I apologize if this is the wrong section to post this in. I did a search for people who have installed the Authority SS and all seem to be pleased. Reach for the 4th and 5th gear people claim they need to reach a bit but I think they were Evo folks and I'm not sure where their shifter is located in comparison to our RA placement. I just installed the machined shifter bushings for the shifter box and am interested in purchasing the Authority SS. My question, that I couldn't quite figure out searching through the posts that came up, is if I need a shorter shifter box as well? I know lancershop.com sells the SS I'm wanting but doesn't come with a shifter box. Is this necessary to install a short shifter or no? I just ended up confused on that aspect.

 

we have the same shifter setup as the evo8, including the little plastic piece you need to replace each time you remove the shifter. that's the only thing you will need aside from what comes in the SS kit. there are/were some kits at one point or another that had the plastic retainer piece included, but lancershop.com has it for ~15 IIRC.

 

oh ok awesome. i didn't even realize about the plastic retainer. =/ I'm still learning all about this if you can tell. I love my RA and modding has been great so far. thanks for the info/answer!

 

keep searching, moar research

 

haha moar! yes. I spend 90% of my time lurking and reading up on everything then searching out on google for specs, reviews, and other recommendations. that part alone is fun. reading is fun? weird, i know.

 

People complaining about a cheap short shifter?

IMO, the Authority is just as good as the B&M.....works fine with me, I love mine. Those people who had to "reach" must have been midgets (which is funny coming from a guy that is 5'7").

 

well, i'm pretty much 6' so I doubted I'd have any "reach" issues. Just thought I'd mention it since some people were saying they had the issue. Didn't see any performance complain with the Authority SS so I'm excited to pick it up and get it installed. Should be able to next week.

 

I didn't like the authority one always seemed like it wasn't made for the car. The kartboy one was more money but was well worth it IMO.

 

so what do you guys recommend?

 

reading.

 

I had the authority short shifter in my RA, I liked it..*BUT* I didn't really get the impression it felt too much shorter. I know it was, but I think my expectations were a bit too high. I also had the brass underhood bushings and the shifter bushings, which I felt made a more noticeable difference than the authority SS did. Altogether, I was pleased with it and it didn't break the bank. I had no reach issues (although I have some ape-ish arms to begin with). I really wanted to pick up the RPW short shifter as it reduced throws laterally as well, but couldn't seem to connect with them (to purchase it) so I passed on their product. My personal experience was that the authority unit felt pretty similar to stock and if I had to do it over again, I'd look for a different offering. As soon as I get tint on the new car, I'll be trying to decide which one to go with. Dan is also right, its all here. Any SS that will fit the 8 will fit the RA so you have a number of options.

 

I have the brass bushings for the shifter box but not underhood yet. I think I'll do that first...feel it out...and then go with a short shifter from there. It's a cheaper process anyways. I definitely like the feel already with just the bushings w/ the shift box. Thanks for the oppinion and what not boozeup.

 

+1 on the short shifter not doing much. I've argued the stock 8 shifter is plenty short for what we have to work with.

 

Even with the clutch-block (i think you did a DIY for) to save clutch movement-time the SS is still pretty non-beneficial? I would assume it comes down to "feel" at some point too.

 

you can only force it to move so fast no matter what you do. so yes, I think a SS is a waste in this car. the additional strain, on top of hard bushings, of a short shifter isn't worth the wear and tear associated with it. it's not like we got a mustang shifter anyway