Short Shifters - A Great Mod For The BRZ. FR-S, and 86

    13 MAY 2024 - Jeff Willis

    As enthusiasts, one of our favorite past times is modifying our cars. When we get our tax returns, a bonus at work, or you finally saved up enough money to finally get that one part you’ve been waiting for, it’s simply something that makes this hobby rewarding. On the other side of the coin, modifying cars is undeniably one of the most expensive hobbies in existence other than collecting yachts or buying rental properties in Monaco. However, most of us aren’t swimming in money so we often preoccupy our free time by window shopping here at FTSpeed. We build up a dream list of all the things we would do to our BRZ, FR-S. or 86.

    As much as we’d love to add a set of TE37s, a supercharger, all the aero mods, there’s actually a great selection of budget-friendly upgrades that you can do yourself. And one of those upgrades that makes it to the top of our list, is a proper short shifter kit.

     

    BilletWorks Short Shifter Black 2013-2021 BRZ/FR-S/86

     

    So, what makes a short shifter kit a great upgrade for the BRZ, FR-S, or 86? One of the main reasons is that the BRZ was designed to be a momentum car. Its naturally aspirated engine paired with the close-ratio gear box in a relatively lightweight traditional rear-wheel drive sportscar coupe is affordable in a world of new Porsche’s, M2’s, or even a class lower with newer Mustangs and Camaros. The BRZ is a true driver’s car that is attainable, and it also remains very competitive in grassroots motorsports and SCCA-type racing. From a power standpoint you are either very limited with an intake and cat-back, or you take the very expensive dive into adding a supercharger, turbo kit, while adding more tuning and building out the motor when you crave more power. Although many have done it, it goes against the grain of what the BRZ was meant to be, which is a very enjoyable everyday car that is nimble, and that you can throw around in corners.

    That being said, a short shifter is a modification that can be enjoyed throughout all areas of driving. Daily comutes, spirited canyon runs, or weekend competition driving. All our available options are direct replacements for the OEM shifter mechanism and can be installed using basic garage tools.

     

    BENEFITS OF A SHORT SHIFTER

    A short shifter has been designed to reduce the overall shifter throw in between shifts. Faster shifts can help reduce times at your local autocross event, and the more precise and crisper shifts for daily use just improves the overall driving experience. Here are more details:

    • We have examples that can reduce the shifter throw by as much as 60%.
    • Installation isn’t too bad for those who have basic tools and are mechanically inclined.
    • Makes driving more fun for the street or the track.
    • Faster shifts help reduce track times for autocross or track events.
    • Provides a more precision and crisper shifter feel.

     

    And yes, we have common knowledge of what a short shifter will do, it’s in the title. However, there are some technical aspects and differences between shifter designs. Let’s have a closer look at some of the shifters you can find here at FTSpeed:

     

    IRP SHORT SHIFTER V3 2013-2021 BRZ/FR-S/86

    Here is an example of one of the more advanced short shifter options brought to by IPR. This particular short shifter is a much taller design that is motorsports inspired, and it features full CNC-milled aluminum construction for those of you who demand the highest of quality.

    DETAILS:

    • Aluminum CNC milled construction.
    • Anodized black finish.
    • Complete switch gear design for adaptation to existing linkage.
    • Weighs approximately 1 KG.
    • Very short and precise gear shifting distances.
    • The clutch system remains completely unaffected.
    • Reduces the shifter throws by 60%.
    • Tall profile so the shifter can be close to your hand.
    • Designed with a shifter lcokout.
    • Highly detailed and stringent manufacturing methods.

     

     

     

     

     

    BILLWTWORKS SHORT SHIFT w/INSTALL KIT 2022-2024 BRZ/86

    Unlike the IRP unit, BilletWorkz features a more OEM-like design with stronger materials, and of course, shorter shifts. This unit will reduce the shift throws by as much as 30%, and with a simple installation. This makes for an excellent weekend project you can perform to improve the overall shifter feedback. Here are more details:

    • Reduces shifts by 30%.
    • The shifter rod is machined from 304 stainless steel.
    • The reverse lockout is CNC machined from 6061 aluminum with an anodized red finish.
    • Includes all new hardware.
    • Made in the USA.
    • Also includes bushings and a metal plate.

     

     

    STI SHORT GEAR SHIFT LEVER 2022-2024 BRZ/86

    This is a Genuine STI component so that means you get OEM quality, with an exclusive STI part. This will be as close to OEM as possible for those of you who are not keen to modding, but if you do, you’d like to keep things within Subaru OEM components. A great upgrade that will be a direct replacement for your 6-speed.

    • Genuine STI component
    • Designed with a changed lever ratio to reduce the shifter throws.
    • Reduces the shifter throw by 4mm when compared to the OEM unit.
    • Ideal for those of you who want to keep components as close to OEM as possible.
    • Provides faster and more precise shifts.

     

     

     

    In conclusion, these are just a few great examples we carry to make your driving experience much more enjoyable. A short shifter is one of the top mods that you can perform to your BRZ, FR-S, and 86 and you can choose from wild examples such as the IRP, to OEM-like with less throw such as the STI unit. All examples are available for a variety of budgets and will come with everything needed to make for an awesome weekend project that you can perform and will remind you that manual transmissions are for the most part, the better experience.