Getting your vehicle to optimum performance can take a lot of work. Some of those strategies can involve big projects such as modifying the engine, while others — like short throw shifters — can be small additions that make a world of difference. Aside from boosting performance, short throw shifters can also improve your overall driving experience.
If you’re thinking about installing a short throw shifter in your vehicle, it’s important to look at some deeper details — what they are, how they work and their pros and cons.
What Is a Short Shifter?
A short throw shifter is a manual transmission vehicle upgrade that shortens the distance needed to shift gears with the gear lever. In a typical gear shifter, you’ll have longer throws to transition between different gears — a short throw shifter utilizes an innovative design that decreases that distance, allowing for easier, more efficient driving.
A short shifter will create tighter, shorter shifts that appeal to many people looking for the best performance and numerous driving advantages.
How Does a Short Throw Shifter Work?
Many people believe that a short throw shifter works by shortening the gear shifter. While the shifter is sometimes shortened, its main design relies on the pivot point. The pivot point is the central location from which the gear shifter moves — in a short throw shifter, the angle between the shifter and the pivot point is reduced, allowing for a much crisper, tighter shift as you switch between gears.
To achieve this, the pivot point is moved higher, allowing for a shorter range of motion and the ability to better control your vehicle.
Short Shifter vs. Regular Shifter
As you look into buying a short throw shifter, you may be wondering what the actual differences are between a short shifter versus a regular shifter. The main difference between the two is the length of the throw between gears.
With a stock shifter, the pivot point is lower, so you’ll have to take more time to shift between gears, keeping one hand off the wheel. A short shifter shortens that angle, moving the pivot point up and allowing crisper, tighter shifts that eliminate a lot of that extra shifting time.
If you’re just a casual driver, you might not even be noticing these long throws. Some drivers might even prefer this more prolonged shifting. But for those looking at performance, those long throws can significantly take away from the driving experience. Short throw shifters add another level of fun to driving, allowing you to spend more time with your hands on the wheel while also taking advantage of confident, crisp shifts.
The Pros and Cons of a Short Shifter
A throw shifter can be a great addition to your vehicle, offering so many benefits. Still, it’s important to take a look at both the pros and cons of short throw shifters so you can be sure they’re the right product for you.
Pros
Short throw shifters are popular for a reason. They’re a cost-efficient way to boost your vehicle’s performance and are great additions for anyone looking for a little more control over their car. Here are some benefits of short throw shifters:
- Better performance: One of the clearest benefits of a short throw shifter is performance. Instead of making long throws between gears, the short throw shifter significantly reduces that distance, allowing you to spend more time with two hands on the wheel instead of focusing on transitioning gears. Though a small change, it can greatly improve your car’s performance.
- Improved control: Many people who use short throw shifters also say they feel more connected to their vehicle. Those tighter, shorter shifts can offer a more enhanced connection between driver and car.
- Visual appeal: Short throw shifters can give you more than just boosted performance. You’ll be able to choose from a wide selection of shifts and match it to the interior of your vehicle. Short shifters can offer a more refined, professional look to your interior cabin.
- Quick installation: If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to improve your driving, a short throw shifter might be the perfect investment. It’s one of the easiest performance mods to complete.
Cons
There are many benefits to short throw shifters. While it can be helpful to look at those advantages, it’s also important to understand some potential drawbacks, like:
- More effort required: Although a short throw shifter offers the driver more control and quicker, tighter shifts, it will also take some extra power to get to each gear. Many drivers like this because it requires more confident shifts.
- Driver-specific upgrade: Short throw shifters are also driver-specific — the casual driver might not benefit much from the addition of a short throw shifter. More experienced drivers, however, or those who are into performance and racing, can take a lot of advantages and immediately notice the difference between a short throw shifter and a regular shifter.
Installing a Short Throw Shifter
Compared to other car projects, installing a short throw shifter can be fairly easy. You just need to make sure you’re taking your time and reading through your product’s specific installation instructions so you can be confident when it’s finished.
Start by removing your current shifter along with the boot assembly or plate, which will depend on your vehicle’s make and model. Swap out the bushing and install the short shifter, bolting it in place but not over-tightening the bolts. Above all else, follow the short shifter manufacturer’s instructions for installation.
One of the most important steps when installing a short throw shifter is finding the right place to buy it from. There are plenty of options out there to choose from, and while independent sellers might offer enticing prices, you should find a trusted dealer that can give you quality products.
Upgrade to a Short Throw Shifter With Top Flight Automotive
Top Flight Automotive is ready to help you find your short throw shifter. We’re a car parts and tools provider that offers a huge selection of quality products. At Top Flight Automotive, you’ll get convenience, with just about everything you need in one online location. We also make sure all of our products are made from durable, quality materials. That, paired with our team’s years of experience in the auto industry, means you’ll find long-lasting tools and parts you need for your vehicle upgrades.
When you’re undertaking an installation process, you want to make sure you’re getting quality parts. Top Flight Automotive can get you what you need. Shop online today!
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