One thing that's always difficult when you're buying or selling parts via the internet is comparative shopping. When you don't have toaster A in your hand to compare to toaster B how are you going to know if one is better than the other? The same goes for short throw shifters. We've always done our best to point out the unique aspects of our shifters on our website but when you don't know what you're comparing the parts to it's tough to understand the message we're trying to convey.
That being said, I dug into the 'ol shifter graveyard this week and pulled out a couple of the competition's Mazda Protégé short shifters to help me illustrate some key points about the design of our parts. This week will be part one of a several installment commentary so enjoy!
Part 1: The Inner Bearing Brace Bushing (say that five times fast!)
Every rod actuated shifter has a lower pivot point which mounts to the fore-aft controlling shift rod. This lower pivot point plays a major role in the overall feel and smoothness of the shifter. A poor connection between the shifter and the bolt which holds it to the shift rod can cause friction or free play, two things which certainly don't help you shifting experience.
Here is a picture of two of our competitor's parts:
Starting with Brand X, notice that the bushings used in the lower pivot point are plastic. This is very similar to the stock set up by relying on a high friction connection between the bolt and the shifter. Plastic or nylon bushings are very prone to wear and over time can become loose. Once they've worn out you'll notice a great deal of play in your shifter as well as vibration noise as the shifter will be contacting the bolt or fork directly. Also, the Brand X shifter requires that you re-use the stock bolt from your OEM shifter. In many cases this bolt is several years old (or more) and encrusted with dirt and rust. Often in older cars this bolt frequently breaks during removal leaving anyone trying to install this shifter in an awkward position…
Brand Y, though slightly more thought out, still has some serious flaws. By using a bronze bushing wear isn't as big an issue, however the stock bolt is still required and a bronze on metal contact point will generate substantial friction. Once dirt and rust get between the bolt and the bushing shifting will get very rough.
Now, here's a cross section of a TWM Performance Mazda Protégé lower pivot point:
There are a couple of things to point out in this design. First, note that we use two industrial grade rubber sealed bearings in the base of our shifter. These bearings are built specifically for harsh environments and will always spin freely. When compared to a plastic or bronze bushing, a bearing such as this provides much less resistance and creates a FAR more effortless, smooth shift. Also, we include a special brace bushing between the bearings which keeps them from becoming distorted while the bolt is tightened down. A great deal of effort has gone into this design to not only ensure that your shifting is as smooth as possible but to also guarantee the components used will last the life of your car.
Finally, pictured right is a cylindrically ground stainless steel shoulder bolt which we include with all our Protégé shifters. The manufacturing process of this bolt creates a very smooth surface which will not corrode or wear. So if you break the rusty old bolt that came with the car you won't be stuck like you would be with the competition's parts.
That's all for now, I'll go over some more points next week but 'till then happy shifting!
K. Wegert
TWM
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K. Wegert