DARKMATTERX DM-2 Shifter 2015-2025 WRX

I'm so regret that I think about it for a while. Should have it installed earlier! If you still drive manual means you enjoy shifting, and it just brings the experience to the next level. Such big improvement from stock one!

Literally one of the best modifications you can get for your car. You literally engage it all the time while driving and it’s a noticeable joy to use. Highly recommended as the single best shifter ever made for Subaru platform. Five stars isn’t enough. Ten stars all the way!

This review is for a DM-2 I recently installed in my 2024 WRX. Overall - it's godly. Wow. Shifting is so on point. My shifts are short and to the point. I went with DM-2 because it was ready to install out of the box. Some of the other shift kits require disassembly of your stock shifter. If I'm going to pull my shifter out, I'm replacing it, not upgrade the OEM shifter itself. Installation took 4-5 hours. But I also threw in my Whiteline positive shift kit and STi Group N rear trans mount. Installation is challenging. It's not easy. Take your time. Watch the DM-2 install video. Some of the information needs to be updated due to design changes with the DM-2. I want to stress 1 specific point regarding the install. Make sure you install the "green painted" bolts in the rear of the shifter mounting brackets (they hold the shift stop brackets too). These bolts are short and need to be installed in those positions. I mistakenly installed a longer bolt in the lower right section (5/6/R) and it caused some major headaches. It wasn't fun. When you remove the OEM shifter cable from the transmission, it's attached to a bracket with a couple bolts. If you want to save your hands, just remove the 2 bolts and pull the whole assembly off. The locking tang is a pain to remove! It saved me a lot of time just removing the 2 bolts rather than pull the locking tang out. I also highly encourage you purchase the shifter cover too. You will need to install the shifter cover bracket first before the shifter. Overall, the shifts are amazing. The shifts are short and slides into gear easily. On the street, the combination of Whiteline inserts and the DM-2 shifter makes my WRX feel like a race car! This shifter is expensive, but so worth it.

I had a small issue on install which was corrected by my technician with ease. There is a narrower shift pattern when compared to the STI shifter, which is a lil bit wider. It is a true short that provides a better connection to the transmission and is truly a flick of the wrist between gears. The height adjustment feature with the base plate (seperate part) to seal it from the elements and you got a new experience when driving.

DARKMATTERX DM-2 Shifter for my 2018 WRX arrived on time and was slick, you could tell just by looking into the box. Hopefully these guys go to a lot of trade shows so as many as possible can take a good look at this kit. Holding this in one hand and the WRX or the STI shift assemblies in the other, you can easily see where Subaru decided to cheap out. (not a knock, all manufacturers exist only to make a profit)
I had my clutch replaced at the same time of the installation of the DM-2 Shifter. Went over the installation with the mechanic, but he struggled a bit and I got a few calls. We put our heads together and got past it. I think we can chalk those work stoppages to the novelty of this complete shifter kit with linkages.
If you've driven an STI you may notice the difference from a WRX because it came with linkages instead of cable actuation. That is the only similarity, this kit is beefy and very direct. I believe that extra heft makes for a more effortless and yet a quicker shift that is also a smoother shift.
I have no complaints, some may find the extra mechanical sounds this kit makes an issue. Well remember that there's no plastic, its all solid aluminum and steel. It is not cheap, but it is worth the asking price.