted and simple.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely

Simpson Design Short Shift Kit (SSK)

[3/26/2001] Reviewed by: Joel Novick - JOELNOVICK@NETSCAPE.NET

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

Kit that lowers the height of the shift knob. The shaft measures 7.25" (OEM measures about 8"). Ordered directly from Jim and Jan Simpson at www.simpsondesign.net for $140 shipped USPS priority mail.

Great customer service, great balance with my heavy shift knob, great controlled shifts without the notchy feel as reported with some kits. Great product. As Jim told me. . . If you don't like it, he will buy it back. I don't think you will need to take him up on his promise.

While talking to Jim, it was like talking to an old friend. He talked me through the install procedure and answered all my questions. After tightening the lower plate, I noticed a good-sized gap between the new lever and the small plate, which had been sealed buy the rubber boot and wider OEM lever. To keep dust out of the turret and keep the transmission noise down, I decided to wrap some thick rubber weather stripping around the shaft. Two small self-adhesive pieces butted up, slid down to the base of the shaft sealed it up good. I wrapped the two pieces with some electrical tape a few times and then up the shaft a bit to preclude them from moving down the turret or up the shaft. Once I got my knob on, I found that my Momo race knob slid all the way on unlike with the OEM lever. The OEM being tapered kept the knob higher. I would say because of that, I actually lowered my knob height about 1.25"

Under 30 minutes to remove completely