Killawatts

Anyone have experience with these two short throw shifters? I've heard of axialflow but not mazdatrix. Was buying a new S2 trans from mazdatrix, and then this short throw shifter came up as a recommended item.

Mazdatrix Short Throw Shifter 09-11

Axialflow Products

After searching, it would appear the axialflow is well liked on the forum, but has anyone tried the one from Mazdatrix?

Thanks

Killawatts

Well, looks like it's a moot point anyway as Mazdatrix doesn't actually have the short throw available. I wonder if Axialflow is still in business.

StealthTL

iTrader: (1)

I tried the Axialflow, in 2005, when they were really popular.

Didn't like it, the shortness made shifting jerky and rough.

Sold it for more than I paid and happily went back to stock.

200.mph

iTrader: (9)

my old 8 had what mazda maniac believed to be a rare mazda speed shifter. it looks like an oem one but it shorter and the throw is too. its not an af part either. its still in my garage in the transmission and is clamed by keck03 if he ever drives his boosted bananna to my house again lol

Killawatts

If it's an S2 trans shifter, could I interest you in a bribe? No one has to know.

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

LOVE my axial flow short shifter.
I always thought it was unnecessary as the 8 already had a nice transmission but after driving a friend's with it I knew I had to have it. 15 years later, still loving it

Killawatts

I'm not sure if Axialflow is still producing those shifters, looks like the web site is straight out of 1999 as well. Will have to give them a call and see. I've always felt the same, at least for the S1 transmission, as it had a pretty short throw as it is, but I'm not sure if the S2 trans would be a little rougher due to the more durable design.

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

when you only have 170 whp; milliseconds lost while shifting seem like they take forever …
.

RX831

I ordered a new AFE shifter, from AFE, on Tuesday. It got here today and it is 11/10. My car has 137k on it and my shifter sure felt like it. The AFE is a perfect dual duty solution. Super snappy throws, but similar side to side motion, (my main gripe with more "track focused" shifters like the IRP unit is that 5 to 4 can still feel like 5 to 6 or 5 to 2 if you're just kinda halfway cruising). Best 10 minute mod you can do imo, and worth every penny.

Killawatts

Just an update, I ordered one from Axialflow as it's either them or stock, worst case scenario I'll take it off and order the stock shifter.

I didn't get a confirmation email or even a shipping notification, the part just showed up at my house within a couple days, maybe less, it was really fast. So they are definitely still in business.

darnellm

iTrader: (1)

I would be interested in hearing your feedback killa.
My S2 short shifter was great on the street but would pop out of third gear on the track.

Killawatts

Wow, that's...interesting. Did you end up going back to stock?

The new transmission isn't in the car yet, but given enough time I will test it out. Honestly axialflow wasn't my first choice, but the other short throw shifters were out of stock.

darnellm

iTrader: (1)

I did go back to stock

RX831

I have two track days and 3400 street miles logged now with my S1 AFE and not a single issue. Maybe improper install or something is worn out further down than meets the eye? You couldn't pay me to go back to stock, this is definitely one of my favorite shifters and the more I drive it, the more I enjoy it. Super curious about the pop-out issue but the world may never know lol.

spectre6000

It used to be that S2 parts were hard to find aftermarket. Is it the case that pretty much everything is hard to find these days?

darnellm

iTrader: (1)

My S1 AFE had numerous track days with no problem'
The S2 model was the unit that would pop out of gear.
My instructor had a similar experience.

BrRx8

My axial SS has had zero problems with driving hard on the street/normal driving.

Killawatts

I'm assuming you're talking about a Series 1 trans?

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

side note, just noticed the Series 2 shifter is showing as version 2.2
wonder if changes were made to address the series 2 transmission and having it pop out of gear?

Killawatts

I'd be curious to know. Also makes me wonder what other options, if any, are out there. The miata guys have to like short shifters as well, right? And it's the same transmission.

mikeljourdann

Pettit has the Holy Shift as of recently and I love it. Disclaimer – I had a prototype and got mine for testing it. Don't work for Pettit just lucky to live in town and Cam's always taken good care of me.

sparrow801

I keep checking for this part weekly and I’m pretty sure it’s just permanently gone.

mikeljourdann

I have to go by there this week, I'll ask Cam about it.

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)