How to Short-Shift a Manual Transmission for a Drag Race

Installing a short-shifter for the manual transmission of your vehicle will help you to accomplish quicker and smoother shifts during a drag race. By reducing the distance the shifter has to travel within the gear box, you will be able to eliminate shifting mistakes that can cost you time during the race.

Things You'll Need

  • Short-shifter
  • Tachometer with lighted shifting indicator (optional)
  • Gear-shift knob
  • Vehicle for drag racing
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Instructions

  1. Short-Shift a Manual Transmission for a Drag Race

    • 1

      Install a short-throw shifter into the vehicle you use for drag racing. A short-throw shifter reduces the travel of the shifter from one gear to the other, reducing the time it takes to change gears. While an experienced mechanic can often install a new short-throw shifter in less than 30 minutes, the complexity of this job will depend upon the type of car you drive.

    • 2

      Get used to the difference of your new short-throw shifter on your manual transmission by practicing short shifts on an open track. A short-shift means a quicker shift, and you will need to adjust the way you depress the clutch in order make each short shift more productive.

    • 3

      Consider additional equipment, such as an outboard tachometer with a lighted shifting indicator, to assist you when you short-shift a manual transmission for a drag race. Having an LED light in your peripheral vision notify you when you need to shift will help you to keep your eyes on the road, where they belong.

    • 4

      Select a new gear shift knob to use with your short-throw shifter. Choose the one that feels the most comfortable, and fits your hand the best, which will help to improve your grip during each short shift. Remember to keep your old gear-shift knob in a safe place in case you ever decide to sell your vehicle.

    • 5

      Participate in drag races at your local quarter-mile race track in order to practice your proficiency at short shifts for your manual transmission. By combining a quicker shifting method along with your new short-throw gearbox, you should be able to improve your times in the quarter mile.