8th Generation Honda Civic Forum - View Single Post

dryerlint88 · 07-12-2007, 08:12 PM

So I installed the TWM short shifter on my car today. I got the works- shift cable bushings, shifter bushings, shift kit, everything. I put it all on before I test drove it. So anyway here's my story....

First off, the directions show more toward the 06 SI than the 06 EX/LX/DX not that this is a problem, except that the air filter housing is in a different spot and requires different methods to remove.

The kit came very well packaged, and included everything you need with the exception of the obvious tools. UPS boned up on my order and took their slow sweet time shipping it, but it was sent out very promptly and kudos to TWM for that!

Now for the driving experience-

I will say from the beginning that NO you will NEVER miss a shift again. Ever.

However, I feel that the "firmness" this kit adds.... really brings out the clunky nature of these transmissions. Now, don't take this as gospel. In a month I will revisit this thread to tell if it has settled any. I will definitely admit that this kit makes the shifts VERY precise. In this department, I feel that they excel!

The firmness I am referring to is NOT the confidence inspiring firmness that makes you want to compete with Al Papito (a famous mustang driver, very quick shifter, almost as if he doesnt shift at all.... that quick). It brings out the shortcomings in our transmissions. You want a transmission to feel like you're not shifting at all as far as smoothness? Not this. You want a transmission that will never miss a shift? This is it.

I will say that I have been a little spoiled in this department. I've driven cars that are well.... luxury and performance oriented. They really do try their best to make it feel as though you aren't shifting without losing the confidence that you wont miss the shift.

Also, my brother's prelude has the shift length equal to mine, but with a much lower clunk rating.

Final note, I will elaborate that this is NOT a problem with TWM shifters. It is an inherent problem with honda's transmissions. Don't expect a $50,000 car transmission in a $20,000 honda civic. I am very pleased with this product, I just do not wish for anyone to be disillusioned into thinking they will retain that smooth gliding motion that honda's transmissions have about 80% of the time.

07-12-2007, 08:12 PM	#1 (permalink)
dryerlint88 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 103 iTrader: 0 / 0%	My TWM review! So I installed the TWM short shifter on my car today. I got the works- shift cable bushings, shifter bushings, shift kit, everything. I put it all on before I test drove it. So anyway here's my story.... First off, the directions show more toward the 06 SI than the 06 EX/LX/DX not that this is a problem, except that the air filter housing is in a different spot and requires different methods to remove. The kit came very well packaged, and included everything you need with the exception of the obvious tools. UPS boned up on my order and took their slow sweet time shipping it, but it was sent out very promptly and kudos to TWM for that! Now for the driving experience- I will say from the beginning that NO you will NEVER miss a shift again. Ever. However, I feel that the "firmness" this kit adds.... really brings out the clunky nature of these transmissions. Now, don't take this as gospel. In a month I will revisit this thread to tell if it has settled any. I will definitely admit that this kit makes the shifts VERY precise. In this department, I feel that they excel! The firmness I am referring to is NOT the confidence inspiring firmness that makes you want to compete with Al Papito (a famous mustang driver, very quick shifter, almost as if he doesnt shift at all.... that quick). It brings out the shortcomings in our transmissions. You want a transmission to feel like you're not shifting at all as far as smoothness? Not this. You want a transmission that will never miss a shift? This is it. I will say that I have been a little spoiled in this department. I've driven cars that are well.... luxury and performance oriented. They really do try their best to make it feel as though you aren't shifting without losing the confidence that you wont miss the shift. Also, my brother's prelude has the shift length equal to mine, but with a much lower clunk rating. Final note, I will elaborate that this is NOT a problem with TWM shifters. It is an inherent problem with honda's transmissions. Don't expect a $50,000 car transmission in a $20,000 honda civic. I am very pleased with this product, I just do not wish for anyone to be disillusioned into thinking they will retain that smooth gliding motion that honda's transmissions have about 80% of the time.