How to Install a Short Throw Shifter on a 2010 Mitsubishi Evo X
How to Install a Short Throw Shifter on a 2010 Mitsubishi Evo X
Upgrading to a short throw shifter drastically improves the driving dynamics of the Evo X by eliminating factory slop and reducing throw distance. It is an easy driveway project that pays massive dividends every time you grab a gear.
The Short Answer (TL;DR)
Installing a short throw shifter on a 2010 Mitsubishi Evo X takes about one hour using basic hand tools. You will need to remove the center console, disconnect the AWC button, and unclip the FAST key transponder. Upgrading your shifter base bushings to aluminum while the console is removed is highly recommended to eliminate drivetrain slop.
The DIY Process Overview
To begin the installation, you must first remove the factory center console. On 2010 and newer Evo X models, pay close attention to the AWC button located where older models had a simple storage pocket. You must carefully unclip the AWC wiring harness from underneath. Next, locate the FAST key transponder near the shifter base and pinch the tabs with needle-nose pliers to release it without breaking the plastic.
Once the wiring is clear, remove the factory shifter assembly. The OEM shifter features an awkward rearward bend and a lower pivot point, contributing to a longer throw and common incomplete shifts into third gear. When dropping in the aftermarket short shifter, apply appropriate grease to the pivot ball and reattach the retaining clip. The new unit will sit offset toward the driver, correcting the factory geometry and shortening the throw significantly.
Why You Should Upgrade While You're In There
Since you already have the center console removed and the shifter assembly exposed, this is the perfect time to replace the factory rubber shifter base bushings. Mitsubishi uses soft rubber to isolate NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness), but this flex translates to a vague, muddy feeling during aggressive shifting. Replacing these with solid aluminum bushings locks the shifter base firmly to the chassis.
Recommended Upgrade: Solid Aluminum Shifter Base and Under-Hood Linkage Bushings
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is this short shifter installation?
This is a beginner-level DIY job that takes just over an hour. You only need basic hand tools like screwdrivers, needle-nose pliers, and sockets. The most tedious part is managing the plastic retaining clips on the shifter base without breaking them.
Will a short shifter fix my Evo X 3rd gear grind?
While a short shifter does not rebuild worn transmission synchronizers, it fixes the shifter geometry and significantly reduces driver-induced incomplete shifts. Many Evo X owners report that a quality short shifter eliminates the infamous 3rd gear notchiness and prevents missing the gate entirely.
Shop 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Upgrades Here
