Factory Short Shift Kit install

bickford · 06-10-2006, 03:35 PM

The dealer threw in the short shift kit with my 06 sti when I picked it up a few weeks ago, I couldn’t find any install instructions so I made some to try to help out anyone else who wants to install one. I will apologize in advance for my horrible photography skills haha

Tools needed:
10, 12, 14, 17mm wrenches
Jack Stands
Jack
Needle nose pliers

Step 1: Once the car is up on jack stands / a lift, you want to support the transmission and remove the rear cross member. You will need to remove it later anyway, it also makes it much easier to work without it in the way. I used a bottle jack and block of wood to support the tranny, but im sure a transmission jack would work much better if you have one.
This picture shows the cross member removed

Step 2: Once the cross member is unbolted you will need to unplug the 02 sensor, and unclip its harness from the cross member. It is held by two plastic clips that can be pushed out of the holes in the member without much trouble.

Step 3: Remove the bolt from the lower rod, I believe it is a 14mm. The nut on the other side is attached to the bracket, so you don’t need a wrench on it. I found that ratcheting wrenches work best for most of these bolts.
The bolt that needs to be removed is the one going through the rubber bushing shown in the upper right of this picture

Step4: Now you can disconnect the reverse lockout cable. It is held in with a pin that can be pulled out with a pair of pliers. I stuck an Allen wrench through the cam as shown in the Cobb ss install when I removed it just incase. There is a washer on the lockout cable that may be stuck in the grease, you will want to take it off and set it aside so it doesn’t get lost. The lockout cable can be seen on the left side of the picture above. You can now move the lower rod down, and move the lockout cable out of the way.

Step 5: Loosen the bolt on the shift linkage, it’s above the lockout cable and lower rod. You will need two 12 mm wrenches to loosen it.

Step 5b: This is the tricky part. When you go to remove the bolt from the linkage it is too long to come out. After about an hour I decided to look it up in the manual. This is what I found: “Move the transmission to the right side, and then remove the joint COMPL stay bolt. NOTE: If the transmission is not moved the joint COMPL and stay bolt will contact the body and may cause damage."
So, you will now need to remove the front cross member and push the transmission to the right (passenger) side. This is the most difficult part of the install. I switched out the bottle jack for one with wheels so that it would move with the tranny. I then removed the front cross member, and moved the tyranny about two inches to get the bolt out. It takes a good amount of force, so be prepared.

Step 6: Now you are ready to go inside the car, and complete the removal. You will need to remove shift knob and the trim around the shifter. This is done by pulling up on the sides of the boot. Next there are 4 Phillips screws that need to come out to remove the rest of the console. You will need to unplug the Cig lighter, and the DCCD controls before you can take these pieces out. If you need more info on this check out the hspn Cobb ss install.

Step 7: Now remove the 4 10mm bolts on the metal bracket around the base shifter. Push the shifter to the front of the car and remove it through the hole.

Here is a side by side view of the two. The green is the SS.

Step 8: Put the new assembly back into the car, push it to the front, and then go under the car. You will see a rubber bushing that the pin on the back of the assembly slides into, make sure that it is all the way in.

Step 9: Install the 4 10mm bolts at the base of the shifter, don’t tighten them all the way until after everything is together.

Step 10+: Reverse the disassembly steps to finish up the install.

Torque Specs:
Linkage: 8.7 ft-lbs
Lower Rod: 23.6 ft-lbs
4 10mm bolts on shift base: 5.5 ft-lbs
Rear cross member 51.6 ft-lbs
Front cross member 103 ft-lbs

Now you’re all done, go ahead out and try it out. Make sure you can go into each gear without any binding, and that the reverse lockout still works. I also noticed that the short shift has a silver ring around the reverse lockout.

TRM 04-AUG-2006: added to the How-To Catalog sticky

bickford · 06-10-2006, 03:39 PM

After two weeks of mildy shorter shifts, I will agree with most people who think that it is not worth the $300+ price tag. The shifts do feel much more solid, and definatly crisper than stock, so im happy with it.

Hope this helps some people, and if anyone has any corrections / better methods, let me know.

Chris

flytojungho · 06-13-2006, 04:07 PM

cool.. so the dealer just gave you the kit without installing it for you?

turbojoey · 06-13-2006, 04:15 PM

nice but you should have put in the TIC bodacious bushing bundle while you had all that crap off....i put it in with my STI shifter and if is super solid...! enjoy !!!

Kirv · 06-13-2006, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turbojoey

nice but you should have put in the TIC bodacious bushing bundle while you had all that crap off....i put it in with my STI shifter and if is super solid...! enjoy !!!

^^^
turbojoey is right, the TiC bushings change the whole feeling of the shifter. I love stop an go traffic now.

Jag32 · 06-14-2006, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirv

^^^
turbojoey is right, the TiC bushings change the whole feeling of the shifter. I love stop an go traffic now.

What are TiC bushings and where can I get them?

Are they the same as the Kartboy bushings?

turbojoey · 06-15-2006, 03:55 AM

TIC stands for Turn In Concepts...www.turninconcepts.com....i got the "bodacious bushing bundle" ....they have many...and it came with Kartboy rear stay, Kartboy front stay, and TIC linkage bushings!!! check them out...they are one of the best companies i have ever delt with...and since you already took all that stuff apart for your short shifter, the install should be fairly easy!!!

***playboy5k*** · 06-15-2006, 04:44 PM

Do you think that this one is better than the Cobb short-shifter?

Monarch

Doctor Subie · 06-16-2006, 09:35 AM

My STI came with the factory SS, and I changed it to a Kartboy SS. The difference is factory is 10% reduction, Kartboy 30% reduction in throws. The COBB is more $$, but adjustable. It's also a bit nicer looking than the Kartboy (which looks industrial), but the shifter's not visible under the shift boot anyhow.

kts262 · 06-16-2006, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by playboy5k

Do you think that this one is better than the Cobb short-shifter?

The Subaru STi short shifter replaces the whole shifter assembly whereas the Kartboy, Cobb, GFB, etc short shifters only replace the shifter rod. Thus you can use both for the uber-short shift if you really wanted to.

That said if you already have your STi I wouldn't drop the $$$ for the factory short shifter, I would just get the Kartboy, Cobb, etc short shifter and install that since they are a lot cheaper, easier to install, and give you a shorter throw. And like some other people have mentioned, the Cobb one is adjustable.

I'm planning on installing my Kartboy shifter bushings this weekend, driving with just those for a week or two and then installing my Cobb short shifter.

***Majin*** · 06-16-2006, 10:42 AM

i have the Cobb shifter, i think it's fantastic... adjustable throw and shifter height.

p.s.: excellent write up!

bickford · 06-16-2006, 03:44 PM

thanks guys,

the dealership was going to install the shifter, but i convinced them to give it to me so i could use the labor for other things. I will probably just end up getting some oil filters or something.
Now i’m defiantly going to order a set of the bushings soon, sounds like they are great.

dobie0791 · 06-17-2006, 06:43 AM

I just ordered the STi short shifter with some subie bucks. Keeping the stock lever height was important to me.
I also ordered the TIC bodacious bushing bundle.
I have access to a mechanic's pit, so install should be ok.
2 questions;
Does anyone know if the tranny needs to be moved over for the 05 as well (i see there are some changes between 04/05 and 06)?
Do the Kartboy and TIC bushings need to be lubed when they are installed?

SoaReS · 06-17-2006, 01:00 PM

OEM short shifter FTW!!!!

The Reaper 975 · 06-17-2006, 01:13 PM

I have a question regarding the factory short throw shifter. My 05 came with one installed from factory. Pictures of it uninstalled appear to be a bit more complex than the Kartboy or the Cobb SS. I like my shifter but have recently purchased the Kartboy SS. Is the Kartboy able to bi installed in a vehicle that had the Subaru STi short throw shifter kit?

John

06-10-2006, 03:35 PM	#1
bickford Senior STI Driver Car: 06 obp/g sti Fav Mod: Whiteline sways Location: Durham / Wolfeboro NH Posts: 307 Join Date: Feb 2006 Trader Rating: (0)	Factory Short Shift Kit install The dealer threw in the short shift kit with my 06 sti when I picked it up a few weeks ago, I couldn’t find any install instructions so I made some to try to help out anyone else who wants to install one. I will apologize in advance for my horrible photography skills haha Tools needed: 10, 12, 14, 17mm wrenches Jack Stands Jack Needle nose pliers Step 1: Once the car is up on jack stands / a lift, you want to support the transmission and remove the rear cross member. You will need to remove it later anyway, it also makes it much easier to work without it in the way. I used a bottle jack and block of wood to support the tranny, but im sure a transmission jack would work much better if you have one. This picture shows the cross member removed Step 2: Once the cross member is unbolted you will need to unplug the 02 sensor, and unclip its harness from the cross member. It is held by two plastic clips that can be pushed out of the holes in the member without much trouble. Step 3: Remove the bolt from the lower rod, I believe it is a 14mm. The nut on the other side is attached to the bracket, so you don’t need a wrench on it. I found that ratcheting wrenches work best for most of these bolts. The bolt that needs to be removed is the one going through the rubber bushing shown in the upper right of this picture Step4: Now you can disconnect the reverse lockout cable. It is held in with a pin that can be pulled out with a pair of pliers. I stuck an Allen wrench through the cam as shown in the Cobb ss install when I removed it just incase. There is a washer on the lockout cable that may be stuck in the grease, you will want to take it off and set it aside so it doesn’t get lost. The lockout cable can be seen on the left side of the picture above. You can now move the lower rod down, and move the lockout cable out of the way. Step 5: Loosen the bolt on the shift linkage, it’s above the lockout cable and lower rod. You will need two 12 mm wrenches to loosen it. Step 5b: This is the tricky part. When you go to remove the bolt from the linkage it is too long to come out. After about an hour I decided to look it up in the manual. This is what I found: “Move the transmission to the right side, and then remove the joint COMPL stay bolt. NOTE: If the transmission is not moved the joint COMPL and stay bolt will contact the body and may cause damage." So, you will now need to remove the front cross member and push the transmission to the right (passenger) side. This is the most difficult part of the install. I switched out the bottle jack for one with wheels so that it would move with the tranny. I then removed the front cross member, and moved the tyranny about two inches to get the bolt out. It takes a good amount of force, so be prepared. Step 6: Now you are ready to go inside the car, and complete the removal. You will need to remove shift knob and the trim around the shifter. This is done by pulling up on the sides of the boot. Next there are 4 Phillips screws that need to come out to remove the rest of the console. You will need to unplug the Cig lighter, and the DCCD controls before you can take these pieces out. If you need more info on this check out the hspn Cobb ss install. Step 7: Now remove the 4 10mm bolts on the metal bracket around the base shifter. Push the shifter to the front of the car and remove it through the hole. Here is a side by side view of the two. The green is the SS. Step 8: Put the new assembly back into the car, push it to the front, and then go under the car. You will see a rubber bushing that the pin on the back of the assembly slides into, make sure that it is all the way in. Step 9: Install the 4 10mm bolts at the base of the shifter, don’t tighten them all the way until after everything is together. Step 10+: Reverse the disassembly steps to finish up the install. Torque Specs: Linkage: 8.7 ft-lbs Lower Rod: 23.6 ft-lbs 4 10mm bolts on shift base: 5.5 ft-lbs Rear cross member 51.6 ft-lbs Front cross member 103 ft-lbs Now you’re all done, go ahead out and try it out. Make sure you can go into each gear without any binding, and that the reverse lockout still works. I also noticed that the short shift has a silver ring around the reverse lockout. TRM 04-AUG-2006: added to the How-To Catalog sticky This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad. Last edited by TRM : 08-24-2006 at 03:31 PM.

06-15-2006, 04:44 PM	#8
*playboy5k* Platinum Member Car: 05 Subaru WRX STi OB Fav Mod: Ultimate Racing GT35R(ooops I meant GT30R). Location: Camp Zama, Japan. Posts: 522 Join Date: Sep 2005 Trader Rating: (12)	Short-Shifter. Do you think that this one is better than the Cobb short-shifter? Monarch

06-17-2006, 01:13 PM	#15
The Reaper 975 Junior STI Driver Car: 05 Subaru WRX STi Fav Mod: Blue " I " Badge Location: Patterson, NY Posts: 77 Join Date: Mar 2006 Trader Rating: (3)	I have a question regarding the factory short throw shifter. My 05 came with one installed from factory. Pictures of it uninstalled appear to be a bit more complex than the Kartboy or the Cobb SS. I like my shifter but have recently purchased the Kartboy SS. Is the Kartboy able to bi installed in a vehicle that had the Subaru STi short throw shifter kit? John This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.

06-10-2006, 03:39 PM	#2
bickford Senior STI Driver Car: 06 obp/g sti Fav Mod: Whiteline sways Location: Durham / Wolfeboro NH Posts: 307 Join Date: Feb 2006 Trader Rating: (0)	After two weeks of mildy shorter shifts, I will agree with most people who think that it is not worth the $300+ price tag. The shifts do feel much more solid, and definatly crisper than stock, so im happy with it. Hope this helps some people, and if anyone has any corrections / better methods, let me know. Chris

06-13-2006, 04:07 PM	#3
flytojungho Spec C Club Car: 06 STI Fav Mod: Prodrive oval tip Location: carmel indiana Posts: 1,277 Join Date: Mar 2005 Trader Rating: (0)	cool.. so the dealer just gave you the kit without installing it for you?

06-13-2006, 04:15 PM	#4
turbojoey Banned Car: 06 STI Fav Mod: water in I/C tank Location: Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton, PA Posts: 149 Join Date: Feb 2006 Trader Rating: (0)	nice but you should have put in the TIC bodacious bushing bundle while you had all that crap off....i put it in with my STI shifter and if is super solid...! enjoy !!!

06-15-2006, 03:55 AM	#7
turbojoey Banned Car: 06 STI Fav Mod: water in I/C tank Location: Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton, PA Posts: 149 Join Date: Feb 2006 Trader Rating: (0)	TIC stands for Turn In Concepts...www.turninconcepts.com....i got the "bodacious bushing bundle" ....they have many...and it came with Kartboy rear stay, Kartboy front stay, and TIC linkage bushings!!! check them out...they are one of the best companies i have ever delt with...and since you already took all that stuff apart for your short shifter, the install should be fairly easy!!!

06-16-2006, 09:35 AM	#9
Doctor Subie Junior STI Driver Car: 2006 STI OBP Fav Mod: Kartboy SS Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 164 Join Date: May 2006 Trader Rating: (1)	My STI came with the factory SS, and I changed it to a Kartboy SS. The difference is factory is 10% reduction, Kartboy 30% reduction in throws. The COBB is more $$, but adjustable. It's also a bit nicer looking than the Kartboy (which looks industrial), but the shifter's not visible under the shift boot anyhow.

06-16-2006, 10:42 AM	#11
*Majin* A.X.D. Car: 2004 STi Location: LI, NY Posts: 12,792 Join Date: Apr 2004 Trader Rating: (2)	i have the Cobb shifter, i think it's fantastic... adjustable throw and shifter height. p.s.: excellent write up!

06-16-2006, 03:44 PM	#12
bickford Senior STI Driver Car: 06 obp/g sti Fav Mod: Whiteline sways Location: Durham / Wolfeboro NH Posts: 307 Join Date: Feb 2006 Trader Rating: (0)	thanks guys, the dealership was going to install the shifter, but i convinced them to give it to me so i could use the labor for other things. I will probably just end up getting some oil filters or something. Now i’m defiantly going to order a set of the bushings soon, sounds like they are great.

06-17-2006, 06:43 AM	#13
dobie0791 Junior STI Driver Car: 05 PSM STi Location: Nor Cal Posts: 105 Join Date: Oct 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	I just ordered the STi short shifter with some subie bucks. Keeping the stock lever height was important to me. I also ordered the TIC bodacious bushing bundle. I have access to a mechanic's pit, so install should be ok. 2 questions; Does anyone know if the tranny needs to be moved over for the 05 as well (i see there are some changes between 04/05 and 06)? Do the Kartboy and TIC bushings need to be lubed when they are installed?

06-17-2006, 01:00 PM	#14
SoaReS S204 Racer Car: 05\|WRB\|STi Fav Mod: Cobb Stage 2 Location: H-Town, NJ Posts: 3,814 Join Date: Aug 2005 Trader Rating: (3)	OEM short shifter FTW!!!!