Kartboy Shifter Bushing (06/12/04)

The Kartboy shifter bushing made a huge difference in the shifter feel on my WRX so I was anxious to do the same with the STi.  I heard a lot of talk about how difficult this install was, but I was able to get it done in about 30 minutes.  It's very easy and improved the feel of every shift.  Now the STi shifts in a notchy, predictable manner.

The stock bushing is shown in this pic.  It's just above the yellow wire and is held i by that nut.  You will have to remove the pin holding the reverse lockout so the bushing section can swing down once the nut is loose.  The pin is just forward of the bushing.

Before you can get to that bushing nut, you have to drop the rear transmission crossmember.  Loosen the center bolts and then remove the ones on the left and right.  You'll also have to pop the clips that hold the O2 sensor wires to the crossmember.  The tranny will sag a bit, but don't worry.

With the crossmember removed (you can leave the longitudinal piece in place), you can access the bushing nut.  Once you loosen it, it won't be able to come out completely until you swing the whole assembly down.  Then simply pry the stock bushing out with a screwdriver.

Here are the stock and Kartboy bushings side by side.  The Kartboy is two piece with a metal tube in the center.  My tube ended up ebing a bit too long and I had to file down about 1/16" to make it fit.  Grease up the bushing and install it.  Note: the STi bushing is grey so it won't be confused with the WRX one.

Here is the final product installed.  FYI: the reverse cable won't reach the pin.  You'll have to rotate the pin assembly towards the bushing to make it reach.  Then replace the crossmember.  Because of the tranny sag, you'll have to jack up the tranny to get the holes to line up.

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