Just had to replace my shifter, bought an illuminated replacement. Total cost plus shipping from http://www.partsmazda.co.uk/rx-8/ was 139.02. I got an email stating that its comming from fordparts.co.uk so to deal through them from this point on. I will keep you guys updated as to how long it takes them to get this part to me. Its a great price compared to the 300+ us dollars most are asking. If it comes in decent time, and is the exact part I will make sure to update you guys.

 

Definitely let us know. I would consider getting one for this price.

 

Looks stock other than the fact that its illuminated. I personally don't care for the feel of the stock shift ****. I went with a voodoo pearl finish **** like the one pictured below. It just feels more comfortable than gripping the oem ****.

 

thats what I use on my 1958, a solid black ball. I shift with two fingers though so grip isn't an issue.

 

Now there's no reason for a missed shift.

 

With the shift **** I have now I palm the shifter. With the oem **** it was uncomfortable to palm the shifter. I agree that you could shift with two fingers if your driving like a grandma. j/k. However, I like to slam though the gears being that I enjoy a spirited ride.

 

just an update, it shipped on the 30th, one day after they received payment. Once it hit the us though it couldn't be tracked anymore.

 

So it arrived today. 9 days after I ordered it. I am rather impressed with the kit that I recieved. It came with the shifter, the wiring harness, a new shift boot, new foam insulation, and double sided tape to mount the wiring harness. It also came with an allen wrench and replacement screws.

Included in the kit was a 14 page do it yourself guide with a 20 step by step how to from mazda. I will take photos when I get home, but the new leather shift boot was a def plus.

 

def show some pics on the install!

 

If it's like mine Doc, just be very careful with the wires that run up into the ****. I know that some had made them a little heavier gauge wire as the first one were too small and broke while turning the **** on..........for some people.

 

Did you email them first for a quote or just added the parts to a shopping cart? What form of payment did you use? I might want to buy a couple things on their website.

Thanks,
Jack

 

just added them into the cart.

keep in mind the price will be higher until you give them your address. It includes the VAT tax which is not applicable if you live in another country.

the mazda instructions that came with mine say to install the shifter than the wiring. it states that once you place the shifter do not turn it in any directions after youve connected the wiring harness which is says not to do until you have run the wiring harness.

 

heres the first couple photos.

 

heres the second set, i will install it this sunday and post the installed photos, or I guess I can take photos as I go along. dunno yet lol.

 

Definitely the thicker awg wire.

 

I looove my VooDoo! I have the gloss black one though

 

maybe mazda updated it. this ones 18g wire, and the directions say to run the harness, then secure the harness, then install the shifter, and lastly plug it in.

 

was completed in less than 10 mins at the install party today. that included interruptions and explanations. here are the photos I took, and my fav part of the installation instructions.

very high quality
leather shifter and new leather boot
wire was plenty thick enough
it is a little brighter than I prefer
does dim with the main lights, but not enough
does get warm, not hot, just noticeably warm
cant really complain for 130 dollars vs 340 from japan.

 

Thanks for the info & pics!

 

Ditto, Doc! I appreciate the the heads-up and the follow up on the delivery and install. I just ordered one for myself

Just curious, did it look like the bulb was (easily) replaceable (I'm just thinking ahead on the brightness issue)?

 

if you wanna adjust the brightness you will need to install a resister. the shifter is wider, and heavier than stock. no you can't get to the leds. you can adjust it with a resistor though.

 

^............there is/was a way with the other type illuminated shifter to get to the LED's, but I wouldn't recommend it.
There is actually an old thread on how to do so if your real good at searching, but again............it was the JDM one and I wouldn't do it!

I was going to change my LED(s) to blue, but opted not to make the attempt!

 

i'm hyped on this, i'm ordering mine next week!!!!!

 

Just saw this on another thread, and found yours. I can't wait to get one!!!! Awesome man!

 

Good deal at $140.00!

Couldn't stand it and went back and looked at my receipt back in 2007 for JDM version.

LEATHER SHIFT **** (ILLUMINATION)
FOR M/T
For 6M/T, Available Color: Black /Silver
Stitch $267.00