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The M32 Martyr
First off let me say that I'm glad I waited for Dave's short shifter. I had been getting impatient and even browsing for a used M-tech short shifter, 'cuz I wasn't about to pay $200+ for something I was considering temporary until his was released.
Secondly, I want to make it clear that this shifter upgrade is for '12 or older M32 transmissions. Yes I said older, because I currently have a 2011 Cruze M32 and it fit fine. Sounds like he has the newer M32 short shifter in the works, so those of you that have a '13+ will have to stay patient a lil longer.
As you can see the piece is not short of stunning. I had intended to paint it Kawi Green, but I couldn't bring myself to do it, it is a work of art as is.
Install:
The install was ridiculously easy. The only part that may be an obstacle is removing the factory cap on the stock shifter. I had the foresight to do that part before I installed the transmission knowing this was coming soon.
If you are going to do it in the car, it may be favorable to remove the battery and ECM (super easy) to give yourself room.
You'll want to puncture the cap with a 1/4" drill bit and then pry the cap off with a blunt object like a cold chisel or flathead screwdriver. I've removed 3. Sometimes it is easy. Sometimes it is a bastard.
You then must pop the two shift cables of their pivots. There is an armature that raises and lowers the lever. It has a circlip on it's axle. Once that's removed, pull the armature off. Remove the nut (13mm) holding the lever to the shift tower. Freeing the stock lever is a bit of a task. If it doesn't pop off with a couple sharp pulls, then it can be pried up using a pry bar between the case and the lever.
Once you extract the stock lever, the rest is a breeze. Line up the teeth of the DDMW shifter. The large flat tooth should be clocked toward the rear of the car. Slide it on. Tighten the nut. Reinstall the armature and circlip and two shift cable.
Review:
The results were more dramatic than I was expecting.
The throw is significantly shortened. And gear engagement feels more positive. When you enter a gear, you know you are in. That's the best way I can describe it. It's almost a little notchy, but after a couple days of use, I'm finding that I like the feel. It's very race car. I like that I can just reach over and flick my wrist and I'm switching gears.
The stock lever has a rather heavy pendulum weight on the end . That is likely what makes the stock shifting so soft and muddy. I know Dave has a weight for his shifter coming into production soon. And some may prefer to add it if they aren't fond of the notchy racecar feel. I will definitely try it and add to the review when it becomes available. But in the meantime, I am perfectly happy with the way it feels.
One more thing I want to mention is the amazing price. At $125 it's almost half the price of the M-tech. And I'm surprised he can offer it that low, because it's clear that this piece is not just a "snatch & grab" copy to undercut the M-tech. It is a one piece aluminum custom design with a high quality finish.
Made in the USA by a SOF supporting vendor.
Secondly, I want to make it clear that this shifter upgrade is for '12 or older M32 transmissions. Yes I said older, because I currently have a 2011 Cruze M32 and it fit fine. Sounds like he has the newer M32 short shifter in the works, so those of you that have a '13+ will have to stay patient a lil longer.
As you can see the piece is not short of stunning. I had intended to paint it Kawi Green, but I couldn't bring myself to do it, it is a work of art as is.
Install:
The install was ridiculously easy. The only part that may be an obstacle is removing the factory cap on the stock shifter. I had the foresight to do that part before I installed the transmission knowing this was coming soon.
If you are going to do it in the car, it may be favorable to remove the battery and ECM (super easy) to give yourself room.
You'll want to puncture the cap with a 1/4" drill bit and then pry the cap off with a blunt object like a cold chisel or flathead screwdriver. I've removed 3. Sometimes it is easy. Sometimes it is a bastard.
You then must pop the two shift cables of their pivots. There is an armature that raises and lowers the lever. It has a circlip on it's axle. Once that's removed, pull the armature off. Remove the nut (13mm) holding the lever to the shift tower. Freeing the stock lever is a bit of a task. If it doesn't pop off with a couple sharp pulls, then it can be pried up using a pry bar between the case and the lever.
Once you extract the stock lever, the rest is a breeze. Line up the teeth of the DDMW shifter. The large flat tooth should be clocked toward the rear of the car. Slide it on. Tighten the nut. Reinstall the armature and circlip and two shift cable.
Review:
The results were more dramatic than I was expecting.
The throw is significantly shortened. And gear engagement feels more positive. When you enter a gear, you know you are in. That's the best way I can describe it. It's almost a little notchy, but after a couple days of use, I'm finding that I like the feel. It's very race car. I like that I can just reach over and flick my wrist and I'm switching gears.The stock lever has a rather heavy pendulum weight on the end . That is likely what makes the stock shifting so soft and muddy. I know Dave has a weight for his shifter coming into production soon. And some may prefer to add it if they aren't fond of the notchy racecar feel. I will definitely try it and add to the review when it becomes available. But in the meantime, I am perfectly happy with the way it feels.
One more thing I want to mention is the amazing price. At $125 it's almost half the price of the M-tech. And I'm surprised he can offer it that low, because it's clear that this piece is not just a "snatch & grab" copy to undercut the M-tech. It is a one piece aluminum custom design with a high quality finish.
Made in the USA by a SOF supporting vendor.
