Shifter questions.

[slide13]

My new to me '03 Vibe GT has been driving great since I got it about a week ago, but now I have some questions regarding the shifter. The previous owner had a LED light shifter knob installed that I didn't care for so decided to order a Monster Knob to replace it. Nice, simple black knob with actual threads on it to fit the stock shifter rather then some universal adapter system. So I got my knob today (which is awesome, really nicely done) and I went to put it on. When I got the old shift knob off however I discovered that the original owner completely destroyed the shaft of the shifter when he put this knob on. It looks like he hacked off a good portion of the threads with a Dremel tool and completely stripped off the rest of them. Works fine with the universal adapter with the set screws, but now there is no way for me to get my Monster Knob on. My questions:Is it possible to replace just the shaft part of the shifter that the knob screws onto or do I have to do the whole thing? If it is, anybody know the approximate cost and difficulty to install? If not, what are the thoughts on the TWM short shifter? How tough is the install for someone who doesn't do much work on cars at all (though I did once install a short shifter in a '88 5.0 Mustang)? I really don't have the extra $250 to spend right now, but I hate the current shift knob and knowing that the stock shifter if all buggered up just bothers me. Besides...I really want to use my Monster Knob.Thanks for any help you all can provide.

[slide13]

Another question for those with the TWM short shifter...are the threads for the shift knob the same as stock so I can use my Monster Knob or is it a different thread?

[Herb]

Quote, originally posted by slide13 »My questions:Is it possible to replace just the shaft part of the shifter that the knob screws onto or do I have to do the whole thing? If it is, anybody know the approximate cost and difficulty to install? If not, what are the thoughts on the TWM short shifter? How tough is the install for someone who doesn't do much work on cars at all (though I did once install a short shifter in a '88 5.0 Mustang)? I really don't have the extra $250 to spend right now, but I hate the current shift knob and knowing that the stock shifter if all buggered up just bothers me. Besides...I really want to use my Monster Knob.Another question for those with the TWM short shifter...are the threads for the shift knob the same as stock so I can use my Monster Knob or is it a different thread?Thanks for any help you all can provide. Well I supposed you could always go to a scrap yard to see if you can find a used assembly. This would be the cheapest. You can use the same shifter assembly as a base model 5 speed as well.As for the TWM short shifter, it's pretty easy to install and uses the same thread as the stock shifter, and it would be the same amount of work if you were to install a stock shifter. It does feel more precise and is a relatively easy mod as well. I would suggest you cover the end of the spring clips with some thing soft as it can poke through the shifter boot.That being said the TWM shifter is a little more difficult to shift because it's shorter you have less leverage so unless your Monster knob is heavy you might build up some muscle on your arm when you are driving. One other thing I would look into is getting some bronze shifter bushings as well, they are about $20 on eBay and they also help with the feel of the shifting.There are some discussion and photos of some member's install at: http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=16277

[sjbourg]

I have had my TWM shifter in for a month or so now and absolutely love it. People suggest that it is harder to shift due to the decreased length, but I disagree. However, I did get one of their weighted shift knobs. YES, the threads on the TWM are the same as the stock shifter. The install is really easy. It takes a little over an hour or so. If you get one, buy it off ebay, as TWM puts them on ebay as "best offer" auctions and they usually take the first offer at a good discount. Also, if you do this mod, you should replace the shifter base bushings with the brass/metal replacements. You can also get those on ebay for 1/2 the price as buying them from speedsource.com. Finally, the last mod you should include is to replace the shifter cable bushings with the brass replacements. Again, you can get these on ebay for 1/2 the price as speedsource.com. Doing all this will make your GT shift much smoother and collectively will probably cost less than replacing the stock shaft (if you buy it from Toyota). Anyways, let me knwo if you have any other questions about this topic. SJ

[slide13]

Thanks for the info! Good to know it's the same threading so at least I can use the knob I want if I get the short shifter. Great tips about buying on Ebay as well, I'll definitely do that. Does anyone happen to know what the stock threading actually is? Think it would be possible to find a proper die and cut new threads on my existing shifter shaft?

[slide13]

Got it fixed. Found out the threading on the shifter is M12x1.25. I found a die and rethreaded the end of the stock shifter shaft and I now have my Monster Knob installed. Lots cheaper then a new shifter.

[nate06]

Sweet thanks for finding out the threading for me. I am going to have my brother make me a shift knob. He does CNC machining. When he had a truck with a manual transmission he would make shift knobs all the time.

[nate06]

Also is what you did essentially a poor mans way of making a short throw shifter?

[slide13]

Not really I don't think. I mean, the shaft has been shortened (by previous owner...not myself) so the throw is a little shorter overall, but that is all. I think true short throw shifters change the leverage of the shifter....check out http://www.twmperformance.com, they have a good graphic showing how a real short throw shifter works.This setup is ok, and nice since I can't afford a new shifter right now but it probably isn't a mod I would have done on my own.

[nate06]

I wouldn't do it either I was just wondering if it was similar. I will follow the link to learn more.

[Herb]

Quote, originally posted by slide13 »This setup is ok, and nice since I can't afford a new shifter right now but it probably isn't a mod I would have done on my own.The short shifter is probably one of the easiest mods to do for the novice. No cutting involved. If you can use a screwdriver and read instructions, you are pretty much qualified to do an install

[slide13]

I meant I would not have chopped the stock shifter myself....not that I couldn't, I just wouldn't have. I figured I could do the short shifter install, did one on my old Mustang and it wasn't too hard so this can't be too bad either I figure. I just can't really afford it at the moment.