Topic: Kartboy Tallboy STI Short Shifter Review

[jellynuts]

Well, the Jerkmobile always inspired me to stimulate the economy so I picked up an STI Tallboy shifter back in the summer and finally installed it last night. 

Here are some pics:

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2728930


Chris's Jerkmobile

And a comparo picture of it installed:

Kartboy Tallboy by Jonny W, on Flickr

From TiC's website, they say:

Kartboy was nice enough to make us one... and it was good.  Really good. So, despite all of EricZ's 12 year old insistant whining it was actually really good.

Initial impressions are: Why the heck did I buy this?  I already liked the throw of the stock shifter, but I did wish the lever was taller.  I wouldn't complain about shorter throw, though. 

Well, the throw is shorter, but not by much.  The lever is taller by 1/2 an inch which...  If we're talking wheel gap, a huge improvement.  In this context, it's marginal.  It does not have any sound deadening around the shaft, so the reverse lockout rattles (in 2nd gear only). 

I got suckered into the product description and was hoping for a CAE Ultra Shifter, but really, it feels like an OEM shifter.  It's my own fault for falling for the emotions and not the math as TiC clearly stated that it was 3/8" taller than stock.

I wouldn't recommend it. 

[Canuckrz]

Dissapointing that it's only half an inch taller. That being said could you contrast it more to your impressions of a standard kart boy short shifter if you've used one.

[jellynuts]

Dissapointing that it's only half an inch taller. That being said could you contrast it more to your impressions of a standard kart boy short shifter if you've used one.

Well, I had a TWM SS at one point but that was a long time ago. IIRC the difference in the throw seemed more noticeable when I went back to stock, whereas now, I'd really say there's not much difference.

Hard to say as its all subjective, I should have taken before and after pictures in each gear without the shift boot so we could have some real evidence.

You have this too, don't you? What are your impressions on the 5speed?

[Canuckrz]

Mine is a standard kartboy short shifter with a 3.5" 45 degree bent extension on it. Without the extension with all the various bushings upgraded it was too short and too notchy for my liking.

With the extension and added leverage it made the shifts feel smoother and kept my arm parallel to the ground which is more comfortable than reaching down for the shifter. The overall throw is probably close to or slightly shorter than stock with the extension but ergonomically it feels great to me. The bend also keeps it at a nice distance from the wheel.

I don't feel like getting the short shifter only to put an extension on it was nessesarily a waste as it kept the throws with the extension fairly tight, also the lack of bushing in the lever let's me feel the transmission a bit better.

I will say that the problem with a lot of the "short shifters" on the market is that the throw itself only is made to feel drastically shorter by the company making the overall shifter height shorter. Which I suppose is a more literal take on the definition, but personally I like shorter throws not nessesarily a stubby little nub of a shifter.

[RockThePylon]

I read it as, despite TiC's gushing, "A little different than stock".

Some heatshrink on the shaft would probably solve the rattle, too. Surprised they don't just nut up and spend the 20c to do it themselves.

[jellynuts]

I read it as, despite TiC's gushing, "A little different than stock".

Some heatshrink on the shaft would probably solve the rattle, too. Surprised they don't just nut up and spend the 20c to do it themselves.

I wish I read things with as much discernment, sometimes.  Well, it's staying on as I doubt anyone would want to buy it.  Heat shrink is a great idea.  Thanks!

[Jimmy@Vex]

The one thing I have always hated about the Kartboy shifters is the fact that they're shorter than stock. I initially used a COBB because of this, but I also didn't like that one for a couple of reasons. In my car right now I have the standard Kartboy with a COBB knob and I like everything about it, other than the fact that it's shorter than OEM.

That shifter looks like it would suit me perfectly.

As a matter of fact, if you're not liking it, pull it out and I'll buy it from you. Or I'll gladly trade you for either my std Kartboy or COBB 

[jellynuts]

Good sir, I will pm you.

[jellynuts]

Well, I couldn't resist cash, so I pulled out the shifter.  But before doing so, I thought I'd do some further product testing:

Stock by Jonny W, on Flickr

Kartboy Tallboy by Jonny W, on Flickr

Protractor: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/70/Protractor_Rapporteur_Degrees_V3.jpg

The positions in the pictures are 4th, Neutral and 3rd.  In retrospect, I should have documented them all but... Oh well. 

Do the math:

• the throw from Neutral to 4th was reduced from 8* to 7.5*; ie. 6.25% decrease
• the throw from Neutral to 3rd was reduced from 8* to 7*; ie. 12.5% decrease

If there's anything to invalidate this data, let me know, or please discuss in the thread.  Otherwise, I think my method and math is pretty sound. 

[seat safety switch]

I have a Mode Racing adjustable-length short shifter that I keep meaning to put in; I think it's the same as the Cobb but the guy who designed it took it with him when he quit Cobb and brought it back to them when he un-quit Cobb.

I'm really curious now how much height I can get out of it.

[Jay89]

I have a Mode Racing adjustable-length short shifter that I keep meaning to put in; I think it's the same as the Cobb but the guy who designed it took it with him when he quit Cobb and brought it back to them when he un-quit Cobb.

I'm really curious now how much height I can get out of it.

I have a cobb one. Realistically, you could make it very tall if you like. I mean, it's just a tube with some threads on it.

[uSpotGaming]

Fantastic review.. I know its old but just scrolling through for a read

[jellynuts]

Hey, no problem   As a solution to finding an extension, lackluster and his friend with a lathe fabricated this for me.  If you're looking for an extension, give him a pm.  I think he charges $90 for these? 

Here's some more pics of the extension:


Shifter Extension by Jonny W, on Flickr


Shifter Extension by Jonny W, on Flickr


Shifter Extension by Jonny W, on Flickr

Note, back to my stock shifter...  I hope to get my other one back this summer.

Shifter Extension by Jonny W, on Flickr


Shifter Extension by Jonny W, on Flickr

First impressions, it's cool. 

Three week old impressions, it's cool. 

I thought it would take more time to get used to the height, but it's pretty natural.  After three weeks, I can't think of anything better than what Curtis said: "it's fun."  And this is true.  It changes the overall driving experience to, more fun. 

If I could change one thing, it would be to have the skirt at the bottom just a little bit longer.  Modest is hottest.

But overall, I really like the look and feel.  Thanks to Curtis for bearing with me as I kept changing the design.

Me, I love it.  But it's not for everyone.

"omg this extensions gonna throw me off" - Rathburn

"omg this is the best thing ever" - 05lgt

Quotes are not entirely accurate. 

[HiTempguy]

I need that extension for the rally car. Will that work with the stock STi shifter?

[jakesubie]

I need that extension for the rally car. Will that work with the stock STi shifter?

I have one! and same thread pitch so it would.

[jellynuts]

Yup. I'm on the stock shifter.

[Rathburn]

"omg this extensions gonna throw me off" - Rathburn

I'll say that I thought I was going to be a little thrown off using this for the first time in a competition setting, but it was actually surprisingly quick to get used to.

[jellynuts]

but it was actually surprisingly quick to get used to.

You were quick to get used to...  In bed.