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WRX Short shifter

Your WRX

Pick your year to see what fits.

This page covers the WRX and STI. The non-turbo Impreza has its own page.

Quicker, tighter shifts
Medium$140–$3401–2 hrs
All WRX mods

Why do it

Cuts the distance between gears so shifts feel quicker and more direct. Manual cars only.

Tools you'll need

Starting out? See our budget tool list.

Parts to buy

Double-check fitment before buying. We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Steps

  1. Jack up the car

    • Raise it on stands to reach the shifter from below.
    Watch this step (SuBEARu, on an 02-07 WRX) (0:26–0:31)

  2. Remove the trim

    • Pop off the shifter trim and boot.
    Watch this step (0:31–1:06)

  3. Remove the shifter

    • Undo the linkage and lift out the stock shifter.
    Watch this step (1:06–1:35)

  4. Fit the short shifter

    • Grease and install the new shifter.
    Watch this step (1:35–2:10)

  5. Refit the trim

    • Put the boot and trim back.
    Watch this step (3:42–4:14)

  6. Take apart the interior

    • Remove the trim, boot and anything in the way.
    Watch this step (on a 2006 STI) (0:10–1:25)

  7. Remove the base

    • Undo and lift out the stock shifter base.
    Watch this step (1:25–1:43)

  8. Fit the new base

    • Move your parts over and bolt in the new shifter.
    Watch this step (1:43–3:07)

  9. Refit the seat

    • Put back anything you removed.
    Watch this step (3:07–4:00)

  10. Refit the boot

    • Put back the boot and knob.
    Watch this step (4:00–5:50)

  11. Remove the console

    • Undo the console bolts. Unplug the STI LED connector before lifting it off.
    Watch this step (Nameless Performance, on a 2015+ STI) (0:52–3:18)

  12. Free the reverse lockout

    • Cut the factory zip tie and take off the cable.
    Watch this step (3:18–3:35)

  13. Remove the stock shifter

    • Undo the 12mm bolt holding the stock shifter.
    Watch this step (3:35–5:46)

  14. Fit the new shifter

    • Use the factory bolt and 14mm nut to secure it.
    Watch this step (5:46–7:29)

  15. Reconnect

    • Zip-tie the reverse lockout cable to the shifter arm with the supplied tie and put everything back.
    Watch this step (9:49–10:40)

  16. Take apart the interior

    • Remove the console and trim.
    Watch this step (Subaru Shakedown, on an 08-14 WRX) (0:31–2:17)

  17. Remove the shifter

    • Undo and lift out the stock shifter.
    Watch this step (2:17–3:25)

  18. Disconnect the linkage

    • Separate the linkage from the shifter.
    Watch this step (3:25–4:31)

  19. Move the parts over

    • Move your parts to the new shifter.
    Watch this step (6:21–7:36)

  20. Install and test

    • Fit the new shifter and test each gear.
    Watch this step (7:36–8:34)

  21. Put the interior back

    • Refit everything.
    Watch this step (8:34–11:07)

  22. Remove the factory shifter

    • Undo the heat shield and linkage from below.
    Watch this step (Billetworkz, on a 2015+ WRX) (0:00–2:07)

  23. Remove the console

    • Take the interior console apart.
    Watch this step (2:07–4:56)

  24. Take apart the shifter

    • Pull the factory shifter apart for the parts you'll reuse.
    Watch this step (4:56–8:53)

  25. Fit the new shifter

    • Assemble and install the new shifter.
    Watch this step (8:53–17:40)

  26. Put it all back

    • Refit the console and test each gear.
    Watch this step (17:40–20:30)

  27. Remove the factory shifter

    • Take off the trim and undo the shifter.
    Watch this step (Street Inspired, on a 2022 WRX) (2:08–6:35)

  28. Take apart the shifter

    • Pull it apart for the parts you'll reuse.
    Watch this step (6:35–10:01)

  29. Prepare the new shifter

    • Set up the Billetworkz parts.
    Watch this step (10:01–11:34)

  30. Put it back together

    • Assemble it and install it in the car.
    Watch this step (11:34–15:04)

  31. Trim the shifter cover

    • Trim the cover as shown so it clears.
    Watch this step (15:04–16:48)

How to know it worked

Did this guide work for you?

Safety first

  • Park on flat ground, set the parking brake and chock the wheels.
  • Never get under a car held up only by a jack. Use jack stands.
  • Let the engine and exhaust cool first.
  • Disconnect the battery before unplugging electrical parts.
  • Wear safety glasses.
  • If something doesn't match your car, stop and ask a shop.

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