When you are changing gears in a manual vehicle, the inescapable fact is that time will be involved. If you consider how many changes you make in your average race and add all that time up, there are whole minutes that can be shaved off your best times by optimising these changes.
To slash that time down, short shifters are used in performance vehicles, reducing the distance the stick must travel to put the car into gear. This is also called a short-throw, as you do not have to move the stick as far.
There are other benefits, including the fact that you’ll be keeping your engine revs high – which equates to more power while reducing the time that you have one hand on the wheel. This means greater control and safety.
How do short shifters work?
A common misconception about these parts is that your entire gear changing mechanism is reduced in size to accommodate shorter throws. This is not accurate, as the distance the shaft needs to travel to lock into the next gear will remain the same. What changes, however, are the angles through which the shaft travels. A reduced angle means it takes less of a distance for your hand to reach the stick.
Things to consider
While there are plenty of benefits that come from installing one of these aftermarket kits (especially when it comes to price), there are some changes that you also need to be aware of.
The distance you are moving the stick may not be as long, but the reduced angle means you will need to exert more effort to get it there. That takes practice to perfect. It also means that it will be harder to change gears when your vehicle is cold, as you may find the transmission stiff, to begin with.
Once you are used to these nuances, though, you will be gliding through and slashing enormous amounts of time off your personal best.
Will this wear out my transmission?
The actual process inside your transmission does not change, so there is nothing specific that you can do with your stick to fast-track wear and tear. If you try and move it faster than the synchro wants to engage, that can cause damage – but this is true of any gearstick.
Take control of your changes with the best aftermarket accessories
Pro Speed Racing stocks a wide range of parts, components and accessories from the world's biggest and best suppliers. This includes all the accessories you will need to improve your vehicle's performance, including:
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Shifter bushes: Protect your transmission and get a better feeling in the hand with these soft rubber protective barriers.
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Shift knobs: These are available in all colours, shapes and styles to suit your personality.
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Shifter accessories: We have all your replacement needs covered, including tuners, locks, stops and more, to fit all makes and models.
Pro Speed Racing is more than just your Australian distributor of the finest performance vehicle parts in the country – we are also here to help you. Call our team today to find out the best ways to use aftermarket parts to optimise your ride.
