Mazda 3 Short Shift Plate Kit

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Just installed the short shifter plate on my 2005 Mazda3 SP23 hatchback (2.3L) with 150k on it. The plate tightens up shifting -- there is less freeplay, the throw is shorter, and each gear engages more crisply. The throw is reduced by 33% according to Corksport, though it feels perhaps closer to 50%. This comes at the expense of 50% higher effort, which is also how it feels subjectively. While the shifter plate won't make shifting Miata-like, it will bring it much closer and is definitely worth the money. Be sure your engine and transmission mounts are in good shape before installing this, or shifting will continue to feel vague and variable. My 3's engine mounts were all new at the time this kit was installed.

The kit consists of the shift plate and a locking plate with all the necessary nuts and bolts. Minimal tools are necessary -- just a 10mm socket/6"+ extension/ratchet, 10mm crescent wrench (stubbier is better), and a large flat-head screwdriver or 13mm crescent wrench. I did need to use a second 10mm crescent wrench as the clearances were too tight for my 3/8" ratchet for the last bolt. Also, I used a torque wrench to tighten to the 7-9lb-fit spec. I agree with Corksport that installation is a 2/5 (depending on the size of your hands). Instructions are fairly clear, though I did end up installing the shifter bracket backwards (step 1k) -- install the bracket so the cut-out is toward the front of the car. Small hands are helpful but not essential. Installation should take someone with mechanical skill about an hour (Corksport's 20-30 minutes is a bit optimistic unless you have tiny hands and have done it before).

The battery box comes off easily enough. Disconnecting the ECU harness requires proper technique and a delicate hand -- as described the white camlocks need to be gently unclipped and slipped off without any effort. The fitment of the plate, locking bracket, and bolts/nuts is perfect -- just tighten everything down evenly together when everything is in place at the end. Also, apply lithium grease to both shifter balls as the lubrication is probably all dried out.

The shifter plate is definitely worth the cost and is easy enough to install on your own. I tried the e-bay Manzo short shifter, but didn't care for its tilt toward the driver or its shorter shift height. But, the metal washers (still installed) did help reduce some of the sponginess from the flexible plastic shifter base. If I had to do this again, I would make this my first modification, along with replacing all of the engine mounts with firmer aftermarket mounts.

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Easy install, made a huge difference. The only thing that I’m complaining about is reverse is hard to find and the it feels like there’s a resistance. It takes time to get use to it. Overall great product from corksport. I’m waiting for corksport to reply to my email about the reverse problem.

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Good product. Easy enough to install. I could notice a difference in shift distance.

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Installation:
Not that easy, you need two (small) hands and two 10mm sockets to hold the other side of each bolt (instructions only say you need one). Ended up removing the intake filter box (as well as battery box) to get more room. Was frustrating at times. Instructions were not clear or detailed at all. I can't imagine using a torque wrench to torque to 7-9ft/lbs as described simply because there's hardly any room, so I just tightened by hand until its tight and gave it another turn. It took more like 2 hours to get it right (instead of 1), as I had to keep loosening and tightening, and checking the shifter to get the right feel. It doesn't sit flush that easily.

First impressions:
When car off and stationary, I was skeptical since shifting was definitely shorter BUT more vague, and hard to find second and reverse, and it didn't notch into gear that well. It was not until I was driving around that I started to feel how notchy, short, and satisfying it is. Maybe theres a break in period? It was easier to find gears while driving. After ONE drive, I am very pleased and pleasantly surprised with it, but we'll see how consistent and how long it lasts with more driving. Like another review here, the throw feels more like 50% less, and 50% more effort/intentionality with shifting. I like it.

4 stars because so far I really like it and makes driving more fun and it does its job well, but instructions suck, its expensive for what it is, and installation was more difficult than expected.

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This changes your driving experience immediately. Simple to install with quality parts. It does require removal of the air box/CAI and battery/ecm box. Just take the time to clean everything up while you are there and enjoy the process. Also, grab the shifter bushings! You won't regret it!

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