Blowfish Bracket Review

[Joe 5.0]

Just installed the Blowfish bracket with a buddy of mine, and damn, what a difference! It feels like a brand new transmission. Driving the car is so much more enjoyable now.

Purchased the bracket for $250.00 from CJ Pony Parts and the shipping was quick as usual.

http://www.cjponyparts.com/blowfish-racing-manual-shifter-support-bracket-2015/p/MSSB1/

Pics from CJPP:

The install was about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Pros:
1. Shifts are clean and smooth. I feel more confident shifting through the gears.
2. The "notchy" feeling is non-existent.
3. No rattling or noise in the cabin.
4. The car is much more fun to drive!

Cons:
1. Vibration in the shifter. [Doesn't bother me, but I guess this may vary for others]
2. Shifter sits higher now in the cabin after the install. [I believe this is fixable if you lower part of the bracket, but not too sure.]

** Anyone know if there is a downside to having the shifter sit up higher in the car? **

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[MtnBiker]

I second your review. And I'll add that the vibration isn't harsh - more of a feedback..."connected to the machine" kind of thing. Ford's mission was to sell a lot of Mustangs. But I happen to like sports cars. The Blowfish makes the Mustang more fun (unless you don't like sports cars maybe).

 

[Joe 5.0]

I second your review. And I'll add that the vibration isn't harsh - more of a feedback..."connected to the machine" kind of thing. Ford's mission was to sell a lot of Mustangs. But I happen to like sports cars. The Blowfish makes the Mustang more fun (unless you don't like sports cars maybe).

Exactly. I enjoy feeling connected to my car, and I love sports cars.

In other words, $250 well spent!

 

[mustang_guy]

I take it this bracket wouldnt work later with someone that has plans for a magnum xl swap.

 

[MtnBiker]

I take it this bracket wouldnt work later with someone that has plans for a magnum xl swap.

When you hold this product in your hands you realize that it will outlast the car (and probably the four horsemen of the apocalypse) and will do fine on the used market. It is probably worth a little depreciation to have dramatically better shifting.

My $.02

 

[Joe 5.0]

When you hold this product in your hands you realize that it will outlast the car (and probably the four horsemen of the apocalypse) and will do fine on the used market. It is probably worth a little depreciation to have dramatically better shifting.

My $.02

It is definitely a solid piece, that's for sure!

 

[mustang_guy]

When you hold this product in your hands you realize that it will outlast the car (and probably the four horsemen of the apocalypse) and will do fine on the used market. It is probably worth a little depreciation to have dramatically better shifting.

My $.02

oh im sure. I just hate to do work twice. Putting it in to take it out after a few years seems silly. If it could work later id do it no doubt.

 

[Joe 5.0]

oh im sure. I just hate to do work twice. Putting it in to take it out after a few years seems silly. If it could work later id do it no doubt.

It is a very simple install! Even easier the 2nd time around lol.

 

[rvlyssup]

2. Shifter sits higher now in the cabin after the install.

Interesting...how much higher is it sitting inside the car?

 

[MtnBiker]

oh im sure. I just hate to do work twice. Putting it in to take it out after a few years seems silly. If it could work later id do it no doubt.

Less than 30 minutes on a lift. And no broken clips, no cussing and it won't leave a mark coming back out.

 

[jburgess1379]

Was this 1-1.5hrs on jack/stands? Just curious. This is my next mod. Any tips? Did you leave the exhaust on?

 

[MtnBiker]

You are asking the OP, but for me the car was already on a lift for another reason. The exhaust was not removed. Watched the CJ Pony Parts video twice and reviewed written instructions. Had the orientation of the parts down pat. 30 minutes start to stop. Had required tools all laid out. My DIY shop had a really low profile 10mm "wobbler" socket. Made all the difference for tightening up the bracket that attaches to the back of the shifter box. Also, make sure you have a deep socket for the OEM bracket removal. The orientation/clearance of some of the flange nuts was tight but not too bad. Takes a little coordination (not a smoker but you kind of have to hold them like a cigarette between your index and middle finger to get them up there far enough).

 

[Joe 5.0]

Interesting...how much higher is it sitting inside the car?

Hard to tell, but it is definitely higher. Had to pull up on the shifter for the install. I'll try to get pics tomorrow.

Yes, on jack stands. Get the car as high as possible to make it easier. It was installed with the exhaust on. If you are planning on installing an exhaust, do it while you have the exhaust off.

 

[Danger]

I might add the bracket is great but it will add heat to the center console.

 

[Walt1120]

Shifter height has some adjustment

The blowfish bracket has two main pieces, the part that solid mounts to the trans and the part that hooks up to the shifter. Since the blowfish eliminates the body mount, the only thing the shifter is connected to is the trans. On the last step when you bolt the bracket together, you can move the shifter side of the bracket up and down before you tigthen the bolts. You need to push up before you tighten it up as the shifter falls like 1-2" downward when you unhook the stock body mount. I suppose if you push it up too far as you bolt it down you can raise it even higher than stock.

Honestly I don't think there is any increase in shifter height on mine, and if there was, I didn't notice. You could always get back under the car and loosen the bolts and allow the top bracket to come down lower and then tighten it back up OP

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