BoozeRS05 Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 Just won my first ebay auction. Got a brand new 05+ Legacy Kartboy short shifter for $53 shipped.. Suprised nobody else here was involved in the bidding, I actually got the shifter for $38, but shipping was $14 coming from Cali.. So I figured I need the bushings too. Went over to Rallitek, which has a sale on the bushing for $20 atm ($10 shipping).. For those who haven't felt the difference.. It's like a brand new transmission. A short shifter coupled with the bushings = a vast improvement over the stock unit, and it's a simple DIY taking about 30 minutes for both. No more vague sloppy feel, and talk about 'flick of the wrist' shifting.. Anyway, for $83 shipped, I feel good considering how broke I am.. But, I have a sickness, which never passed on a good deal.. Chicka chicka yeah!! http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/839/839946/year-one-20071206043513414.jpg EB's Subaru journal - 2005 LegacyGT Wagon & 2014 Forester FB25 (2008 specB - RIP) IG@legacygtliving Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rc0032 Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 what movie was that? I just saw it recently... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoozeRS05 Posted January 10, 2008 Author Share Posted January 10, 2008 McLovin!!... Movie is 'Super Bad' EB's Subaru journal - 2005 LegacyGT Wagon & 2014 Forester FB25 (2008 specB - RIP) IG@legacygtliving Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2006Specb122 Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 link to walkthrough on the bushings? were they pretty simple to isntall? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoozeRS05 Posted January 10, 2008 Author Share Posted January 10, 2008 The first link details how to install the shifter and bushings on a WRX. The only major difference is getting the trim apart to gain access for the shifter(second link).. http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=205 http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18504&highlight=jazzy+aux Install is very easy, may not look like it. I could get this done in 30 minutes now, and I've done it once (first time took 30 minutes for each). EB's Subaru journal - 2005 LegacyGT Wagon & 2014 Forester FB25 (2008 specB - RIP) IG@legacygtliving Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dga Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 How do your synchros like the shorter throw shifter? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoozeRS05 Posted January 12, 2008 Author Share Posted January 12, 2008 I can't imagine there's a problem. I had this setup on my Impreza RS 5mt, which had 35k miles on it when I sold it. Lots of STi (6mt of course) guys are using the same products without issues, but in all honesty I don't know. EB's Subaru journal - 2005 LegacyGT Wagon & 2014 Forester FB25 (2008 specB - RIP) IG@legacygtliving Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBad Posted January 12, 2008 Share Posted January 12, 2008 OP nice deal you got there. The Kartboy is a great shifter. I've had it on my car for sometime now. I highly recommend you replace both the front and rear bushings. I purchased a supershifter package from Turninconcepts that included both bushings and special sleeve bushings for the linkages. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoozeRS05 Posted January 12, 2008 Author Share Posted January 12, 2008 I was so impressed with the front bushings and shifter, I never got to the rear bushing.. Plus it's a bit harder to reach/install then the other components from what I've heard.. I had a Group N tranny mount for the RS, but never installed it, then sold it before I realized it would work on the LGT. I've heard great things about the Group N mounts, minus the NVH issues.. Really wish I hadn't sold the tranny mount.. EB's Subaru journal - 2005 LegacyGT Wagon & 2014 Forester FB25 (2008 specB - RIP) IG@legacygtliving Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBad Posted January 12, 2008 Share Posted January 12, 2008 Here's another good install thread for the Kartboy plus front bushing. http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16708 Here is a good install thread for the rear bushing. http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13313 On the rear bushing I did not remove the heat shield or O2 sensor, I just removed the two front bolts of the heat shield which allowed me enough space to get in there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hogmeat Posted January 12, 2008 Share Posted January 12, 2008 Honestly, I just installed the Kartboy over an STI STS socket/bushings - and I can't imagine ever, ever, ever going back to STI STS...or god forbid, stock. *gasp* I've had my KB for about a year know, and is still my favorite mod for the $, even over Stage 2. I'm pleasantly surprised... It was most certainly worth the couple bucks and 10 mins of my time. CLICK HERE FOR THE HOGZAUST Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoozeRS05 Posted January 12, 2008 Author Share Posted January 12, 2008 Here's another good install thread for the Kartboy plus front bushing. http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16708 Here is a good install thread for the rear bushing. http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13313 On the rear bushing I did not remove the heat shield or O2 sensor, I just removed the two front bolts of the heat shield which allowed me enough space to get in there. Much better/more simple links then I was able to scramble together.. Can't stress enough how easy these are to install. I consider myself a tech noob, and I've spent maybe 15 hours under my car in my life.. I've done a RSB w/ endlinks, STS w/ bushings, Header, CBE, Intake & some other minor stuff without too much trouble.. Some blood & swearing, but nothing patience and more research couldn't solve. rs25, nasioc, scoobymods, & legacygt FTW!! EB's Subaru journal - 2005 LegacyGT Wagon & 2014 Forester FB25 (2008 specB - RIP) IG@legacygtliving Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fonts Posted January 12, 2008 Share Posted January 12, 2008 OP nice deal you got there. The Kartboy is a great shifter. I've had it on my car for sometime now. I highly recommend you replace both the front and rear bushings. I purchased a supershifter package from Turninconcepts that included both bushings and special sleeve bushings for the linkages. I got the same deal as well .... absolutely incredible. My only complaint was that the stock knob felt off after. Guess with the different angle of the STS the stock knob was a little small. Solved the problem with a bigger and rounder shift knob and all is great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fonts Posted January 12, 2008 Share Posted January 12, 2008 Ohh yeah. The new shift knob is the copolymer STi knob made by Lathewerks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoozeRS05 Posted January 23, 2008 Author Share Posted January 23, 2008 Make sure you have the snap ring pliers mentioned here.. Without these the job took me an additional 30mins and several four letter words .. My Impreza didn't involve this step, only involved brute force, which I have plenty of.. Regular needle nose fishing pliers don't work very well.. Step seven: Grab your snap ring pliers (see photo 7) and remove the now visible snap ring that holds the lever in the grotto (joke). You may need to use one finger to hold the lever suspended to get it out of the groove. THEN, you can simply lift the lever out of the *grott* with minimal force....seriously....it comes out like butter! (See photo 8) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/Warwick_5S/STS9.jpg EB's Subaru journal - 2005 LegacyGT Wagon & 2014 Forester FB25 (2008 specB - RIP) IG@legacygtliving Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoozeRS05 Posted January 23, 2008 Author Share Posted January 23, 2008 Also, my shifter sits oftly high now. When in 1st, 3rd, or 5th the shifter is much closer to the radio controls then before.. Anyone else seeing the same thing? Might I have been sold the wrong shifter? Any problems this might be causing?? EB's Subaru journal - 2005 LegacyGT Wagon & 2014 Forester FB25 (2008 specB - RIP) IG@legacygtliving Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hogmeat Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 you installed it backwards, dummy. Take the trim back off, remove the bolt from the shifter and linkage, and rotate the shifter 180*, then put the bolt back on, and viola, shifter goodness. you can paypal me your thanks later. I'm pleasantly surprised... It was most certainly worth the couple bucks and 10 mins of my time. CLICK HERE FOR THE HOGZAUST Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoozeRS05 Posted January 24, 2008 Author Share Posted January 24, 2008 I'm not that dumb, but I wish it was that easy.. I think the seller sold me the wrong shifter. Do you think it's causing any damage if it's the wrong shifter? I'm getting clean engagement, and it feels better connected then the stocker, no odd noises.. I bought it from RenickMotorSports ebay account, large aftermarket Subaru parts supplier.. EB's Subaru journal - 2005 LegacyGT Wagon & 2014 Forester FB25 (2008 specB - RIP) IG@legacygtliving Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBad Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 Pics of your shifter installed? Might be able to better tell that way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoozeRS05 Posted January 24, 2008 Author Share Posted January 24, 2008 "This component replaces the stock shift lever in 1997-2005 model year Subaru Impreza vehicles, including the WRX, Outback Sport, Legacy and Forester." Quoted from RenickMotorSports website.. Pretty sure that's not true, and likely the reason my shifter doesn't sit correctly.. Causing possible damage to my drivetrain?? Anyone?? EB's Subaru journal - 2005 LegacyGT Wagon & 2014 Forester FB25 (2008 specB - RIP) IG@legacygtliving Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBad Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 I don't see a problem with the shifter itself causing any damage to the drivetrain. If its engaging all gears correctly and drives well then you don't need to worry about it. I looked at the Renick site and it would seem the be the correct one, although the pic they have posted there looks like a stock shifter by the looks of the ball at the base. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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