GTI-R Short Shifter.
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verified userHey all,
Just wanted to tell you all about my GTI-R short shifter experience and want to know what other users' experience has been like. A fair bit of research on the internet came up with 2 different products, and they are:
B&M 45088
TWM
The B&M lists multiple models that include many RWD ones and from their website is quoted:
Item# 45088
Application
Nissan 180SX, ’88-’99 Japanese Domestic Market model, 40% throw reduction
Nissan 200SX, ’88-’99 Japanese Domestic Market model, 40% throw reduction
Nissan 240SX, ’88-’99 SR20/RB20 Non Turbo, 40% throw reduction
Nissan Pulsar GTiR, ’91-’94 40% throw reduction
Nissan Skyline non turbo RB20 engine only, 40% throw reduction
Strange thing about this is that the product is for a conventional toploader RWD transmission, how it would work for a transaxle with linkage is beyond me. Basically the thing does not fit, so I'm stuck with an extra short shifter, and I don't have a 240SX anymore.
The TWM short shifter is described to be compatible for many models as well and according to the instructions, they're all FWD; things are looking a little better now. The instructions show modification of an exhaust heat shield which is directly below the gear selector; it outlines installation on an A33 Maxima. Upon inspection, the exhaust is to the right of gear selector for a GTI-R, therefore unnecessary modification of the heat shield is not required. After installation, with the lowered fulcrum of the new shifter, the linkage contacts the rear propeller shaft steady bearing. I had to remove the rod and grind off the small portion that contacts the steady bearing; I then repainted it and reinstalled it. Everything's fine now. I figured I'd do that instead of shimming the steady bearing, I'm not in the mood to change drive-line angles, even though it would be minor.
Anyways, that's the basic overview of what happened. TWM is also a Canadian company located in Quebec so it's nice to support a local company. I hope no one else purchased the B&M hoping it would work. Anyone else use a different shifter or run into the same issue?
Thanks.
Well I too was interested in the B&M as I have seen it on ebay a few times and did notice that indeed it was a top loader and refrained until finding out more info... Now that you have gone down that path without success, I can only thank you as it would have been a PITA had I have had to send an ebay purchase back. Many thanks for posting this, hopefully more victims read this before ordering this part!
whosyourmike76
So many unsuspecting victims... So little time.
Fantastic info!
Mine isn't bigger than yours.. I just like to drive
Yeah, TWM is the way to go, it's the most readily available; just check the clearance between the steady bearing and the shift linkage. The throws are really short, and require a little more effort since the loss of the leverage, but it's an excellent product. They are also on sale now with free shipping. The exchange rate is also par or near par and honestly, it's cheaper than the B&M! On a side note I did find older B&M product for multiple Nissan/Infiniti FWD models and it looked totally different than the #45088. I went to multiple dealers of the B&M and they all showed it being compatible.
i have the B&M installed it a few years back. No issues at all, and it was a huge improvement over stock. The only mod i had to do was to stick in a plastic bushing on the bottom end so that the shifter would have zero slack. The shift knob that came with the B&M was too red neck for my tastes, so i put on a oem one.
What part number is yours then? Is it for a fwd ap?
So many unsuspecting victims... So little time.
i dont recall the part number, but i do remember the box said Sentra B13 SER, i think nx2000 on it. looking at your list I dont remember seeing any rwd 240's on it, or skyline. it was atleast 3 years ago so i cant say for 100%.
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EDIT time
Looking thru an old box, I managed to keep the install instruction sheet.
B&M part number 45087
B&M Short Throw Manual Shifter For Nissan Sentra 91-01, Altima 93-97, 200SX 95-98 (US only), Maxima 95-01, Sunny 91-99, and Infiniti G20 91-96 & 99-02. (40% Throw Reduction)
I looked up B&M's site and they list the rwd shifter; 45088 and thats the wrong one!!. I think thats why it didnt work for you.