1st gen shifter question
 

I've got an '82 GSL.

Does anyone know why the upper portion of the shifter is attached through a rubber type coupler to the lower shaft/pivot?

It appears even the Mazdatrix aftermarket shifter has this built in.

http://www.mazdatrix.com/faqpics/shiftbsh/shift09.jpg
Refering to the silver upper piece with the knob threads, and how it's attached to the lower.

Would there be any detriment to getting rid of the rubber mounting? I was thinking about shortening my shifter while I've got the console/dash stuff out.

Thanks
-Paul

its to reduce vibration. that is all. you can make a new one or get one without it but thats all that bushing is for.

the rubber bushing is also there to isolate heat comming up from the tranny ;)
shortening the shifter wont shorten the throw, to do that you would need a short shifter

That's not true. Shortening the shifter does indeed shorten the effective throw. In the same way that raising the pivot point does. Think of a big truck shifter, say 2.5' long. Lots of distance between 1st and 2nd. If you held your hand halfway down at 1.25', you'd be moving your hand half the distance to go from 1st to 2nd.



Besides, I'm not concerned with the throw. I actually think the 7's throw is pretty nice. I just want the shifter down closer to the console where it feels more comfortable for me. I already turned an aluminum knob with very deep threads. It's considerably lower than the stock knob was. I used a Die to turn the threads deeper today. Got about 3/4" out of it. I'll bolt it back in and see how that goes. Any lower and I'll have to ditch the rubber portion and weld in a full stick.

:driving: