Anyone have an AMS short shifter in their z?

[JayShep1]

I figured that after 20+ years of being slammed back and forth it my shifter may need to be replaced, so I purchased a new AMS short shifter and support plate off of z1. After the install I realized the shifter was really really stiff, so I fiddled around with it and tried to make it fit better, same thing. It seems harder to put into gear, especially in reverse, and in between shifting. I double and triple checked to see if I had installed it right, and to my knowledge I did, SOOOO my question is... Is this just normal? Is my shifter now gonna be stiffer, to the point where it is hard to switch gears? Does anyone else have the AMS short shifter, or any other for that matter, that has experienced the same issues? Any thoughts would be great because its getting a little irritating banging my knuckles around in that little area!

[mrmoose]

I had a z with a short throw in it, not ams, but they are all basically the same. This one had the bronze bushings, and if you tighten the bolt too tight it drags, so anything with a nylon lock nut just to a little tighter than hand tight and just use some loctite for safety. anyways they are always a bit harder to shift from what i have exp.

[DCaff300ZX]

Not completely the same, but when I had my NA 5-speed swapped the new shifter (stock) WAS a little tighter and very accurate compared to the one in my TT that is looser and easier to shift quickly. The NA you have to be a little more sure and patient with shifts, while the TT you can really move...bottom line is I agree with Devon that perhaps you are a little tight at the bushing and also the newness of the unit are making things bind up.

[JayShep1]

Well thats what I was thinking after I first installed it, so I went back through, took it all apart again and re assembled. This last time I loosened it a little more, but still the same result. I wanna say it'll just work itself out *crossing fingers* but it sucks in the mean time.. I bought it to help with the sloppy shifting, now I have stiff shifting..

[JayShep1]

Okay..
So I just loosened it up a lot, and it feels way better.. Still a little rough going into gear sometimes, but a lot better. Im still hoping it will get better with time

[300ZXttZMAN]

It should get better with time. Good luck with it.

[Z-owned]

My advice would be to not buy anymore ams products on the future.

[300ZXttZMAN]

My advice would be to not buy anymore ams products on the future.

This.

OP click here.

[BigTDogg (MA)]

My advice would be to not buy anymore ams products on the future.

This.

OP click here.

Agreed, and specifically to short shifters, the best value and product IMHO is a modified stock shifter from Woody75 or SilverTwin. IIRC, both sell them for $75 with your old core sent back, and mine has worked flawlessly for 9+ years now.

[JayShep1]

Damn, wish I would've known this about a month ago..

[300ZXttZMAN]

Atleast you know now.

[BigTDogg (MA)]

Damn, wish I would've known this about a month ago..

Ask around yo!

[JayShep1]

I honestly didn't even think about it. I figured if you make a purchase from a reputable site, your usually going to get a quality product. I have seen some questionable items on ebay (and other sites), but didn't really pay attention. All I looked at was reviews on the product, which all seemed to be good, and didn't even think to ask..

[skywhine]

^

Dont feel too bad, i made the same exact mistake whem i firts got my Z. I looked around, found alot cheaper products, and alot more expensive products..Figured the AMS shifter couldn't be that bad. Well...I had a freshly reubuilt transmission and brand new clutch, had them install the AMS short shifter while it was apart. Once all together the transmission wouldn't shift, the shifter itself was binding. Put the OE unit back in and was good to go. To this day the AMS unit is sitting in its box on the floor. F*** it, it was only $75..

[BigTDogg (MA)]

^

Dont feel too bad, i made the same exact mistake whem i firts got my Z. I looked around, found alot cheaper products, and alot more expensive products..Figured the AMS shifter couldn't be that bad. Well...I had a freshly reubuilt transmission and brand new clutch, had them install the AMS short shifter while it was apart. Once all together the transmission wouldn't shift, the shifter itself was binding. Put the OE unit back in and was good to go. To this day the AMS unit is sitting in its box on the floor. F*** it, it was only $75..

Sell it on eBay or 3ZC, some sucker will pick it up. Lesson learned, AMS doesn't make anything worth getting for free, never mind buying.

[300ZXttZMAN]

Or throw it away/scrap it.

[z32loverboy]

yeah, i bought my Z with a short throw shifter already installed in it (no clue what brand) and it takes a heavy hand to throw it in gear but I didn't have time to fix it so now I'm just used to it I guess. At some point I plan on fixing it though I'm not sure when.

[Dontcallmestan]

Or throw it away/scrap it.

Definitely, don't wanna pass it on to any other unsuspecting Z owner. How would you feel if you were that "sucker" bigT?

[BigTDogg (MA)]

Or throw it away/scrap it.

Definitely, don't wanna pass it on to any other unsuspecting Z owner. How would you feel if you were that "sucker" bigT?

I'd be pissed, but have no one to blame but my self for not doing my homework before buying. I also understand not everyone can afford to throw away $75. But I can think of some very creative ways of disposing of it

[300ZXttZMAN]

^

[JayShep1]

So what would you guys recommend? Its been a little while now, and shifting is still stiff as s*** so I would like to get it out of my car. Unfortunately I tossed the OEM, it was pretty beat anyways. I was looking at the Z1 brand shifter, but its a little more and I dont want to go through this again. Once again the reviews make the product seem great, but that was the case with the AMS product. Any ideas?

[JayShep1]

Anyone out there with any input? ^

The shifter is driving me crazy..

[itsa300zx]

Top bad you don't have your stock shifter. I could have modified it for you:(