B&M Installed: 9/10ths good, 1/10 bad.

[iconz21]

There are 1001 threads on shifters, most of which are repeats of basic questions and the same old banter. I'll try to avoid those. Here's my story:

Purchased a B&M short throw shifter from a member a few months ago. This is the one that is listed for first gens only, but works just as well for second gens. Finally got around to installing it on my 2000 Altima. Took a few hours - laying on my back and trying to get all those bolts loose from above the cat isn't the easiest thing. (Cat is completely rusted so it isn't coming off until the whole exhaust is replaced this summer)

I could not twist off the stock shift knob, even with vice grips. Just ruined the knob. I was determined and ended up cutting the knob off with a blade and saw. Later I used a table clamp and some grips to break the innermost plastic part of the knob off the lever. It was glued on good, and is now completely destroyed. No way it was being twisted off while still in the car.



Interior Console with assembly removed.



Comparison of stock vs. B&M

I also had to file the opening a bit to get the end of the B&M handle down through the hole. Took a little bit of effort, but nothing difficult or extreme. Also tested out all gears to make sure shifter wasn't touching the sides of the opening at all before everything was put back together. I used some longer bolts to attach the housing to the plate so the nuts would go on all the way. The bolts supplied are stock length, but the B&M housing is much thicker. The nuts weren't on far enough to hold, so I just found some longer ones to do the job right.



Installed view from underneath

Replaced the heat shield, and didn't feel the linkage hitting it anywhere, so I tightened it up and went for a drive. Of course, first time out it feels completely different, and I'd say the throw was reduced 60% and is rock solid now, compared to the rubbery feel before. I just kept shifting to make sure this was really happening in the Altima. (Stock housing is some rubber and cheap metal... B&M is a solid metal housing.) This is a quality product, and gets my stamp of approval for whatever that means. If you've never driven anything but these stock shifts, you're in for a learning curve.



Installed!

I was feeling all accomplished for finally doing this, and at 3500 - 4k I heard a dreaded rattling noise. It's not overwhelming loud, but now I know it's there so I pick it up. Makes the noise/vibration in gear and also out of gear just revving the engine. I don't really want to crawl back under the car and recheck everything. It is easy, but time consuming for the one heat shield bolt directly above the cat!

I guess I will try banging out the heat shield so a little extra room runs the length of the linking rods and see if it makes a difference. Its the only thing I've read that 'a lot' of people have done? Instructions for stillen kit - very similar to B&M - mention a spacer between housing and face plate? Anyone know of this? Anyone use a type of gasket between the metal housing and the metal mounting surface? (The one with the two bolts through the housing.) I don't think it's this area, as I was sure to crank those two bolts down real good. Experiences are helpful and welcomed, as I'm a little over zealous at having no sqeaks, rattles, hisses, etc. coming from my car...

[lil_z_33]

my B&M used to make rattling noises too at first...I just tightened down the four bolts on the plate right from inside the car, noise gone...it only makes noise now if someone besides me drives as they dont have the shifting pattern down like I do...in the last year only one person aside from me has driven my car once, so my B&M makes no noises according to me...one of my favorite mods for sure!!!

[iconz21]

Update:

Fixed the ratting noise. After deliberating about what to do, I decided to take it apart and see if I could fix it. Little noises like this annoy me once I know they are there. After removing the assembly, I noticed there was a very tiny gap between the bearing and the shaft, so I took out the hammer and screwdriver and fixed it. Picture says it best:



I also added a paper gasket (1/32") between the housing and the mounting faceplate for good measure. I don't think this was causing any unwanted noise, but I wasn't going to take any chances.






After these little fixes, no more rattles! I am completely satisfied with the result, and change this to a 10/10.

[SLOW KA_]

Very nice.

[allblackedout111]

how much lower is the shift knob now?

[iconz21]

It feels an inch shorter I'd say. Maybe 1.5". The shafts were pretty much the same length (as seen in the photos), and most of the difference was the from the design of the shift knob itself. The stock one is simply taller than the included B&M, which has threads almost to the top of the ball.

I drive all the time, and didn't have to make any seat adjustments to reach, and I don't feel like it's far away as some have stated. Most of the throw seems to have been removed from 2,4,R gears so the lever doesn't come back as far as it used to when stock. 5,R are also far less to the right than they were. All in all compact and well worth the install.

[2000SE-R]

I bought the obx short shifter and I wanted to know if anyone knows if I will see the same results as you guys with the b&m. The B&M is a short shifter and short throw, correct?