B and M Edge Shifter and BG Synchroshift

[DiamondsR4EVR]

Pretty good mod. Probably better than most since B and M has been making shifters for some time for many different models.
Installation wasn't bad. It came with good directions. Hardest part was taking out the console. Total time about 1 hour. Shift's are adjustable from either 35% reduction or %50. I have mine on %35, and wish I had gone to %50 now. Shifts are more crisp, with the 2-3 upshift taking alot of getting used to. There is more side-to-side play in neutral and it "clanks" louder too. I got mine from Summit for around 130 dollars.
I had the BG Synchroshift put in with my clutch and I have this to say about it. If you live where the weather is cold you'll probably notice a positive difference. Unless its cold though, I haven't been able to tell a change. During drag racing my gear box became very crunchy and hard to shift after the first pass just like the factory tranny fluid did. I don't know if Redline MTL will help but I'm going to find out. Overall I'm disspointed in the much hyped BG.

Jesse
99 GSX

[Shawn95TSi]

You didnt install it right then. I put mine in last weekend also and mine has zero side to side play. It first it was too loose and I took it apart and re-tightened everything. I had a problem with the shift pivot, it wouldnt slide over the shifter mount. I had to file down the pivot a little bit and now it fits perfect. I used the 35% shift reduction also, it seems like a faster throw might be hard on the syncros. Isnt that forcing them to engage more quickly? Anyway I am very happy with the shifter.. its the best on the market for our cars.

[ohmygawd]

I've installed one in my 95GSX a few weeks ago. I was one week after I had an ACT2600 put in. I also put in the Dave Symborski Shift kit. I set the B&M on the 50% reduction setting.

Before I did all this, my shifter was never smooth to begin with. My shifter always grind heavily when shifted into reverse and was often very hard to put into first of second. Occasionally I'd have to triple clutch to get it into first.

With the new shifter the effort is much higher as would be expected. When I shift into any gear I feel a KA-Chunk. It's like a two step engagment. I guess I'm feeling the synchros engaging. First Gear seems to be a little easier to get into. Second is definitely better. With the addition of the Symborski kit my shifter feels rock solid, like it could take punishment. Since the change, 4th gear has been a big problem. If I shift slowly it's goes into 4th OK, but, if I'm shifting fast and accelerating hard it won't stay in 4th. The gears just grind or if it does go into gear, it will pop out at the slightest bump.

Now, I don't know if all of this is attributable to the shifter, as there are a lot of variables, new clutch, shift kit, shifter etc. I plan on having a look at my transmission soon to see what's going on in there. The funny thing is on some days if I'm driving leisurely I can shift into all the gears like butter. I'm going to try some Redline next and see if that makes a difference.

[1QWK4]

You might want to try GM Syncromesh Fluid, you can find it at any local GM dealer (Chevy,,etc). It has worked for me and many other MN-DSM owners. FYI - Do not put this fluid in the rear diff (AWD).

[DiamondsR4EVR]

Ohmygawd,

One thing you might consider is to take your car to a shop
or the dealership (or do it yourself) and check to make sure
the shift linkage play is within spec. A guy on the Talon
Digest re-adjusted his linkage and he said it cured his grinding gears in all driving conditions. If this doesn't work you most likely have some synchro damage.

Jesse
99 GSX

[90TSI-AWD]

Well after being thoughly dissapointed with my stock 5spd I tried what I read on the web and got some BG synch. Previously my shifting was very high effort, the car was hard to put into first, and at times completely refused to engage first, the tranny also ground alot, very unforgiving. This is with a new tranny mind you, replaced 1k ago. 107k total on the car. With the BG the shifting improvement was very noticeable. Much smoother, no more trouble with first. Worth the $12 per quart. Trust me this stuff is really somthing, I didn't think oil could make this kind of difference. (no I don't work for BG!)

[black98]

I have had nothing to say bad about B&M. Damnit, I can only say I screwed up. I have had my shifter in for about 8 months now. I really enjoyed the way if feels, makes a little noise. Until yesterday. I started my car, tryed to put it in reverse. Nothing, the set screw holding the shifter to the mount had worked its way out. Note to self, and now sharing to others: Put Lock-tight on the threads! Ok, the problem I was able to get to it in about seven minutes of actuall work time. But the car was not anywhere close to my tools, or anyones that I knew. If you have installed, check it and make sure. It sure isn't a pleasant feeling to lift your shifter up about 2" higher than normal.

Rick
Black98