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There is basically no information about this short shifter on the internet so I wanted to provide my user feedback for the community. I'm not going into the actual install, but it is rather easy for anyone to do in their garage with a set of jack stands and simple hand tools. I didn't even remove the entire center console, just unbolted it and worked around it. My biggest piece of advice: USE A LOT OF GREASE IN THE SHIFTER CUP TO AVOID VIBRATIONS AND RESONANCE.
Bonus tip: If you want to remove the stock **** without any damage, pull up the shift boot, vice grip the shaft, and use a strap wrench on the ****.
Here are some installation reference for you guys:
Price:
As of 3/24/2021 the regular price is $169, although I purchased it on sale for $145. I've seen it go for $99 during the 2020 holiday season.
Would I recommend it at any of those price points?
Yes, absolutely. And if you can score it for $99 it is a phenomenal deal!
Joe:
The owner of ZSpeed is super quick in answering any questions you might have. On the landing page of his site there is even a dedicated "Ask Joe" call to action.
He has been a Nissan master tech for 25 years and if I am not mistaken developed the CMAK kit for the Z and G's. I purchased my G with his ZSpeed HD CSC, MC, and Insulated Hose Kit already installed by the previous owner and have been very happy with it.
I emailed him around midnight 3/3/21 and received a response at 7:15am. He informed me that between the Torque Solutions unit and ZSpeed unit the throw reduction was about the same, the ZSpeed unit would be easier to install as it comes pre assembled with the a new plastic cup, along with a new boot and lock out plate, and that it was manufactured by a BuddyClub subsidiary. After the back and forth I placed the order at 8:45am, received shipping confirmation at 9:28am, and Fedex delivered the package at 4:54pm the next freaking day 3/4/21, without any expedited shipping! Joe you are the freaking man!
You want customer service, go to this guy.
The Shifter:
Here are few comparison shots of the ZSpeed shifter on the left and the factory shifter on right:
As you see by the pictures above the ZSpeed shifter is very similar to the factory shifter as opposed to aftermarket units from Torque Solutions, B&M, and AMS. It also uses a factory like(not sure if it is the actual OEM part) plastic cup rather than the metal cups/spacers other manufactures use. These two points were big for me as other aftermarket shifters appear to be very hit or miss based on user feedback when it comes to NVH, reliability, and notchiness.
The fit and finish is fairly decent in terms of quality, the OEM unit is much smoother in its casting though. The shifter threads on the ZSpeed unit are nice and clean and the plastic cup/shift linkage bolt bushings are equal to the OEM stuff. The ZSpeed shifter is almost exactly 1" shorter the OEM unit as well. I forgot to measure how much lower the fulcrum point is compared to the OEM unit though. Doh.
Installation:
The shifter DOES NOT come with any installation instructions, take it to a shop if you are not comfortable handling it yourself. Install was smooth and easy, everything dropped in like it should and I had no issues(in the end). Make sure you align the reverse lockout/shifter retainer plate properly. If shifting requires way too much effort back off the either the 3 10mm retaining bolts and/or single 12mm linkage bolt. Better yet just get the actual torque specs please.
I had made the mistake of not using enough grease in the shifter cup and unfortunately had a very annoying rattle/resonance at 5,000 RPM that could be heard and felt though the shifter. After adding A LOT more grease to the cup and 12mm linkage bolt all is quiet and smooth now.
Shift Action:
The OEM shifter felt long, loose, and sloppy with very dull gear engagement IMO but on the plus side it provided low effort and easy to complete actions. It felt like Nissan intended it for average/luxury consumers rather enthusiast.
With the ZSpeed unit shifts are now much more direct and precise. Lever action does require a bit more effort but nothing that feels abnormal or out of place. Other reviews of different shifters mention a very notchy experience before breaking in. I have experienced no such thing with the ZSpeed unit. Gears engage with intention and a very solid "click into place" feeling. The throw reduction is very welcomed, though I will say it is not "ultra short" for those that are looking for that kinda of feel. I would say it feels very OEM+, which if you know me is my build goal. This is dependent on your shift **** as well though.
With the factory counter sunk **** shifts felts a lot shorter, but I prefer a longer "handle" for more leverage at the track so I installed a 1" shifter extension and use a non counter sunk **** I had laying around. The height is absolutely perfect for my personal preference. Feels very "motorsporty". My **** is also 50g heavier than the factory **** as well. 250g vs the OEM 200g which helps in making the shifting smoother.
**** and Boot:
Here is my make shift way of keeping everything up in place and tight to my preference. I'll eventually replace the cheap looking OEM boot with a nice piece from Redline, but it is low on the mod list.
I used a rubber hose and zip tie to create a hard stop for the OEM boot and Z1 shift boot finisher. I intended to order the flat one but accidentally ordered this version which I'm kinda meh about but it'll get the job done for now. Wrapped the zip tie in tape to avoid rubbing/ripping the OEM boot and finished it with a Delrin coated weighted **** I had laying around.
Final Thoughts:
After roughly 350 miles and 1 track day at a tight and technical course(requires more up and down shifting) I have zero reservations recommending this shifter to other. Quality is good, shift action feels great and precise, price is good, and vendor customer service is top notch. I will do my best to update this review and my impressions as time goes on but so far it has become my new normal and it feels great.
Worth mentioning my current set up is now : ZSpeed HD CSC/MC/SS Line, Motul RBF600, RJM Clutch Pedal, and this ZSpeed Shifter.
Update: Unfortunately the rattle and NVH have returned. It's not as bad as it was prior to the R&R with additional grease but it is noticeable for sure.
I reached out to Joe and this was his response:
"These are going to have more feel in them as they are not as damapened as the OEM shifter which is pretty common with any short shifter. You will feel more through it."
So I guess it is just something I'll have to live with if I keep the shifter. It does only occur between about 5,000 - 5,300 RPM which isn't too bad, maybe I'll get a video to help illustrate the NVH better.
One thing to note is that the factory leather shift **** dampens the NVH quite a bit more than my Mishimoto **** which is a metal core with a Delrin cover on it.
I like the OEM shift **** a lot not sure I would want to give it up. I wish there was someone who wrapped them in leather for that OEM+ look and feel.
I don’t mind it myself, I just wish it wasn't counter sunk making it sit soo low. It even has decent weight to it at 200g. Maybe I’ll just get a longer 3” extension to replace my current 1” one and go back to the stock ****.
NVH from the shifter? That's not been my experience with the old TWM unit.
I was also uncomfortable with the lowered height of the **** because of the STS. Resolved that problem with a custom stand-off. Although in your pics yours doesn't look low at all. Looks about right to me.
I like the shape of your aftermarket ****, but not so much the gloss white. And 200g is pretty light for a manual ****. Have you looked at Raceseng? https://raceseng.com/products/shift-*****
For the price and DIY effort, I'd still call this a win.
NVH from the shifter? That's not been my experience with the old TWM unit.
I was also uncomfortable with the lowered height of the **** because of the STS. Resolved that problem with a custom stand-off. Although in your pics yours doesn't look low at all. Looks about right to me.
I like the shape of your aftermarket ****, but not so much the gloss white. And 200g is pretty light for a manual ****. Have you looked at Raceseng? https://raceseng.com/products/shift-*****
For the price and DIY effort, I'd still call this a win.
Your results with the TWM shifter is what I was hoping for actually, but overall I agree it is a win and I can live with the NVH compromises soo far.
With the 1" extension and aftermarket **** I added the height feels just right. Without the extension and with the factory **** height was probably similar to how yours was prior to your 1"(IIRC) extension and TWM ****.
For a factory **** 200g was heavier than I was expecting. I have looked into Raceseng actually, specifically the Circuit cylinder 100 and circuit sphere 100, but at a start price of $170 without any boot retainers or add-ons it's not justifiable when I'm contend with the an old **** that was being used as a desk piece lol. Also Coolerworx....
Oh yeah, that Circuit Cylinder 100 is interesting. Pistol grip, but not quite a pistol grip, with a slanted top for slapping into gear with the palm of your hand. And the height of this unit... I didn't realized you also installed a 1" stand-off for added height. With this ****, you could probably do without the standoff.
The neat thing about shifter ***** is that you can research and daydream all day long, and when you actually go to buy something it's not like a mortgage payment. I've often thought it would be fun to collect a bunch of different *****, but to be honest it's hard to find something that works with the stone interior. I'm sure if my interior were black that I'd have a shoebox full of these things, instead of just the two: summer and winter.
In fact, all this talk... you've inspired me to put my Titanium **** back on the car today. Off I go now! LOL
Oh yeah, that Circuit Cylinder 100 is interesting. Pistol grip, but not quite a pistol grip, with a slanted top for slapping into gear with the palm of your hand. And the height of this unit... I didn't realized you also installed a 1" stand-off for added height. With this ****, you could probably do without the standoff.
The neat thing about shifter ***** is that you can research and daydream all day long, and when you actually go to buy something it's not like a mortgage payment. I've often thought it would be fun to collect a bunch of different *****, but to be honest it's hard to find something that works with the stone interior. I'm sure if my interior were black that I'd have a shoebox full of these things, instead of just the two: summer and winter.
In fact, all this talk... you've inspired me to put my Titanium **** back on the car today. Off I go now! LOL
Yup that's her right there. Agree'd no extension would be necessary with that ****.
Lol I hear you, I wish I had taken pictures but I would generally have 5-8 different **** ***** at any given time with my Prelude and TSX. I loved switching them out at-will, everything from sphere's to teardrops and super light weight to 1+ lbs. This white Mishimoto with the different threaded inserts was the only one I didn't sell because it matched with my white/grey desk set up and it came in handy with the G.
That Ti one you have matches your set up really well!
That's not been my experience with the old TWM unit.
