1996 Cobra Short Throw Shifter Noise - Need Quick Advise

bk96laserred · 04-08-2009

I have a 96 Cobra that I just installed a Ford Racing Short Throw Shifter. I bought the car new in 1996, have 36,000 miles on the car and this is my first mod. To say the least I very disappointed with the noise coming out of the shifter. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to eliminate some of the trans noise? I need some quick advise because I'm driving down to Birmingham, AL next Wednesday to attend the Mustang 45th Anniversary.
I did find a web site called Stang Shifter Gaskets - Stang Shifter Gaskets and he sells a gasket kit that will eliminate most of the short throw shifter noise. Anyone know about this gasket fix to reduce the short throw shifter transmission noise or any other suggestions? I know some of you out there like the noise but if I can't reduce the noise, I'm going back to the stock shifter.

bk96laserred · 04-08-2009

Sorry for the quick add on reply but I forgot to mention that my Check Engine Light just came on. Not sure if the shifter installation caused the problem or if it is just a coincidence. Would installing the shifter cause the check engine light to go on?

madz510 · 04-09-2009

did you put RTV or another silicon gasket maker when you installed? The check engine light really cant be related, and you should also note that short throws generally are noisier, especially if they are billet construction. I hear the gaskets are good, but I see no advantage to silicon by using them. Just my .02, and have a great trip!

bk96laserred · 04-09-2009

RTV was applied. The information I was given on using the gasket was that the gasket eliminates the metal to metal contact and that is where most of the sound is coming from. They also said the gasket will not eliminate all of the noise but it will quiet it done. I hope it works. If not I will go with a MGW shifter and see how that works. If the sound is not better with MGW, I'll just reinstall the original stock shifter.

Brutal Metal · 04-10-2009

Most of the noise is generated by the shifter handle bolts.
Go to Home Depot or Lowes with the width of them in mind and get hard rubber or plastic washers and put them in between the handle and bolts. I prefer Cobra Bob's rubber base gasket over the RTV! You can get a kit from his site for under 5 dollars and that includes some for the handle bolts as well! Don't scrap the shifter thinking the MGW is gonna be quieter!