VB WRX STI Short shifter install comparison vs OEM Subaru 2022 2023 2024 WRX STI

The OEM VB WRX shifter feels cheap and plasticky, the STI shifter fixes this issue. Time to remove the OEM WRX shifter and install the STI shifter in my Subaru VB WRX to review the differences.
Perrin Shifter stop www.perrin.com/shop/shifters/...
STI Short Shifter www.subispeed.com/part/subaru...
Billetworkz short shifter www.subispeed.com/part/subaru...
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[@phinkss]

Sti short shifter, Cobb shift stop, and Perrin shifter bushing. Completely transformed the feel of the trans. 110% recommend for anyone who hasn’t done it yet.

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

Sounds like a hell of a combo. Thanks for the info, I will have to check that out.

[@phinkss]

@@JDMRightHandDrive oh and the group N trans mount too, made a big difference. Shifting as it should now

[@duecefoesubie]

Have the same setup, billetworkz shift stop, though. Throwing on VSC pitch stop mount this weekend

[@gaivoron]

You got Cobb plate set of 15% or 30% shift reduction?

[@unclelive6918]

Will all fix together? Giving different brands

[@TheLostYeti]

Just wanna say thank you for posting this. Just got my STI short shifter installed and this video really helped out!

[@bruce6702]

Great video, thanks for all you do on here

[@californinja1714]

I have this on the car I ordered, and I'm glad someone finally did a comparison. Thanks!

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

You bet, glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@anthonysoriano5847]

Thank you for giving a good install and review on this. Most of the internet just says the sti shifter is the exact same as the oem wrx, but you clearly analyze it and give a good take on the subtle but fairly significant difference. Considering the work involved in replacing the shifter, I’m glad I spec this on my 23 wrx. I don’t need a little knob of a shifter in my center console so this should work out good for me. You should pair it with a cob shifter stop and give a review! Thanks again!

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

Thanks s for the feedback and glad you enjoyed the comparison. Congratulations on your new 23 WRX. I will do a review on the Perrin shifter stop later on, since I am partnering with Perrin on my channel. Thanks for watching!

[@mikez5740]

Very good review, you nailed solid points and brought attention while answering questions I had. I feel the same about 5th gear aswell, I'm around 5'11 and the throw is a bit long. I did happen to test a premium out before getting mine and I loved the sti short throw upgrade in it. Also had the sti exhaust and sti mufflers it was sweet. Kind of a bummer looking back. I did get the limited with everything on it around 40k

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

Yeah I wanted the GT trim but with a 6 speed manual. But yes, I am right there with you a 40k plus price tag is a lot to swallow. Since we dont get an STI variant with the VB WRX. I am doing my best using STI to inspire my VB build.

[@wadeflores6978]

I ordered my VB with the STI short throw shifter, and holy shit what a difference. This is a must have! Glad you got this installed

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

Congrats on your new VB, I have had mine over a year and I am still in love with it.

[@wadeflores6978]

@@JDMRightHandDrive thanks! I had to wait 9 months, finally got it in November. First one to order and the only solar orange pearl in Spokane. I am in love with it. Keep the content coming love watching the installs

[@patrickmonroe3566]

I got the sti short throw package, thanks for the difference in both, I didnt know if they installed it or not , now I know

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

Heck yeah, glad my video was helpful. Congrats on your new VB WRX.

[@ital1anstallion4]

Glad this came installed on my car from dealer. What a headache.

[@conspiracy8119]

How much they charge at the dealership? I’m planning to get mine installed

[@DylanVBWRX]

@@conspiracy8119 I'm assuming 2-3 hours book time, so $2-300

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

@@conspiracy8119 I did the install in 90 minutes including filming. I would imagine a good tech could do it in less then 1 hour.

[@ital1anstallion4]

@@conspiracy8119 It was kind of a deal they messed up and only charged me $200. But I think it was around $600

[@Millertime88]

I just bought a 2022 wrx and the dealership put the sti short throw in - $475. Totally worth it

[@Kush2020]

My STI shifter was already installed when I bought the car. They gave me the original shifter and it still sit in my trunk. Good to see how this install is done, though. TY for the great vid!

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

You bet and glad you enjoyed seeing the difference between the two shifters. Enjoy your VB WRX. I have done my best to make this car like that STI version would have been.

[@jonnyftw1441]

You should install the perrin super shift stop! All the slop is completely gone it is a night and day difference. Definitely the best mod i’ve ever done

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

I was talking with Jeff Perrin about one of those. He is going to send me one when his next batch is done. Thanks for the insight and thanks for watching.

[@diallo1347]

I've been hearing that the super shift stop damages the transmission because the front to back play is needed. The shift stop which only addresses the left to right slop is a safer option.

[@user-jr3oo8ue7b]

i just ordered a 23 wrx and the sti short throw was an option and after watching this video i do not regret adding it onto the car

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

That's awesome, congrats on your new WRX and thanks for watching my channel. Lots more WRX mod videos on the way. 👍

[@scrappy8638]

Love your videos man i learned alot hope you notice me

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

Glad you find the videos helpful. Thanks for watching my channel, I appreciate you!👍

[@RJWebber]

Great video! I just wish the price tag is cheaper than advertised. But you can't go wrong with OEM 👌

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

You right, OEM always fits and works perfectly. Thanks for watching, I like your WRB VB WRX as well. Those Enkei wheels look good., Congrats man.

[@RJWebber]

@@JDMRightHandDrive thanks! I appreciate it 🙏

[@RushroyaleAddicts]

My car came installed with the sti short shifter, though i'm still considering getting the blitsworkz shoft shifter KIT, i've heard that's even better!

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

I removed the STI and install the BIlletworkz in my VB. That is the best way to go. I did an install video on that as well.

[@o0oCircleso0o]

Nice work! Now I need to get some wobble sockets! 😂

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

They are a big help with for so many projects. I cant live without them. Thanks for watching!

[@AshyMustachey]

Interesting that it comes with that replacement cover plate for under the car. I had to hammer out the standard plate to give a little extra clearance for the Billetworkz short shifter. Looking at the STI cover plate in your video, it seems like they have an indentation for additional clearance.

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

What do you think if that Billetworkz set up? I should have spend more time inspecting the bottom plate. At 1st glance to me they appeared to be the same. Thanks for watching 👍

[@AshyMustachey]

@@JDMRightHandDrive I like it. The height is noticeably shorter than stock. I have it combined with a Cobb shift plate, billetworkz bushing and stop. The throws are very, very short and notchy with that combo. The reverse lockout spring is heavier, which I don’t love, but I got used to it within a few days. I was able to find a great price on an oem shifter that happened to come with the bottom plate, which made the entire disassembly/reassembly and hammering of the cover that much easier and less stressful. Overall, I’m pretty happy with it - shifts are much, much quicker. Ps. Loving your channel! Especially as a fellow WRB Base driver.

[@momsbasement656]

This came with my '22 and it's perfect. I've tried the aftermarket stuff that tightens and shortens up things even more and to be honest, it all makes me miss more shifts. A shifter needs some play. We are humans shifting, not machines. The STI shifter gets it just right.

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

Thanks for sharing your feedback about the other shifters. I am also loving the STI shifter, the more I drive the car the more I like the new shifter. I think it feels perfect as well.

[@mitchoconnell6815]

referring to the perrin shift stop?

[@kelvinchung447]

I just purchased a previously owned 2023 model that clearly had a lot of mods already done. The one thing I was trying to determine was whether or not the STi short throw shifter was one of those. Glad I came across your video - so viewing it head one, is that how you tell? The short throw will sit left of center while the stock one is dead center?

[@inlinetoice]

I ordered my VB with the STi short shifter and I really like it but I want shorter throws. I wonder if the Perrin short shifter would work with the STi shifter ? 30% shorter throws and put the Perrin super shift stop. Great video, can’t wait for the FMIC install. #totheend

[@Bluurrii]

I just installed my Perrin super shift stop, I also ordered my 22 wrx with the STI short throw. The super shift stop is a game changer. Feels 1000x better now! Highly recommend

[@RealSprooseMoose]

The PA66-GF33 isn't a part nimber, it is just labeling the type of plastic used for the part. 66% Polyamide with 33% Glass Fiber reinforcement.

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

Good to know, thanks for the info.

[@maxkiehn4985]

Are you going to throw an amp in the 2022 by chance? I installed similar speakers like you did into my 2023 WRX and the stock sound just sucks but install videos are kinda meh. Great video on the STI shifter, definitely going to do this.

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

That's awesome to hear, thanks for watching.

[@Mindless.creation]

I love these cars but I’m short (5’1) and worry about shifting 😂😭

[@gaivoron]

I owned 16' VA WRX with the stock shifter now I got 21' VA with the STI shifter... And honestly I can't tell that the shifs are any shorter. I'm considering getting Cobb shift plate.

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

I ended up removing my STI shifter and going with the Billetworkz set up myself and I love it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJ-vXnangriim6s

[@gaivoron]

@@JDMRightHandDrive I just got weighted shift knob from Racesang. The added weight really makes the shifter feel more substantial. I'm still considering getting a shift plate. I don't care for the shifter to sit lower than or height.

[@gesu1742]

Great video! Did you notice if the sti shifter is louder than the stock? I hear a good amount of "plasticky clunking" in this shifter.

[@duecefoesubie]

Mine is no louder than oem.

[@gesu1742]

thank you for your input! @@duecefoesubie

[@unicron2475]

Good video although as you found out you didn't have to go under the car to change a shifter I was just wondering why did you pick the STI shifter when everyone who had a 21 and older STI the first thing they do is change the shifter it's known to not be very good and have a lot of slop it pretty much looks the same as your WRX one any plans on getting something better upgraded

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

I bought this about 6 months ago before any other short shifter kits had been released. I think I will reach out to Billetworkz and see if they will sponsor my channel for a full install review video. Thanks for watching.

[@GunfuStu]

#TOTHEEND!!! 👍

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

I appreciate you Stuart! 👍

[@ashwinamanna2465]

Can you compare the play in the black plastic reverse lockout switch between the STI and the stock one? I found the STI one has play between the black piece and the shaft causing clicking on some shifts. Surprisingly, the stock shifter had much tighter tolerance between the plastic piece and the shaft. Also, suggest trying the STI knob with the STI short shifter. I think it feels slightly better than the stock knob

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

I watched another STI shifter video and the guys was showing that clicking issue. He had the shifter stopper plate installed, which I think causes additional pressure between the shifter lever and plastic reverse slide housing. My shifter does not do that at all. Hope that helps. Good question and thanks for watching.

[@fiercenet]

The plastic rattle is what gets me. It just doesn't feel good. Full billetworx setup in the future for me. Looking forward to that inlet.

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

I still need to go to the inlet install. I will post it soon. Thanks for watching.

[@RobHTech]

I'm trying to figure out how to identify the STI short throw shifter vs. the standard OEM shifter that comes on the VB. I ordered the short throw, but I'm trying to confirm that the factory actually put it in because i was at a dealer today with a '24 with the STI short throw installed, and it feels different throws than mine. Any thoughts?

[@bmanboogie]

Based on the throws, it really seems like my premium trim is like with Sti shifter from factory.

[@victorpena6543]

Thanks for the vid! How was your experience with Subbispeed with the purchase??

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

Glad the video was helpful. I have order 4 or 5 things from Subispeed and never had any issues. Thanks for watching.

[@victorpena6543]

@@JDMRightHandDrive I just order an Sti STS... hoping the throws are significantly shorter. Your vid will help with the installation.

[@seanosullivan2694]

Is that a 'squash' air freshener? Man I forgot where I got that from, but it smells amazing.

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

Yeah, those things smell the best, been rocking the same squash air spencer since 2000. I just order them from Amazon now. Thanks for watching. 👍

[@flabflex]

Looks like the sti mounting tray has offset holes for the shifter cables vs the wrx.

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

Good point, I will have to take a closer look at that. Thanks for your insight.

[@ludicrousspeeds4938]

I’m picking up a 2024 wrx next week, and it already has the sti shifter installed from factory. Just curious how much better it is from stock.

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

Congrats on your new 24 VB WRX. Your going to love the car, I have had mine over 2 years now and have 31k miles on it. Its a perfect all around daily driver. The STI shifter makes a little difference, it's easier to hit 5th gear. The STI shifter does not make the big of a difference compared to the OEM shifter. I installed the Billetworkz and removed my STI shifter. The Blletworkz is the way to go for sure. Here is the video for that kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJ-vXnangriim6s

[@motoMarineracer]

My Wrx came with the Sti short shifter already installed but I didn't like it. The throws still felt super long to me so I bought the Billetworkz short throw shifter kit. It's night and day better.

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

I was kind of thinking the same thing as you. Thanks for the feedback on this. Too bad I bought this 6 months ago and the Billetworkz as not out yet. Now after seeing the difference between the OEM and STI shifter. I think I will go for a Billetworkz too. I will install that into my OEM shifter housing and throw it back in my car. I saved the box for the STI shifter , so I can sell it used and get some money back at least.

[@GaryAtBilletworkz]

We appreciate the support!

[@2023startingCA]

Hi, do you think is it worth to change ? Or... OEM STI short throw shifter not good that other brands? dealer no more provive Full Manufacturer's Warranty...

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

It’s definitely better than the oem one for sure. Like I said I the video it makes the shift into 5th so much easier. But to answer your question, I would recommend getting a different setup. I will be installing the Billetworkz full short shifter assembly in my car sometime in the next week. Video will be coming soon to compare all three. OEM, STI and Billetworkz. Thanks for watching and so much more content on the way, stay tuned!

[@traviscregger3473]

God i couldn’t bring myself to trust that lift😂

[@haldentoyorganist3896]

PA6-GF33 actually means Nylon, glass filled 33%. It's not a model number

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

Thanks for in info on that I had no idea. I am about to upgrade my STI shifter and go with a full Billetworkz kit. I will have to analyze the oem one vs the sti and look for any difference on the bottom housing.

[@kingkongkahn750]

👍

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

Thanks brother!

[@rhyswren2294]

Do you think this would help with someone learning to drive a shifter compared to the standard unit?

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

Probably would.

[@MrTian1212]

I dont think so. The standard one with longer throw means wider separation of gear position, making it easier for beginner to find which gear it’s in without looking at the dash or the stick. that body position and muscle memory is important to learn. Also, wider separation prevents money shift better, speaking from experience…

[@rhyswren2294]

@GetSchwifty. Good points! I know my wife will be miss shifting to start with, was thinking with the slop and how seperated the shifts would be a short shifter would help. But what you said makes sense. Cheers, ill leave mine stock then 😂

[@arealglitterb0y]

Do you get crunchy shifts from 1st to 2nd?

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

No crunch between gears. Shifts just like my oem one smoothly through all gears 1-6+reverse. Just shorter shift throws and notchy more heavy feel.

[@chumchum8168]

If I put this in my VB can I put the sti badges on my wrx?

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

I know that I wanted to, especially after putting STI wheels on as well.

[@brianchudzik7829]

I ordered mine with the STI shifter, so I never got to do the comparison. Mine is a bear to get in reverse. How is yours to get in reverse? I was thinking it was an adjustment that they did not get quite right at the port. But, who knows?

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

Mine slips right into reverse with no issues. I did notice the linkage for the reverse underneath had the ability to be adjusted. It is the black linkage for reverse. I would talk with your Subaru dealership since they installed it and the car is under warranty. Good luck with that and thanks for watching.

[@brianchudzik7829]

@@JDMRightHandDrive Exactly! I already have it scheduled to install the stuff that was not available when it was delivered, and added this to the list.

[@ViaticalTree]

Aren’t they both OEM?

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

Yes, both are OEM , STI does have slightly shorter throws and stick is oriented more towards the drivers seat.

[@OsightblinderO]

God these vbs are so long. But still feel so well balanced.

[@JDMRightHandDrive]

Yes this car is huge compared to the older versions and is sized more like a modern Subaru Legacy. I bought a GC8 2.5rs brand new in 2001 and that car was so tiny compared to the VB chassis. Especially the back seat in the VB is so spacious compared to my 06 STI. This new VB chassis is large and is practical for a family. Yes you are definitely correct this vehicle is much larger and wider, but still feels so well balanced like the WRX's we love from the past.