Any reason I can't simply take the shifter assembly out, cut the shaft shorter, then use a die to re-thread the shaft and put it back in?

When I cut mine in the TE it became very hard and rough to shift and didn't seem to shorten the throw by much. I left about 5 or 6 threads so I could still use the gear knob. Wouldn't dream of doing it to my VR-X.

If you do it, I recommend using the stock gear knob as the weight seems to help make the shift smoother. I had a light after market one and it was terrible with the short shaft.

Hmm, roger that. Yeah I bought an aftermarket gear knob and was disgusted with it, chucked it. The stock one is far better, being nice and heavy.

Be careful not to cut it too short... I took 55mm off it, ended up having to lock two nuts on there, buy a threaded bold the same and cut the head off, attach the threaded shaft back on top of cut stick and put the knob back on a standard height gear stick with my tail between my legs :(

Factory sticks are actually pretty damn good on magnas I found out, would never cut another one because the leverage for changing gears seems pretty important with the magna setup also. Other cars its worked a treat, not magnas

Get a short shift done and leave it at the stock height ,that works a treat....

I believe RPW make short shifter kits for the magna's. They do more than just chop the top off, you need to alter the pivot point to get the real advantages of a 'short shifter'.

Be warned however with RPW, they've been known to be a bit dodgy and have terrible customer service. They are banned from these forums for good reason.

Otherwise, somewhere in the archives there is a guide to cutting a short shifter for the magna. Involved quite a bit of work with a lathe.

Personally, I don't see the point, the throw for the magna's isn't all that long. I've driven cars that felt like I was shifting from one side of the car to the other, but not so with the magna. Also if it's too short and it becomes difficult to differentiate the 1,3,5 gears. I also find you slam the gears harder and wear out things quicker. Changing gears is very easy and comfortable in the magna's.

Also, I'd be careful with making sure the gear selector changes the gears properly through the linkages. I had a gearbox that stuck in 5th gear due what I believe was a dodgy linkage install. It actually shifted great until one day it was completely locked. So just a small warning to be careful when mucking around with a factory setup like that.

I was stunned to read that the shift knob on my wife's Lancer was weighed, I thought that was a silly idea. Then I removed it, and sure enough it weighed a lot. Why, I found out when I tried driving without it (briefly). The shift was very notchy, with the odd shift kicking back or grinding the synchro rings. I imagine the weight of the knob and length of throw - which is quite short on a Lancer - are worked out just right to get smooth shifts. I wouldn't stuff around with the length of the shifter, even though the manual Magna has longer throws; you may not like the results. (Worked really well on my first car though, a '64 VW. lol)

I believe RPW make short shifter kits for the magna's. They do more than just chop the top off, you need to alter the pivot point to get the real advantages of a 'short shifter'.

Be warned however with RPW, they've been known to be a bit dodgy and have terrible customer service. They are banned from these forums for good reason.

Otherwise, somewhere in the archives there is a guide to cutting a short shifter for the magna.

Involved quite a bit of work with a lathe.

not really....can be done without one

Personally, I don't see the point, the throw for the magna's isn't all that long.

yeah right....if the throw doesn't ruin it for you,that kink in the lever sure does

I've driven cars that felt like I was shifting from one side of the car to the other, but not so with the magna.

Also if it's too short and it becomes difficult to differentiate the 1,3,5 gears...lol,

I also find you slam the gears harder and wear out things quicker.

why on earth would you need to "slam " the gears

Changing gears is very easy and comfortable in the magna's.

its even better imo with a properly made up short shift.

Also, I'd be careful with making sure the gear selector changes the gears properly through the linkages. I had a gearbox that stuck in 5th gear due what I believe was a dodgy linkage install. It actually shifted great until one day it was completely locked. So just a small warning to be careful when mucking around with a factory setup like that.

It kills me this guided rubbish about "short shifters"

As i have mentioned,i do have one in my magna and it is a great mod.

Changing gears is a treat and if you think that "short shift means quick shift "get a life.

My seventeen year old ,who recently got his license,loves the change,with a factory leather knob,arm resting comfortably on the consol,it is literally a mere "flick of the wrist " to drive,but the secret is really to use the factory weighted knob.

Anything aftermarket,just isn't heavy enough to make it 'feel 'right.

Thanks for the opinions, I'll probably stick with the stock setup - if it ain't broke.. I guess shorter length doesn't necessarily equate to shorter throw anyway.

Find out if there is a member near you with a properly done one and ask to have a drive and see if you like it or not. The 4 things to do are: cut out the "kink" above the pivot point, and re-weld, cut the main shaft below the pivot point and weld in an extension, cut the side arm and weld in an extension the same length, and pack up the whole shifter pivot plate by that same amount. Apparently that is a fairly big reduction in throw length, and is notchy at first but loosens up a bit over time. (possibly due to the plastic cage assembly having been removed to do the welding and re-packed with grease on reassembly)

If you want a better positioned shifter get one from a series 2 J series or later, same throw but better stick position

The short shifter works well if done properly, the RPW ones I have used are rubbish, they have to lift the base plate for clearance and they are very notchy

The ones I did a few years back were not as extreme and with this shifting was nice and the throw was also a good distance to allow good and comfortable driving

Thanks. Might keep my eye out for a series 2 stick.