Welcome to the North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club Thursday March 28, 2024
Home Forums Images WikiNASIOC Products Store Modifications Upgrade Garage
NASIOC
Go Back   NASIOC > NASIOC General > Interior & Exterior Modification

Welcome to NASIOC - The world's largest online community for Subaru enthusiasts!
Welcome to the NASIOC.com Subaru forum.

You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, free of charge, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.







* As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads. 
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 09-11-2011, 10:52 AM   #1
Overland04
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 293311
Join Date: Sep 2011
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: Coast of Maine
Vehicle:
2013 FXT 6-Speed
Obsidian Black Pearl

Default Kartboy Short throw install w/ Bushings, 2011 WRX 5dr.

Hey Guys,

This weekend I decided to do my second modification to my SWP 2011 WRX Hatch.
The reason that I wanted to do a short throw was solely because I though the throw was a little long and mushy compared to my Audi S4 that I just sold prior to this car.
I'll rate the install a 5 out of 10. Mainly because of the difficulty of the rear bushing removal and installation.
Total time was about an 1-1/2 hours from start to finish. (using floor jack & stands)


If this works out well for you, check out my 2011 WRX build thread over here! I have many more install threads...


Before picture of the stock shifter


Lift the e-brake and remove the cover to reveal the phillips screw holding the rear portion of the console.


Remove the 2 phillips / 10mm screws in the arm rest compartment.


Remove the rear section of the console then gently lift the rear of the front section of the console. When it unclips, gently pull back the front console to separate it from the lower dashboard. No screws on the front section.


Remove the two white plastic screws and reveal the stock shifter.
You must remove the snap-ring before you proceed. Use http://www.amazon.com/Snap-Circlip--Clip-Retaining-Pliers/dp/B003R6K1BC/ref=sr_1_9?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1315752125&sr=1-9 tool if you want to do it properly.


Once you remove the snap ring, remove the 12mm bold connecting the stock shifter to the shift linkage. From there, all you need is to gently pull the shifter up and release it from the cup below the snap ring.

The stock VS the Kartboy


Remove the plastic grease bushings and transfer them to the new shifter.


Take a break and wash your hands off of the grease. Haha, not really but I did because my car has 200 miles on it and the grease that they use stinks so I didn't want to replace my new car scent with whatever that smell is.
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

Last edited by Overland04; 02-06-2012 at 04:21 PM.
Overland04 is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
Old 09-11-2011, 11:05 AM   #2
Overland04
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 293311
Join Date: Sep 2011
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: Coast of Maine
Vehicle:
2013 FXT 6-Speed
Obsidian Black Pearl

Default

Once you're clean, it's time to start get underneath the car, yay!

This is the piece your looking for. You'll need to jack up the car, remove the heat shield, and locate the shifter stabilizer bar and it's bushings.
(side note) there is a small twist wire that connects a rubber boot to this stabilizer bar inside the car. I had to cut it in order to remove the bar. Most cars have it, some don't. It is on the outside of the cup where you removed the snap-ring.



Change over the new bushings and re-install the bar back into the car.
This is the picture of the rear bushing with the new 13mm bolts installed.



This is the best picture I could get of the front bushing installed. It's tight in there!



Time to put it all back together. I used a small zip-tie to replace the wist wire I removed from the rubber boot that was attached to the cup of the shifter stabilizer.
New short throw



And an image of the Kartboy Short throw with a Cobb Shift knob on it. The Knob is brand new from Rally Sport Direct but it came scratched so I'm sending it back. Thanks for reading!!

Overland04 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-11-2011, 11:10 AM   #3
Newsubie2935
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 293666
Join Date: Sep 2011
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: MI
Vehicle:
2011 WRX

Default

Looks great, how does it feel
Newsubie2935 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-11-2011, 11:14 AM   #4
vajayhawkfan
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 83908
Join Date: Mar 2005
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: Yorktown, VA
Vehicle:
2011 WRX 5-Door
SWP

Default

Awesome dude. I picked up my SWP Limited Hatch last week and I did this install this weekend too! Honestly, the Kartboy shifter is such a huge improvement over stock. I hated the way the stock shifter felt.

My suggestion to you for your next mod is the JPM Coachworks shift boot and ebrake boot. They go so well with the Limited interior.
vajayhawkfan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-11-2011, 11:31 AM   #5
yanj88
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 290520
Join Date: Aug 2011
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: queens ny
Vehicle:
2011 wrx 5 door
wrb

Default

im waiting to install mine also just ordered it glad you liking it
yanj88 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-11-2011, 11:40 AM   #6
balistek
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 270217
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Louisiana
Vehicle:
2011 WRX Hatch
SWP

Default

such an awesome thread at just the right timing. I'm assuming that stabilizing bar is pretty self explanatory to move correct

thanks for your contribution
balistek is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-11-2011, 12:03 PM   #7
Enviedsvt
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 192044
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Seattle,Wa
Vehicle:
2013 STI
SWP

Default

You explained everything to a T in this how to type of thread If i may add some suggestions for others that want to follow? dont be afraid of the minimal clearance the rear stay gives you when your threading in the 13mm bolts. use a socket to hand tighten first before you use a ratchet so cross threading does not occur, Its very tight but will work. Also, I had to drill out that 2-3" space washer that sits between the nut and the bushing on the front stay. I noticed if the hole was nominal size and you tighten down the bolt with the KB Front bushings there was a slight gap conditions allowing the stay to wobble around. I oversized the hole on the space to allow it to eliminate that gap. Should have taken pics for you all.

While your down there i believe EVERYBODY should be installing a Group N tranny mount! GREAT combo with the STS
Enviedsvt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-11-2011, 02:41 PM   #8
Overland04
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 293311
Join Date: Sep 2011
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: Coast of Maine
Vehicle:
2013 FXT 6-Speed
Obsidian Black Pearl

Default

Thanks for the kind words, I really try to give back to the community as much as possible. I couldn't count how many time I got into a jam and a helpful post with some clear pictures got me through it.
Next thread will be my coilover install

For a quick review of the shifter:
I do love it, but I have noticed some minor changes to get used to.
One being the noise level. I'm talking a couple dB's here so let's not get all worried. In each gear, especially in reverse there is a small hum in the lower revs. Obviously because of the tighter bushings and less dampening, but still worth mentioning.
The other is that I honestly don't think that this transmission was made to handle being shifted any faster then the stock shifter allowed you. I'm definitely no expert in this field at all but since I don't drive like a mad man, it doesn't effect me but if you were looking to shift faster, good luck.
I feel it's a shorter throw (which is what I want it for) but if you're used to slamming gears with your stock shifter you'll be in for a treat when you try and the transmission tells you to wait until its damn ready.
So for me, it's great. I drive hard and give some nice clean shifts. If you're going to try to power shift, stick with the stock IMHO.
Overland04 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-11-2011, 02:47 PM   #9
Overland04
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 293311
Join Date: Sep 2011
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: Coast of Maine
Vehicle:
2013 FXT 6-Speed
Obsidian Black Pearl

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by vajayhawkfan View Post
Awesome dude. I picked up my SWP Limited Hatch last week and I did this install this weekend too! Honestly, the Kartboy shifter is such a huge improvement over stock. I hated the way the stock shifter felt.

My suggestion to you for your next mod is the JPM Coachworks shift boot and ebrake boot. They go so well with the Limited interior.

Dude, I'm in love. I was going to stitch one from scratch but this is such a nicer option then learning how to sew again, haha
Overland04 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-11-2011, 05:51 PM   #10
shaggydog
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 247390
Join Date: May 2010
Chapter/Region: TXIC
Vehicle:
'11 STi

Default

Now all you need are new boots. Look no further than JPM Coachworks.
shaggydog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-11-2011, 05:58 PM   #11
tom@kartboy
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 67
Join Date: Jul 1999
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: San Diego, CA
Vehicle:
1999 Outlasting
the competition.

Default

Nice write up.
One thing to note. double check the center pivot point on the shifter. make sure that the sides of the bushings are well greased along with the center pivot crush tube. Torque the center bolt only to 8-10 pounds. anything more will make the shifter feel stiff and can transmit more noise.

Also the tranny will take about 10K + miles till its finally broken in and shifting happy.


Happy Shifting
Tom
tom@kartboy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-11-2011, 07:45 PM   #12
vajayhawkfan
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 83908
Join Date: Mar 2005
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: Yorktown, VA
Vehicle:
2011 WRX 5-Door
SWP

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Overland04 View Post
Dude, I'm in love. I was going to stitch one from scratch but this is such a nicer option then learning how to sew again, haha
They are awesome. The shift boot is a piece of cake but the E-brake boot is a slight pain the ass to install (totally worth it though, looks amazing). The black leather with red stitching matches the side bolsters of the seats so well. It really improves the quality/feel, those stock pleather boots pissed me off. They really should include these boots with the leather seat package.
vajayhawkfan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-11-2011, 08:20 PM   #13
FivespeeD
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 282957
Join Date: May 2011
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Vehicle:
2011 Subaru WRX
DGM

Default

Nice little tutorial. I love my kartboy, man. I have the same shift knob as well.
FivespeeD is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-11-2011, 08:24 PM   #14
Overland04
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 293311
Join Date: Sep 2011
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: Coast of Maine
Vehicle:
2013 FXT 6-Speed
Obsidian Black Pearl

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by tom@kartboy View Post
Nice write up.
One thing to note. double check the center pivot point on the shifter. make sure that the sides of the bushings are well greased along with the center pivot crush tube. Torque the center bolt only to 8-10 pounds. anything more will make the shifter feel stiff and can transmit more noise.

Also the tranny will take about 10K + miles till its finally broken in and shifting happy.


Happy Shifting
Tom
Hey Tom, Thank you for the quick tip, I didn't know that the torque setting was so low on the pivot bolt. I remember it being easy to break free so I should have realized it was a low setting. I'll re-torque it with a little loctite tomorrow.

Quote:
Originally Posted by vajayhawkfan View Post
They are awesome. The shift boot is a piece of cake but the E-brake boot is a slight pain the ass to install (totally worth it though, looks amazing). The black leather with red stitching matches the side bolsters of the seats so well. It really improves the quality/feel, those stock pleather boots pissed me off. They really should include these boots with the leather seat package.
I just took a ride in the car and really took a look at the e-brake "leather" haha, leather....
Overland04 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-11-2011, 09:14 PM   #15
tom@kartboy
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 67
Join Date: Jul 1999
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: San Diego, CA
Vehicle:
1999 Outlasting
the competition.

Default

Yeah. its stupid low. what you can do if you dont have a low enough torque wrench. you can just drive with a pair of 12mm wrenches with the boot off. then just play with it till its just right.

tom
tom@kartboy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-11-2011, 09:24 PM   #16
ndtechie05
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 294135
Join Date: Sep 2011
Default

thanks for the install guide. I'm hopefully get my WRX tomorrow night if the dealership keeps their deal! This will be one of the first mods I do...
ndtechie05 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-12-2011, 02:51 PM   #17
pakbot
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 284229
Join Date: May 2011
Chapter/Region: E. Canada
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Vehicle:
2011 WRX Hatch
Satin White Pearl

Default

Hopefully Overland04 doesn't mind me adding this, but I have the same car and the same shifter setup installed in my car. I took a quick video before and after to show the difference in throw.


I definitely agree with the speed thing though, particularly shifting from 1st to 2nd, I feel the transmission push back until it's ready for the shift. I also notice a lot more noise than before, but again, nothing unbearable.

Many of my car associates have sat in it, made fun of the still fairly tall shifter, and then have been shocked at how short the throw is.
pakbot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2011, 02:15 PM   #18
koomba
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 241053
Join Date: Mar 2010
Chapter/Region: South East
Location: Charlotte, NC
Vehicle:
2011 WRX Sedan
OBP

Default

quick question, did you grease the front stay bushings?
koomba is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2011, 03:20 PM   #19
jonklein611
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 117776
Join Date: Jun 2006
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: Moon Twp, PA
Vehicle:
2011 WRX Limited 5dr
WR Blue Pearl

Default

nice writeup, def doing this soon.
jonklein611 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2011, 06:56 PM   #20
Overland04
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 293311
Join Date: Sep 2011
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: Coast of Maine
Vehicle:
2013 FXT 6-Speed
Obsidian Black Pearl

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by koomba View Post
quick question, did you grease the front stay bushings?
Nope, maybe there was a little that I used to seat the new urethane bushings. I remember that there is no need to grease urethane so I didn't.
Cheers!
Overland04 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2011, 06:56 PM   #21
Overland04
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 293311
Join Date: Sep 2011
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: Coast of Maine
Vehicle:
2013 FXT 6-Speed
Obsidian Black Pearl

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jonklein611 View Post
nice writeup, def doing this soon.
Thanks Jon!
Overland04 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2011, 06:59 PM   #22
Overland04
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 293311
Join Date: Sep 2011
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: Coast of Maine
Vehicle:
2013 FXT 6-Speed
Obsidian Black Pearl

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by pakbot View Post
Hopefully Overland04 doesn't mind me adding this, but I have the same car and the same shifter setup installed in my car. I took a quick video before and after to show the difference in throw.


I definitely agree with the speed thing though, particularly shifting from 1st to 2nd, I feel the transmission push back until it's ready for the shift. I also notice a lot more noise than before, but again, nothing unbearable.

Many of my car associates have sat in it, made fun of the still fairly tall shifter, and then have been shocked at how short the throw is.
Hey Pakbot, No worries mate!
Thanks for the addition to my thread, Nice vid too! I would have loved to do an instructional video.
Overland04 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-15-2011, 10:32 AM   #23
pakbot
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 284229
Join Date: May 2011
Chapter/Region: E. Canada
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Vehicle:
2011 WRX Hatch
Satin White Pearl

Default

^Ditto, I'd of like to have done video of the front / rear bushings removal but it was a big enough pain just getting tools underneath, nevermind a camera. ;-)
pakbot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-27-2011, 10:23 PM   #24
Subie2011WRX
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 295381
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Newtown, CT
Vehicle:
2011 Impreza WRX
White

Default

Nice im thinking about buying one but a cobb short shifter
Subie2011WRX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-27-2011, 11:41 PM   #25
Psyk
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 92203
Join Date: Jul 2005
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: Bergen County
Vehicle:
2012 SWP WRX Hatch
RIP 05 WRX

Default

Awesome info and install pics! I'm going to be getting the KB SS soon for my 08 so this is a plus to have! I'm also waiting on the same knob from Rallysport Direct also, haha
Psyk is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Kartboy short throw shifter with bushings for 06-07STI Sleepy60 Drivetrain 4 10-23-2008 07:53 PM
WTB: Kartboy Short Throw Shifter and Bushings Modifying Canada Region Private Classifieds 0 04-15-2006 03:06 AM
WTB: Kartboy Short Throw Shifter and Bushings Modifying Vancouver Impreza Club Forum -- VIC 0 04-15-2006 03:05 AM
02 wrx kartboy short throw shifter and bushings simprezl25 Private 'Wanted' Classifieds 2 04-17-2005 11:34 AM
2005 STi Kartboy Short Throw Installed harmonevan Transmission (AT/MT) & Driveline 9 07-23-2004 12:23 AM

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:46 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.0
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Powered by Searchlight © 2024 Axivo Inc.
Copyright ©1999 - 2019, North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club, Inc.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission
Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.