The S12 came with two different manual transmissions, the "B" trans, and the "C" trans:
While you are at it, replace your stock shifter dust boot if yours is worn or torn:
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Short Throw Shifter Guide
Yeah I was never able to figure out how to do the quick shitty one. I ended up buying both and never installing either for more than a minute cause they didn't fit.
Maybe I'll try again.
I'll be installing the quick-install style soon on an S12 C-trans, and I will take plenty of pictures and post them in this very thread with a how-to.
Also, over the last hour, after you posted that, I've been revising the first post. It seems the S12 C trans shifter and the S13/S14 shifter are different, with different shift plates. Just re-read the first post above as the facts and available options are now correct
Nice write up jason. I love my s13 shifter
I agree, great info, arro. I did the "shorten arm" mod and I'm happy with the results for now but will eventually upgrade to one of the ones you spoke of. The b+m maybe expensive but mad sexy...
Being an s12 owner, I'll end up going the cheapest, yet most effective route.
do you know where i can get those little bushings on the bottom of the shifters...the rattle from mine is driving me INSANE.
Maybe Nissan...? But a new short throw comes with one.
B&M will ONLY work on an S13/S14 transmission.
The quick install for the C s12 trans has a smaller pivot too compared to the stock one. Gives the transmission a big deadzone which is a bit annoying. The stock pivot doesn't fit on the short shifter as the ball at the end are different sizes. Any way to fix this? And the shifter dust boost has to be really big to cover the huge box at the top of the trans. Anyone know which will fit?
ArroI'll be installing the quick-install style soon on an S12 C-trans, and I will take plenty of pictures and post them in this very thread with a how-to.
Also, over the last hour, after you posted that, I've been revising the first post. It seems the S12 C trans shifter and the S13/S14 shifter are different, with different shift plates. Just re-read the first post above as the facts and available options are now correct
Oh snap, I probably bought the wrong one then.
My old s14 had a B&M shifter installed when I bought it and I was not very impressed, especially for use in a daily driver. It annoyingly rattled almost all the time at certain rpm's which apparently was a problem with the earlier versions (which I think is pretty sad considering the price tag). I eventually took it out and re installed the stock shifter and was much happier with that. It was the same way for my old man as well. He had a short shifter installed on his z31 C tranny and it didn't seem to help him at all. He went back to his stock shifter and prefers that much more, and he is pushing 360+ whp. Now the B tranny in my ka24de s12 is a much different story. The stock throw on the s13/s14 C tranny is much shorter in comparison so for the B tranny I think a short shifter might be worth it.
nismologistdo you know where i can get those little bushings on the bottom of the shifters...the rattle from mine is driving me INSANE.Dealer? Sorry. Shocked)
I made my own shifter: I machined a plate that went under the stock plate to raise it .5 inches and then cut the little finger off of the lever and turned a new unit .5 inches longer. I drilled a counter bore, inserted the longer finger and welded it in place. I will do a write up in a minute.
Peace, Wolf
PraizewoodThe quick install for the C s12 trans has a smaller pivot too compared to the stock one. Gives the transmission a big deadzone which is a bit annoying. The stock pivot doesn't fit on the short shifter as the ball at the end are different sizes. Any way to fix this? And the shifter dust boost has to be really big to cover the huge box at the top of the trans. Anyone know which will fit?
If you got an Ebay one, chances are it was manufactured incorrectly, or they used the thinner, crappier bushing at the bottom. The one I tried in Sterling's car was shift-tastic, and judging by the looks of mine, I should get the same results.
RedneckMy old s14 had a B&M shifter installed when I bought it and I was not very impressed, especially for use in a daily driver. It annoyingly rattled almost all the time at certain rpm's which apparently was a problem with the earlier versions (which I think is pretty sad considering the price tag). I eventually took it out and re installed the stock shifter and was much happier with that. It was the same way for my old man as well. He had a short shifter installed on his z31 C tranny and it didn't seem to help him at all. He went back to his stock shifter and prefers that much more, and he is pushing 360+ whp. Now the B tranny in my ka24de s12 is a much different story. The stock throw on the s13/s14 C tranny is much shorter in comparison so for the B tranny I think a short shifter might be worth it.
Ok so as not to confuse people, we are going to be referring to the S12 later trans as the "C" trans, and the one that comes with the KA as the S13/S14 trans, because they are different. The transmission cases are different, and the shifter assemblies are different.
Now, I ran the generic full-plate and it wasn't sloppy at all. But judging by the wear on the pivot and the cracked shift arm bushing, it would have worn out, possibly even tossed the bushing into the trans. No bueno.
Also, a properly-manufactured quick-install style short throw in an S12 C trans is far smoother and more solid shifts than anything you can do with a B trans. The B trans is just plain sloppy in comparison.
ArroAlso, a properly-manufactured quick-install style short throw in an S12 C trans is far smoother and more solid shifts than anything you can do with a B trans. The B trans is just plain sloppy in comparison.Well like I said in my previous post:
RedneckNow the B tranny in my ka24de s12 is a much different story. The stock throw on the s13/s14 C tranny is much shorter in comparison so for the B tranny I think a short shifter might be worth it.Anyway I just find short shifters to be a matter of driver preference most of the time. As I stated, my experiences with them in the s13/s14 C tranny has not been that great (and I had the B&M which most people consider the best short shifter). I found my stock shifter was much more forgiving and overall my shifts were more consistent because of that. This was just my experience though. Some people really like them (which seems to be the case for you). I just wanted to give my opinion on the B&M because they are so pricey and I just find them to be a waste of money. I think if someone wants a short shifter for the C tranny they would be much better off with the cheaper generic ones you were referring to in your first post.
Dude, lol I AGREE with you... I said it worked alright... but I gotta clarify something again.
What you call "generic" that I had is the B&M knock-off... a full-plate replacement type.
When you said they would better off with the "other" generic one... you're talking about the quick-install type (and I agree with you, the better choice).
Not being picky about what to call 'em without good reason... I don't want to confuse a new person on here.
And yes, the B&M is way overpriced, and from my recollection, the quick-install type felt just fine. But also, yes, as you say it's a matter of driver preference.
Edit: Also, the reason why I don't refer to the S13/S14 trans as a "C" trans is because to the best of my knowledge, there is only one manual trans for all S13 and S14 cars (SR, KA, whatever) with just different bellhousings... so calling it a "C" is both unnecessary, and confusing to new people who might think you are talking about the S12 "C" trans.
I appreciate the information and help but my c trans didn't come with a cover plate or shifter, where can I find the correct one for my trans. In my area s12 nissans are scarce.
yeah, the stock boot didnt fit over my, quick install type shifter on my mkII
just fyi
What about syncros? You can kill them with such mode.
ok-s12...my c trans didn't come with a cover plate or shifter, where can I find the correct one for my trans.
Z's have the same shifter, some are actually a little shorter up top. Jst make sure the cover plate has the same bolt pattern.
Wolf
alundraWhat about syncros? You can kill them with such mode.
No.
Wolf
I'm running a "shortened" s13 shifter. Throw is the same but it feels notchier so meh I likes. Once Andrew drives his car again he can give some input on this as far as feel as well.