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A Subaru Enthusiast's Guide to Short Shifters - Subimods.com

A Subaru Enthusiast's Guide to Short Shifters

Written by: The Modfather

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Time to read 5 min

Anyone that has been around the automotive industry will admit that Subaru enthusiasts, sometimes more than any other brand lover, are on a constant pilgrimage to find the most innovative solutions and effective aftermarket parts which will assist in fulfilling their performance desires.


Meeting a performance-minded enthusiast, especially one who owns an older Subaru platform, whether it be the 2004 Subaru STi, the 1998 Subaru Impreza, or even a 2018 WRX, will include a conversation about what modifications and upgrades are next on the docket. It may include what improvements they have made to make their platform feel best under their hand, make them more connected to the vehicle's response, and solutions that really make them drive better and display the vehicle's capabilities. Most likely, the Short Shifter will be one of the top subjects to roll off the lips of this individual.


A Short Shifter is an aftermarket part that speeds up manual gear transitions by shortening the distance one has to move the shifter between shifts. The installation of a short shifter can improve a vehicle's performance and a driver’s automobile experience.


If you have stumbled upon this article while in the midst of searching for more information or a guide to helping you make an accurate and informed decision, we can only recommend that you continue to gather information through what you find below, take a sampling of the products and manufacturers available in the marketplace, and, if your experience is less that seasoned, reach out to a knowledgeable professional to move forward with your modification preference.


Read on to discover what every driver needs to know about using a short shifter.

How Does a Short Shifter Work?

Transmissions in modern vehicles are engine-linked. It affects how quickly power is delivered from the engine to the wheels, as well as how quickly the vehicle accelerates and decelerates. Automobile enthusiasts continue to favor manual transmissions, and in some cases, prefer them.


A short shifter (technically, a short-throw shifter) lessens the length of your vehicle's gear shift, allowing for faster and more precise changing. This can improve your race times and make everyday driving  more enjoyable. It brings the gear lever closer to the driver without changing its height. The pivot point of a short shifter has been positioned closer to the knob that you push or pull. This both shortens and sharpens the throw distance.


The goal of the short shifter is straightforward: It shortens gear throws and accelerates gear shifts. The amount of hand movement required to shift gears is reduced with a shorter throw. Shifts are more efficient because your hand moves less. As a result, acceleration and cornering are more responsive. Some short shifter manufacturers provide adjustable shifting settings.


A short shifter throw may improve the handling of your vehicle. The short shifter provides for faster shifts and a better driving experience.

Five Advantages of a Short Shifter

Now that you know what a short shifter is and how it works, let's look at its advantages.

 

1. A Short Shifter Makes You a Safer Driver

 

Traditional shifters require a substantial throw to change gears, especially on older models. This makes shifting difficult and driving unpleasant.

A short shifter requires less movement to change gears. This leads to more precise and smoother gear shifts, which improves driving.

 

2. A Short Shifter Enhances Your Driving Performance 

 

Driving with a short shifter is easier and faster, resulting in faster lap times. Using a short shifter increases acceleration and performance by causing the engine to rev faster than it has ever before.

Racing or competing with a short shifter can also improve 0-60 mph timings since faster gear changes send more power to the wheels.

They improve performance by allowing for smoother, more precise shifting. A short shifter, hence, with a short throw, as the name implies, reduces lever action. This makes moving easier and minimizes the amount of force required.

They are both elegant and comfortable. Truly, a short shifter improves driving and makes automobiles look more stylish.

 

3. A Short Shifter Saves You Time

 

You've been waiting for this moment for a long time. Why stop? Short shifters save time. You can shift faster than with a conventional shifter because less force is required.

You will accelerate faster and cover more ground. Higher engine revs improve your car's sound. You'll feel fantastic.

 

4. A Short Shifter is Adaptable and Versatile

 

Short-throw shifters are extremely flexible. They can be used in a variety of vehicles and ways. They can be used to improve your track time or to increase your enjoyment of streetcars.

They enable off-road vehicles to shift gears quickly over obstacles and uneven terrain. The right short throw shifter can improve the usability of your car.

 

5. A Short Shifter is Simple to Install

 

Short-throw shifters, unlike other car upgrades, are straightforward to install. Typically, removing a few nuts and then installing the replacement is sufficient. They are suitable for individuals who want to change the look of their vehicle without spending a lot of time or money.

Bringing Shifting Perfomance to Your Subaru

Short-throw shifters can have a big impact on your vehicle's performance. For this and other reasons, consider installing a short throw shifter in your older vehicle. Your car will be more pleasurable to drive and will have a greater resale value. Shifters with a short throw are typically manufactured with higher-quality components, making them more trustworthy.

Let Subimods Point You to the Best Solution

With the knowledge and expertise to conquer the Subaru performance realm, break free from the ordinary and unleash the extraordinary, dominating the path to unbeatable power and response.


Subimods is here to support your search for the right short shifter and direct your overall journey by recommending the parts and expertise you need.


Explore a small sampling of short shifter solutions below that we have available in our online catalog.

Has this article and the brief tour of our parts catalog been helpful? Did you find the short shifter or other related products that you need to move forward with your modification?


At Subimods, we're here to ensure you are informed, educated, and receive plenty of expert data to help you make the right choices for your modification project.

Please reach out to our team with your interest or to ask specific questions about the information covered in this article. We would be very interested in your thoughts and would be glad to help as much as possible.


Write your comments below and continue this conversation. We are always thrilled to hear your opinions.


For more information regarding aftermarket parts for your Subaru, please visit our website and explore the section dedicated to your platform.


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