dmp Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 Last week I purchased a Cobb (old-style, not the new, pretty blue one) Short Throw Shifter from trabbic. Great transaction. Today, after work I decided to install the thing. Below, you'll see a photo/text essay of my experience. First off...Consult with an old friend: http://www.d-mphotos.com/images/specb/specbsts/sts12.jpg Next, get in the car unscrew the shift knob. It won't come out of the boot - they're attached like me to Percoset. Then, look down at the trim just in front of the seat heaters. You'll see the trim sorta goes under the black plastic around the heater switches. I used a VERY small flat-tip screw driver to gently probe the seams until I could pop the piece straight up from the bottom. http://www.d-mphotos.com/images/specb/specbsts/sts1.jpg Now, lift up and out and you'll gain access. Unplug the plug going to godknowswhere http://www.d-mphotos.com/images/specb/specbsts/sts2.jpg After you remove the entire boot/knob/trim piece you'll undoubtably find a treasure-trove of dust, grime, and Lincolns. The white discs you see (sorry, the focal point wasn't set for those) are plastic flat-tip screw things, as labeled. The circled screws will need to be removed later - go ahead and pull 'em now if you wish. If you don't wish, don't worry, I can't MAKE you do it. Unless I slip you a roofy...erp...yeah..whatever... http://www.d-mphotos.com/images/specb/specbsts/sts3.jpg Lift up and out and the yellow foam and rubber boots come on out. http://www.d-mphotos.com/images/specb/specbsts/sts4.jpg Then, it'll look a little like this: http://www.d-mphotos.com/images/specb/specbsts/sts5.jpg I used a 12mm box-end wrench and a socket. CAREFUL! Don't be an idiot like me. I whacked my knuckles on my temp knob. http://www.d-mphotos.com/images/specb/specbsts/sts6.jpg Next - is the ring-thing. You'll absolutely need snap-ring pliers. Even with 'em it took a bit of finagling, because the shift arm doesn't move out of the way very much...I know..pretty unthoughtful of it, right? http://www.d-mphotos.com/images/specb/specbsts/sts7.jpg Once you get the snap ring out, the whole shifter can be popped out. Just pull...it'll work. (that's what she said). I used the afore-mentioned tiny flat-tip screw driver to remove the bushing. Then flipped it around to remove the gray plastic bushing pieces. I had to actually place the shifter in a vice, and give the screwdriver a little tappy-tap with a torque-wrench (couldn't find a hammer). The grease will be used for the new shifter...hang on to it. http://www.d-mphotos.com/images/specb/specbsts/sts8.jpg Now...according to the printed-out COBB instructions, I was to 'trim' the metal bracket surrounding the area due to the angles of the new shift-arm attach points. 12mm socket did the trick...again, I'm a dork and whacked the OTHER temp knob with the ratchet handle. http://www.d-mphotos.com/images/specb/specbsts/sts9.jpg Lemme tell ya - that thing is more than 1/4 inch of metal. I can't see it being snipped, so...In true ghetto/redneck fashion I decided to grind that summbitch down. Did I mention I'd a dork? DO NOT DO THIS. IF YOU DO, YOU'RE AN IDIOT LIKE ME. http://www.d-mphotos.com/images/specb/specbsts/sts10.jpg It caught once, and the metal bracket spun and cut me. http://www.d-mphotos.com/images/specb/specbsts/sts11.jpg More consulting was needed. http://www.d-mphotos.com/images/specb/specbsts/sts12.jpg After the bloodworks, I decided to go with what I had - just about 2/3" of that angle removed. I figured if it rubbed the shift arm, I'd deal with it later. I forgot to get pics of putting the bushings in the new shifter...but...honestly? If you need pics...you may-should have hired this done for you. I popped the new shifter in place of the old, worked the snap-ring and attached the shift arm - which didn't seem to get close to rubbing the metal bracket. http://www.d-mphotos.com/images/specb/specbsts/sts13.jpg Next, get the tools out again and tighten the bolt/nut on the shift-arm. Notice no POW going on. http://www.d-mphotos.com/images/specb/specbsts/sts14.jpg Re-install the rubber/foam insulation piece, and place the trim back on. DO NOT FORGET TO PLUG IN THE PLUG-THING...I did...I'll have to go back out to the car after I type this, and re-do it. http://www.d-mphotos.com/images/specb/specbsts/sts15.jpg There you have it - the rest is easy. Now...I generally don't do impressions...so here's my opinion on the shifter. NOTCHY...but HOLY LORD incredible short-shifts. I'm VERY happy. I'll deal with the notchiness or try to adjust it at some point...but over-all, the throws are how the car should have been, IMO, and with no disrespect towards sooby engineers, from the factory. That's it! Holler if you have any questions and what-not. - Darin. SOLD | '06 spec.B - VF52/AVO/740cc/Up/Down | 238awhp | 50-80mph 3.1 seconds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Gitster Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 If youre getting that drunk off of Mich Ultra, youve got problems Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmp Posted March 11, 2008 Author Share Posted March 11, 2008 if I were drunk...I'd have an excuse... :-/ SOLD | '06 spec.B - VF52/AVO/740cc/Up/Down | 238awhp | 50-80mph 3.1 seconds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaGe Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 did you read the walk through on the STS install before doing this? OTM. Sorry I didn't mean to start a war which mainly forum people is all about . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Gitster Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 What is this 2001, you on Atkins ??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaGe Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 OTM. Sorry I didn't mean to start a war which mainly forum people is all about . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmp Posted March 11, 2008 Author Share Posted March 11, 2008 did you read the walk through on the STS install before doing this? I saw a couple of them here on the board - but they had VERY FEW pics...I'm a visual guy. So - that's why I bothered to do my own thread. What is this 2001, you on Atkins ??? I really like the beer. I can drink 8 of 'em compared with half that many 'good' beers. In fact, I drank one while typing this. SOLD | '06 spec.B - VF52/AVO/740cc/Up/Down | 238awhp | 50-80mph 3.1 seconds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaGe Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 i was gonna say. you didnt have to use a screw driver to pull up the trim. you could have just grabbed under the boot and trim and pulled up. OTM. Sorry I didn't mean to start a war which mainly forum people is all about . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reason22 Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 To help the notchiness, get yourself some sweet, sweet shifter bushing to go with that STS. And re-slather the shift lever bushing (the one you have to battle with the snap-ring pliers) in obscene amounts of grease. I did both of these, and the shifts are now...well not silky-smooth but a heckuva lot better. Nice write-up! edit: how the heck did you get all those pennies down in there?!?!? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaGe Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 +1 on the bushings. But yes. nice write up. OTM. Sorry I didn't mean to start a war which mainly forum people is all about . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gire Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 nice write up, and NICE pics! One day when I get priorities straight, I'll have to throw a STS shifter in my car too... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmp Posted March 11, 2008 Author Share Posted March 11, 2008 To help the notchiness, get yourself some sweet, sweet shifter bushing to go with that STS. And re-slather the shift lever bushing (the one you have to battle with the snap-ring pliers) in obscene amounts of grease. I did both of these, and the shifts are now...well not silky-smooth but a heckuva lot better. Nice write-up! edit: how the heck did you get all those pennies down in there?!?!? Thanks much - The pennies? I got lucky...they came with the car. SCORE, right? I've got Cobb Blue Disc bushing things - are those the bushings of which you speak? I'll get under the car on a dry day and install 'em. Thanks for the advice! nice write up, and NICE pics! One day when I get priorities straight, I'll have to throw a STS shifter in my car too... The shifting was the single-worst part of the car for me. It was a priority to correct. Now, if i can reign-in the body roll I'll be set...until I start w/ the go-fast mods. SOLD | '06 spec.B - VF52/AVO/740cc/Up/Down | 238awhp | 50-80mph 3.1 seconds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmp Posted March 11, 2008 Author Share Posted March 11, 2008 btw - nobody's found my easter-egg yet??? SOLD | '06 spec.B - VF52/AVO/740cc/Up/Down | 238awhp | 50-80mph 3.1 seconds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rkl303 Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 To help the notchiness, get yourself some sweet, sweet shifter bushing to go with that STS. And re-slather the shift lever bushing (the one you have to battle with the snap-ring pliers) in obscene amounts of grease. I did both of these, and the shifts are now...well not silky-smooth but a heckuva lot better. Nice write-up! edit: how the heck did you get all those pennies down in there?!?!? I use my ashtray as my coin holder. I bet it could happen either over time or when he tried to remove cover and forgot to remove the pennies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmp Posted March 11, 2008 Author Share Posted March 11, 2008 No...really...srsly...they were just there.. I've only had the car for 2 weeks and change (pun intended). SOLD | '06 spec.B - VF52/AVO/740cc/Up/Down | 238awhp | 50-80mph 3.1 seconds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zed 2.0 Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 great writeup Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmp Posted March 11, 2008 Author Share Posted March 11, 2008 Thanks all - I just read that I really 'failed' with this....according to the sticky in this forum - Using the Walk-throughs.. If your interested in helping by posting a walkthough, please do so with great detail including photos and tools needed. Please use a new 'reply' as a new step in the process. Also, try to think of what things you would like to see in a walkthrough when you put it together. Sorry everyone. Any Mods - I can re-post this the right way, I suppose, if it'd help. SOLD | '06 spec.B - VF52/AVO/740cc/Up/Down | 238awhp | 50-80mph 3.1 seconds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
syphax Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 Teh spec.b go-fast button is supposed to be fluorescent orange with a glowing purple ring, not just plain ol' red. That's how I know it's a fake... Semper ubi sub ubi. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmp Posted March 11, 2008 Author Share Posted March 11, 2008 syphax wins 15,343,432 cool points for noticing! (For the record, the spec.B button didn't go fluorescent orange with a glowing purple ring until 2007. ) SOLD | '06 spec.B - VF52/AVO/740cc/Up/Down | 238awhp | 50-80mph 3.1 seconds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
syphax Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 Nice write-up, btw. I have been thinking about getting an STS myself. Good to know it's a worthwhile exercise, if a but hazardous to the knuckles! syphax wins 15,343,432 cool points for noticing! (For the record, the spec.B button didn't go fluorescent orange with a glowing purple ring until 2007. ) Semper ubi sub ubi. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reason22 Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 Yeah the STS + bushings is a great mod...getting good shifts is easier, though maybe just for me. Mostly it gets that giganto bus-shifter out of the way of the enviro controls and radio. But the shifts are smoother, crisper, and you can feel the syncros a lot better. If you're into that sort of thing... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whobaru Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 Great writeup, I LOVE pics! ...and the clever use of humor made the reading easy. I give the writeup a 9/10. 10 being perfect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmp Posted March 11, 2008 Author Share Posted March 11, 2008 Yeah the STS + bushings is a great mod...getting good shifts is easier, though maybe just for me. Mostly it gets that giganto bus-shifter out of the way of the enviro controls and radio. But the shifts are smoother, crisper, and you can feel the syncros a lot better. If you're into that sort of thing... Bus-shifter...that's EXACTLY right. My 2nd car was a 1977 International Scout with a 4sp manual. The way that thing shifted (with a shifter at least 3' tall) wasn't TOO much worse than, in my opinion, a stock Legacy GT, or even my old 95 Altima. Great writeup, I LOVE pics! ...and the clever use of humor made the reading easy. I give the writeup a 9/10. 10 being perfect. Well whobaru - I'm very appreciative of the kind words. I shoot for 'D'...you've given me an A- and I am thankful. More thankful, really, for the feedback because it was my sincere intent to make something USEFUL for folk. If this write-up were just a joke, or just had neat pics, or whatever, but really wouldn't help the average Joe or Josie, then it'd have been a waste. Sincerely, thank you. SOLD | '06 spec.B - VF52/AVO/740cc/Up/Down | 238awhp | 50-80mph 3.1 seconds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gire Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 The shifting was the single-worst part of the car for me. It was a priority to correct. Now, if i can reign-in the body roll I'll be set...until I start w/ the go-fast mods. That's funny as I found these two things most wrong with the car too. I swapped out to a better shift knob and ditched the tall, rubbery feeling stock shift knob (made a big difference), and installed iON springs within the first couple months. Then I got a JDM sway bar. Have fun modding! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmp Posted March 11, 2008 Author Share Posted March 11, 2008 Front or rear sway bar? Do you think the body roll is 'fixed'? I'm likely going to use Pinks w/ the factory billsteins. SOLD | '06 spec.B - VF52/AVO/740cc/Up/Down | 238awhp | 50-80mph 3.1 seconds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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