Short Shifters

Getting it in Gear

The Elantra GT is a lot of car for the money, no doubt. But there are a few areas that need to improve. One of these is the shift feel of the standard 5 speed transmission. While it probably is the best Hyundai 5 speed ever, it still feels a little rubbery to me. Maybe my previous experiences with silky smoth, notchy Honda manuals have spoiled me but the GT's feel is just a bit numb. While rowing through the gears, the throws of the stick are simply too long. Don't get me wrong, the GT's shifter gets the job done. But if you're looking for something a little more precise you need to upgrade to a short throw shifter.

Here's where our friends at B&M Racing come in. They have a terrific, easy to install short shifter for the 2001 and up Hyundai Elantras (part #45119). The shifter kit comes with excellent and simple to follow instructions and includes an aluminum shift knob (you can still use the stock GT knob if you prefer). Installation is a breeze and should be completed in approximately one hour! The difference with this short shifter installed is nothing short of amazing...

The first thing you'll notice is visual. The stick height is quite a bit lower than before giving a sportier look. Now the real fun begins, let's test it out on the road. The shift feel is much better, you'll notice it takes a bit more effort to get it in gear...a very good thing. Most importantly, the throws are much shorter and only a flick of the wrist is needed, making changing gears a lot of fun! This one will set you back about $125 and is well worth the effort.

Another interesting aftermarket shifter comes from TWM Performance. They have a shifter listed for the Tiburon which, of course, fits the GT. This one is a whopping 2 inches shorter than stock. It also has throws which are about 40% shorter than stock! The one intriguing thing here are the included aluminum bushings which replace the rubber stock ones resulting in super crisp shifts. It will set you back about $125. Members who have installed this one absolutely love it!

For the budget minded

One other option would be to install the shifter from the '03 Tiburon. This one will give you shorter throws at a bargain basement price. It's available from any Hyundai dealer! (see our DIY Zone for install tips)

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Member Quick Reviews:

B&M

"I have the B&M shifter and it has worked great for me. Everybody who has installed it loves it. I havent heard any complaints. As for installing it, its not that hard, but kind of tricky. B&M includes great instructions, and with some patience, almost anyone can do it. Taking the driver seat out will probably make things easier, as it gets in the way when you push out the roll pin with a small punch and hammer, but not required. I installed mine with the seat in in about 45 minutes." -JPJR

TWM

"I would have to say this is hands down the best short shifter for the Elantra. How can I say that? I have a GLS sedan and a GT hatch in my driveway. The GLS has the B&M and the GT has the TWM. The throw is much shorter on the TWM and gives a much more precise feel (partly due to the replacement of the rubber bushings with aluminum ones). After I installed the TWM and drove with it I drove the GLS. I couldn't even tell it was a short shifter. Felt as long as a stock one. After driving the GT the GLS owner is selling her B&M to replace it with the TWM!" -evil247

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