REVIEW: James Barone Racing Short Shift Plate MS6

[crbalch]

Hey Everyone,

I just purchased the James Barone SSP for my 06 MS6 and am posting up a review of the product. It is an extremely well fabricated product, and has significantly increased my overall driving experience. Hopefully this review can give you some insight and encourage you to purchase the short shift from Jamie.

Ordering from Jamie was a pleasure because his customer service dynamic is like no other. I went back and forth emailing him with questions, and he responded within minutes. He shipped the product extremely fast, and I believe that I received it within three days of ordering it. Second, the install was possibly one of the easiest installs, and anyone with a little bit of DIY knowledge will be able to put it in. I have a CAI installed and I didn't need to remove it because there is plenty of clearance. The SSP ships with full color installation instructions that are extremely easy to follow.

As for the actual product, I am in love with it, and have had it installed for about a few hundred miles now. The plate reduced the throw by like 33% according to the product description. At first this may seem very drastic, but it feels absolutely perfect. It takes a little bit to get used to, but once you get the hang of the shifting it makes it all worth the upgrade. One of the great things about the plate is the fact that it still retains the stock shifter height. All of the other short shift solutions require you to go into the center console which is extremely inconvenient.

I would give this product a 5/5 for not only the product itself, but the customer service and prolonged support that you receive after you purchase it. If anyone has any questions about this short shift feel free to PM me. If you want to know where to find the product, it is on Jamies website at James Barone Racing

- Cameron

[strakzspeed]

This will be my next mod for sure

[crbalch]

yeah man its one of the best mods for the car for sure, and its really inexpensive at $80

[psychophyr]

I too installed my Jbarone SSP about 1 week ago and LOVE IT! Exactly as the OP describes, shifting feels very swift and smooth now. Great use of 80 bucks.

[sellers]

I actually went to Jamie's house to help him test fit the revised version of this. He's a great guy, and the reduced throw still puts a huge grin on my face. One of my favorite (and cheapest) mods to date.

[crbalch]

i completely agree, i have the bushings coming in soon so i will write something up as soon as i get them installed, cant wait

[boostntomuch]

were can i order one of these shift plates?

[crbalch]

just head to the link that i posted and choose what type of vehicle you have, i would suggest doing the stage 2 kit because it adds the bushings which will tighten up your shifting completely. just make sure you read over the installation instructions first so you know how to put them in, but i highly suggest it

[jracer]

my next mod !!.. ordering this week hopefully..

[jracer]

just ordered a blk one !!.. cant wait to get it !! ( speed 6 )

[FridayGt]

Thanks for the write-up crbalch. I've found that a lot of people I see don't fully understand the MASSIVE difference this product makes. It always seems that it's difficult for me to put into words how much of a great bang for the buck that this thing really is. If any of you guys on here are near the Annapolis area and what to see exactly where $80 can take your driving experience, hit me up. We'll go for a cruise, and I guarantee if you haven't already, you'll be ordering this product.

I like how you hit up on the customer service, bang for buck and overall change in driving experience. Great review.

[crbalch]

Originally Posted by FridayGt Thanks for the write-up crbalch. I've found that a lot of people I see don't fully understand the MASSIVE difference this product makes. It always seems that it's difficult for me to put into words how much of a great bang for the buck that this thing really is. If any of you guys on here are near the Annapolis area and what to see exactly where $80 can take your driving experience, hit me up. We'll go for a cruise, and I guarantee if you haven't already, you'll be ordering this product. I like how you hit up on the customer service, bang for buck and overall change in driving experience. Great review.

Thanks man, yeah im still loving every second of driving haha, makes things so much nicer. Can't wait to install my shifter bushings though, its going to complete the whole thing.

[raterry]

I agree 100%... in fact I just posted a write-up with some pics that fully illustrate just what a great product this is. check it out here:

http://www.mazdaspeedforum.org/forum/foru...88/#post506769

By the way, you'll love the feel of the new bushings too. completes the package. Enjoy!

[amoosenamedhank]

In his link it says it's compatible with the TWM stage 1 or stage 2 short shifter... but I don't see the point of having both...

[sellers]

Originally Posted by amoosenamedhank In his link it says it's compatible with the TWM stage 1 or stage 2 short shifter... but I don't see the point of having both...

Because its a 33% reduction of a 33% throw! Once you reduce your throw you just wanna reduce it more haha

[amoosenamedhank]

Originally Posted by sellers Because its a 33% reduction of a 33% throw! Once you reduce your throw you just wanna reduce it more haha

I wish I could see what that feels like.. I honestly can't imagine the throw being much shorter with out being crazy... but I like this solution a lot more than what I have.... but when I did the TWM kit.. this wasn't available.

[JBR]

Hey SELLERS

[vbt101]

With all the rave around this product, I kinda wish I didn't already have a short shifter.

[amoosenamedhank]

Originally Posted by vbt101 With all the rave around this product, I kinda wish I didn't already have a short shifter.

No shit, right! I'm in the exact same boat.

[JBR]

Originally Posted by vbt101 With all the rave around this product, I kinda wish I didn't already have a short shifter.

The MS6 short shift plate can be combined with the TWM Stage 1 or Stage 2 STS for ridiculously short throws.

Thanks,
Jamie

[vbt101]

Originally Posted by jbarone The MS6 short shift plate can be combined with the TWM Stage 1 or Stage 2 STS for ridiculously short throws. Thanks, Jamie

I didn't realize this was in the MS6 side of things. Is it the same for the MS3? Would you recommend against this setup (TWM + SSP)? Part of this is personal preference, I suppose. What would you do?

[JBR]

Originally Posted by vbt101 I didn't realize this was in the MS6 side of things. Is it the same for the MS3? Would you recommend against this setup (TWM + SSP)? Part of this is personal preference, I suppose. What would you do?

I am currently retesting the TWM in combination with the MS3 Short Shift Plate kit. Since the addition of the new ball stud mount I've not retested this combination. All I'm going to say for now is that it is way short and with a weighted shift knob it feels very, very nice.

Thanks,
Jamie

[vbt101]

Originally Posted by jbarone I am currently retesting the TWM in combination with the MS3 Short Shift Plate kit. Since the addition of the new ball stud mount I've not retested this combination. All I'm going to say for now is that it is way short and with a weighted shift knob it feels very, very nice. Thanks, Jamie

What's the ball stud mount? Is that something on the shift plate?

[JBR]

Combined with the TWM stage 1

YouTube - JBR MS6 Short Shift Plate Combined with the TWM Stage 1 Short Shifter

YouTube - JBR MS6 Short Shift Plate Combined with the TWM Stage 1 Short Shifter

[jracer]

WOW.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i ordered on saturday and got it on monday.. great service !!!
easy install fit perfect !!
and the feel is awsome !! just like evryone has said.. the car should have came like this !!!!
thanks jamie !!

[crbalch]

Just installed the shifter bushings and I HIGHLY suggest purchasing them as well. They reduced the play that your shifter cage gives when shifting. It tightens everything up really nicely and is a great addition.

[telopyros]

mine came today can't wait to get it on...

[JBR]

Here's a hot pic

[crbalch]

thats sick, ill throw a pic of of mine after im able to go out and take one, not in the same class as boosted's but it looks pretty clean

[telopyros]

Had mine on for 2 days now....SOOO much better. It was such a shorter throw i was caught off guard "if" i was in gear or not.

[I<3Groceries]

So, this is the revision? The possible linkage bind problem was solved?

[sellers]

Yes.

[raterry]

I actually never had a problem with the linkage binding but I also never went above 4th gear while I had mine installed before I re-installed with the spacers. The difference in feel is quite noticeable. It's hard to believe but it's even better than before.

[FridayGt]

Originally Posted by raterry I actually never had a problem with the linkage binding but I also never went above 4th gear while I had mine installed before I re-installed with the spacers. The difference in feel is quite noticeable. It's hard to believe but it's even better than before.

I'll let you know when I scrape some bones together, the E4 knob should be the next thing I'm getting. Can't wait to combine that heavy weight with the stage 2 ssp.

[Lost hawaiian]

I wanted to know if anyone has added the E4 shifter counter weight and Shifi knob, and what if any differance they have found?

[JBR]

Originally Posted by Lost hawaiian I wanted to know if anyone has added the E4 shifter counter weight and Shifi knob, and what if any differance they have found?

The E4 knob and shift weight are a great addition with or with out a shift plate kit. If your looking in to a shift plate kit it does come with the weight.

Thanks,
Jamie

[volodya84]

I tried out FridayGts jbr ssp at the college park tuning meet, and that thing is just amazing (gen 2 ms3), definitely getting for my MS6 very shortly.

[Lost hawaiian]

I hope I'll get some cash to get the E4 shift knob by my next check... How about the counter weight should I get it. I have the Jamie's SSP at home just waiting to get back to put it all together.

[FridayGt]

Originally Posted by Lost hawaiian I hope I'll get some cash to get the E4 shift knob by my next check... How about the counter weight should I get it. I have the Jamie's SSP at home just waiting to get back to put it all together.

I would think the counter weight Jamie includes with it is probably perfect, although I don't know from experience on that one. When you get the E4 knob, let me know. I'll PM you my address so you can pick up an extra for me... lol

[JBR]

If you have my SSP kit you have a counter weight and there's no reason to get another. The knob on the other hand is a nice addition. I have them in stock too.

Jamie