Also check out the Short Shifter Review, and the Replacing Shift Boot aka gaiter.
A short shifter both lowers the shift knob, and reduce the shift throw distance. You need both a new shift lever, and a new drop plate – usually both are shipped together. The new shift plate sits between the existing plate, and the shift housing, thus lowering the shift mechanism. The new shifter raises the shift pivot point, and thus reduces the shift throw.
Cutting the shifter does not significantly change the geometry of the shift. The plate and adaptor relocate the pivot point which improves the shift throw.
Installing a short-shifter will probably amplify any existing shift problems. If your sychros are worn (grinding in some gears), shifting into 1st or 3rd will normally become worse with a short-shifter.
You have a few choices:
- The 1991-92 is the same height and tab location as the MKI MR2.
- The 1993+ has a shorter lever but the tab is in the same place as the MKI shifter. The main difference with the 93 lever is that it bends a little more towards the right side of the car than the MKI lever.
- Any shifter from a 1993 or later MKII will fit a MKI, lowering the shift knob by about an inch.
- Twos R Us have the John O kit, the 93+ shifter, and an RSe plate.
- eBay sellers also stock short-shifters, which although listed for a MKII, do fit and work in a MKI. Sellers ebstores, ezplus2003, and Built4race have been tested to work, and appear to be reliable. Short Shifter Review