MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Workshop => Maintenance, Problems & Troubleshooting => Topic started by: Anonymous on May 17, 2004, 10:29

Title: 6sp Shortshift
Post by: Anonymous on May 17, 2004, 10:29
Just fitted myself a TRD shrotshifter to my '04 '2. It would appear that the shortshifter is transferrable between 5spd and 6spd as stickers are included to cover 3 different gear selection patterns (which include the 5spd and 6spd).

Now, what I want to clarify, if anybody has fitted any shortshifter to a 6spd, is how difficult is it to select reverse with the shifter fitted? I originally thought I'd messed something up (and still might have   s:roll: :roll: s:roll:  ) because I originally thought that I could not select reverse. After taking the seats out and the drive tunnel apart again, I couldn't see anything fouling, so pushed a bit harder (i.e. a lot) to the left and then it would engage reverse. Is this normal, or should it be as easy to select reverse as it was prior to the shortshift kit being added?

Not too much of an issue as it makes sure that reverse is only selected when definitely required. I ask because my better half found it almost impossible to engage reverse so would not like to drive the car in this state. I know that might seem a good option but I would like her to be able to drive it. She could engage reverse by using two hands to shift the stick, but that ain't really practical.

Will the shortshifter loosen up at all as I think it was fitted to a 5spd before so will never have been coaxed into the reverse position on a 6sp.

I've done a search but couldn't find any 6sp specific info so would appreciate any feedback people may have. Love the notchy change through the gears now though, would just be nice to have an easier reverse. I can see Mr T telling me something is wrong when it goes in for a service   s:roll: :roll: s:roll:  

Thanks guys and gals  s;) ;) s;)
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Post by: Anonymous on May 18, 2004, 11:38
Noone fitted a short shift to a 6spd that can comment?   s:cry: :cry: s:cry:    s:cry: :cry: s:cry:
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Post by: Anonymous on May 19, 2004, 10:45
Right, I've emailed a few companies to see if this can get sorted. Hopefully it will loosen up a bit, or I can adjust something. Took me about 5 attempts to get it in reverse today  s:( :( s:(

Worse comes to the worst, I'll sell the TRD quickshift on and go back to stirring porridge  s:( :( s:(

I'll post something if I get a decent reply that sorts anything so future people know.
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Post by: Anonymous on May 19, 2004, 13:36
Hanslow .. sorry buddy doesnt appear like anyone has done this apart from you!
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Post by: markiii on May 19, 2004, 13:38
Adam is doing it, but on the 6speed that comes with teh 2zz.

However as the part is the same for both the celica 6speed and teh roadster, I'd say it should fit fine., whether you missed something I don't no.
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Post by: Anonymous on May 19, 2004, 14:00
LOL @ floater   s:wink: :wink: s:wink:   I guessed as much   s:( :( s:(  

Mark, I don't think I missed anything  s:( :( s:(  All I had in the kit was the new gearstick/cage assembly, 4 shiny metal bushings.

I basically fitted it as a refit of taking the old one out. Clipped the push rod back round the bottom of the stick, attached the other push rod with the proper clip and washer, fitted bushings under the cage (which is where I assume they are meant to go) bolted it back in. Wasn't anything else to it. If someone can point out something wrong in the above, I'd be very happy! Gears 1-6 work fine....just bleedin' reverse.

I'll PM Adam and see what he says about his. I'm happy with it apart from reverse   s:evil: :evil: s:evil:   Just checked on the TRD website and the codes are different (although I don't know how much difference it makes). The Celica is 33530-ZT300 and the '2 is 33530-ZW300. Can a W make all that difference?   s:wink: :wink: s:wink:  

Good job I've got nothing booked for the weekend because it looks like the seats and centre tunnel are coming out again   s:roll: :roll: s:roll:

Anyone round Nottingham want to give a numpty a hand?   s:oops: :oops: s:oops:    s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
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Post by: Anonymous on May 19, 2004, 14:20
Hanslow ... so you must be mastering the art of parking (somehow) in spaces that do not need reverse, this is easily accomplished in our work car park except when you get blocked in by a f3cking 206 everyday of the f'ing week.

sorry for that little rant.  Hanslow if I was in the Notts area then I would gladly lend a hand and have a look at your dodgy short shifter.
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Post by: Anonymous on May 19, 2004, 14:29
It goes in reverse....just sometimes needs two hands to coax it   s:evil: :evil: s:evil:  

I have a feeling if it isn't sorted soon, I'm going to end up with a left arm like Popeye, and a right arm like Olive   s:shock: :shock: s:shock:    s:cry: :cry: s:cry:    s:roll: :roll: s:roll:
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Post by: Anonymous on May 19, 2004, 14:35
ah the double handed coax!  I used to have this in the my 26 year old mini!  Mate ... is the short shifter good (apart from the problem with reverse), I have been toying with getting one?  How much etc was it...  How much shorted a throw is it?  would you say is it noticeably shorteer?
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Post by: Anonymous on May 19, 2004, 14:45
Yes the shifter is good  s:) :) s:)  I got it second hand but fensport have them for about 130 I think. Throw is reduced by about 20% I think the stats say. It doesn't lean to the left like the B&M (which was why I went for the TRD) and it's easy to fit (apart from me having the reverse issue). B&M is supposed to be around 40% reduction in throw, but is also around two inches shorter in length which might account for some of the extra throw reduction. TRD one maintains the same height as the standard stick.

It used to be on a 5spd, and I haven't yet found anything to say that they differ between a 5 & 6spd and the box comes with stickers for both shift patterns so it should be OK. Took me about an hour to fit not knowing how things go together, but could probably fit one now in about 1/2 an hour  s:) :) s:)

The throw is noticeably shorter, and the metal bushings make it a lot notchier and smoother to engage gears. Prefer it loads to standard, which is why I want this to be sorted and not have to revert back to standard.

Put it this way, if I can't get it sorted, my TRD shifter might be up for grabs  s:( :( s:(
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Post by: Anonymous on May 19, 2004, 15:08
Looks like Adam has a similar stiffness issue as me. Seeing as the car only has 2.5K on the clock (not too bad for 2 months ownership!) I'll give it a bit longer and see if it beds in a bit better  s:) :) s:)

...but I might take it apart at the weekend again just to check  s;) ;) s;)
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Post by: markiii on May 19, 2004, 15:40
try a set of these,

 m http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthr ... did=118326 (http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?s=9e6af5f74ba184627328a56ddcc0da7f&threadid=118326) m

Sean and both have them and it makes a big difference, takes the notchiness out of the short shift and just maies for a nice clean shift to every gear.

first was always a bit stubborn on my B&M this solved it completely.

and at approx £15 cheap too.

In fact I'd recomend them even if you don't have a short shifter.
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Post by: Darth Paul on May 19, 2004, 16:50
Quote from: "markiii"try a set of these,

 m http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthr ... did=118326 (http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?s=9e6af5f74ba184627328a56ddcc0da7f&threadid=118326) m

Sean and both have them and it makes a big difference, takes the notchiness out of the short shift and just maies for a nice clean shift to every gear.

first was always a bit stubborn on my B&M this solved it completely.

and at approx £15 cheap too.

In fact I'd recomend them even if you don't have a short shifter.

Mark/Shaun

So you recommend these for the stock shifter? First has always been stiff (on both cars) and I can't go the short shifter route (much as I want to) as Bev would hate it.  s:roll: :roll: s:roll:    s:evil: :evil: s:evil:  So I want to improve the feel.

How easy are these to install? Could a complete muppet do it?

Cheers

DP
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Post by: markiii on May 19, 2004, 16:53
you need to remove the airbox, but since you have teh apexi you won't need to.

other than that, you'll need a flatblade screwdriver, pair of pliers, some copper grease and 30 mins of your time.

easy.

in your case also look at the ones that go under teh shiftercage up front. Same benefit, less slop in teh shift, but it's no short shifter so Bev will be happy.

both sjhould work together.
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Post by: Darth Paul on May 19, 2004, 16:57
Cheers Mark.  s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
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Post by: Anonymous on May 19, 2004, 16:57
I've emailed the chap to find out about costs in sending over to the UK as I might revert back to the stock shifter but with metal bushings on both the shifter and cables and then sell on the TRD. Going to see what the costs are and whether I can live with my tight reverse for a few days.

Thanks for pointing them out Mark. The Celica thread makes interesting reading and it could be a better option that my better half would prefer  s:) :) s:)
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Post by: Anonymous on May 19, 2004, 18:42
Right, I may be jumping to conclusions, but reading around on the Celica board (on the link Mark posted above) the guys are saying that they can't use the TRD shortshift on the later 6spd models because Toyota changed the gates (whatever they are  s;) ;) s;)  ) between some of the gears so the stick no longer lines up properly. The problems they describe are they exact problems I have  s:( :( s:(

You can get it to work by transferring the TRD stick to the newer housing of the existing stick, but I really can't be arsed with that and the reason I went for the TRD anyway was to have it as a complete swappable assembly without too much messing around.

Guess I'll just sell the TRD shifter on to someone with a 5spd which it should work in fine (seeing as though that's what it came from!).

Think I'll order a set of the metal bushings from the states and stick with the stock stick but with the notchier feel.
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Post by: Anonymous on May 19, 2004, 19:13
my understanding has always been that the short shifter wasnt suitable for the 6 speed thats why I went the dremmel route

I fitted the TRD shifter to my 2001 celica and had no such issues, consequently would suggest that it must be a gate issue as you said

unfortunately sounds you were the guiniepig  s:-( :-( s:-(
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Post by: MRMike on May 19, 2004, 19:17
Yeah sorry to hear about that Hanslow, but TBO you've saved others misfortune as I was going to get one.
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Post by: markiii on May 19, 2004, 19:18
it really is 10 minutes work to change teh stick from one cage to another. since you already own it I would try this first.

see the B&M article on teh front page for guidance.
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Post by: Anonymous on May 19, 2004, 19:58
Too late, just whipped it out  s;) ;) s;)

Some lucky 5 speed owner can have it instead  s:D :D s:D

Think I'll just go the uprated bushings route instead. Just means the missus will be able to drive it again now   s:shock: :shock: s:shock:    s:wink: :wink: s:wink:  

At least the rest of the board members know now.
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Post by: Anonymous on May 19, 2004, 22:55
how about a GB for those shifter bushings. im interested, although im a little confused on how to fit them   s:? :? s:?  ...
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Post by: Anonymous on May 19, 2004, 23:31
Tom, the gearstick ones are a doddle to fit. If Bongo buys my TRD, he's local to you so he should be able to show you how/where they fit  s:) :) s:)  Failing that, I'm not too far.

Group buy could be good....if someone else wants to organise it   s:twisted: :twisted: s:twisted:    s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
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Post by: Anonymous on May 19, 2004, 23:46
does the tunnel thing (where the gear stick and handbrake are) have to come out in order to fit them? as i know to do this, the seats also have to come out   s:? :? s:?
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Post by: Anonymous on May 20, 2004, 09:01
Yep it does, although if you have a tool that is like a ratchet spanner with a screwdriver head, you don't need to take the seats out.

I don't, and you don't have to physically take the seats out. You just need to unbolt them so you can tilt them up slightly. It really is a 5 minute job with the seats  s:) :) s:)
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Post by: GSB on May 20, 2004, 09:32
I just bent an old phillips head screwdriver in a vice and used that, did the whole job in about 10 minutes so no, the seats dont have to come out.

Having said that, its only 8 bolts and a 10 minute job to get the seats out...
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Post by: MRMike on August 18, 2004, 22:26
For reference just fitted a B&M copy shortshifter to my 6 speed, and all works fine, reverse, gears engage reasonably well also.  Going to get  some speed source shifter bushings as it's not perfect yet!  

Just thought I'd mention it as i was worried about your experiences Hanslow whilst fitting it!