Technological advances in car technology have made driving more comfortable and safer than ever. Today, cars are equipped with various features, such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, backup cameras, etc., that improve the driver's safety. However, it is not just these features that make your driving experience better; the performance of your vehicle also plays a role. There are many ways through which you can improve your vehicle's performance and one of the most effective methods is to install a short shifter.

A short shifter is an aftermarket accessory that allows you to shift gears with less effort and in a shorter amount of time. This article will explain what a short shifter is, how it works, and what benefits it offers. So, let's begin with what a shifter is.

What Does a Short Shifter Do?

Modern cars are operated with a gear shift that is connected to the engine. It controls the speed at which power is transferred from the engine to the wheels and therefore controls how fast your car goes or whether it stops. And though there are automatic transmissions that do all this without your input, manual control remains popular, and in some cases, preferred, especially among driving enthusiasts. But what if you want to take your driving experience to the next level? Well, you may want to consider a short shifter.

A short shifter is a performance-enhancing modification that changes the gear shift in your car so it's shorter, allowing for more precise and faster shifting. This can not only improve your track times (if you're into racing) but also make your everyday commute a little bit more fun. It doesn't alter the gear lever’s height but rather changes the angle, making it closer to the driver. Essentially the pivot point that the shifter sits on is moved closer to the knob, or in other words, the point at which you push or pull the shifter. This results in a shorter throw and a more precise shift.

As to what a short shifter does, the point of a short shifter is simple. It reduces the length of throws between gears, and it makes gear changes faster and more precise. A shorter throw means that you don't need to move your hand as far away from the steering wheel in order to change gears. And this obviously allows for faster shifts because your hand spends less time moving around. This results in a more refined and responsive driving experience, particularly when accelerating hard or cornering sharply. In addition, many short shifters come with adjustable settings that allow you to further customize your shifting experience.

Overall, a shorter shifter throw can make a big difference in how your car feels to drive. If you're looking for sharper, more precise shifts and a more refined driving experience, then upgrading to a short shifter is definitely worth considering.

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5 Short Shifter Benefits for Your Manual Transmission Car

Now that you have a basic understanding of what a short shifter is and how it works, let's take a look at some of the benefits that come along with upgrading to this type of shifter.

1. They Transform Your Driving Experience

Traditional shifters, especially those on older models, usually require that you throw the shifter through quite a long range of motion to shift gears. This can lead to sloppy shifting and make driving less fun.

Short throw shifters, by contrast, are engineered so that you only need to move the shifter a short distance in order to change gears. This helps ensure smoother and more precise gear changes, which can help transform your driving experience in a very positive way.

Even the latest vehicles with already optimized shifting mechanisms can be further improved with a short-throw shifter—it’s that significant.

2. They Improve Performance

It should come as no surprise that short-throw shifters also offer performance benefits. First and foremost, they can help you shave valuable seconds off your lap times by making shifting easier and faster. The result is a vehicle that's better equipped to compete on the track, as short shifts result in your vehicle's engine revving faster than ever before, leading to much better acceleration and overall performance.

They can also improve your 0-60mph time thanks to the same reason—quicker gear changes mean more power gets transferred to the wheels instead of being wasted on shifting motion.

Secondly, they improve performance by facilitating smoother, more accurate shifting. As we’ve already mentioned, the lever-action is reduced when using a short throw shifter. This means that less force is required to change gears and it's easier to find the right position on your first try.

Lastly, they simply look and feel great. You’ll enjoy a more engaging driving experience, and your car will look cooler with a short throw shifter installed.

3. They Save You Time on Track Day

It's your day to drive on the track, but you've been waiting for it for a long time. So why would you want to slow down? You don’t and using a short throw shifter can help you save time. Because it's easier to shift gears with less force, you're able to change more quickly than if you were using a standard shifter.

This means that you can accelerate faster and cover more ground in the same amount of time. Also, your car will sound better as your engine revs higher. And you'll feel cooler than ever.

4. They Offer Versatility

You might not think that a short throw shifter is versatile, but they actually are. They can be used in many different types of cars and for many different purposes. For example, you can use them in track cars to improve your time or in streetcars to make driving more fun.

You can also find them in off-road vehicles so that you can shift gears quickly when going over obstacles and rough terrain. Whatever it is that you use your car for, the right short throw shifter can make a big difference.

5. They Are Easy to Install

While some car mods can be quite difficult to install, short throw shifters are actually very easy. In most cases, all you need to do is remove a couple bolts on the old one and then bolt the new one in place. This makes them a great option for anyone who wants to upgrade their car without having to spend a lot of time or money doing it.

While many people wonder if a short throw shifter is worth it, the truth is that one of these could make a big difference for your car. If you have an older model car, then you may want to consider upgrading to a short throw shifter for this reason and any of the others mentioned above. After from being more fun to drive, you will find that your car has a higher value when you decide to sell it. Short throw shifters also tend to be more reliable than stock shifters because they are usually made with better materials.

Many people wonder how much a short throw shifter costs. The truth is that these can vary in price, and they can range from $100-$300. While the cost may seem high, you will find that it is well worth the money when it comes to the benefits that you will receive from upgrading.

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