PRODUCT FAQ: SVT Focus Adjustable Short Throw Shifter

[CFM Focus]

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Here you will find all information relevant to this product. Please only post questions or information that will be useful to others who own or are considering purchasing this product. Thanks!

PLEASE READ IF YOU'RE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH YOUR SHIFTER: When our shifter was designed, one of the features we wanted to improve upon was the sloppy feel when shifting into gear. To do this the clearance between the shifter and the lower black plastic adapter had to be reduced. We have found that cable adjustment between vehicles could be slightly different due to final adjustment from the factory. We have had some customers who weren't able to go into reverse and some who weren't able to go into 5th or 6th. A properly aligned selector cable will not have this problem. It is only when the cable is adjusted too far to the right or too far to the left that this problem will happen. The solution is fairly simple and that is to adjust the selector cable. Below you will find a couple of links explaining how this process is done:

http://www.focushacks.com/index.php?modid=49
This is not an SVT but look at the third picture which will give you an idea of what you're looking for. The one of the left is white and the right is black. Do not touch the white one.

http://forums.focaljet.com/shift/440...djustment.html

http://forums.focaljet.com/shift/460...+shift+linkage

While you're there adjusting your cable you might want to try this out: http://forums.focaljet.com/shift/482...t-updated.html

If you still have any problems please call us at 407-339-9211

[Dukman]

It's here! It's here.

Unfortunately, I haven't had the time to do the install yet, so no pics or comments how that goes.

But we (or I) can comment on the overall fit and finish of the product. Top notch.

Can't wait to get the thing installed. Now I'm having fits trying to chase down a new shift knob to match the new shifter.

[Dukman]

Well got it installed.

First let me say this. I hope the bastard who came up with the brilliant idea of Torx heads dies a slow and violent death. Or better yet, find him (or herself) in a life threatening situation that can only be averted by removing a torx bolt... which then freaking strips out on him !!

Okay, okay, I'm cool.

Once the little torx issue was dealt with, everything was a breeze.

Fit and finish is, as previously mentioned, excellent, and the install was simple and straightforward.

I have the shifter at it's shortest setting, and I think I'll keep it there. I may play around with it a bit, trying the adjustability of it, but honestly, I'm quite happy with it where it sits.

Good job

Now how about those shift knobs that were being tossed about in the SVT forum?

[CFM Focus]

Do you think that the torx key we send might be a problem. The torx bolts are pretty tight from the factory. It is easier to remove those bolts with a ratchet and torx socket because you can apply pressure down. We include the key because it is fairly inexpensive but the job would be easier if a socket is used. What is your opinion?

Thanks for the review! Shift knobs coming soon!

[CFM Focus]

I think including a torx bit might be better.

[Dukman]

Originally Posted by CFM Focus

Do you think that the torx key we send might be a problem. The torx bolts are pretty tight from the factory. It is easier to remove those bolts with a ratchet and torx socket because you can apply pressure down. We include the key because it is fairly inexpensive but the job would be easier if a socket is used. What is your opinion?

Thanks for the review! Shift knobs coming soon!

Honestly, yes I think the bit would be the better choice. That way you can either put the bit into a driver or use a ratchet, and have a better angle to bear down with.

Those bolts are loctited in there as well. In fact, only one bolt would start with the torx, two were above the plate enough that I just chomped some vice grips onto them and broke the bolts lose. That last one in the upper right corner that was recessed.. Well, words can't describe.

Once upon a time, I had a torx 30 bit, now I have a 15,20 and a 25. Couldn't find my 30. Figures.

[CFM Focus]

Ok, the next batch will be getting a torx bit instead. Thanks for your input!

[MachFive]

I finally got all the bugs worked out from my install. Thankfully, none of the bugs were from the shifter itself. It's a quality piece, and it seems, after driving with it for about a week and a half, that it'll stand the test of time. The problems i had were due to the shift linkages being all messed up, and the shifter cables needing to be reset. 5th and 6th gears were difficult (5th) and impossible (6th) to enagage. After resetting the cables, things have been 100% better.

The torx issue, i didn't have a big problem with. The key slipped once or twice, but after seeing the warning in the directions, i made sure to be very careful. Installation was straightforward, and i am very pleased with the quality and the quicker shifts. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a true adjustable short shifter.

EDIT: Oh, and CFM's customer service in my case was great. They were more than willing to help out with advice time after time when my shifter was giving me fits. Thanks again!

[CFM Focus]

Thanks for the input! Glad that you got the cables worked out!

[CaysE]

Is there an option available to get a larger top piece so that adjustability reaches OEM height?

[CFM Focus]

Yes, we have longer sticks available.