Gear shift shortener

[viOlaziOne]

It's sometimes difficult in the car world to not only find a product that works but to find a company that stands behind their product and works WITH the customer .. I can say without a shadow of a doubt that MTech is 100% legit and FANTASTIC to work with

I emailed them about my issue and they had originally said to ship back the first version of the shifter to get a free replacement .. I let them know that the shipping would make the whole deal not worth it for me as I can't find anyone locally to do international shipping for even a remotely decent price .. they e-mailed me back telling me to KEEP the first version and that they would send me the updated version of their shifter for HALF PRICE .. I have no experience with how the actual product works just yet but I've heard from others that it's incredible and if their customer service matches their product than we have a real winner here !!

Patrick from MTech asked me to post the following link here because he said that some people can't see the different between the two shift shorteners (pre-2013 and 2013+) .. this link will clear up any issues .. rest assured that MTech is LEGIT

http://www.mathijssentechnics.nl/F40-difference.pdf

good luck guys !!

 

[WHITEGS13]

Half price? Damn, that's awesome customer service!

I've been looking into the difference between 2012's and 2013's. From what I've found there was a difference between the shifter linkage on 2012 and 2013 models sold in Europe. The Regals here in the States were all made with the same shifter linkage and it shouldn't matter where they were built or the model year.

 

[viOlaziOne]

Half price? Damn, that's awesome customer service!

I've been looking into the difference between 2012's and 2013's. From what I've found there was a difference between the shifter linkage on 2012 and 2013 models sold in Europe. The Regals here in the States were all made with the same shifter linkage and it shouldn't matter where they were built or the model year.

not only was it half price but I don't think I even got charged the 50 euro for shipping lol this company is flat out AMAZING .. I basically paid a tad over 115 total for the item AND shipping so I'm extremely happy with their customer service to make this work out as well as it did

as far as the years and models go, it seems like that's how it's playing out but at least if someone on here is planning on buying this item they can know for sure which shifter to buy .. Bad News Racing is waiting to hear back from the people who bought these shifters from them on whether or not they work well before they order any more of them which is smart but I can't see waiting 2-3 more weeks when I'm already very impatient lol if all goes well I may end up offering the first gen of this shifter at a discount to someone who doesn't want to pay the $225 for the other one .. MTech told me that the first gen is perfectly fine and works great but that this newer version is obviously better .. I'm just super happy my schedule didn't allow me to put this on because the battery box removal is a BITCH and I am NOT looking forward to it lol

 

[WHITEGS13]

Bad News Racing is waiting to hear back from the people who bought these shifters from them on whether or not they work well before they order any more of them which is smart but I can't see waiting 2-3 more weeks when I'm already very impatient I'm just super happy my schedule didn't allow me to put this on because the battery box removal is a BITCH and I am NOT looking forward to it lol

I was recently in contact with BNR and let them know the shifter fits the 2013's. Trust me, you don't have to take the battery out! I did it with the battery in the car with no problems at all. Just take the battery cover off and the computer slides straight up. I let the computer rest towards the front of the car. It literally took me less that 30 minutes to do the whole thing. The hardest part was getting that metal cap off. I drilled a bigger hole and just put the tip of a large phillips screwdriver in the hole and pried it off. The stock shifter was a little tight too. I just yanked up and down on it a few times and it popped off. That last doesn't sound right at all.😱

 

[viOlaziOne]

I was recently in contact with BNR and let them know the shifter fits the 2013's. Trust me, you don't have to take the battery out! I did it with the battery in the car with no problems at all. Just take the battery cover off and the computer slides straight up. I let the computer rest towards the front of the car. It literally took me less that 30 minutes to do the whole thing. The hardest part was getting that metal cap off. I drilled a bigger hole and just put the tip of a large phillips screwdriver in the hole and pried it off. The stock shifter was a little tight too. I just yanked up and down on it a few times and it popped off. That last doesn't sound right at all.😱

Did you have to get the battery box washers to raise it ? I'm thinking maybe the upgrade was making it lower to avoid the washers lol just to confirm though, you got the updated unit that's pictured in the link I posed, correct ? How does shifting feel now? No hang ups ?

 

[BNRacing]

I've got 10 more of these on the way since it's been confirmed to fit perfectly.

 

[WHITEGS13]

Did you have to get the battery box washers to raise it ? I'm thinking maybe the upgrade was making it lower to avoid the washers lol just to confirm though, you got the updated unit that's pictured in the link I posed, correct ? How does shifting feel now? No hang ups ?

Didn't need any washers, it fits perfect. Yes, I have the red one that is pictured in the link you posted. The shifting is so much smoother and shorter(obviously). No hang ups at all. It truly is a night and day difference! I use to have a 3rd gear vibration that other members have complained about, but it's gone since installing the shifter. I did notice the stock shifter nut was really loose when removing it. I'm thinking that had something to do with the vibration.

 

[GS6spd]

Didn't need any washers, it fits perfect. Yes, I have the red one that is pictured in the link you posted. The shifting is so much smoother and shorter(obviously). No hang ups at all. It truly is a night and day difference! I use to have a 3rd gear vibration that other members have complained about, but it's gone since installing the shifter. I did notice the stock shifter nut was really loose when removing it. I'm thinking that had something to do with the vibration.

I had totally talked myself out of messing with this car at all, including the shifter. But after hearing your experience, and the relatively painless install, it sounds like a no brainer! My main beef is the 1st-2nd shift, it's almost impossible to make it quick, at least on my GS. Does it make a noticeable improvement in that area? Any down side at all? Thanks for your pics and common sense review of this product.🙂

 

[WHITEGS13]

I had totally talked myself out of messing with this car at all, including the shifter. But after hearing your experience, and the relatively painless install, it sounds like a no brainer! My main beef is the 1st-2nd shift, it's almost impossible to make it quick, at least on my GS. Does it make a noticeable improvement in that area? Any down side at all? Thanks for your pics and common sense review of this product.🙂

I was in the same boat with the 1st to 2nd shift. I've had a lot of manual vehicles, but this Buick's was by far the quirkiest shifting tranny I've ever had. I can tell you that 1st to 2nd is a dream now and you can shift it as fast as you want. There are absolutely no down sides at all to this shifter. I don't know how, but this shifter pretty much solved all my complaints about my quirky transmission.

 

[viOlaziOne]

I was in the same boat with the 1st to 2nd shift. I've had a lot of manual vehicles, but this Buick's was by far the quirkiest shifting tranny I've ever had. I can tell you that 1st to 2nd is a dream now and you can shift it as fast as you want. There are absolutely no down sides at all to this shifter. I don't know how, but this shifter pretty much solved all my complaints about my quirky transmission.

that's awesome to hear !! my upgraded shifter was already mailed by MTech so I'm starting to get excited about this bad boy showing up lol when I'm not doing something to this car, I get really bored .. just ordered Anthracite Gray plastdip to try on my rims .. if I get bored with that I'll be doing White and if that looks stupid I'll try Vintage Gold to be crazy (until I buy the new rims I saw but they're forged and $$$$$ so gotta save lol)

 

[WHITEGS13]

that's awesome to hear !! my upgraded shifter was already mailed by MTech so I'm starting to get excited about this bad boy showing up lol when I'm not doing something to this car, I get really bored .. just ordered Anthracite Gray plastdip to try on my rims .. if I get bored with that I'll be doing White and if that looks stupid I'll try Vintage Gold to be crazy (until I buy the new rims I saw but they're forged and $$$$$ so gotta save lol)

You'll love the shifter! LMAO.....I'm the same way with cars, if I'm not doing something to them I get bored as Hell. I'll probably be bored with the GS by next spring and trade it for a new CTS-V that my wife gave me the thumbs up to get. I'm really liking the Plasti Dip too, it's holding up very well to my constant washing. No problems with it at all so far. The only bitch is the brake dust really likes to stick to the Plasti Dip and you really have to scrub them to get it off. If you're interested, I'm getting ready to sell my 20" OPC Insignia rims. Comes with tires that were tracked for 6 laps, TPMS and Opel center caps. Were only on my car for 300 miles!

 

[GS6spd]

I was in the same boat with the 1st to 2nd shift. I've had a lot of manual vehicles, but this Buick's was by far the quirkiest shifting tranny I've ever had. I can tell you that 1st to 2nd is a dream now and you can shift it as fast as you want. There are absolutely no down sides at all to this shifter. I don't know how, but this shifter pretty much solved all my complaints about my quirky transmission.

Awesome! Sounds like I just need to pull the trigger on this. So far the balky shifting would be my only complaint with the GS, and that's with the stock tune that most everybody else hates. What can I say, I'm a slow mover on the mods. It was almost 10 years before I finally got a tune on my Silverado SS, and that's the only thing I've changed so far.😱 viOlaziOne give us your thoughts too when your updated shifter is installed.

 

[BNRacing]

Our next shipment of them is on it's way so anyone looking to buy one hold off for now, we sell them cheaper than mtech direct and ship USPS Priority- 2 business days to get anywhere in the usa

 

[GS6spd]

Our next shipment of them is on it's way so anyone looking to buy one hold off for now, we sell them cheaper than mtech direct and ship USPS Priority- 2 business days to get anywhere in the usa

Thanks for the heads up! Now about that tune...?? I do need to look into a tune, but after building many, many cars over the years, I only want mods with NO down side. Greedy, yes I know, but I'm old and a very patient enthusiast at this stage. Lol. I just don't want gains in one area, and losses in another. Suggestions?? Just PM me sometime. Thanks.

 

[viOlaziOne]

You'll love the shifter! LMAO.....I'm the same way with cars, if I'm not doing something to them I get bored as Hell. I'll probably be bored with the GS by next spring and trade it for a new CTS-V that my wife gave me the thumbs up to get. I'm really liking the Plasti Dip too, it's holding up very well to my constant washing. No problems with it at all so far. The only bitch is the brake dust really likes to stick to the Plasti Dip and you really have to scrub them to get it off. If you're interested, I'm getting ready to sell my 20" OPC Insignia rims. Comes with tires that were tracked for 6 laps, TPMS and Opel center caps. Were only on my car for 300 miles!

I'll PM you about the rims actually lol I'm already mentally onto my next car but I want to get at least some use out of this bad boy before I trade it in .. 2600 miles isn't much yet LOL I'm going on a damn plastidip frenzy and was even thinking of doing the whole damn car LOL who knows .. I get bored too easily and have a two car garage filled with the GS and auto detailing supplies (just enough room for a new motorcycle though lol) hopefully I'll be happy once this new grille is on and I can finally get that Werks spacer set and a tune .. MAYBE that will hold me off for a little :X

Awesome! Sounds like I just need to pull the trigger on this. So far the balky shifting would be my only complaint with the GS, and that's with the stock tune that most everybody else hates. What can I say, I'm a slow mover on the mods. It was almost 10 years before I finally got a tune on my Silverado SS, and that's the only thing I've changed so far.😱 viOlaziOne give us your thoughts too when your updated shifter is installed.

as soon as this baby arrives I'll pop it on with the quickness now that I know the battery box isn't a situation lol I'll for sure report back to my fellow Buick modders LOL

 

[jamyzd30]

Installed the M-tech short shifter today. It might have been easy for some people but it was not that simple for me. I ended up taking out my battery and box (no big deal) but it gives you way more space. After drilling the little hole; that CAP was extremely hard to pry off; listen to instructions and attempt to drill hole close to the side (otherwise you will be like me and take FOREVER drilling multiple holes and prying with a screwdriver. It took way longer then the entire install. The shifter did not come off easily either....I ended up having to go buy a bearing puller for $30 bucks.

Overall opinion on shifter...Well worth the $225.00 from Bad News Racing! Does it shorten throw by 50% I doubt that; but nevertheless it does improve it greatly!! I actually think the major improvements are more 2nd to 3rd and 4th; not so much from 1st to 2nd like others have said. The shifter also feels much tighter and firm; no vibration. Now I am still waiting for BNR to hopefully update the tune...Thanks BNR!

 

[viOlaziOne]

Installed the M-tech short shifter today. It might have been easy for some people but it was not that simple for me. I ended up taking out my battery and box (no big deal) but it gives you way more space. After drilling the little hole; that CAP was extremely hard to pry off; listen to instructions and attempt to drill hole close to the side (otherwise you will be like me and take FOREVER drilling multiple holes and prying with a screwdriver. It took way longer then the entire install. The shifter did not come off easily either....I ended up having to go buy a bearing puller for $30 bucks.

Overall opinion on shifter...Well worth the $225.00 from Bad News Racing! Does it shorten throw by 50% I doubt that; but nevertheless it does improve it greatly!! I actually think the major improvements are more 2nd to 3rd and 4th; not so much from 1st to 2nd like others have said. The shifter also feels much tighter and firm; no vibration. Now I am still waiting for BNR to hopefully update the tune...Thanks BNR!

I can attest to how much of a pain in the ass that top cap was .. I actually had the battery and box OUT of the car nearly a month ago to drill it out .. was all ready to install and couldn't get the stock shifter out .. now I have a little bearing puller and plan on putting a nickel or dime inside the hole to let the center rod push on to help pry the bottom of the shifter off .. in my case I'm fortunate because the cap is off so I'll probably get away without having to take the battery box out .. the issue with the first gen short shifter was that you needed to install three washers UNDER the battery box to prop the box up just a little so that the shifter didn't get hung up at all on it .. I have a feeling THAT is the redesign for the updated one even though it wasn't that serious of a problem

you said you doubt it's 50% and I'm happy it's not LOL I wouldn't want it THAT short .. I had a G35 coupe before this car with full bolt ons and a VERY short throw .. needless to say it was annoying at times at how short everything was but you get used to it .. going from that car to this makes me feel like I'm rowing a friggin boat though .. I'm happy your install was a success even through the issues and I hope you enjoy it !!

 

[WHITEGS13]

I just drilled a larger hole near the side like the instructions said and put the end of a phillips screw driver in there and pried down a few times and it popped right out. The shifter itself just took 4 or 5 quick yanks up and it came right off too. My GS only has 2,100 miles on it so maybe it was easier? I even noticed that GM had put a light grease on the splines of the shifter to hopefully keep it from sticking on there.

 

[jamyzd30]

Man; whitegs13 it seems you got lucky to get everything perfect. I am relatively strong and my buddy is the size of stone cold steve austin...and neither of us could yank it off. I definetely am not trying to discourage anyone from installing this shifter. It is a MUST have!! It just was not as simple as I hoped. Nevertheless it was well worth it!

 

[wierz11]

BNR when will you have these in/price change? LET US KNOW, I NEED ONE DAMN IT ALL.