Shifter base/cable bushings install

[EvolvedDSM]

I'll start on the inside as you will remain cleaner vs. going under the hood ;) First, the goods:
http://www.columbusdsm.com/forum/files/dscf0014_999.jpg

I ordered these from Speed Source (http://www.speed-source.net/) on Monday and they were delivered Saturday. These are the exact same ones seen elsewhere, but by ordering direct, you cut out the middle-man and save ($56 shipped for both). I was pleasantly surprised with their packaging and attention to detail.

Instructions were included, but the ones for the base bushings were for a DSM (same parts for either vehicle)--my only complaint and it's a very small one:
http://www.columbusdsm.com/forum/files/shiftinst.jpg

My version differed slightly. Remove your console as described here (http://www.norcalevo.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=449). You'll notice the four bolts holding the shifter base to the car (one of which is partially blocked by the shift cable). You'll also notice the base can be moved from side to side due the the rubber material the stock bushings are made of:
http://www.columbusdsm.com/forum/files/dscf0032.jpg

Remove the cotter pin holding the aforementioned cable to the shift lever:
http://www.columbusdsm.com/forum/files/dscf0035.jpg

Slide the cable off and tuck it on the backside of the lever:
http://www.columbusdsm.com/forum/files/dscf0037.jpg

All four 12mm bolts should be removed. The bushings can be pushed out rather easily via a flat-head screw driver:
http://www.columbusdsm.com/forum/files/dscf0038.jpg

With the stock bushings out, one set of the replacement bushings can be placed beneath the shifter base (grooved side up). Make sure they are seated properly (you can feel/see it):
http://www.columbusdsm.com/forum/files/dscf0040.jpg

Repeat with the other set of bushings on top of the shifter base (grooved side down). Install bolts and torque to 102 in-lbs (8.5 ft-lbs). Slide cable back onto lever and reinstall cotter pin (the shifter base should not move at all):
http://www.columbusdsm.com/forum/files/dscf0042.jpg

Replace center console and pop the hood. The shift cables meet the tranny just under the front strut bar on the driver's side between the center of the car and the brake/clutch reservoir:
http://www.columbusdsm.com/forum/files/dscf0044.jpg

Remove the cotter pins (curved needle-nose pliers work great) and expect the washer to fall onto the subframe below (magnetic pick-up tool works great). With the pins and washers out of the way, you can pop the cable ends off of the levers. The screwdriver trick shown above will release the bushings (expect them to fall as well--sorry, they're not magnetic ;)):
http://www.columbusdsm.com/forum/files/dscf0050.jpg

Use the included sandpaper to clean up the posts and spray with brake cleaner to remove any debris. Insert brass bushing into cable end (flat end towards lever) and secure with e-clip. Apply a light amount of grease to post and insert cable/bushing assembly. Secure with cotter pin (I reused the OEM clips as they appeared less likely to come off--do not use OEM washer):
http://www.columbusdsm.com/forum/files/dscf0052.jpg

A few comparison/misc. pics:
http://www.columbusdsm.com/forum/files/dscf0039.jpg

Initial impressions: Just sitting still, you can feel a difference--very solid at the end of the shift throw. Nothing dramatic, but the sponginess is definitely gone. While driving, it's just easier to shift. After a short run, I have regained confidence in the 1-2 shift at high RPMs. I was amazed how soft and pliable the stock rubber bushings were under the hood. Over time, as they break down due to heat/age, the difference will become even more apparent.

[chrisw]

I put these in a while back. Definately fits in the top 3 "best mod for the buck" catagory :)

Shifting is always smooth and precise. FWIW I have the factory fluids in the tranny; haven't had the time to change it.

[vtluu]

Thanks Chris! Anything that makes shifting easier sounds good to me. I once missed a 1-2 shift in an auto-x run--that was embarrassing. :)

I wonder if shifter bushings fall under the "comfort and convenience" rule for Stock class? (Bah, given how I'm doing I really don't need to worry about getting protested.)

[blitzkrgCT9A]

nice write up and info! Thanks! :D

[JanSolo]

I love the pic of the girl with nipples. So anime!

[AlwayzEVOlving]

I love the pic of the girl with nipples. So anime! :werd:

[ez76]

thanks for the write-up

put some of the kartboy amoeba underhood bushings in today

these are polyurethane not metal, and i reused the OEM washers

shifting into gates is a little tighter - not night and day but nicer for sure.

next week i'll put in the poly shifter bracket bushings and kartboy shifter and the whole combo should be sweet!

[evo_dadi]

nice!! thats what i was planning to do also since i already got both of them from speedsource.i installed the shifter cable but not the base yet.

[tama_mog]

I got these in my car....yes the shift is definitely more solid and direct....I was skeptical that it would make a difference, but it definitely does. Good write up man, hope you'll inspire more people to happier shifting. =)

[MarkSAE]

Do the metal shifter base bushings make the shifter much louder? I had metal shifter base bushings in my 1g DSM, and it made clunking sounds every time I changed gears. Sounded like the cars in Fast and Furious. hehe..

I'm debating whether or not to go down that path again as there is a polyurethane option out there. I had the poly shifter base bushings in my 2g w/ the speed source cable bushings and it didn't feel as precise as going all metal bushings. hmmm...

[EvolvedDSM]

I don't notice any sound from the metal ones.

[tama_mog]

Me neither, no clunks here. When it goes in gear though it feels like there should be a clunk heh.

[evo_dadi]

what sound ;) cant really hear nothing since i have an aftermarket exhaust already :)

[MarkSAE]

Alright, that's good to hear. I'll prolly go w/ the metal ones when I decide I need to change 'em.

[Boostd4]

Just ordered mine :driving: .

[Boostd4]

Just installed the metal bushings...all I can say is that this is a must-do for better shifting...best $50 I've spent on this car so far.

Thanks for the awesome write up EvolvedDSM! Your directions were much clearer than the supplied instructions.

[MarkSAE]

I finally got around to getting a set of the Speed Source bushings for my car. I just installed the under hood bushings tonight. I'd like to add a few notes to the install.

Getting the stock bushings off was a pain... w/o any lubrication! Once I sprayed a decent amount of WD40 onto the stock rubber bushings, they slipped off rather easily.

My brass bushings were slightly oversized. I think Speed Source purposely build them oversized by a few thousanths to account for cars with shifter cables in the upper tolerance range. No biggie. I just took my dremel and sanded down the outside of the bushing until it slipped into the cable easily. It only took 2-3 sanding passes around the bushing until it fit.

One thing I like about these bushings is that they're heavy compared to the OE rubber ones. This will generate the same effect as the counterweight shift knobs.

I just went for a quick 2 mile drive after the install and my initial impressions are that these things definitely help reduce the notchiness. Shifts are smoother and more precise. Like all the other folks in this thread already pointed out, I'll give this mod a :thumbsup: