how can i make a short shifter?

if i had a shifter from an 84-87 civic, 84-87 crx, or 86 prelude would i be able to alter it some how into making it have a shorter shift throw for my 85 crx?

Cut the Civic/CRX shifter under the pivot ball, extend the shaft by welding in a 1" section of tubing then weld the lower shifter bushing housing back on.

You could also cut the top off of the shifter, but this will lower the height of the shifter and you won't be able to use the stock shift knob.

I'm using a "Ractive" aftermarket shift knob that sits lower on the shifter than the stock knob. It feels much better than stock both in throw and touch.

okay, now how exactly does that work? won't that lower the shift rod that runs under the car? is it possible you could sketch a little pic of what you mean :D? greatly appreciated.

Yes, it lowers the shift rod under the car by lengthening the lower part of the shifter. But that also means less travel distance for the upper part of the shifter/your hand.


Lay a pencil flat on a table and place your finger in the middle, then move one end forward and back with your other hand. The two ends move the same distance.

Now move your finger to about 1" from the end, grab the short end with your other hand and move it forward and back. You'll notice that you won't need to move the short end as far in order for the other end of the pencil to move the same distance as before.

This is why either shortening the top half of your shifter, or lengthening the bottom half effectively turn your shifter into a "short shifter". The method of shortening the shifter is determined by how you want the shifter to feel.

thanks, yeah i figured it out right after i posted when i was driving to work.

quick question, will lowering the shift rod damage the trans at all?

No, this has been done many times.

thanks, i had to ask.

one more thing... can i remove/install the shift lever without removing the shift plate thingy from the car? probably, right?

Yeah, there's a circlip that holds a nylon bushing in the shift plate thingy. From the top, slide the rubber boot off of the shifter and you'll see the nylon bushing along with the shifter pivot ball. Around the bushing is a clip, remove it and the whole assembly will slide out.

thanks again, you've been an insanely big help.