Knowledge Base

Guide to fitting a shorter shift gearstick to the mr2 mk2

This is from my experience of fitting to a mk2 revision 1 mr2. I purchased the kit off ebay shipped from america. It just included the gearshift stick (balljoint and rod and plastic connector bit). Other kits include bolts and brackets etc... These instructions are the steps which I took to successfully fit my kit. I am not responsible for any damage you do to your car. This is a fairly straightforward job which should take no longer than an hour. Some parts may require an extra pair of hands.

1. Remove the leather gaiter by unscrewing the gearknob and pulling the plastic surround from the base.
2. Remove the plastic surround from around where the geargaiter was (the larger plastic surround) it just pulls up (from the back) on clips.
3. Undo the 3 screws just infront of the ashtray which you should now be able to see.
4. Undo the 4 screws that hold the rubber/plastic trim in place around the gearshifter and handbrake (the centre tunnel bit). There are 2 screws on the side around the middle (they have plastic covers on them. And there are another 2 screws close to the back, you may have to tilt the seat forwards to get at them.
5. Open up both flaps of the storage box at the back there are 4 large(ish) screws, remove them and lift out the storage box.
6. You should now be able to fully remove the plastic rubber transmission tunnel trim.
7. Undo the bolt connecting the gear shift rod to the shifter.
8. Take out the clip holding on other gear shift rod to the shifter.
9. Undo the 4 bolts in the corners of the large metal base plate.
10. Once these are removed you should be able to move the gear shift mounting plate onto its side so you can remove the 4 bolts around the shifter.
11. Once these are removed the base and sping assembly should be free. Take it out of the mounting plate.
12. Take off the sprung arm assemby it should come off fairly easy. Take a good look at how the springs are setup you'll need to put that back together later.
13. Take the plastic ball cup out of the metal holder if it hasnt already come out.
14. You should just have the shift rod now in plastic ball and cup joint thingy. Pull off the spring clip with your hand & Use a flathead screwdriver to separate the ball joint from the cup.
15. Place the new gearshift in the plastic cup, press it in using a hard surface (driveway) and your hand.
16. Replace the clip
17. The next bit can be a bit tricky. pick up the sprung arm assemby and orientate it correctly. you will need to bend the spring parts outward to get them round the plastic cap. Make sure it all sits properly.
18. bolt the assembly back onto the mounting plate (another person may be useful at this point. Check it all moves and then work backwards bolting the plate back onto the car, and then putting the trim back.

Sorted - Updated 06/01/06

: Sun Jun 06, 2010 11:42 pm Short Shifter Fitting Guide

Used this today and was huge help and missus brought the camera out as I end up with extra screws everytime i do something so thought i'd give you guys pics to help you out if any of you doing it.

This was done on a 95 UK N/A

Before we start:

Needed/Recommended:
Short shift kit (needed)
Phillips Screwdriver
Flat head Screwdriver
Patience
Multipurpose Grease
2 x 12mm Wrench/Rachet
2people (recommended)

01. Remove the leather gaiter by unscrewing the gearknob and pulling the plastic surround from the base.

02. Remove the plastic surround from around where the geargaiter was (the larger plastic surround) it just pulls up (from the back) on clips.

03. Undo 2 screws just infront of the ashtray which you should now be able to see.

04. Undo the 4 screws that hold the rubber/plastic trim in place around the gearshifter and handbrake (the centre tunnel bit). There are 2 screws on the side around the middle (they have plastic covers on them.

And there are another 2 screws close to the back, you may have to tilt the seat forwards to get at them.

05. Open up both flaps of the storage box at the back there are 4 large(ish) screws, remove them and lift out the storage box.

06. You should now be able to fully remove the plastic rubber transmission tunnel trim.

07. Undo the bolt connecting the gear shift rod to the shifter.

08. Take out the clip holding on other gear shift rod to the shifter.

09. Undo the 4 bolts in the corners of the large metal base plate.

10. Unscrew the bolt in front of the ashtray and remove the surround

11. Once these are removed you should be able to move the gear shift mounting plate onto its side so you can remove the 4 bolts around the shifter. This needed 2 spanners/rachets for us to remove

12. Once these are removed the base and sping assembly should be free. Take it out of the mounting plate.

13. Take off the sprung arm assemby it should come off fairly easy. Take a good look at how the springs are setup you'll need to put that back together later.

14. Take the plastic ball cup out of the metal holder if it hasnt already come out.

15. You should just have the shift rod now in plastic ball and cup joint thingy. Pull off the spring clip with your hand & Use a flathead screwdriver to separate the ball joint from the cup (DIFFICULT).

16. Recommend to clean and regrease the ball joint and place the new gearshift in the plastic cup (EASIER) press it in using a hard surface (driveway) and your hand.

17. Replace the clips

18. Get the sprung arm assemby and orientate it correctly. You will need to bend the spring parts outward to get them round the plastic cap. Make sure it all sits properly as shown in previous pics.

19. Bolt the assembly back onto the mounting plate. Check it all moves and then work backwards bolting the plate back onto the car, and then putting the trim back.

Amazing mod with a huge difference!!! Much better driving fun