I just finished installing my new Kartboy base bushings and shifter linkage bushings, and something felt weird when I took it for a test drive. The shift is much less mushy, but there's a lot more friction in it, too, which makes it feel particularly heavy in first and second gears. I also have a short shifter that the previous owner installed, so I don't know who made it.
When I went back and checked over everything, there were only two things I could find that seemed off:
1) the counter-sunk part of the base bushing doesn't line up perfectly with the holes in the plastic shifter frame. Not sure if I should be worried about this. Possibly the frame isn't lined up properly? I loosened everything, re-seated it as best I could, and tightened it up again, but still the same problem.
2) the bigger linkage bushing under the hood is pretty tight on the post it connects to. I took it off, made sure it was lined up and the bushings were straight, and put it back on. Went on easier the second time, but still the same problem.

It's entirely possible that I'm being paranoid and I'll just get used to it (I'm overprotective of my car), but I'm throwing the question out to ease my mind. Has anyone else experienced this? If so, will it "wear in" and feel lighter? Should I lubricate anything?

My GReddy Counterweight shift knob should be here Monday. Will this help the feel of the shifter?

Cheers,
--Matt

 

just a thought but did you grease the cup things?

 

No, I didn't think they needed to be greased. Someone mentioned greasing them in another thread, too, so I'll give it a shot and see if it helps.

Thanks.

 

The problem is the two bolts that hold the upper pivot cup for the short shifter in place being too tight, trust me. When I installed my short shifter I never noticed it, but later when I installed the Kartboy base and shift linkage bushings I too felt the friction and EvoDave down at Medina Mitsu checked mine out when I was down there and he said to loosen those two bolts a bit. I did and that did the trick. You will need a 10 and 12mm socket wrench, a 10mm open or box end wrench and a 8mm allen wrench to loosen them. Just back them off a little bit, say a quarter turn at first, then test the shifting for friction. You don't want then too loose, but just tight enough to not have friction when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear.

 

Slovak is probably right - most people tighten things as far as they can go, which is often too much.

But also grease the **** out of it - it's supposed to be greased.

 

Yeah I had the same problem too. Loosen things up and bit and lube as much as you want and it'll get better

 

Slovak and Blacksheepdj -- you guys were dead on. Loosening up the bolts on the pivot cup made a world of difference, and after a little grease on the bushings it was perfect. I haven't had this much fun with my right hand since... nevermind.

Thanks again for the tips.
--Matt

 

Didn't think it was necessary to make a new thread about this. Like the title says i figured out another way to reduce the friction even further. I just installed the underhood bushings and the under-shifter-cage bushings and there is a substantial amount of friction. And yes i did grease the upper pivot cup and the smaller cups. After loostening everything up i still felt the resistance so i remember someone saying that you had to grease the "pole-things" that the bushings go on. So here's what i did...

first i greased the "pole thing" located here. Hope you don't mind me using your pics kartboy...Just remove the clip and slide the shift linkage off. Grease the "pole thing" and put everything back on. Pretty straightfoward.


then i greased the "pole things" under the hood. Don't think you need a pic but for those who don't understand, here you go...


After greasing everything i mentioned earlier, the feel of the shifter was a lot lighter and it was extremely smooth going through the gears. The resistance i felt before was virtually gone and the shifts feel very light and defined. Just thought i'd let everyone know what i did... Hope ya like it!