What’s a Short Shifter – And Does Your Car Need One?
Short Throw Shifters, Are They Worth It?
When most people think of performance upgrades, they immediately go for engine parts or exhaust systems. But there’s one often-overlooked modification that can dramatically improve your driving experience — especially if you drive a manual.
If you’re just getting started with mods or want a better bang for your buck, a short throw shifter is an excellent place to begin.
Let’s break down how short shifters work, how Billetworkz compares to OEM, and whether it’s the right upgrade for your car.
What Is a Short Shifter?
A short throw shifter, also known simply as a short shifter, is designed to reduce the distance your hand has to travel between gear changes. That shorter throw means quicker shifts, more precise engagement, and less time with one hand off the wheel.
Even if you’re not trying to shave tenths off your 0–60 time, a short shifter makes your car feel sharper and more engaging to drive — especially in cars with long stock throws.
Fun Fact: The first Porsche 911 with PDK shaved nearly half a second off its 0–60 time compared to the manual version. That wasn’t just due to reaction time — it was also about mechanical shift time. Manual gear changes take longer, and short shifters help close that gap.
How Does a Short Shifter Work?
The purpose of a shifter is to let you select different gear ratios. Lower gears provide more torque and quicker acceleration, while higher gears offer greater speed and efficiency.
A short shifter doesn’t change your transmission — it simply changes the lever geometry, reducing the distance the shifter needs to travel between gears. That quicker engagement allows for:
- Faster shifts
- A sportier, more mechanical feel
- Better control and rhythm when driving aggressively
The magic happens below the pivot point. A longer lever arm below the pivot reduces throw distance, even if the shifter looks stock in height. While shorter height can help, the real performance gains come from this internal change.
Linkage vs Cable-Driven Shifters
Not all transmissions are the same — and neither are shifters.
- Linkage-Driven Shifters (e.g., STI, BRZ/FR-S/86): The shifter connects directly to the transmission via a mechanical shaft. These typically only require a short shifter to reduce throw.
- Cable-Driven Shifters (e.g., 2015+ WRX): The shifter moves a plate via a cable, which then selects gears. These setups benefit from additional upgrades like plates, bushings, and stops for tighter feel and better performance.
Stock vs Billetworkz Short Shifters
At Billetworkz, we’ve taken short throw performance to the next level. Our 2015+ WRX Short Throw Shifter Kits include everything needed for a complete transformation:
- Short Shifter
- Shifter Stop
- Shifter Plate
- Shifter Bushing
Our kits deliver the shortest shifts available on the market — with no compromises to comfort or control. Key features include:
- Reverse lockout CNC machined from 6061 aluminum and anodized for durability
- 304 stainless steel shifter rod for strength and precision
- All stainless hardware & o-rings to eliminate slop and rattle
- Thoughtful ergonomic design, so no more bumping your hand on the e-brake when shifting into 2nd
BRZ/86 Short Shifter Comparison
2015+ WRX Short Shifter Comparison
Available Billetworkz Short Shifter Kits
Complete Short Throw Kits for:
Short Shifters Available for:
Install Guides
Want to install it yourself? Check out our detailed step-by-step guides:
- Short Throw Shifter Install Guide - 2015+ WRX
- Short Throw Shifter Install Guide - 2013-21 BRZ/FR-S/GT86
- Short Throw Shifter Install Guide - 2022 BRZ/GR86
- Shifter Plate and Bushing Install Guide - 2015+ WRX
- Shifter Stop Install Guide - 2015+ WRX
Not Ready for a Full Kit? Start with a Shift Knob
If you're not quite ready to dive into a full short shifter kit, an upgraded shift knob can still make a big difference. A heavier knob creates smoother, more confident shifts, while a lighter one feels more notchy and mechanical.
That’s why many drivers pair a weighted Billetworkz knob with their short shifter — for a complete feel upgrade without breaking the bank.
Coming Up Next...
What’s the benefit of a weighted knob vs an unweighted one?
Find out in next week’s blog post →
Questions? Comments? We’d love to hear from you!
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