Mods for a better shifting experience

**dentrecords** · 11-21-2006, 12:33 PM

I've installed the following and I whole heartedly recommend this to everyone looking for a much tighter, precise feel.

Comptech Short Shifter
CorSport Online Store: Honda - 06+ Civic

Skunk2 Weighted Shift Knob
CorSport Online Store: 627990081

Corsport Cable Bushings
CorSport Online Store: Honda - 06+ Civic - CSU_HONCB

TWM Shifter Base Bushings
TWM Performance Shifter Bushings

I first started with the Comptech Short Shifter, and I immediately noticed an improved feel. The throw was drastically reduced and my whet my appetite for further mods. This is the length of the throw that should have come from the factory.

I obtained a Skunk2 shift knob, and that worked just perfectly in conjunction with the short shifter. Throws seemed much easier and quicker. I really love the feel and shape of this shift knob. I still love the feel and shape of the stock knob too, but the added weight definitely made it easier to feel confident about fast shifts.

I heard about the corsport cable bushings and installed them. I felt much more connected to the transmission. It felt more mechanical. Much of the vagueness that was previously present was removed with this modification. I did notice that when the car was cold, shifts seemed to take a little more effort but this smoothed out as the temperature rose. It also got better as I drove a few more times, the bushings do break in just a little. Perhaps a bit of grease could help as well. This installation was much easier for me as I'd already removed the stock airbox when I installed my cold air intake.

Finally, I decided to take the plunge on the TWM base bushings. I was a little skeptical about what difference this would make at first, but the following explanation helped me understand their purpose a bit better:
"The base bushings solidify the shifter - for example if you push on the shifter when it's in 1st gear you'll feel flex from the rubber base bushings. When you replace them with our base bushings this is eliminated."

This is completely accurate. I notice the shifts seem nearly effortless now, much more fluid. It is as if by securing the shift lever, I've eliminated all stiffness that the Corsport bushings had seemingly introduced. In all fairness, the Corsport bushings only introduced a bit of stiffness because of the stock shifter bushings. I believe this is because the rubber bushings were a bit squishy and would compress a bit first before the shift rods move. Now, the shifter is firmly planted so any motion you make with the shifter translates directly and instantly to the linkage. This wasn't a difficult install, but it was a little tricky simply trying to position the base bushings in place before bolting the shifter back down again. I do recommend you get some sticky tack to place on the top of the bushings so they can stay attached to the shifter as you're placing the other bushings in place, otherwise this would be very difficult and could take you far more time than necessary. Took me 20 minutes, taking my time and using sticky tack.

If you are going to do the bushings, do yourself a huge favour and get both the base bushings and the cable bushings.

Oh, and I recommend one of these as well

06/07 Civic SI Shift Boots

Update:

I changed out my transmission fluid to the new Honda MTF to fix the slight grinds I've felt when shifting from 2nd -> 3rd. I've noticed the shifts feel smoother, and I haven't felt anything grind since. There is an occasional bit of notchiness but nothing to worry about. I used the following DIY's instructions to help me out.

DIY: Changing Manual Transmission Fluid - 8th Generation Honda Civic Forum

Canadian owners can obtain the Suction Grease Gun from Canadian Tire (part #28-2620-8) for $19.99. Canadian Tire

US owners look here (Thanks to Janizary!).

YA745A, Gun, Oil Suction, 20 oz. Capacity (The expensive snapon tools version)

Plews Suction Gun

http://www.etoolcart.com/browseprodu...n-ATD5004.HTML

***GeezerSi*** · 11-21-2006, 12:54 PM

Thank you.

forty.water · 11-23-2006, 04:16 PM

Wow very informative thread...thanks for the links too!

**Nomar06** · 11-23-2006, 04:29 PM

I have the Corsport cable bushings, Comptech SS and the Team Voodoo shift knob. Will be getteing the base bushings soon.

Feels better when shifting now. The Voodoo knob is countersunk so "throw" feels even shorter.

**dentrecords** · 11-23-2006, 04:30 PM

cheers

blaznhot_23 · 11-23-2006, 05:26 PM

i have the TWM (SS, base bushings and type R style weighted shift knob) and corsport cable bushings. all of these definitely give a more solid/connected feel. the only complaint i have was with the cable bushings both were a b@#$h to put it. i greased both bushings and still had problems sliding them in ...even with a c-clamp. I finally resorted to putting in the bushings with my matco ball joint kit. i used one with a adjustable jaw and bolt press. it has like 9 different clamps/presses that you use for front end work. so other than that little hitch i'm completely satisfied...oh and i have the auger shift boot as well.

***m1k3*** · 11-24-2006, 10:27 AM

ive got my comptech SS in my r18, its awsome, i need to get the base brushings though

televascular · 11-25-2006, 02:46 PM

I've posted this in another thread, but:

The best mod for shifting, in my experience, is using Specialty Formulations' MTL-P. I have the '06 Si, and it's smoothed up the shifting to the point of eliminating my 3rd gear notchiness. Currently, I only have the Comptech SS, and the combination is heavenly! The synthetic fluid (100% PAO) makes a huge difference in shift quality. I suppose any synthetic lube will have a similar effect, but the SF-MTL-P is for Honda trannies and works very well. There are brass deactivators to help protect the synchros, and it's many, many times better than Honda MTF.

Don't think about it. Just buy it. You won't regret it, I promise. I didn't think a fluid could have so much effect on shift feel until I used it.

forty.water · 11-29-2006, 08:24 PM

I just wanted to say that I installed my TWM SS and bushings today, and my new TWM type-r knob, and OMG!!!! What a difference it makes, it really is amazing!!!

Bleached · 11-29-2006, 10:58 PM

I installed my TWM SS and base bushings a week ago, and on the first drive I was like holy crap! Now a week later it seems as if the throw has become less short and feels like stock again. I don't see how this could be true so I am assuming it's a psychological thing and I'm just used to the throw so it doesn't feel as short as it did when I first put it on. Just wondering if anone has noticed/felt this.

**dentrecords** · 11-29-2006, 11:38 PM

Definitely a psychological thing. Find a stock version and compare it. You'll laugh out loud like I did.

***DSchrag*** · 11-30-2006, 03:57 PM

I definately have become accustomed to the shorter throw to the point where I'm craving an even shorter throw.

Tybeedon · 11-30-2006, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSchrag

I definately have become accustomed to the shorter throw to the point where I'm craving an even shorter throw.

While I'm waiting for my new Si to arrive I am being "forced" to drive my S2000 (yeah, I know, "you poor SOB!

). Anyhow, many S2K owners also want a shorter throw; there are at least two SS products on the market for the car right know. Same thing for Boxster/BoxsterS and TSXs, and I'm sure there are lots more for other makes.

I found that just installing a Voodoo Ball knob (deep recess) made for shorter shifts on the S2K, but I'd STILL like it shorter! I guess we gearheads can never be 100% happy -- always searching for that leetle bit "extra."

I think the really high-end audio nuts are far worse in that regard than those of us who are middling-mod-insane with our cars.

BTW, I drove my S2K back-to-back with a 2003 BoxsterS ... Boxster tranny felt like rowing a boat by comparison. I hear the 2006 Porsches have shorter throws throughout the product line for MT-based cars, but they still aren't going to be short enough to suit me and/or anyone driving an Si with SS + the washers/bushings/knob mods: this is almost guaranteed, and SS sales may well continue unabated. Ha! I'd still give a left you-know-what for a Carrera 4S!!!!!

All_bets_off · 12-01-2006, 02:41 PM

+1 Good Review and recommendation

***Zeuceone*** · 12-01-2006, 02:47 PM

do the cable bushings really make a difference after a ss, weighted knob, and base bushings.?

**dentrecords** · 12-01-2006, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeuceone

do the cable bushings really make a difference after a ss, weighted knob, and base bushings.?

To be honest, I can't say for sure as I had the cable bushings in first, and I'm certainly not about reinstall the stock ones to let you know

but logically speaking, consider this... your shifter can be stiffened up but when you change gears and actuate your shift rods, there still will be a bit of flex in the linkage bushings.. so you've probably felt a huge difference from stock already, but not 100% of the lever movement is instantly translated to the transmission due to the rubber bushings being slightly compressed before actuating anything inside the transmission. I guarantee that you won't notice as much of a difference putting these in compared to a short shifter, but I feel they are definitely worthwhile..

***DSchrag*** · 12-02-2006, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeuceone

do the cable bushings really make a difference after a ss, weighted knob, and base bushings.?

From all accounts (do a few few searches or check out the Corsport/TW folders) the difference is apparent and quite nice. You're stiffining up the other side of the transmission, giving a more "balanced" better throw.

06blaksi · 12-02-2006, 11:13 AM

I have the cable bushings, shifter, and boot. I'm waiting for Corsport to release the base bushings and a shift knob will be one of my Christmas presents

blaznhot_23 · 12-02-2006, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dentrecords

but not 100% of the lever movement is instantly translated to the transmission due to the rubber bushings being slightly compressed before actuating anything inside the transmission. I guarantee that you won't notice as much of a difference putting these in compared to a short shifter, but I feel they are definitely worthwhile..

i agree w/ dent...in my opinion the stock rubber bushings give you a stock feel w/ each shift. this is due to the fact that those bushings absorb some of the kinetic motion you input through the linkage which in turn can give you somewhat of a sloppy throw. now this is where the corpsort bushings come into play...when you replace the stockers...you now have a "direct" connection to the tranny. play is eliminated now because there is no more points of absorption anymore. it will give a very linear, solid, and mechanical shift throw. if you have a strong throw...meaning you bang your gears hard...then you will definitely like all the shifting mods described in this thread :)

***Undispu7ed*** · 12-02-2006, 08:03 PM

1+ for dentrecords and also tagging this for when I get my RR Si =]

11-21-2006, 12:33 PM	#1 (permalink)
dentrecords ™ Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Ottawa, Ontario Age: 26 Posts: 105,418 Mike iTrader: 34 / 100%	Mods for a better shifting experience I've installed the following and I whole heartedly recommend this to everyone looking for a much tighter, precise feel. Comptech Short Shifter CorSport Online Store: Honda - 06+ Civic Skunk2 Weighted Shift Knob CorSport Online Store: 627990081 Corsport Cable Bushings CorSport Online Store: Honda - 06+ Civic - CSU_HONCB TWM Shifter Base Bushings TWM Performance Shifter Bushings I first started with the Comptech Short Shifter, and I immediately noticed an improved feel. The throw was drastically reduced and my whet my appetite for further mods. This is the length of the throw that should have come from the factory. I obtained a Skunk2 shift knob, and that worked just perfectly in conjunction with the short shifter. Throws seemed much easier and quicker. I really love the feel and shape of this shift knob. I still love the feel and shape of the stock knob too, but the added weight definitely made it easier to feel confident about fast shifts. I heard about the corsport cable bushings and installed them. I felt much more connected to the transmission. It felt more mechanical. Much of the vagueness that was previously present was removed with this modification. I did notice that when the car was cold, shifts seemed to take a little more effort but this smoothed out as the temperature rose. It also got better as I drove a few more times, the bushings do break in just a little. Perhaps a bit of grease could help as well. This installation was much easier for me as I'd already removed the stock airbox when I installed my cold air intake. Finally, I decided to take the plunge on the TWM base bushings. I was a little skeptical about what difference this would make at first, but the following explanation helped me understand their purpose a bit better: "The base bushings solidify the shifter - for example if you push on the shifter when it's in 1st gear you'll feel flex from the rubber base bushings. When you replace them with our base bushings this is eliminated." This is completely accurate. I notice the shifts seem nearly effortless now, much more fluid. It is as if by securing the shift lever, I've eliminated all stiffness that the Corsport bushings had seemingly introduced. In all fairness, the Corsport bushings only introduced a bit of stiffness because of the stock shifter bushings. I believe this is because the rubber bushings were a bit squishy and would compress a bit first before the shift rods move. Now, the shifter is firmly planted so any motion you make with the shifter translates directly and instantly to the linkage. This wasn't a difficult install, but it was a little tricky simply trying to position the base bushings in place before bolting the shifter back down again. I do recommend you get some sticky tack to place on the top of the bushings so they can stay attached to the shifter as you're placing the other bushings in place, otherwise this would be very difficult and could take you far more time than necessary. Took me 20 minutes, taking my time and using sticky tack. If you are going to do the bushings, do yourself a huge favour and get both the base bushings and the cable bushings. Oh, and I recommend one of these as well 06/07 Civic SI Shift Boots Update: I changed out my transmission fluid to the new Honda MTF to fix the slight grinds I've felt when shifting from 2nd -> 3rd. I've noticed the shifts feel smoother, and I haven't felt anything grind since. There is an occasional bit of notchiness but nothing to worry about. I used the following DIY's instructions to help me out. DIY: Changing Manual Transmission Fluid - 8th Generation Honda Civic Forum Canadian owners can obtain the Suction Grease Gun from Canadian Tire (part #28-2620-8) for $19.99. Canadian Tire US owners look here (Thanks to Janizary!). YA745A, Gun, Oil Suction, 20 oz. Capacity (The expensive snapon tools version) Plews Suction Gun http://www.etoolcart.com/browseprodu...n-ATD5004.HTML __________________ SEARCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

11-21-2006, 12:54 PM	#2 (permalink)
*GeezerSi* Hidy ho neighbor Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Palm, PA Posts: 12,763 -> Ken iTrader: 5 / 100%	Thank you. __________________

11-23-2006, 04:29 PM	#4 (permalink)
Nomar06 mmm...what a tasty burger Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Charlotte, NC Age: 27 Posts: 21,416 iTrader: 4 / 100%	I have the Corsport cable bushings, Comptech SS and the Team Voodoo shift knob. Will be getteing the base bushings soon. Feels better when shifting now. The Voodoo knob is countersunk so "throw" feels even shorter. __________________

11-23-2006, 04:30 PM	#5 (permalink)
dentrecords ™ Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Ottawa, Ontario Age: 26 Posts: 105,418 Mike iTrader: 34 / 100%	cheers __________________ SEARCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

11-24-2006, 10:27 AM	#7 (permalink)
*m1k3* t('.'t ) Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Jax, FL Age: 19 Posts: 1,527 Mike iTrader: 2 / 100%	ive got my comptech SS in my r18, its awsome, i need to get the base brushings though __________________ 06 FG1 LX MT AEM CAI \| Magnaflow Cat-Back \| Comptech SS \| TWM Bushings \| Eibach Prokit \| Enkei Evo 6

11-23-2006, 04:16 PM	#3 (permalink)
forty.water Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: CA Posts: 584 iTrader: 2 / 100%	Wow very informative thread...thanks for the links too!

11-23-2006, 05:26 PM	#6 (permalink)
blaznhot_23 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: 661, CA Posts: 8,037 MS Motorsports kicks ass!!! iTrader: 9 / 100%	i have the TWM (SS, base bushings and type R style weighted shift knob) and corsport cable bushings. all of these definitely give a more solid/connected feel. the only complaint i have was with the cable bushings both were a b@#$h to put it. i greased both bushings and still had problems sliding them in ...even with a c-clamp. I finally resorted to putting in the bushings with my matco ball joint kit. i used one with a adjustable jaw and bolt press. it has like 9 different clamps/presses that you use for front end work. so other than that little hitch i'm completely satisfied...oh and i have the auger shift boot as well.

11-25-2006, 02:46 PM	#8 (permalink)
televascular Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: New Jersey Posts: 275 iTrader: 0 / 0%	I've posted this in another thread, but: The best mod for shifting, in my experience, is using Specialty Formulations' MTL-P. I have the '06 Si, and it's smoothed up the shifting to the point of eliminating my 3rd gear notchiness. Currently, I only have the Comptech SS, and the combination is heavenly! The synthetic fluid (100% PAO) makes a huge difference in shift quality. I suppose any synthetic lube will have a similar effect, but the SF-MTL-P is for Honda trannies and works very well. There are brass deactivators to help protect the synchros, and it's many, many times better than Honda MTF. Don't think about it. Just buy it. You won't regret it, I promise. I didn't think a fluid could have so much effect on shift feel until I used it.

11-29-2006, 08:24 PM	#9 (permalink)
forty.water Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: CA Posts: 584 iTrader: 2 / 100%	I just wanted to say that I installed my TWM SS and bushings today, and my new TWM type-r knob, and OMG!!!! What a difference it makes, it really is amazing!!!

11-29-2006, 10:58 PM	#10 (permalink)
Bleached Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 91 iTrader: 0 / 0%	I installed my TWM SS and base bushings a week ago, and on the first drive I was like holy crap! Now a week later it seems as if the throw has become less short and feels like stock again. I don't see how this could be true so I am assuming it's a psychological thing and I'm just used to the throw so it doesn't feel as short as it did when I first put it on. Just wondering if anone has noticed/felt this.

11-29-2006, 11:38 PM	#11 (permalink)
dentrecords ™ Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Ottawa, Ontario Age: 26 Posts: 105,418 Mike iTrader: 34 / 100%	Definitely a psychological thing. Find a stock version and compare it. You'll laugh out loud like I did. __________________ SEARCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

11-30-2006, 03:57 PM	#12 (permalink)
*DSchrag* Breaking things since '84 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Saratoga Springs, NY Age: 23 Posts: 524 iTrader: 0 / 0%	I definately have become accustomed to the shorter throw to the point where I'm craving an even shorter throw.

12-01-2006, 02:41 PM	#14 (permalink)
All_bets_off Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Austin, TX Age: 24 Posts: 881 Sean iTrader: 0 / 0%	+1 Good Review and recommendation

12-01-2006, 02:47 PM	#15 (permalink)
*Zeuceone* Kill Your Self Krew Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Killa Cali. Posts: 45,687 iTrader: 19 / 100%	do the cable bushings really make a difference after a ss, weighted knob, and base bushings.? Last edited by Zeuceone; 12-01-2006 at 03:11 PM.

12-02-2006, 11:13 AM	#18 (permalink)
06blaksi Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Westchester NY Age: 40 Posts: 49,291 iTrader: 23 / 100%	I have the cable bushings, shifter, and boot. I'm waiting for Corsport to release the base bushings and a shift knob will be one of my Christmas presents

LinkBacks (?) LinkBack to this Thread: http://www.8thcivic.com/forums/do-yourself-articles/20890-mods-better-shifting-experience.html
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12-02-2006, 08:03 PM	#20 (permalink)
*Undispu7ed* VIP Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Miramar, FL Posts: 3,675 Jon iTrader: 1 / 100%	1+ for dentrecords and also tagging this for when I get my RR Si =]