CFM SVT Focus Adjustable Short Throw Shifter
Good things DO come in small packages
Sometimes, it's the smallest things that make a big difference. For example, having had our SVTF project car for going on 4 years now, you can get, dare I say, bored. It's not that the SVTF is not an exciting car. Far from it. But, familiarity breeds contempt.
When CFM called to ask if we'd review their new short shifter for the SVT, we agreed. It wasn't some magic product that was going to give the car an additional 50WHP, but it was definitely something that would enhance the performance of the car. Something we are always keen to do.
According to CFM, their adjustable short throw shifter features the following:
- Shortest throw available
- 3 set screws secure handle firmly
- Handle rotates for easy knob placement
- Accepts factory shift knob
- 100% stainless construction
- 1 year warranty
- Made in USA
- Available for the SVT Focus as well as 2000-2002.5 non SVTs
When the box arrived at our office we whipped out the X-acto and cut that bad boy open to see exactly what all was included. We found the following:
1. The shifter assembly, a two-piece, adjustable unit
2. An aluminum machined spacer
3. (4) replacement, longer, cap-head allen shifter housing retainer bolts
4. (1) mini tube of grease
5. (1) T-30 Torx wrench
6. (1) small Allen wrench
7. Instructions
8. (2) CFM stickers (always a nice touch!)
In other words, this kit arrived complete with everything you need except for a few basic hand tools, namely, two screwdrivers--one Phillips and one flathead. Also needed were a 10MM socket wrench as well as a 17MM open end wrench (a crescent wrench will also do in a pinch). The shifter, as well as the extra parts, were each sealed in their own bag. So, they were not only protected during shipping, but they didn't scratch each other inside the box. Sure, once installed, this piece is totally hidden from view. However, it was nice to see the care taken to make sure the parts arrived in top condition. This can certainly say something about the integrity of the company.
It was also nice to see that the kit contained everything needed for a painless install. This should go without saying, but we've received aftermarket products that were missing necessary parts or instructions. CFM has taken the time to make this a true "kit" rather than haphazardly throwing a couple of parts in a box.
We aren't going to go into how to install this short shifter because, frankly, the one page CFM instructions are well written and comprehensive. They provide a list of everything you are going to possibly need that isn't provided. And, the 18 step instructions provide just enough explanation and direction to comfortably guide you through the entire install without being too wordy. The only thing that was missing from the instructions were accompanying photos or illustrations, which are always nice for those who aren't very mechanically inclined. But, even those who don't typically do their own installs should be just fine if they take their time. Even if you do run into problems CFM is just a phone call away and will be glad to help you through any problem you might encounter.
The installation of the part is really straight forward and should take someone with an average level of experience about 30-45 minutes. We took our time to replicate someone new to this procedure and accomplished the install in just under one hour.
The instructions are very good at telling you on which steps you should take your time or be careful as not to damage a part. And, the inclusion of the replacement bolts as Allen head instead of Torx is near genius, saving you both stripped bolts and busted knuckles.
As mentioned earlier, the shifter assembly itself is two pieces. This allows you to adjust how high or low you would like the shift knob to be placed for personal preference. Many other short shifters are one piece, not allowing this flexibility.
Once everything was buttoned up, it was time to try out the shifter action. We might have gone a bit overboard on applying grease to all of the internal moving parts, but we wanted to make sure the shifter operation was going to be like butter. We weren't disappointed. The gearbox felt like a whole new animal. The movement was short and very precise. We gave it a quick run through the gears with the clutch in and the engine off. 1-2-3-4-5-6. Check.
Better try reverse. Uh-oh. That provided a slight problem. On the SVTF Getrag, reverse is, of course, to the left (sometimes needing a "pop" on some cars) and up. No matter how much we tried, the lever wouldn't reach far enough to the left to engage into reverse. If felt like it was almost there, just shy by 1/4" or less.
To be fair, this is not the fault of the CFM short shifter. The problem arises when a particular car's shift linkage has become a bit out of adjustment over time. It may even be said that a car's linkage was just out of spec from the factory or the last dealer maintenance. CFM clearly states this potential problem in their post about the shifter in their forum on Focaljet.com and links to appropriate threads on how to adjust the linkage. Once again, if you still have problems, they are only a phone call away and are eager to assist.
This potential linkage problem (more often than not) may manifest itself in not being able to engage the extremes of the pattern (meaning fifth/sixth, or what we encountered, reverse). A quick trip back to the computer to search the forum led us to the correct technique to adjust the linkage properly, and within 10 minutes, we had a perfectly functioning shifter once again. Actually, it is now probably even better than it had been because, theoretically, it had been slightly out of adjustment.
A quick road test, as well as a few days of normal street driving, has provided us with nothing but positive things to say about the addition of this short shifter. As with any short shifter, the leverage is less, therefore, shifts require a bit more effort. That is simple physics. However, the additional effort is not anything a performance driver is going to worry about. As a matter of fact, the short, rifle-bolt-like throws are so crisp and precise that most will not only prefer the feel but will wonder how they put up with the stock shifter for so long.
So, how much difference do small things make? In this case, quite a bit. Not only did the CFM short shifter deliver as promised, it has reinvigorated us into embarking on a "Phase Two" of the car's other modifications. Driving the all too familiar car is once again fun with the addition of what can almost be described as Miata-type shifts.
If you have an SVT Focus, then you already must be somewhat of a performance junkie. So, installing the CFM short shifter should come as a no-brainer. We can wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking to add a bit more precision to their driving experience. And, oh yeah, a bit more fun.
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