Mountune Short Shifter installed
Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2013 5:54 pm
Hello fellow fiesta owners, this is my first post, so thought it would be a helpful one!
Firstly, its easy to find an installation guide for this product, thought I would add a few things they don't specify:
1, popping the linkage parts from the back of the unit is very hard, required lots of man power. The top ones that pop onto the "knuckles" are easy. This applies even more so when reallocating these 2 linkages in the new unit. Very stiff but satisfying finish. LOL.
2, To remove the old shifter, the trim surrounding the handbrake must be removed, so this involves just 2 more screws at the back by the cupholder, so the seats need to be slid forward to access these easily.
3, Be very careful removing all the trim, the clips behind the trim have a metal securing piece on the end that grips very well, and can encourage brute force breakages! I learnt this with the gear shift plastic surround which is now missing a clip, but doesn't effect the trims secure fitting really.
After all the sweating and careful trim removal and relocation, the kits is installed.
Product review:
The shifter shaft has a kink in it, instead of the standard one being straight. This is great, and brings the gear knob closer to you. I used to have my arm locked out when engaging 1st gear. Not now.
The shift feels the "15% shorter throw" it states, so not a huge difference, but noticeable and pleasantly sporty. The shorter knob height also makes it feel sportier and more like decent ford shifts of old, like the puma and sport ka etc.
I would recommend this product 100%, and install it yourself. Its fun and rewarding. Any flaws? Well, when engaging reverse gear, the shaft juuuuuuuust touches the gear stick surround trim. Not enough to be annoying or effect gear engagement, but I noticed it.
Thanks all. Hope to have some replies or answer any questions.
Firstly, its easy to find an installation guide for this product, thought I would add a few things they don't specify:
1, popping the linkage parts from the back of the unit is very hard, required lots of man power. The top ones that pop onto the "knuckles" are easy. This applies even more so when reallocating these 2 linkages in the new unit. Very stiff but satisfying finish. LOL.
2, To remove the old shifter, the trim surrounding the handbrake must be removed, so this involves just 2 more screws at the back by the cupholder, so the seats need to be slid forward to access these easily.
3, Be very careful removing all the trim, the clips behind the trim have a metal securing piece on the end that grips very well, and can encourage brute force breakages! I learnt this with the gear shift plastic surround which is now missing a clip, but doesn't effect the trims secure fitting really.
After all the sweating and careful trim removal and relocation, the kits is installed.
Product review:
The shifter shaft has a kink in it, instead of the standard one being straight. This is great, and brings the gear knob closer to you. I used to have my arm locked out when engaging 1st gear. Not now.
The shift feels the "15% shorter throw" it states, so not a huge difference, but noticeable and pleasantly sporty. The shorter knob height also makes it feel sportier and more like decent ford shifts of old, like the puma and sport ka etc.
I would recommend this product 100%, and install it yourself. Its fun and rewarding. Any flaws? Well, when engaging reverse gear, the shaft juuuuuuuust touches the gear stick surround trim. Not enough to be annoying or effect gear engagement, but I noticed it.
Thanks all. Hope to have some replies or answer any questions.