i have been really debating on wether i should get a short throw shifter or not. i read a lot of threads on this and some say they are good, others say they suck and could mess up your syncros A LOT easier. i came to the conclusion that if i got one i would get a skunk2 double bend, because it is about the same stick height (1/4in. higher i hear) and the double bend puts the lever farther back. i am 6' 1'', so i think i would really like a double bend as opposed to the stock single bend. but then i head that the stock shifter from a integra gsr is a double bend and should fit perfectly in a 6th gen civic. i found exploded views of the shifters and the integra is a double bend, but the part numbers are different. i think this might just be because one is honda and one is acura, but i am not sure. they sure look the same in the pics, but you can't always go by that. i was wondering if anyone could tell me more about the integra shifter and if they have done this/seen it done or anything like that. i know A LOT more about hondas than i do about acuras, so any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks for reading and thanks for any replies.
integra shifter in my ex?
- Thread starter lj17
- Start date
Can you post those exploded vie pics?
I bought an APC (yes yes it's a POS) and it's spec'd for both Integra and Civic. Construction quality aside, the fit issues are basically the ball joint (which fit perfectly), the stick height (which you determined), and the length from the ball joint to the shift linkage (which fits just fine... except on my 6th gen EX it bangs the exhaust pipe... a typical problem with many short shifters of all brands in this car)
I bought an APC (yes yes it's a POS) and it's spec'd for both Integra and Civic. Construction quality aside, the fit issues are basically the ball joint (which fit perfectly), the stick height (which you determined), and the length from the ball joint to the shift linkage (which fits just fine... except on my 6th gen EX it bangs the exhaust pipe... a typical problem with many short shifters of all brands in this car)
yeah i have been reading a lot from people who say their short throws hit their exhausts (i think i heard skunk2, dc, and other "good" ones have even hit too). in the pics, the whole ball joint position and shift linkage appear to be the same, its just that one is a double bend and the other is not. also, i did notice that the skunk2 would fit 92-00 civic and 94-01 integras, but i just wasn't sure. mainly because i found multiple parts numbers for the gsr shifter and they all looked the same.
here is the integra gsr shifter
if the gsr shifter will bolt right into my civic i think i will just buy one of those, probably from the dealership. i don't mind spending a little more money for something if it is worth it, and i doubt that it will be more expensive than the $99 skunk2. i really just want the double bend; i liked the feel of the stock one, and i think with new bushings it will be great. i bet i can shift just as fast with a stock than a short throw anyway, plus you have the smooth feel and don't have to worry about the tranny. anyway, thanks for the reply and to whoever else that wants to add something.
if the gsr shifter will bolt right into my civic i think i will just buy one of those, probably from the dealership. i don't mind spending a little more money for something if it is worth it, and i doubt that it will be more expensive than the $99 skunk2. i really just want the double bend; i liked the feel of the stock one, and i think with new bushings it will be great. i bet i can shift just as fast with a stock than a short throw anyway, plus you have the smooth feel and don't have to worry about the tranny. anyway, thanks for the reply and to whoever else that wants to add something.
hey man, just get the Skunk2.....Robear racing is having a sale on them now, 90 bucks for the shifter, 40 bucks for the shift knob......You are absolutely correct about the Skunk2 Double bend being 1/4" taller and positions the shifter a little closer the the driver, I know because I owned one...I am 6' 2" and when I was looking at short shifters I didnt want one that would be really short thats why I got the Skunk2 Double Bend...So if you want a shorter throw, just get that one...as for the Skunk2 fitting Hondas and Acuras, yes, the double bend will fit 92-00 civics and 94-01 tegs..good luck
a lot of what i have read about the subject has been from you 2kstreetcivic, thanks for all the info...but if the stock tegra shifter fits right in, i think i will still get that one. i've heard that the feel of the gsr shifter is really nice- better than the civic's. also, the factory one is not notchy like short shifters (i can't really judge though, have never had a short shift, just what i hear).
ljnick17, lemme know how the GSR stick works. Although after getting down there, it's clear that that there are many places to "shorten the shift".
Longer upper (above ball joint) shift lever means longer throws
Longer lower (below ball joint) shift level means shorter throws
Combine the two, and you'll have to figure out actual measurements.
Then... there's the tranny. I think that the GSR tranny probably has tighter gear s1(not gear ratio, but tighter spacing in the gearbox) and higher rate synchros. I think it's the gearbox that gives you that more precise "notchy" feel, not the shifter.
You can probably improve the feel of the shift buy buying polyurethane bushings for the shifter. I was thinking about this, but I'm not sure how much more vibration I'm gonna feel if I do that. Anyone know?
Longer upper (above ball joint) shift lever means longer throws
Longer lower (below ball joint) shift level means shorter throws
Combine the two, and you'll have to figure out actual measurements.
Then... there's the tranny. I think that the GSR tranny probably has tighter gear s1(not gear ratio, but tighter spacing in the gearbox) and higher rate synchros. I think it's the gearbox that gives you that more precise "notchy" feel, not the shifter.
You can probably improve the feel of the shift buy buying polyurethane bushings for the shifter. I was thinking about this, but I'm not sure how much more vibration I'm gonna feel if I do that. Anyone know?
yeah i would rather have a stock shifter for a number of reasons. not that the short ones are a complete waste of money, but there is definitely a risk with them (fitment, feel, tranny wear, etc.) when i do get a new shifter (most likely the gsr one), i am going to get some polyurethane bushings, not only for the improved "tightness" feeling they are supposed to provide, but my factory ones are worn out. they are pretty cheap- prothane and others cost around $10. you could just get some to give them a try.
i won't be driving my car until spring because i have it in the garage for winter. i'll have to wait until then to try out the shifter/poly bushings!
i won't be driving my car until spring because i have it in the garage for winter. i'll have to wait until then to try out the shifter/poly bushings!
As far as wearing down the synchros go, all the research I found seems to say the short shift from a different stick isn't "bad for your synchros" (that's an oversimplified explaination and isn't accurate enough), but it effectively makes it like you are shifting faster with your stockie.
Also from my research, if you're forcing your stick into gear, you're either racing (which is always hard on the car) or you aren't shifting right. "Treat the shift knob like an eggshell" as you shift. That will allow the gear to shift when the synchro is "ready".
If you're rev matching, then it'll be ready pretty quickly.
Also from my research, if you're forcing your stick into gear, you're either racing (which is always hard on the car) or you aren't shifting right. "Treat the shift knob like an eggshell" as you shift. That will allow the gear to shift when the synchro is "ready".
If you're rev matching, then it'll be ready pretty quickly.
Wait let me get something straight here.... if you have identical cars... and identical drivers...... one car has a short shifter and the other doesn't.... what kind of difference are we talking here in the 1/4 mile???
sorry, can't really answer your question- never drove with a short shift, and never really do 1/4s. i like the curves better than the straights 
to chimchim, even though i am pretty easy on my car (don't force it into gear, use the clutch properly, don't powershift) i have come to lose interest in the short shifters. since i have the stock tranny, i want to keep the stock shifter (ball joint and linkage position). i just want the double bend from the gsr because of my height and the new shifter placemant. that is just me personally, nothing against anyone else's ideas about the whole short throw thing. but anyway, thanks for all the replies and info
to chimchim, even though i am pretty easy on my car (don't force it into gear, use the clutch properly, don't powershift) i have come to lose interest in the short shifters. since i have the stock tranny, i want to keep the stock shifter (ball joint and linkage position). i just want the double bend from the gsr because of my height and the new shifter placemant. that is just me personally, nothing against anyone else's ideas about the whole short throw thing. but anyway, thanks for all the replies and infoShort shifter will not make that much of a difference...MAYBE .1 ....its not a performace mod really, its just for people that dont want a long throw
ImportFan1
Super Moderator
Staff member
Registered VIP
Registered OG
5+ Year Member
10+ Year Member
15+ Year Member
thats a lot of good info to know cuz im hopefully get a B18C1 swap soon
haha, cool, sounds like you searched before you asked, great job....Stock GSR shifters feel GREAT....I drove my buddies 99 GSR and I loved the shifter...perfect throw length in my opinion...Im sure it will be a little different in a civic tranny but I imagine it will give you a slightly shorter throw but will give you a stiffer shifter feel...which will be really nice...You are right about the notchy feel short shifters give you, but I loved that, really felt like you were in a sports car..it was really nice...As for the fit ment, almost all the short shifters out there will hit the heat shield over the exhaust....there are a couple that wont, but most will....you just adjust your exhuast hanger to move your exhaust over, or just deal with it...good luck..let me know how you like the gsr shifter....glad I can help...post up any more questions....glad to answer them if I can or point you in the direction of your answer
like i said before, i'm not actually that interested in the short throw. personally, i think you can pull shifts pretty damn fast with the factory stick- if you know how to shift well. that means clutching and driving like you should. you don't have to beat the hell out of a car to go fast; you can go just as fast while being a lot smoother if you know what you are doing. but back to the shifter. i think that the improved feel, stiffness (notchy feel), and maybe shorter throw that the gsr shifter should offer will be a perfect compromise and exactly what i am looking for. perhaps with poly bushings it will even be a little bit better. with my height and my stock civic tranny, the gsr double bend should fulfill my desires for smooth stock-like feel, slightly shorter throw, and rigid but positive gear engagment.
well, as i said before, i won't have my car out until spring (damn snow!) so i'll try to remember to post some sort of an update about the "gsr shifter project". big thanks to all who responded with info/comments/ideas (didn't expect this many responses!). it was a lot of help
well, as i said before, i won't have my car out until spring (damn snow!) so i'll try to remember to post some sort of an update about the "gsr shifter project". big thanks to all who responded with info/comments/ideas (didn't expect this many responses!). it was a lot of help
I agree, thats why I unistalled my Skunk2 short shifter, and am looking for another alternative, but I have to wait till I get more money.....Besides, I shift really fast to begin with so with a short shifter I ruined my syncros...good luck....sucks about the snow..I live in CA so I drive my car 12 months out of the year..YAY!!!
yeah winter in pa sucks, but at least storing my car gives me some time to work on it. i shift pretty fast too, so i think the gsr shifter will be perfect, but i'll have to wait and see. i'll try to let you know how it works out. it sounds like our driving styles are pretty similar, so maybe a gsr shifter for you too would be the hot ticket. well thanks again for all the help and info everybody.
ya I might give the GSR shifter a try...but I gotta wait a couple months, still fighting with Honda about tranny problems...they half fixed it last time and there are still problems but they tell me if perfect...bastards