Update:

I got it all installed, albeit probably wrong. Underneath the reverse lockout ring I put 3 washers each hole. That allowed me to screw it down tightly, but allow the shifter room to move up and down still. I'll need others help in finding out why I ended up having to do this...was it something I did incorrectly or something wrong with the shifter?

On a note, the shifter is HOLY CRAP WTF hard to get out. I've used all my might, and busted my glasses pulling it out the first time. Second it refused to come out, causing my arm to cramp. This also makes me thing there is something wrong with the shifter, because it's in there the only way I could see it working...it would slip in, but out was another story...

Somethings wrong here,I would like to look at that shifter.
Send it back to me and I'll put it in my car for a test.

Installed mine but this diy was a little confusing to me.
1. Tools required...I used both socket and open/closed 10mm
2. How to remove the shift boot. I did not realize u just yank it off. ouch
3. How to remove the clips. I used a small eyeglass screwdriver, flat head, very easy
but the SS shakes. anyway to reduce that?

Yeah, those clips are the tricky part. I used two small screwdrivers to push the tabs back and lifted up with a free finger. I actually used a crow foot for the 10mm. My socket was cracked. No shaking yet. That would probably bug me. The clicking sound when shifting is kinda weird to me, but I'm sure I'll get used to it. Thanks for the DIY!

I have been searching over the Axial Flow threads. I have noticed in some photos the bottom bushing is different in color sometimes. Yellowish or black. Is there different versions of this shifter? one older than the other?

My apologies if this has been answered before, but I have not run across it.

Thanks

Good question.
In our effort to use the best materials available we do make changes.
The original units were black Delrin.
We then changed to Kevlar which is yellowish.
About 2 years ago we found a new material which will go unnamed for now.
This was white for awhile but we added MDS for better self lube and it became grey.
All replace parts are upgraded.

bump lol. Installed my shifter last night. Used this guide; made it easy as pie.

I was kind of intimidated by this install but it turned out being really easy. Being kind of a scrub when it comes to tools and the like, I didn't have a socket wrench extension and it turned out I needed one to reach the 10mm bolts holding in the rubber boot, so I had to run to Home Depot and grab one haha. The wire clips were probably the hardest part. I ended up using a pair of pliers to force them out. They slipped nicely back onto the threads when I was done, so it's all good.

I immediately noticed the difference and it surely felt "Rifle bolt"-like, as Axialflow said. I do hear some weird sounds while I'm driving, but my exhaust is so loud that it's only noticeable when I'm not pressing down on the gas.

Got a great deal on this shifter and it was definitely worth it. Thanks for the guide and thanks for the clean product, Axialflow.

so the DIY was pretty much perfect.

however, after putting everything back together and having a nice test run, i noticed that the 3rd and 5th gear were dangerously close to each other. same goes for the 4th and 6th. i feel like they're so close that i might accidentally shift to 3rd instead of shifting to fifth. take note that the distance between the 3rd and 5th gears are very short compared to the distance between 3rd and 1st. again, same thing for 2nd and 4th. i hope you guys understand what i'm talking about.

so is this normal, did something go wrong in the installation or did i get a defected short shifter?

thank you!

I'm going to answer you on the other thread as more people will see it and respond if they have input for you.

Just installed mine and it was a breeze. Feels amazing.


As for the clips and everyone's issues, I just used a pair of pliers they pull right up and off. It was really easy compared to some of the methods i've seen.

umm so what do you suggest i do when i drop my 10mm into the transmission...I was testing it out on the bottom right bolt without it attached to a socket and i popped off and fell down to the darkness below lol.

will that mess anything up if i cant get it out? or any recommendations on how to get it out? didnt feel like removing a bunch of other bolts to see if i can find it today.

MAGNET
Do you mean wrench or bolt?
If you can't get it with a magnet you'll have to take the tower off.
It's not hard to do.
If it's further down then that; good luck. :wallbash:
I think you're the first though, if that's anything.

Just the 10mm bolt. Do you think it's safe to drive with it in the or no?

The odds are bad that you get away with it. Can you imagine what a bolt will do if it gets between gears? Get a magnet from a tool store that has an extention on it. Mechanics use them all the time. I couldn't live without mine. If you can't fish it out from the top drain the oil by removing the plug. Use the magnet to fish around for it.
I thik you'll be able to get it out from the top but may have to remove the tower. To remove tower see the Rx8-S2 DIY. Of course you will have to figure out the puller yourself as the S1 kit doesn't come with one.
A steering wheel puller kit might work.