Oppo review: MPx Short Throw Shifter

"oldirtybootz" (oldirtybootz) 09/18/2014 at 19:23 • Filed to: None

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Over the weekend I purchased the short throw shifter and aluminum shifter base bushing kits and I finished the install after work so I figured I'd give a review for any fellow Oppo stick shift Dart owners looking for an easy upgrade.

The installation was easy peasy aside from my issues with the shifter cap. Evidently, Chrysler expects you to break it to remove it, so no worriss even though the replacement is out of my pocket. The entire center console and most of the neighboring trim panels need to be removed to access the shifter assembly, which also needs to come out. That sounds a lot harder than it actually is, Chrysler made it surprisingly easy to rip apart the Dart's interior. As with tackling most repairs or modifications for the first time, it becomes easier to reassemble after you've seen how everything comes apart. I'm a relative noob when it comes to actually working on cars so I always get a nice feeling of satisfaction whenever I complete something without additional help. I'd asked my friend/coworker if he'd help me when I ordered the kit but it turned out I didn't even need him. I got the entire thing done in less than 2 hours, spending my hour lunch break, 10 minutes of my coffee break, and 15 minutes after work on it.

Modern Performance claims a 25% reduction in throws and it definitely feels that much shorter, not as short as other kits but a decided improvement from stock. The angle correction of the MPx kit is the bigger difference over stock, and it's just as welcome as the reduced throws. It moves the ball of the shifter back and left, more towards the driver which makes it fall more naturally to hand. It also gives you easier access to the cubby in front of the shifter while in 3rd or 5th, which has been an issue for me and my passengers.

The feel of the shifter is markedly improved from stock. From the factory, the shifter feels sloppy and imprecise. With the short throw and bushings, shift feel is far more postive, with smoother engagements and a more substantial feel. I wouldn't call it Honda snickity, but now it feels more like a Civic and less like a Wrangler.

I spent $150 on both kits plus shipping. Taken in as a metal rod and 4 metal circles, the price seems questionable but the improved feel of the shifter is something you will feel every day, it makes the car more enjoyable and IMO money well spent.

https://www.modernperformance.com/product/Dart_M…

https://www.modernperformance.com/product/2013pl…