My TWM review!

[dryerlint88]

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.

[ensoniq]

I hear ya ..... Ive had this kit for around a month and half and topped it off with a Skunk 2 knob ... and its just clunky... but as you stated you wont miss a shift.... but the smoothness is nothing like the 91 300ZX TT I used to own.

[Izzy]

I've noticed it's made the shifting VERY mechanical. Almost like it's an actual machine () than a glidingly smooth shift. Hell, even a Prelude (first drive in one, ever!) felt hella smooth when I drove it this past weekend. But, I rather like that aspect of it...it's...MEATY.

Glad you like the TWM stuff though! I can't recommend them enough!

[marecki7]

Its a nice little mod.

[Quantum]

I just installed my SS+base bushings yesterday and my reaction was exactly the same. The shifting is very precise, which I like a lot since I occasionally did miss a shift. However, it is very stiff and cluncky feeling now, which I find disappointing. I was thinking about taking the SS off but I'll give it a while before I mess with it again. Will a weighted shift knob help at all?

[Izzy]

A little. The extra weight makes more momentum, making the shifts a little smoother. I found that with time though, the shifter loosened up a bit. It still feels a LITTLE clunky, but my third gear is suddenly easy to slip into -- much more so than before.

[TWM Performance]

Hi dryerlint88,

Thanks for the review of our short shifter, very well done.

Kevin
TWM