Wow. Shifter bracket.

[ModularKid21]

Threw my bracket on tonight. The shifting is as discribed, definitely more direct. Now I can quickly shift my car smoothly and with not nibble. I was unable to install the o-rings because the shift knob WOULD NOT come off. It buzzes like hell but I’ll deal for now. Absolutely worth the money

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[CrashOverride]

I had a heck of a time, but I was able to twist it off. Maybe get one of those rubbery can-opener-helper things from the dollar store to get enough traction on the knob?

 

[ModularKid21]

I had a heck of a time, but I was able to twist it off. Maybe get one of those rubbery can-opener-helper things from the dollar store to get enough traction on the knob?

I originally planned on saving the knob (it was aftermarket, installed by the original owner) but once it wouldn’t come off. I went for it and used a pair of channel locks and it STILL wouldn’t come off. It’s so stuck on that it twisted the handle itself inside the shifter assembly. I’m about out of ideas at this point

 

[CrashOverride]

Is it possible there is a small set-screw or pin holding it in? Otherwise all I can think of is the previous owner used loctite. I wouldn't do this - it will mar the shaft for sure, but if you really want it off you could use a pipe wrench on the shaft and channel locks or vice gribs on the know itself. Very destructive - I'd probably leave it.

You might be able to separate the collar from the clip, then cut the o-ring and put it in that way. There is nothing special about the o-ring, it just sits in there for a spacer. You might even be able to use one of those red/green battery felt washers if the o-ring won't stay after you cut it.

 

[ShriverS550]

ModularKid21 - previous owner may have installed the knob using some Loctite, hence the difficulty getting it off by hand. I had the same issue and ended up using a heat gun and strap wrench to get the knob off. Come to find out the previous owner had used RED Loctite for the installation.

 

[CrashOverride]

Red for REDiculous holding strength. (Yes I know I spelled it wrong)

Who in their right mind reefs the shifter hard enough for even blue, let along red. The heat gun is a great idea. I'd lay down something on the console before I did it though.

If one (The previous owner, not you) feels the need to loctite everything, then get a big tube of loctite purple

 

[ShriverS550]

CrashOverride - no idea man. I'm guessing the previous owner followed CJPP's shift knob installation to the T. Bill uses Red Loctitie in the video so i wonder how many other owners have followed suit without realizing the future pain they are causing themselves or the next owner.

I used the low-setting on the heat gun and covered the area surrounding the shifter with a towel to protect what i could. Applied heat from a few inches away for maybe 5 minutes. I was able to warm up the Loctite enough and used the strap wrench to torque the knob off. Be advised, using heat on the shifter elements may cause your plastic reverse lockout to warp. Mine had noticeable warping (go figure) but i had a billet lockout going on with the new knob anyways.

 

[BlueDragon]

After a couple months of using the bracket are guys still impressed? I'm thinking of getting one and putting it on when I change the transmission fluid and figured I would check to see if you still like them.

 

[ModularKid21]

After a couple months of using the bracket are guys still impressed? I'm thinking of getting one and putting it on when I change the transmission fluid and figured I would check to see if you still like them.

I’ve had mine on for a little over two months and I still love it. For the money, it simply can’t be beat. As stated previously, there’s apparent nvh after install, but that’s a small price to pay in my opinion. I previously changed transmission fluid and only experienced improvement in shift quality at operating temp. After installing this bracket, the 1-2 nibble is completely gone, as well as shifts now being more consistent. I was unable to get my shift knob off so I can’t comment on the effectiveness of the o rings provided by FTBR. If you can deal with the reverse lock out vibration/noise during certain load and rpm’s, and would prefer not to drop the coin on a shifter, this is what you need. Period.

Edit; Adding to this. Had I known the impact and improvement this bracket made, it would’ve been my 1st mod coupled with the Steeda clutch spring

 

[BlueDragon]

That's what I was hoping to hear! I'll get a bracket ordered! I dropped my car off at the dealership today to have the nibbles and grindyness checked out. My guess is that they won't find anything but it never hurts to try.

 

[ModularKid21]

ModularKid21 - previous owner may have installed the knob using some Loctite, hence the difficulty getting it off by hand. I had the same issue and ended up using a heat gun and strap wrench to get the knob off. Come to find out the previous owner had used RED Loctite for the installation.

CrashOverride - no idea man. I'm guessing the previous owner followed CJPP's shift knob installation to the T. Bill uses Red Loctitie in the video so i wonder how many other owners have followed suit without realizing the future pain they are causing themselves or the next owner.

I used the low-setting on the heat gun and covered the area surrounding the shifter with a towel to protect what i could. Applied heat from a few inches away for maybe 5 minutes. I was able to warm up the Loctite enough and used the strap wrench to torque the knob off. Be advised, using heat on the shifter elements may cause your plastic reverse lockout to warp. Mine had noticeable warping (go figure) but i had a billet lockout going on with the new knob anyways.

That’s what I’m thinking happened. I had a violet collar as well but sold it as I figured I’d just live with it for now until I ponies up for a shifter. I may try the heat gun method and get another lock out collar. I don’t use any loctite on shift knobs but I work in the auto industry and it doesn’t surprise me after seeing some of the things people do. I’ll give the heat gun a try. Thanks for posting

 

[ValidusTalon]

After a couple months of using the bracket are guys still impressed? I'm thinking of getting one and putting it on when I change the transmission fluid and figured I would check to see if you still like them.

I agree with what @ModularKid21 said, having run this for a little while now it, plus the Steeda clutch spring, would have been the first things I did to the car. I replaced the collar (Steeda billet collar) when I did min and so far don't detect any noise, but you can feel more vibration which make sense given you've mounted the whole assembly to the trans. It has cleaned up my 1 > 2 shift, and general opinion of the trans itself to the point where now I'm reconsidering even spending the ~$400 on a new shifter. Maybe some day, but it's good enough now I plan to use those funds on other mods....

 

[BlueDragon]

Good to hear! The Steeda clutch spring was the first thing I did. I have a Boomba shifter on the way that I hope I like. I know it's not a true new shifter but I'm hoping I like the shorter throw.

 

[BlueDragon]

Just finished ordering the bracket off of ebay. It say's it should be here by the 19th.

 

[CrashOverride]

I didn't get a chance to reply until now, but I am still very happy and I'm sure you will as well. Amazing what a metal bracket can do to shift quality! For as much as you shift gears in a manual, this is probably the best mod out there.

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