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Miata Roadster Short Shifter Review.

22K views 28 replies 15 participants last post by  Rdrcr 
#1 ·
In my opinion the OEM Miata shifter is not ideal for comfort or performance driving because of the height and angle of the shifter. I don’t find it pleasurable to constantly shift only using my wrist and when I’m attempting to up/down shift quickly, I either miss a shift or occasionally find myself in the wrong gear. As a result of my frustration I needed to find a solution to my OEM shifting problems.

At first I tried the Cobalt short shifter hoping it would help. It made matters worse. The only difference between the Cobalt and the OEM shifter was the length of the shaft, the Cobalt being shorter. Going shorter was not the answer. It felt like I was reaching into a bowl to pull shifter lever. The Cobalt SS was not practical and not too comfortable. The Cobalt short shifter was quickly removed and replaced with the original factory shifter.

I then tried a variety of shift knobs to attach to the OEM shifter. They helped some but, did not give me the comfort, leverage, and engagement feel I’m seeking.

My continued search led me to the Miata Roadster ‘Tall-Angled’ Short Shifter. At $175 it was not cheap but, I decided to make a purchase and give it a chance. It did not disappoint. The MR SS comes with a plethora of parts (including new OEM gaskets, boots, and seals) and detailed, well organized, illustrated instructions. The installation was easy, straight-forward, and took me roughly 20 minutes.

The Miata Roadster ‘Tall-Angled’ Short Shifter version places the shift knob at the perfect height and angle. With the MR SS I shift with my arm and not my wrist. The result is an enormous amount of additional leverage for positive shift engagements and a ton of extra comfort. The shifter throw feels like it has been reduced a little bit, even with a longer shaft. I really enjoy shifting with the MR SS and I have not missed a shift yet. The comfort, leverage, and feel are awesome. In my opinion, this is the best shifter on the market for the Miata.







Mike
 
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#4 ·
Thanks for reviewing this piece. I was quite curious when I saw it on the Miata roadster website. I am running a Fidanza short shifter with all new OEM bushings and an angled shift extender. I assume it is quite similar to your setup and love the difference it made to the shifter. Had the Miata roadster short shifter been around when I got mine I probably would have gotten theirs instead.
 
#8 ·
Thanks guys for the compliments. I hadn't read any reviews or even heard about the MR SS, so I figured it was worth it for me to do a review. It's an awesome SS, I highly recommend it.

Mike
 
#9 ·
I'm glad you're enjoying it but it looks silly to my eye. At least it solves the major problem with most short throws that you don't have enough leverage anymore so you have to strong-arm shifts on what was once an effortless shifter. And in theory I know the shorter distance from the wheel to the knob makes for less time with your hand off the wheel during shifts, but... just looks goofy to me.
 
#13 ·
Another Miata Roadster Short Shifter Review.

Finally got around to installing this kit after having it for a couple of months. In hindsight, I should have installed it the same day I recieved it! First of all, the quality of the parts are superb. Polished shifter, delrin bushings & all the hardware (sans the upper shift boot are included.
Installation was a breeze! No fitment issues whatsoever (attests to the quality of the parts) it all went in like OEM. I took treekiller's advice and went to the Ford dealership and purchased two quarts of Honey Oil for the tranny and turret fluid changes. Not cheap but, it's fully synthetic and constantly being reformulated as technology allows, good stuff!! This kit changes the fulcrum point as opposed to shortening the shaft (burying it in the boot!). I have seen all the pros and cons of each but, ultimately (for me) it's all about "feel" (and yeah, it doesn't get more subjective than that)

That being said, the feeling is "Sublime". Click, Click, Click. The throws are short, precise and effortless. I occasionaly would miss 3rd (UGH!) that's now a thing of the past. Time will tell how it holds up but, I have high expectations of this kit.

Conclusion: Love it! It does exactly what I want it to do and the bonus for me is I did not have to sacrifice the overall length of the shifter
Pic shows (L-R) Factory, mine , and the angled available version.


shifters (3).png [ 359.43 KiB | Viewed 54 times ]
 

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#17 ·
Re: Another Miata Roadster Short Shifter Review.

Finally got around to installing this kit after having it for a couple of months. In hindsight, I should have installed it the same day I recieved it! First of all, the quality of the parts are superb. Polished shifter, delrin bushings & all the hardware (sans the upper shift boot are included.
Installation was a breeze! No fitment issues whatsoever (attests to the quality of the parts) it all went in like OEM. I took treekiller's advice and went to the Ford dealership and purchased two quarts of Honey Oil for the tranny and turret fluid changes. Not cheap but, it's fully synthetic and constantly being reformulated as technology allows, good stuff!! This kit changes the fulcrum point as opposed to shortening the shaft (burying it in the boot!). I have seen all the pros and cons of each but, ultimately (for me) it's all about "feel" (and yeah, it doesn't get more subjective than that)

That being said, the feeling is "Sublime". Click, Click, Click. The throws are short, precise and effortless. I occasionaly would miss 3rd (UGH!) that's now a thing of the past. Time will tell how it holds up but, I have high expectations of this kit.

Conclusion: Love it! It does exactly what I want it to do and the bonus for me is I did not have to sacrifice the overall length of the shifter
Pic shows (L-R) Factory, mine , and the angled available version.


shifters (3).png [ 359.43 KiB | Viewed 54 times ]
Agreed. Well said.

Mike
 
#20 ·
^^^
Very cool. Subjective perhaps, but, you can't argue with the additional leverage. :mrgreen:

I can't wait to check this shifter out on the track...my custom 6 pt. roll bar should be installed soon.

Mike
 
#29 ·
^^^^
The MR SS changes the fulcrum point to shorten the shifts even with a longer shaft. If you simply add a longer knob, you would essentially not only have a longer overall shaft but make the shifts throw longer too. That's why I really like this SS.

Mike
 
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