6MT - notchy shifting?

[synoptica]

Hey all,

I've managed to squeeze a 6MT into my Forester in place of the old slushbox, but since fitting, I've found the shifts to be very 'notchy'. It's not a bad thing; shifts are very firm and positive, but it just doesn't seem to me like they way it 'should' feel and doesn't compare to my old 3rd-gen RX 5 speed.

I'm fairly certain it's the stock shifter (though the throw is a bit shorter than I'd have expected too - again, not complaining!) so I'm wondering if it's just a side effect of the shifter location in the Foz vs the Lib (if they are in fact different.)

Any feedback appreciated - thanks!

[BillyCorgi]

As I have been working on Short Shift Adaptors for 6MT Liberty Spec-B vehicles this is what I can tell you.
Some may be unrelated or roughly related.

(1) the standard shift length from 1st to 2nd; from 3rd to 4th, etc, is about 100mm. This was determined by measuring from a datum on the dash to both forward and rearward positions and determining the travel.

(2) with a short shifter the gear change is quite knotchy on the 6MT.

(3) Adding NULON Smooth Shift Additive will greatly improve the shift smoothness.

(4) Having good bushes in the cross-coupling at the rear of the gearbox improves shift feel.

Cheers!

[synoptica]

Yeah I wouldn't be surprised if the shifts became notchy-er with a short shifter, but I'd be surprised if this was one (any easy way to tell?)

When you measured the ~100mm, was that measured from the tip of the knob? (heh)

I've already got a boxfull of Redline Shockproof Lightweight (which there seems to be mixed feelings about these days), is there any benefit in adding the G70?

Can you clarify what you've meant by the cross coupling?

Sorry for all the questions - thanks for the advice!

[BillyCorgi]

Yeah I wouldn't be surprised if the shifts became notchy-er with a short shifter, but I'd be surprised if this was one (any easy way to tell?)
BC - Measure the shift length

When you measured the ~100mm, was that measured from the tip of the knob? (heh)
BC - Yes, a datum point on the top of the knob

I've already got a boxfull of Redline Shockproof Lightweight (which there seems to be mixed feelings about these days), is there any benefit in adding the G70?
BC - I added the G70 after trialing it in No.2 Son's 2.5i 5MT first

Can you clarify what you've meant by the cross coupling?
BC - Look at this post on Page 3
Look at the exploded view and the post below
viewtopic.php?f=68&t=30525&start=30
the 90degree knuckle joint between "35046" and "35041"

Sorry for all the questions - thanks for the advice!
BC - That's alright. Cheers!

[synoptica]

Thanks heaps mate! The shifter bushes seemed to be in good nick but next time I'm under the car I'll have a look and see.

[JTR]

Upgrading to a group N trans mount plus positive shift kit bushing will help too.