legacycentral bbs

I bought a 90 sub legacy L sedan and i would like to get rid of the sloppy shifter, but would like something other than stock.

I have been searching for a short shifter kit but seem to not find any for the year my car is, i have found a 93 but not sure if it will fit.

http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic.php?t=42085

Get a stock WRX or STI 5-spd shifter, it's a HUGE improvement.

Will this work?

http://www.maperformance.com/gimmick-mo ... x-sti.html

No it won't work. You really need to update to the newer style WRX linkage. Once you've done that, your options to get a short shifter are much better.

Really all the slop is in the bushings. There is a front and rear stay bushing that you should replace, and then there is a u-joint that you should look at replacing as well.

So would this be what im looking for?

ebay link

what yr wrx or sti shift linkages will work for the 1st gen cars?

Welcome to the board Baermann.

Just to let you know, there are plenty of threads that cover this subject extensively. Take a look through them; you should find answers to all your questions there.

Here

Here

Here

Here

sqc151 wrote:what yr wrx or sti shift linkages will work for the 1st gen cars?

Any year, as long as it's for the 5-speed. 6MT will not fit. See the link in my first reply for the parts you need to make it work.

Aerotech wrote:http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic.php?t=42085

Get a stock WRX or STI 5-spd shifter, it's a HUGE improvement.

+1...he is right....major difference and improvement

Legacy777 wrote:No it won't work. You really need to update to the newer style WRX linkage. Once you've done that, your options to get a short shifter are much better.

Really all the slop is in the bushings. There is a front and rear stay bushing that you should replace, and then there is a u-joint that you should look at replacing as well.

agreed. The sloppyness is all those bushings. Take a look under the car and see. As for mine I had NO bushings at all left, it was all metal to metal.

Its a PITA for sure

*(I have pics I need to update on my floppy shifter thread, Ill do that ASAP)*

damn guys thanks a ton for the help. I have a good idea of what im doin now. i appreciate it all

-John

SubiePrice88 wrote:

Legacy777 wrote:Really all the slop is in the bushings. There is a front and rear stay bushing that you should replace, and then there is a u-joint that you should look at replacing as well.

agreed. The sloppyness is all those bushings. Take a look under the car and see. As for mine I had NO bushings at all left, it was all metal to metal.

Its a PITA for sure

*(I have pics I need to update on my floppy shifter thread, Ill do that ASAP)*

Wouldn't it be easier to just replace the bushings rather than installing a WRX shifter assembly? I followed the links above, but couldn't figure out which WRX I'd be looking at buying, i.e what year, model, etc.

Sorry for resurrecting a dead thread, but I'm having the same issues as Czei...and yes, I've searched through the threads. I am also curious as to whether there is a difference between the WRX shift linkage and the linkage in a '98 Legacy GT (I have access to the GT linkage for a very reasonable price). I've got to do something about the shifter in my new-to-me Legacy, since the previous (and original) owner didn't touch it in 340,000 miles.

There is a difference between the WRX & legacy gt linkage. The WRX shifter lever where it mounts to the linkage is slightly wider. It's not a big deal, only important if you decide to get a short shifter or bushings....so you get the right one.

I see...thank you for the information. Given the wide array of options for short shifters on the 2nd generation Legacy, I may go that route. Then again, I may hold off and replace the bushings for now (the spring hole in the stay rod bushing washer wore through, as well).

Okay, new issue with a shifter assembly. I have sourced an assembly from a 2003 or 2004 WRX which I believe may be the elusive SPT 5MT short shifter. Is there a noticeable difference in appearance between a standard WRX shifter and the SPT 5MT short throw unit?

Nick,

Here's a copy and paste from the email I sent you.

The short shifter does provide slightly shorter throws as it claims. Besides that, the width of the shifter lever where it connects to the linkage is slightly wider I believe on the WRX shifter.

However, as long as you get the entire linkage assembly, and swap out the joint on the transmission, you can use either shifter assembly.

Here's pics of the STi 5mt short shifter & WRX shifter side by side.

http://main.experiencetherave.com/subar ... /shifters/

Here's my thread where I've got some more specific info and measurements on the shifters

http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic. ... rx+shifter

Well, goodie. I've got the SPT 5MT short shifter assembly sitting in my tool box at work. Now for the barrel joint and I'll be set to go!

if you pull the shift linkage you will find a plastic ball and what looks like a plastic universal ratchet extension remove the plastic ball and replace with metal and remove the plastic bushings that look like a universal and weld a 3/8 drive universal extension in its place make sure you line up the universal the same way the plastic one was its the best shifter period

UPDATE: I have had my SPT short shifter installed for about 3 weeks now, and it is absolutely fantastic. I used the OEM rubber bushings on the stay rod instead of upgrading to poly, and I haven't noticed an absurd amount of "notchy" feel that seems to be a common side effect. The shift throw is CONSIDERABLY shorter than stock, and when combined with the new spring, washer, and shift bracket (the spring holes were worn through), it makes for a huge improvement over the 340,000 mile old unit that was in the car previously. So if anybody has the SPT shifter and thinks it's too notchy, take it out and sell it to me for cheap. I could always use 2-3 spares.