If your like me, the stock, sloppy feeling shifter in the 2008 WRX leaves much to be desired. Not being able to justify the hefty price tag of the Subaru short shift, I decided to hold out until an aftermarket one was available. Well just like previous years, Kartboy and TurninConcept’s (TiC) developed a short shift and bushing package for the 2008 Impreza lineup.

After talking with Clint @ TiC, I soon had a 2008 TiC Super Shifter Set sitting in my mailbox (speedy shipping!) the 2008 TiC Super Shifter Set Includes:

• Kartboy 5MT Front Shifter Stay Bushings
• Kartboy Rear Shifter Stay Bushing
• Kartboy Short Shift Lever for 2008 Subaru 5MT
• TiC 06+ Shift Linkage Bushings
• TiC 5MT Wide Pivot Bushings

The install took about 5 hours but that included quite a bit of running around, getting lunch, and generaly getting sidetracked. The install can be done with one person but I really don’t recommend it. It’s always handy having an extra set of hands around. My estimate is if you know what your doing and have all your tools ready, you can probably have this installed in 2-3 hours.

Initial and long term experience has been great. The lever moves smoothly, each gear now ‘clicks’ right into place, the height is noticeably shorter, but most importantly the throw is greatly reduced. While the setup is notchier then the stock one, you will get used to it almost instantly and the movement will become sectond nature.

Some advice and general tips:

• Don’t over tighten the lever pivot connection, 8-10ft-lb (practically snugging it) is perfect. Overtightening this connection will make the shifter feel stiff.
• Leave some extra time to work out the roll pin for the TiC front pivot bushing–it can be a pain!
• There is no need to remove your downpipe, removing the heat shield should be sufficient

Note: This bushing combination will increase noise in the cabin, mostly in first and second gear. This has been irritating enough for some people to remove the kit (personally it doesn’t bother me too much). Removing the rear Kartboy bushing will remove a significant amount of the increased noise while still making the shifter package ‘better than stock’.

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