Last week Kevin discussed some of the finer details that go into the design and development of every short shifter we release. We had several questions in response to this article regarding our selection of shift throw reduction pertaining specifically to our decision to leave the angular side-to-side shift throw untouched in our shifter applications.
It is not difficult to adjust both angular front-to-back and angular side-to-side shift throw in the design of a short shifter (angular shift throw being defined as the angle which the shifter travels through between gears front to back, or side to side). In fact, most vehicles would simply require an additional bracket or shift arm to be included with the kit. Our decision to retain stock side-to-side angular throws in our short shifter design is a very deliberate one.
Basically, reduction of front-to-back throw will facilitate faster shifting (the distance that the shifter travels is reduced, thus reducing the time needed to shift gears). The situations that require the fastest shifting are high RPM runs, where the entire power band is being used for each shift. When you're shifting at redline the potential damage a mis-shift can cause is catastrophic -- we're talking smashed valves, blown oil pumps, and even big ugly holes in your engine block. Having well spaced-out gears, or well defined shift "gates" will help ensure a 1-2-3-4 shift instead of a 1-2-3-2 shift (ouch!).
Perhaps this point is best illustrated by a very expensive lesson Toyota was forced to learn in 2000-2001. In 2000, with the release of it's sporty new Celica GT-S featuring a new close ratio 6 speed gear box, Toyota was making a run at the sport compact market which was dominated by Honda's high revving V-Tec powered Integra and Civic at the time. Unfortunately, not long after the car hit the streets, stories began to surface about mis-shifts and blown engines. What first seemed like a series of unfortunate coincidences rapidly became a PR nightmare and Toyota ended up replacing or recalling a HUGE number of engines.
What's the lesson here? Fast precise shifting means not only a quick trip though the gears, but also landing in the gear you're actually looking for. Reducing the width of the shift gates only increases the chances of user error, and frankly doesn't do anything for feel or comfort while shifting. Well defined, confidence-inspiring shift gates coupled with short precise front-to-back throws is the recipe for the best times on the ¼ mile, or the safest "spirited" run through the gears.
Happy Shifting...
K. Wegert
TWM
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K. Wegert