22 WRX BilletWorkz Short Shifter Install & Review

[@knowledgeisking5702]

I just installed my Billetworkz short shifter with this video yesterday. Appreciate the detailed tutorial! Your vids make me more comfortable taking on these projects. Great shifter, I still have to install the new plate, can't wait to feel the difference.

[@krisd636]

I love my Billetworkz kit. The weighted shift knob helped some with the added friction or force of shifts. I did the light bulb shape to give a tad more height for the leverage.

[@naldovaz9157]

My local Subaru dealership installed the BW short shifter also Perrin intake, exhaust and Steering wheel, Car feels much better with upgrades. BW short shifter is so short and tight and notchy shifting firm with effort so l know what you mean, some may not like it. if so maybe go with STI short shift because little short and tighter than stock but the BW is in a different level. l immediately ordered a BW shifter extender and new shift knob for leverage and comfort. l am so happy with BW short shifter. When l picked up my 2023 WRX from the shop the guys at the dealership loved this BW short shifter

[@gere4769]

I just added this Billetworkz short shifter on my 20 WRX to my 20,000 miles set up (STI shifter (now replaced), Boomba Plate, Billetworkz 1000 g sledge knob, Perrin bushing, Perrin stop) and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. Thanks for the inspiration and review!! This short shifter make my new set up perfect for every situation of driving: stop and go traffic, NYC city driving, parkway cruising, getting on it, red line, aggressive shifting etc… much much better and easier. I thought my previous set up with Boomba plate and STI shifter was great but man Billetworkz shifter make my previous set up feels not great. This is a much higher level upgrade. The way shifting feel is unreal !!!

[@jedwin4816]

I'm so glad I got the OE STI shifter on my '22. That with a basic shifter stop and it's good enough for me. There's no way in hell I'm going to fully field strip my shifter like that. Your a brave guy!

[@BC01300]

I'm considering installing the OEM STI short throw shifter on my '23. Have you had any regrets with the install, or are you still happy with your decision?

[@jedwin4816]

@@BC01300 it came with the car so it's all I know.

[@ajs.m929]

@@BC01300 Don't do it. I did and not much difference. Also the STI shifter makes a clicking noise at ALL times (plastic at the end making contact with the roll pin) It won't go away no matter how much grease you put on. Too much play between the plastic housing (reverse lockout) and metal shift rod. Look it up online, I'm no the only one with that issue. I declined troubleshooting like most people adding extra O-rings, Velcro strip, among other things to make it work. Why pay 300 plus for an OEM product that needs to be adjusted by the consumer. Save your cash

[@BC01300]

@@ajs.m929 thank you! The main draw with oem is that its under warranty but for the cost and trouble, I have been hesitant and this helps my decision.

[@ajs.m929]

@@BC01300 You're welcome. Not worth it for the little adjustment on the throws. You're lucky if getting 15% reduction. I tried the shifter, drove for a little over a week and not difference whatsoever. You can always change the knob for a weighed one and add the shifter stop on the left side (1st - 2nd wear) it's a quick adjustment. This would help with the sloppiness when hitting 1st and 2nd. Knob would also make it easier when shifting (less force being applied) that won't void your warranty, it's just a knob. Hope this helps

[@DenverDave5280]

I picked up the full BW kit (shifter, plate & bushing) and I gotta say, WOW! What a difference - feels like a different transmission! The shifter install was fairly easy thanks to your video. Plate takes a little more finesse and a few swear words. I was able to do it all with rhino ramps and hand tools. SO glad I made the switch!

[@naldovaz9157]

definitely getting one

[@Anthony71598]

Dont jack from the pinch welds😭 your front subframe and rear diff are both factory approved central jack points. Just make sure to not jack it up from the diff cover, you have to be under the differential itself. Then you have enough room to properly place you jackstands under the pinch welds instead of next to them where theres less support. Not hating just trying to help anyone who comes across this!

[@mrbeans2425]

ngl much better vid than their own. way more accurate on what to do.

[@MatthewMorse]

If someone was bothered by modifying that plate to prevent catches, a little grease on that plate would probably help prevent any binding that would happen since it's just friction causing it to get stuck there, I would think.

[@chrischarles9218]

That washer is a star washer.

[@kelbaez]

I had a boomba short shifter lever on my 18 wrx, it was too short and that made it too tiring on a daily basis. At the end went back to stock lever + the shifter plate.. perfect!!!

[@gabehorn5079]

How too short lmao?

[@kelbaez]

@@gabehorn5079 hard to explain, but lets say it required more force to change gears since the lever was shorter so you had less leverage

[@chrischarles9218]

I ordered a few of those pinch weld jack pads. I also got some of the ones that fit on jack stands. They are a must have for anyone that plans on doing your own work and don't have a lift.

[@IkeandMike1]

Just installed the BW short shifter and shift plate on my '18 WRX and its my first short shifter. I agree it feels a bit too stiff and will take some time to get used to. I think I should have started with just the short shifter. The shift plate install was a PITA.

[@6spd85notch]

Hey man I just built my first wrx shifter thanks to you. You deserve an award for that video everything went perfect. Ty. I’ll put the shifter in next time I get a chance. I used the stock shifter to build that came in a box in my trunk because my car came with the sti shifter installed already. The hardest part of the build was probably getting that pin out. It was a little bit of pain but you made everything very clear. I have to setup the red piece you have I think it’s called the shifter stop and it also came with a bronze bushing. I guess I’ll figure that out when I take out the other one.

[@Wrx.Saddie]

Really appreciate your videos bro. Just got my kit in the mail today. Def way more confident for the install this weekend after watching your video

[@StreetInspired1]

That's what I'm here for man! Glad it helped!

[@deepydeeps]

Is there a way to spin the bottom of the reverse lockout without taking the entire shifter assembly out? The shop I brought it to installed it facing 1st and 2nd gear , and not facing 5th and 6th like it’s supposed to be. It’s frustrating because my billet works shifter stop won’t let me engage 1st and 2nd now. 12:20 for reference

[@StreetInspired1]

You should be able to loosen the bolt that holds it in place and lift up and spin it the correct way and retighten, and I don't think you'll have to remove the entire shifter. It mightm just be a tight squeeze.

[@kanickers9352]

Keep up the vids for this car, I just got a 22 WRX a couple weeks ago and super helpful figuring out what I want to do to it!

[@apetarddimondphister3557]

External Tooth Star Lock Washers. There is also: Internal Tooth Start Lock Washer has teeth on the inside circumference as opposed to that one that had teeth on the outside circumference.

[@jaywashkuhn4894]

Did you have to adjust the shift stop after this install? Thanks for this walkthrough, and all your content!!!

[@StreetInspired1]

I did need to adjust it slightly! And of course! Thank you for your support!

[@c013s14w]

Great video. the washer is a lock washer. Ive heard spur washer too bc it looks like a cowboy spur.

[@ATS-all_things_Subaru]

After the install of all of this did you find slop (to the right) in 3/4 gear? Last piece for me is the short shifter, I’ve got the same setup

[@LOVEAIDAN.]

For the O ring at 8:46 and the roll pin at 8:55, are they supposed to be installed on the billet workz shifter?

[@StreetInspired1]

Those do not need to be re-installed onto the billetworkz shifter. Hope this helps!

[@LOVEAIDAN.]

@@StreetInspired1 it helps a lot thank you for the video!

[@o0oCircleso0o]

Star lock washers!

[@StreetInspired1]

Ayy thank you! Haha

[@MrBubba123bubba]

My billetworkz bushing just arrived today. Swapping it in from a different brand.

[@cleverjaja1]

I’ve installed the white line positive shift bushing and group n trans mount and it doesn’t take much effort to shift now but before the install it did take some force to shift with the kit 😅

[@nikolaibondoc1564]

Question, i bought the billetworkz shirt shifter kit and had it installed. I need feed back or if its just me. It felt amazing at first. Notch and mechanical but after a couple months. It does not feel the same. Any ideas? Like 1&2 gear almost feel like stock. I dont know wheather i got use to it or if im being nitpicky. Also its my first manual wrx 22

[@admintheflash1128]

For some reason the factory shifter stop for the reverse lockout won’t let me shift into 5th and 6th I put it on right and everything. It’s just cursed cause I have to lift the reverse lockout to go into 5/6th

[@StreetInspired1]

@@admintheflash1128 i would try adjusting it a little bit. They can be really finicky. I would slightly lose the bolts and shift it to the right a bit and retighten and try it again. It took me a few tries to get it perfect

[@admintheflash1128]

@ I got it fixed , my dad had me hold the shifter to the right then tightened it again with the billet works shift stop and the stock one . We grinded the stock one down a little bit too it shifts pretty good now and I love it so much . Waiting to do the shift plate and brass bushing next weekend

[@patricktrisket8531]

This may be a silly question but what is the awkwardly shaped silver piece in the kit? Just got mine and didn’t see it in any of the videos I’ve watched. Is it necessary for the install?

[@Danteburnett]

shifter plate, must watch different video to install

[@Richarado1]

Really hope you see this comment. I’ve watched this video no less than 20 times. I just got this same kit installed and idk if somethings wrong with it or not but it feels awful. I had the shift plate before but now with the short shifter idk how to explain it other than the force required to move the shifter out of neutral is insane and it doesnt spring back to neutral anywhere close to how it did before when i just had the shift plate. before with 1 finger i could wiggle it in neutral, now i need my whole hand with a lott of force. Does this sound normal or did my mechanic mess up the install? Could this be a result of him not hammering that bottom plate cover? please help :(

[@StreetInspired1]

So this kit does make shift effort go up quite a bit. However, if you're physically struggling to move the shifter, it could be an issue. It could be catching the bottom plate. Something you could try is removing the bottom dust sheild for that Shifter box, and if that fixes the issue then I would try to hammer the plate. But another thing is the factory or Billet workz Shifter Stop isn't installed perfectly it could make it very difficult to get into 1-2nd gear and 5-6 gear. So if 3-4 gears feel normal but 1-2 and or 5-6 feel tough I would look into adjusting the Shifter Stop.

[@richie1875]

@@StreetInspired1thank you i was thinking the same thing! going to take the cover off and see if that fixes it and then hammer it. if not, im gonna just throw an sti short shifter in lol

[@maxeismann1239]

Did you ever have issues with the 4 10mm bolts at the bottom not breaking loose from the studs? Not sure if I just need someone above to hold the studs from spinning or what.

[@StreetInspired1]

The studs are locked into the assembly so you shouldn't have issues with breaking them lose or tightening them! Hope this helps

[@maxeismann1239]

@@StreetInspired1 on my 2019 they are spinning like crazy. Will drill them out or hopefully it will work holding onto them from the top of the assembly

[@projectA91]

I'm not sure if it's been made or not, but has any company designed a shifter extender that also accommodates to the reverse lockout?

[@StreetInspired1]

I have seen knob extenders and taller knows but I've yet to see a Shifter that moves the lockout up with it. Unless you get an entire Shifter replacement like a CAR chassis mount. Although I don't know if they make one for this car and it's a rather large unit that looks like a sequential Shifter out of a race car lol

[@Billetworkz]

Sorry we missed your comment! We offer 2” and 4” extenders on our website, designed specifically for the 6-speed Subarus!

[@s0584333]

Hmm if this was done to my 21 wrx manual i wouldn't have traded it in for the 22gt. That shifter was so long and took forever to get it to the right gear and was so loose and flappy. I was new at stick shifting so was not a good time learning. Whats next a short clutch lol? Any recomends for tires on the 22 or do you like the stock summer tires?

[@StreetInspired1]

I don't blame ya. I considered the GT for a bit. I wish I would've test drove one but I couldn't convince myself to give up the manual. Honestly Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is probably the best tire for these cars in warmer weather as they're a summer tire. For all seasons the continental extreme contact is a really solid tire also!

[@diallo1347]

Dumb question, but do weighted shift knobs damage the transmission or cause damage over time? I'm just curious because I know not to rest my hand on the shifter so I'm wondering of weighted shift knobs are similar.

[@roddydykes7053]

No

[@beaches2mountains230]

IVE USED THEM ON EVERYTHING FROM 2001 TRANS AM WS6, 1998 STROKED 383 Z28, B16 CRX, GSR INTEGRA AND RACED AND BANGED THROUGH ALOT OF GEARS AND IVE NEVER HAD A GEARBOX OR TRANS ISSUE FROM SHORT THROWS KR WEIGHTED KNOBS. BE A GOOD CAR ENTHUSIAST AND TAKE CARE OF YOUR STUFF AND YOU SHOULD BE ALL GOOD BROTHER !!

[@ericwoods5747]

Great video! Thanks.

[@ezimm81]

Ordering mine today. What color reverse lockout did you go with matte or gloss?

[@StreetInspired1]

Mine was matte!

[@ezimm81]

@@StreetInspired1 matte matches what is in the interior isn’t it?

[@MrTunaBoi]

Am i the only one having trouble with the 2 10mm nuts on the bottom of the shift box to get the shifter apart? Those square nuts keep spinning and i cant get them apart

[@adrielatad9845]

This is me right now, did you end up getting them off?

[@9MMSWORD]

Good content man

[@allenhills3053]

If I dropped anything in this center area, would it be caught by the plate at the bottom of the shifter box?

[@StreetInspired1]

If you had the Shifter removed it could've fell out under the car, but if the Shifter was in it could've fell down onto one of the sides, it could be stuck under the carpet or the plastic trim on the sides of the Shifter.

[@allenhills3053]

Appreciate the reply. Mind if I DM you a few questions on IG? Really used a lot of your vids for my small mods and they been really helpful

[@StreetInspired1]

@@allenhills3053 of course! Just shoot me a message over there anytime!

[@rommelsegura9096]

Anyone install a grimmspeed tallboy shift knob or a long shifter with this short shifter? Just curious

[@6spd85notch]

That washer is a star lock washer.

[@skip2myru]

Is this better than the OEM STS? Like a lot shorter?

[@StreetInspired1]

It's A LOT shorter than the oem sts. I don't honestly think the oem short shifter is much of an upgrade

[@djustan3373]

Wrx va I have issue car does not go in 6th gear

[@StreetInspired1]

You may have to readjust your factory shift stop. Losend the 2 bolts on the top of the shifter assembly and try re-adjusting the bracket on the right side. You can use this video as a reference. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKfQhamImNeBmbMsi=I1B3tOWt8rhiANsK

[@egghead1634]

can you install the shifter stop after the short throw?

[@StreetInspired1]

You sure can!

[@egghead1634]

@@StreetInspired1I just finished installing the short throw. at 13:18 the plastic cracked above the nut do you think it will be good, it was just a baby crack. i loosened it and it looked fine, just worried.

[@StreetInspired1]

@egg head the same thing actually happened on my old VA wrx and it didn't cause any issues, so you should be okay!

[@egghead1634]

@@StreetInspired1 thank you love the build btw

[@dannyfeinberg3579]

any NVH at all at any rpm??

[@StreetInspired1]

No Added NVH at all with this mod!

[@6spd85notch]

I just put the shifter in and I have no 5+6 gear

[@StreetInspired1]

You most likely have moved the factory Shifter Stop. Undo the Two bolts holding your Shifter Stop and shift the right side plate slightly more to the right and retighten. Then test and repeat until it feels right. I have a video on the Shifter Stop also I'd you have any trouble with it. Hope this helps!

[@6spd85notch]

@@StreetInspired1 thanks man I’m going back out to work on it in 10 minutes I have to feed my dog.

[@6spd85notch]

@@StreetInspired1 hey thank you very much for getting right back to me. I put the shifter stop on and slid the stock part to the right then adjusted the stop. It shifts pretty good. I didn’t do the bronze bushing or the heavy piece yet. Not sure if I’m going to in case I have to bring it in for warranty. Not like Subaru wants to fix the car anyways. I never bought a car and had such bad service like Subaru. They suck. I’ve been through 2 dealers already in 5k miles. I really appreciate the help though man Thanks again.

[@Patriot_wrx]

Bro this is like disassembling a 240B 💀

[@StreetInspired1]

Lmao! I've disassembled a few guns, but nothing as legendary as the 240B 😂

[@Patriot_wrx]

@@StreetInspired1 I never would’ve guessed 👀😂

[@RobGADV]

Gonna be honest... this looks like such a giant pain in the butt that I'm going to see about returning mine and not doing it at all.

[@TehWarriors]

you'll regret. it's a total game changer

[@RushroyaleAddicts]

This seems like such a headache to try to remember all the little bits you took off

[@natedog805402]

As somone who's doesn't have much experience working on cars except brakes and oil, this looks like a major pain in the ass. Lots of cussing involved for me probably 😅

[@Danteburnett]

i just installed mine, I'm like a 3 on the charts as far as experience. There was indeed cussing involved, lots of it. I'd have to say the back and fourth home depot runs were all worth it .

[@roddydykes7053]

I would need dead silence and zero interruptions to remember where all the shit goes

[@pequenioedgarito3067]

Everything was good until you get to 15:48 by using to use a hammer to pound the plate. Thats f’in insane and horrible. That is just pure caca to do. It’s like Tessa creating a brand new car.

[@StreetInspired1]

It was completely unnecessary, however a few people claimed fitment issues and that is a fix for it. Its a dust shield that doesn't do anything besides keep dust and moisture out, so as long as you re install it correctly it will be perfectly fine.

[@pequenioedgarito3067]

At 16:59 , so shifting sounds like caca. Every gear you put in, there is a loud clack. Sounds like a hack job vs a pro installation.

[@StreetInspired1]

Buddy, that's the sound of gears engaging in a garage that echos. Get into any manual car in a quiet garage and shift gears. It will sound exactly how mine does. I know what I'm doing this isn't a hack job lol

[@beaches2mountains230]

I GUESS FRIJOLES DONT KNOW WHAT A MANUAL SOUNDS LIKE BECAUSE THE SOUND IS BLOCKED OUT BY THE 10 OTHER PEOPLE IN THE CAR WITH THEM.