Originally posted by Po-Jay:
Okay, I may have been on some substances this weekend, but let me give a more intelligent explaination of what I meant. (It was a long weekend)
Okay, I retract the longer statement and replace it with Uncomfortable and Awkward. The stock shifter has a different pivot point angle (that I am positive of)... The B+M is set up to be a more comfortable as well as shortend throw.
Even if I am on crack, I think that you could see that the solid construction and aluminum pivot point are a worth while improvement. It is disgusting that Ford attempted to build a "Sports Sedan" worthy of an entry level Bimmer, yet left the sloppiest shifter and linkage that they could produce, in place. Cut down or not, it is still a crappy set up... IMHO.
I'd have to respectfully disagree. I bought a B&M back when it was $70 (maybe 2 years ago?), and aside from the material (aluminum), a shorter upper arm, and slightly thicker shaft, it seemed no different from a cut-down stock shifter. Some shifters shorten throw by adjusting the length of the lower arm, but as far as I could tell, the B&M isn't made this way. The quality is also arguable, as many people have already reported that the lower pivot ball for the cable linkage has snapped off due to inadequate welding.
Personally, I installed it and disliked having to reach so far down for the shifter. By shortening the upper arm, it also decreases the leverage, making it more difficult to shift. Needless to say, I sent mine back. IMHO, the stock shifter feels fine after you use the tranny cocktail.
