Got my washers in today; Thanks Dustin! :tup:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b5...x/DSC01690.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b5...x/DSC01691.jpg

Here they are on the shifter:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b5...x/DSC01692.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b5...x/DSC01693.jpg

I'm planning on installing it tomorrow.

Sweet!

give us a good DIY thread :tup:

:iagree: with DIY! Excited to see the final result! :excited:

Can't wait to hear the review. Been waiting for a direct replacement with no modifications needed.

Same here, even though I have the B&M already, the rattle is a bother. My only concern is it will feel just like the stock shifter which is one reason I wanted a different shifter.

First off, I used most of The Hack's DIY http://www.the370z.com/diy-section-d...-kit-370z.html
to do the install and I apologize for my shitty camera as some of the pic's are a little bright or out of focus

Tools required:

Socket wrench and sockets (10mm socket in particular)
Assembly Lubricant
Loctite (not required but if you're conscious about potnential shift knob movement over time, then go ahead and dab some on; it's pretty cheap to purchase anyway)
Phillips head screwdriver


I rented a lift which was paid by the hour, so I couldn't take as many pictures as I'd wanted and I was in a hurry to get the shifter installed.

Here are some before shots:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b5...x/DSC01695.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b5...x/DSC01694.jpg

For the most part you can follow The Hack's install procedures.

Lift up on the center leather console and unplug the SRM module
*Referencing The Hack's pics*

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b5...x/interior.jpg

Unplug SRM module

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b5...x/DSC01701.jpg

Remove these screws to take off the side panels of the center console

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b5...x/DSC01696.jpg

Remove the 10mm bolts to the rear of the console. I forgot to take pictures of this but it's pretty easy to access; Simply move the seats forward and the 10mm bolts are in plain view and easy to access.

Once you have the center console loose, you can gain access to unscrew the rear 10 mm bolts holding the plastic shift plate in place. There are 4 10mm bolts total, and the 2 in front are easy to reach w/out moving around the center console; the rear requires you to loosen the center console as The Hack mentions.
*referencing The Hack's Picture*

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b5...alum_plate.jpg

Once you can see the big plastic plate, remember the arrow is pointed towards your stereo

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b5...x/DSC01697.jpg

Here's a shot of the 5 pointed metal shifter plate:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b5...x/DSC01698.jpg

Shot of the layers of shift boots

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b5...x/DSC01699.jpg

When you are unscrewing the 3 10mm bolts on the 5 point plate, remember there is a spring underneath so hold onto the plate as you are unscrewing the last screw

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b5...x/DSC01700.jpg

Underneath the car, here is a shot of the rubber boot that covers the shift linkage to the shifter (you can easily get it out of the way; no clips or anything attached)

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b5...x/SNC00015.jpg

Here's some shots of the rubber boot moved to the side

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b5...x/SNC00016.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b5...x/SNC00019.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b5...x/SNC00020.jpg

Once you have the shifter unscrewed from the shift linkage, you can take the assembly and use a vise or a c clamp. I ended up using a vise since it was available. But a C clamp will also suffice.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b5...x/SNC00021.jpg

I tried to stick the bottom end of the shifter on the vise and twist the shift knob by hand; needless to say it was a fruitless effort and I ended up wrapping the shift knob with a towel and put the shift knob end on the vise and twisted the shifter using a Phillips screwdriver as leverage through the hole in the shifter.

*Referencing The Hack's DIY for a picture for an exmaple*
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b5...nobremoval.jpg

Here are some shots of the unscathed shift knob (it's pretty easy to loosen the shift knob on a vice w/out scuffing up or damaging your shift knob)

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b5...x/SNC00022.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b5...x/SNC00023.jpg

Here is a comparison shot of the stock and AMS shifters:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b5...x/SNC00024.jpg

Once you have the shifter unscrewed from the shift linkage underneath the car, you can go ahead and slide out all the layers of boots including the shifter out of the console and replace with the new AMS shifter.

At this point, use some assembly lubricant and lube up the shift joints on the big white plastic cushion. Go ahead and align the shifter in place and put the 5 point plate on top. Remember to keep the shifter aligned so that the little knob on one side is pointed "right" as this is your Reverse lockout feature. The "knob" is located above the white plastic cushion and below the bulky black portion:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b5...x/SNC00024.jpg

Once you have the AMS shifter in place, go ahead and screw in the 3 10mm bolts for the 5 point plate. Do not tighten bolts at this time yet but just keep them in; Go back underneath the vehicle and screw on the bolt connecting the shifter to the shift linkage. Once completed, shift through each gear making sure every shift is unobstructed and has free movement.

Put all the layers of boots back in place in reverse order. I'd recommend aligning the boots together then putting the screws in, and THEN putting it all together to align with the holes on the center console. Makes installing/aligning the boots that much easier.;)

Remember to re-connect the SRM module and re-clip any clips from the console pieces as necessary.

Go ahead and put a little dab of loctite on the shifter to avoid shift knob movement;*I would suggest screwing in your shift knob first to ensure that the shift knob and shift boot align properly first*

Finally, some installed shots (Didn't have time to clean up, and you may want to use a towel around your work area to avoid scratching up your interior console pieces like I ended up doing unintentionally :eek:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b5...x/DSC01702.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b5...x/DSC01703.jpg

Impressions:

1. Shift knob is exactly as Dustin said: about 33% shorter throw. It's a good solid feel with no vibration.

2. I went on the highway to see if there was any high rpm vibration. No difference in vibration as the OEM shifter; In this case I'm assuming it's a huge difference compared to the B&M. (I don't have any experience with the B&M) And the throws were smooth.

3. Definitely looks a lot better than before and everything sits flush:p

4. No grinding down of a separate plate on top of the OEM 5 point plate required. All original OEM bolts and plates are used with this installation minimizing the need for additional material (IE serrated lock nuts to keep B&M blue plate in place with the OEM 5 point plate)

5. Cheaper than B&M kit :p

Overall installation difficulty 1-5; 1 being super easy and 5 being super hard, I'd rate this installation as a 2.

Keep in mind I had access to a lift and all the tools necessary.

Good luck all and have fun.

Thank you for that awesome review! and good pics too :tup:

you should start a new thread to get maximum exposure :tiphat:

Thanks for the write up.


On a separate note, does anyone know how much the B&M shifter reduces shift throw? Also is the same AMS company that is really big with the Evos?

my one question though...

on the 5 point metal plate, how difficult was it to remove? i was going to replace my shifter when i did my exhaust but i couldnt get the plate out....is it because of the knee pads needing to be removed?

B&M reduces it about the same 3" stock and B&M is ~2".

b&m = 33%

and AMS use to do a lot of stuff for the 300z's too

Rog, well if this is the AMS company I think it is then this kit might be just as good as the B&M for less money with no rattling.. that might be a pretty sweet deal!

Oh ok cool, good to know! :)

i was thinking the same...im going to try my 25 dollar knock off first to see if it rattles like the b&m...

It was very easy to remove. Just unscrew the 3 10mm bolts.

Taking out the Knee pads from the center console and loosening the center console makes this installation a LOT easier.

In fact, I'm pretty sure I had to loosen up the whole console to make wiggle room to take out the layers of shift boots from the console.