Short Shift Plates

[Matt@DamondMotorsports]

The Damond Morotsports Short Shifter Plate(SSP), is a great way to shorten the shifter throw on your Mazdaspeed3 and Mazdaspeed6.

The Damond Motorsports SSP works by moving the ball on which the shifter cable is mounted, closer to the input selector fork, thus reducing the throw of the shifts. The shifter itself retains the factory height. The SSP attaches to the transmission shifter assembly, in a slide over and under fashion, and is locked into place with the included hardware. The hardware supplied allows the SSP to be installed with or without the factory shift weight.

We have spent much time in the development of our SSP, to provide a great feeling shifter, without the risk of any binding. Our SSP was designed to offer the absolute most in reduction, without the shifter cable boots rubbing up against the shifter assembly. The overall goal was shift feel, where reduction came second. Our SSP's do not use any standoffs, and do not drastically raise the shifter ball assembly, both of which that could result in binding or improper shifter feel. The Damond Motorsports SSP's are machined out of aircraft grade aluminum, for strength, and to keep less weight on the shifter assembly.

http://damondmotorsports.com/collect...eed-6-all-year

Price $55 free shipping in the US

[Poohster]

When is anodizing happening?

[macdiesel]

It's happened and the gold shift plate looks glorious.

[kentwat]

url...
Short Shift Plate | Damond Motorsports

[TORQUERULES]

I like the look of this one. Most of the other manufacturers go too extreme and it sacrifices shift feel (smoothness), etc. This looks like a nice happy medium.

I would love to see some user reviews...

[naoandlater]

Originally Posted by TORQUERULES I like the look of this one. Most of the other manufacturers go too extreme and it sacrifices shift feel (smoothness), etc. This looks like a nice happy medium. I would love to see some user reviews...

DM short shifter for MS6

[Farhan@DM]

Originally Posted by TORQUERULES I like the look of this one. Most of the other manufacturers go too extreme and it sacrifices shift feel (smoothness), etc. This looks like a nice happy medium. I would love to see some user reviews...

DM short shifter for MS6

I believe there are reviews on the website as well.

It was designed out of necessity because I didn't like long throws, and the competitor SSP I had on my car felt terrible. Feel was the primary objective with this. 50K+ miles later, still feels great.

[blackmicamps6]

Originally Posted by Farhan@DM DM short shifter for MS6 I believe there are reviews on the website as well. It was designed out of necessity because I didn't like long throws, and the competitor SSP I had on my car felt terrible. Feel was the primary objective with this. 50K+ miles later, still feels great.

20k miles on mine and it still feels fantastic

@TORQUERULES;

[WetzMS3]

I've got about 15k on mine and works like a charm. None of the 3rd gear lockout that I have read some people experience on other SSP's.

[SparkySparks]

I have 25K+ on mine and about 5K with the plate and TWM full replacement combo, still fills good and no lock out or missed shifts.

[InkedInspector]

I have a review for you.

Matt......Damond. Matt Damond!!!!

[Chuthor]

My review is on the website, but I've had it on for a few K miles now and I haven't had any lockout issues. In fact after getting used to it, I feel like shifting feels much better and snappier.

[InkedInspector]

In all seriousness, I installed it this weekend. Shifts feel great, no lock outs, and I took some back roads and really put it through the paces. A few ffs at 6k from 2nd to 3rd gear, low rpm shifts cruising, pretty much any thing I could think to do. It feels better than it ever has, throws are perfect, not too short and no feel sacrificed.

[Farhan@DM]

You guys make this worth it.

[TORQUERULES]

Originally Posted by naoandlater DM short shifter for MS6 - Mazdaspeed Forums

I like the "moderation" comment. That is so true. Many of these kits are way too notchy. It interferes with quickness as welll as livability.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by Farhan@DM DM short shifter for MS6 I believe there are reviews on the website as well. It was designed out of necessity because I didn't like long throws, and the competitor SSP I had on my car felt terrible. Feel was the primary objective with this. 50K+ miles later, still feels great.

I will have to give it a try when I get paid. I have tried others and they are just too notchy to be quick as well as livable.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by InkedInspector In all seriousness, I installed it this weekend. Shifts feel great, no lock outs, and I took some back roads and really put it through the paces. A few ffs at 6k from 2nd to 3rd gear, low rpm shifts cruising, pretty much any thing I could think to do. It feels better than it ever has, throws are perfect, not too short and no feel sacrificed.

Thanks!

[Darth_Nuruodo]

I swore off shift plates as a bad idea after my and others' experiences with the other options available on the market, but now all of these reviews have me curious if there might be something to this...

I've been running the Perm butt plug and no shift weight for the last year and a half and it was like an awakening after taking my previous shift plate off. They may shorten the throw but they really do ruin the feel of the shift and make it harder to execute a clean shift.

I'm still not 100% sure how it is that this product gets around the pitfalls of the other plates on the market with what appears to be a fairly similar design. What is the magic here? Is it just that it doesn't shift the cable over as far as the SURE to avoid the rubbing problem and doesn't lift the attachment point as high as the JBR (which was done to avoid aforementioned rubbing)? I see mention of moderation, but does this allow for enough change in throw to really be worth it?

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk

[InkedInspector]

I'll get you some pics of the plate installed with the shifter in a few different gear positions later, you can see there are no clearance issues or signs of rubbing. Plus I think it's the fact that this isn't an extreme throw reduction, noticeable, but a good compromise to allow it to function properly. Going on three days now, and I have intentionally thrashed my car trying to create lock outs, or breakage, because I know of all the pit falls with the other SSPs.

[Cheapspeed]

I have the twm full replacement. And while it tightens everything up, it makes for some very stiff throws without an extension. Feel is definitely more important than length of throw in my opinion.

[Farhan@DM]

Originally Posted by Darth_Nuruodo I swore off shift plates as a bad idea after my and others' experiences with the other options available on the market, but now all of these reviews have me curious if there might be something to this... I've been running the Perm butt plug and no shift weight for the last year and a half and it was like an awakening after taking my previous shift plate off. They may shorten the throw but they really do ruin the feel of the shift and make it harder to execute a clean shift. I'm still not 100% sure how it is that this product gets around the pitfalls of the other plates on the market with what appears to be a fairly similar design. What is the magic here? Is it just that it doesn't shift the cable over as far as the SURE to avoid the rubbing problem and doesn't lift the attachment point as high as the JBR (which was done to avoid aforementioned rubbing)? I see mention of moderation, but does this allow for enough change in throw to really be worth it? Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk

I'm going to let the reviews speak here. However, if you'd like more detail or would like to chat about it, please pm me or shoot me an e-mail at farhan@damondmotorsports.com

[Matt@DamondMotorsports]

Originally Posted by Darth_Nuruodo I swore off shift plates as a bad idea after my and others' experiences with the other options available on the market, but now all of these reviews have me curious if there might be something to this... I've been running the Perm butt plug and no shift weight for the last year and a half and it was like an awakening after taking my previous shift plate off. They may shorten the throw but they really do ruin the feel of the shift and make it harder to execute a clean shift. I'm still not 100% sure how it is that this product gets around the pitfalls of the other plates on the market with what appears to be a fairly similar design. What is the magic here? Is it just that it doesn't shift the cable over as far as the SURE to avoid the rubbing problem and doesn't lift the attachment point as high as the JBR (which was done to avoid aforementioned rubbing)? I see mention of moderation, but does this allow for enough change in throw to really be worth it? Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk

I too swore off shift plates long long ago after driving many speeds with different SSPs on them, and disliking the feel of all of them. Farhan wanted to help with making one, and I liked the idea of making one I would put on my car, not because it's DM made part, but more so cause I actually would enjoy it.

The goal here was to make something that would allow for the most throw reduction without raising the mounting pivot point, and keep the cables from rubbing. Keeping the pivot point low doesn't alter the geometry, where you would have have the cables tweaked if it was mounted high up, providing poor shift feel. Not having the boots rub, is pretty self explanatory for feel, as there's no obstruction delaying the smoothness of operation. Also in keeping it not too far moved over, it again doesn't tweak the cables.

I ran one on my MS6 I built for 15k miles, and I loved the shift feel. I ran a COBB knob with the Stratified extender, and removed the shifter weight. Removing the weight on the trans end made sense to remove the weight on the knob end, and it made for a great effortless shifter.

I have a couple unfinished plates sitting around, one that I was gonna use on my 5, I'm sure we could work something out, if you'd like to try it on your car.

[Darth_Nuruodo]

Originally Posted by Matt@DamondMotorsports I too swore off shift plates long long ago after driving many speeds with different SSPs on them, and disliking the feel of all of them. Farhan wanted to help with making one, and I liked the idea of making one I would put on my car, not because it's DM made part, but more so cause I actually would enjoy it. The goal here was to make something that would allow for the most throw reduction without raising the mounting pivot point, and keep the cables from rubbing. Keeping the pivot point low doesn't alter the geometry, where you would have have the cables tweaked if it was mounted high up, providing poor shift feel. Not having the boots rub, is pretty self explanatory for feel, as there's no obstruction delaying the smoothness of operation. Also in keeping it not too far moved over, it again doesn't tweak the cables. I ran one on my MS6 I built for 15k miles, and I loved the shift feel. I ran a COBB knob with the Stratified extender, and removed the shifter weight. Removing the weight on the trans end made sense to remove the weight on the knob end, and it made for a great effortless shifter. I have a couple unfinished plates sitting around, one that I was gonna use on my 5, I'm sure we could work something out, if you'd like to try it on your car.

Thank you for this detailed reply. I really would not mind giving a new product a try. I've been burned with my past experience but still hold hope of countering the increased movement caused by the taller knob. I like it because the shape and weight feel good in the hand but that obviously came at the cost of increased throw length. I'll take this to PM to further avoid cluttering your thread and make room for what seem to otherwise be stellar reviews.

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk

[Smelson]

Originally Posted by Darth_Nuruodo Thank you for this detailed reply. I really would not mind giving a new product a try. I've been burned with my past experience but still hold hope of countering the increased movement caused by the taller knob. I like it because the shape and weight feel good in the hand but that obviously came at the cost of increased throw length. I'll take this to PM to further avoid cluttering your thread and make room for what seem to otherwise be stellar reviews. Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk

I've had the Sure...I know it was before all the BS. I actually liked it to be honest but the shift cable boots rubbed. Tried the JBR and was not a fan. I then purchased the Damond and was really impressed with it. I now have the CS short shifter and I do like it but had to remove the shift plate. I'm keeping it so if I ever have a shifter issue I can go back to it. I know we have met before and I've moved across the country if you want to try before you buy I can send you mine.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

[TORQUERULES]

Okay, so how well does it work with the stock weight? I have a 621g knob.

I have a stock weight cut down I could try as well...

[InkedInspector]

I have the stock weight with a 500g Maisonvi knob, feels great.

[TORQUERULES]

Originally Posted by InkedInspector I have the stock weight with a 500g Maisonvi knob, feels great.

Thanks that helps. I could always use the stock knob if need be.



So, no thunk going down into 1st because of too much weight?

[InkedInspector]

No different than it ever was stock.

[TORQUERULES]

Originally Posted by InkedInspector No different than it ever was stock.

Thanks so much for the help. :-)

[macdiesel]

Fuck the hand outs, ordered a gold shift plate to peacock in the engine bay. Hopefully it'll rid the corksports notchiness

[InkedInspector]

^^^ Hell yeah! Wish mine was gold. Lol

[Cheapspeed]

@kevdog;

[tegxsi]

I got my shift plate today. Fast shipping!
I wanted to share pics of the product and the finished install.

Edit:
Generally I don't mess with a shifter unless there is a need for improvement. I have been looking for short shift plate for a while but I was unhappy with what was out there. Damond short shift plate just works right out of the box and the design appears to be more robust than others. There are no adjustments to fiddle with. This shift plate may not offer the shortest throws but shortens it without excessively raising the cable connection and zero rubbing. It comes with all the necessary hardware. You can delete the counterweight if you like but as you can see I choose to keep my aftermarket shift weight on. Install was a breeze...I think it took me maybe 10 minutes max. Thanks Damond!

[Putin 2.3T]

Originally Posted by Darth_Nuruodo Thank you for this detailed reply. I really would not mind giving a new product a try. I've been burned with my past experience but still hold hope of countering the increased movement caused by the taller knob. I like it because the shape and weight feel good in the hand but that obviously came at the cost of increased throw length. I'll take this to PM to further avoid cluttering your thread and make room for what seem to otherwise be stellar reviews. Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk

I'll wait on your review of the product before buying mine. I too have been burned by the SSP and have found that running a stock knob + no shifter weight with MT90 has pretty much given me the smoothest and most accurate throws. I previously ran a CS SSP and for an even shorter time a JBR, but found both to be completely unsatisfactory. It was great "showing off" to friends about how short the throw is. But when it came time to make that FFS 3rd gear shift up against a Porsche Carerra S I ended up getting locked out and then grinding my way in from hitting the gate and getting all misaligned. No bueno for me as I look like a tool having my RPMs bounce off redline trying to find third.

[TORQUERULES]

Originally Posted by tegxsi I got my shift plate today. Fast shipping! I wanted to share pics of the product and the finished install. Edit: Generally I don't mess with a shifter unless there is a need for improvement. I have been looking for short shift plate for a while but I was unhappy with what was out there. Damond short shift plate just works right out of the box and the design appears to be more robust than others. There are no adjustments to fiddle with. This shift plate may not offer the shortest throws but shortens it without excessively raising the cable connection and zero rubbing. It comes with all the necessary hardware. You can delete the counterweight if you like but as you can see I choose to keep my aftermarket shift weight on. Install was a breeze...I think it took me maybe 10 minutes max. Thanks Damond!

I got mine today. Install and review soon.

[macdiesel]

Set it and forget it. Installed over the weekend, alls I'm gonna say is if you don't pick up the gold something's gotta be wrong with you.


Sent from my iPhone using sausage fingers

[TORQUERULES]

It's on. Haven't driven it yet.

Sent from my Nokia Lumia 1520 using Tapatalk

[tegxsi]

It's a little more notchy but that's expected with any short shifter. I was worried about my 3rd gear issue coming back. With the stock shift weight I occasionally had trouble getting into 3rd. Changing the shift weight alone solved that for me. So far I have no complaints...

[TORQUERULES]

Well, it feels great so far, but I will report back in a week. I might adjust the cable on the shifter that changes the 1-2 and 5-6 feel. I usually release the adjusting tab, let the shifter find its equilibrium on the cable, and then secure the tab. I think this will make it even better. The throws are just right by the way. Not too long and not too short as to be notchy. I will keep the stock weight for now. I might try my trimmed weight later.

[neganox]

I've never had a single issue with crunchy shifts or anything with my DM shift plate. Just click click click click every shift.

[macdiesel]

Had the dms plate on for about a week or two. Hands down way smoother than the cs plate I replaced. The cs plate left me with something to desire, binding up, rubbing cables, lock out at high rpm's. Definitely recommend.

[TORQUERULES]

I have nothing but good things to say about this plate so far. Nice positive shifts. Just short enough, but not excessive. Not notchy (which is a huge plus). Moderation was key to this plate's design and that was a good thing.