I see these things supposedly from Ford Racing... and being a non-car guy, I don't really know what they do. What is the purpose? Faster shifts? And if it's a good thing, why don't they just put them in the car that way? Can somebody help a newbie out? I'm not going racing, but the shift pattern DOES seem kinda clunky to me the way it is now.

 

a short-throw shifter will reduce the travel the shift **** moves to change gears
reduces sometimes close to 50%
think about how far the lever moves from 1st to 2nd, that distance will be reduced
they also give a more positive engagement into the shift from gear to gear
sometimes people don't prefer them because they are a bit more high-effort/feel heavier to shift than stock

 

They can also transmit more noise into the cabin area.

 

not if you buy the right one

 

Please expound. Been several years since I drove a MT, and I notice the noise already... although I'm getting used to it.

 

I believe he means that MGW's shifter comes w/additional sound-deadening material so it stays quiet after the install; other brands don't supply it.

You'll see alot of shifter threads that got ugly because of "brand loyalty". Most notably MGW vs. Hurst. If you buy an aftermarket shifter, do your research and get one that best suits your needs.

 

Here's a generic graphic if it helps.

 

Thanks for the replies!