One of my favorite upgrades to any car is the
installation of a short shifter. In this article, I'll explain
how to install a short shifter in a Mazda Miata. The
installation will be very similar for every Miata with the removal
of the center console being the exception. The install was on
a '99 Miata.Tools Necessary
- reliable socket set
- metric wrenches
- screw driver
Start by securing the car. Using the emergency brake will
work, but blocking the tires will be safer.
Once the car is secure, remove the shift knob by turning it
counterclockwise.
Pull out the center console by removing screws located in the
storage bin, under the ashtray and on both sides towards teh front
of the console. With the screws removed, pry up on the console
to release it.
With the console loose, remove the harness plug on the bottom of
the console
Remove the sound deadening that is surrounding the shifter.
Cut the zip tie around the shifter and remove all of the bolts
that hold the environment seal.
Remove the three bolts that keep the shifter in place.
With the three bolts removed, you can pull the shifter out of the
transmission. Take a moment to check out the difference
between the original shifter and the new shifter.
You will need to retain all of the hardware that is attached to
the original shifter unless you buy new hardware or it is included
with the kit. There is a bushing on the bottom of the shifter
then a retaining ring at the top of the pivot.
Insert the new shifter.
Insert the retaining ring.
Reinstall the rest of the interior and finish with the shift knob
of your choice.
As you can see, the shifter installation is very straight
forward. This installation took me about 30 minutes.
Realize that different shifter manufacturers will have slightly
different.
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