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View Full Version : TWM Short Shifter Install & Review Scion tC



Samsneez
02-24-2011, 06:13 PM
I recently had the chance to work with TWM Performance and try out their short shifter for a Scion tC. Over my years I've tried out many short shifters and I've noticed one common flaw with all of them. Although they all give a shorter throw they have the same weakness and grind in some gears.

This will be a quick install and review of the TWM Performance short shifter. TO see how it measures up to previous and my current short shifter.

First the wait for shipping time was around 8 days which considering they're based out of Canada, is really good shipping time.

I opened the package to see right on top install instructions which most companies don't provide.

Everything was vacuum sealed and shiny. I was getting excited :)

Now to the install...

First I started by removing the lower clip on the left hand side of the assembly.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5096/5474253409_f7c580d64e_b.jpg

Secondly remove the 2 clips that holds the plastic ring around the shifter.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5056/5474415459_44b505dd0b_b.jpg

Third us a flat head screwdriver to remove the washer/clip that holds the pin into the top of the cage.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5135/5474850688_c7cdf41783_b.jpg

Next use a punch(or screwdriver) to punch out the pin. The instructions say take note of the spring position but if you're careful you shouldn't have to remove it.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5094/5474846456_39a54396a5_b.jpg

Then with a flathead screwdriver pry off the top plastic ring that holds the shifter in.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5140/5474245863_50ac9698f0_b.jpg

Next is the clip surrounding the bottom of the shaft were the shift linkage is.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5258/5474245539_960396b56f_b.jpg

Now it's time to take off the plastic cup at the bottom of the shifter.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5174/5474236411_65dba5b106_b.jpg

A side by side comparison of my previous short shifter and my new TWM Performance short shifter. Almost identical in size but i notice small details in the angles of both shifters and different sizing in certain areas.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5060/5474828898_bc917b7e0c_b.jpg

Make sure you lube up the lower ball joint.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5138/5474229961_fe30495fd1_b.jpg

I used a small hammer on a flat surface and tapped the top of the shifter to get the lower ball joint back into the plastic cup.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5058/5474207415_0edaf4211a_b.jpg

End result and ready to be reinstalled into the shifter cage.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5300/5474812648_a0a49cf5a8_b.jpg

Install the shifter back into the cage. And reinstall the top plastic ring that holds the shifter in the cage.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5135/5474191393_52276f108c_b.jpg

Attach the 2 clips that hold the top plastic clip.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5096/5474188409_63892f271d_b.jpg

Install the pin back in and use a 14mm socket to press the locking washer/clip.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5180/5475025956_d016688a4b_b.jpg

Now it's time for the hardest part. Installing the lower clip back on to the plastic cup and shift linkage. I found on the back of the clip a little half circle. Using that to reinstall the clip makes it a little easier but it's still a pain.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5020/5474757968_7c61cb8fdc_b.jpg

Time to install the center console
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5094/5474160441_53c9ff2629_b.jpg

Don't forget to install the clip on the left assembly. I forgot about it and had to install it when my center console was back in the car already.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5055/5474158239_7154ff5b7d_b.jpg

And the finish result. I ended up ordering a new shift knob a couple of days ago. So more pics once I install the new boot and knob.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5019/5474152155_92b3e281ce_b.jpg



Now to test the short shifter.

After about 2 days of driving with it and waiting for the usually grinding of 3rd gear, I was pleasantly surprised to see that 3rd went in smoothly. Ever gear felt smooth and they short throws felt great. Even redlining the car and shift everything was flawless.

Without mentioning other brands I can honestly say that TWM measures up to if not exceeds other big name brands out there. And with a little extra money you can improve not only the performance of your car but the looks to by adding one of their shift boots and one of their many styles of shift knobs.

Pros:
-Great looks.
-Very aggressive height
-Options on shifter height
-Shorter throws
-Smooth shifts into all gears
-Fast shipping for being out of the country

Cons:
-No more excuses of grinding gears when you lose a race :)

boost happy
02-25-2011, 09:02 AM
Twm ftmfw!

TWM Performance
02-28-2011, 09:19 AM
Thanks for the review Samsneez!

Samsneez
03-02-2011, 03:01 PM
No thanks needed. It's a great shifter and people should know. It was my pleasure.