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Impreza Short shifter

Why do it

Tools you'll need

• Jack and 2 jack stands
• Socket set
• Trim tool
• Jack and 2 jack stands
• Socket set
• Trim tool

Starting out? See our budget tool list.

Parts to buy

• Kartboy short shifter + bushings KB-9004 (2.5RS) Listed for 1998–2001 Impreza. Includes the shifter bushings.Fits 1998–2001 manual · 2.5RS
• Kartboy short shifter KB-002 (2002–2007) Listed for the 2002–2007 Impreza without breaking out trims, so confirm yours. Showed as temporarily out of stock.Fits 2002–2007 manual · 2.5L

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Steps

1. Remove the trim

   • Raise the car and take off the shifter trim.
   ▶ Watch this step (on a 2002–07 Impreza WRX, the same style of shifter) (0:31–1:06)

2. Swap the shifter

   • Remove the stock shifter and fit the Kartboy.
   ▶ Watch this step (1:06–1:35)▶ Watch the Kartboy go in (1:35–2:10)

3. Fit the bushings

   • Fit the new pivot bushings.
   ▶ Watch this step (2:10–3:42)

4. Refit the trim

   • Refit the trim and check every gear with the engine off.
   ▶ Watch this step (3:42–4:14)

5. Remove the trim

   • Raise the car and take off the shifter trim.
   ▶ Watch this step (on a 2002–07 Impreza WRX) (0:31–1:06)

6. Swap the shifter

   • Remove the stock shifter and fit the Kartboy.
   ▶ Watch this step (1:06–1:35)▶ Watch the Kartboy go in (1:35–2:10)

7. Fit the bushing

   • Fit the new pivot bushing if you bought one.
   ▶ Watch this step (2:10–3:42)

8. Refit the trim

   • Refit the trim and check every gear with the engine off.
   ▶ Watch this step (3:42–4:14)

How to know it worked

• Every gear engages cleanly.
• No rattles from the shifter.
• Every gear engages cleanly.
• No rattles from the shifter.

Follow your part's instructions and your service manual's torque specs.