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Lots of people are using Vintage Shifters, and a few less are using a different version (CSP?) from Germany and even fewer (like me) are using the Berg short shifter.  I think most people like the feel and the fact that you don't have to reach waaaay over there to find third.   Those three I mentioned are high quality and you should really feel a difference in "tightness", meaning that the lever is more precise and doesn't wander around in gear.

I have yet to try the Vintage shifter but it seems on this forum to be displacing the EMPI shifter with trigger reverse gear.

I had the Empi on my old IM full type I and it was a nice shifter, it is spring loaded, has a shorter throw and comes in different lengths and is relatively inexpensive.  The ball colour is optional.

I have an Empi modified without the trigger for reverse, for use with my  subie 5 speed.  You can always hide the bae with a boot.

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8256AF16-140A-4657-B5A5-BF6DECF17C33Thanks Carey For this info, Since you have actually installed all of these what is your opinion on changing from an Empi to a Vs in a subie tranny 5 speed usage would it shift any better? Is it worth the effort?  What do you recommend?
On my IM they use a standard metal box  receiver as you know welded to the frame.

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@chines1 posted:

I am a big fan of the VS shifter for both aircooled and rear engine Subaru, but I have never used the EMPI shifter so I can't offer a comparison to it.  I like the VS better than stock and better than CSP. for whatever that is worth.

@IaM-Ray posted:

Thanks Carey for the feedback, the Empi for me is better than stock but I have no experience with the others.

In my hand, the stock shifter is unusable - so I'm not sure "better than stock" is glowing praise.

I've got an EMPI (Hurst copy) trigger shifter in my "to sell' tote. I've got one for a T2 bus as well. Until the Vintage Speed parts came along, they were the best bang for the buck.

That hasn't been the case in 10+ years.

Last edited by Stan Galat
@550 Phil posted:

My 2cents just because I’ve had all 3.
1.  VS

2.  CSP

3. EMPI

I personally think the EMPI is a piece of crap. The CSP is incredibly well made but a little clunky. The VS is super smooth and has the best feel when you are shifting.

Great Stuff Phil, experience is everything, and thank you Carey, it's great to have contribute your builders perspective to the forum. Ray

@IaM-Ray, I am looking at the Vintage Shifter website under Replica 356 speedster shifter.

They show 5 different shifters and only 1 has the pull-up lockout ring. So, that must be the one I have, 12".  You could probably use one of the others without the ring.  Maybe the one with the ring is the only one that would work with my Berg-5.

https://store.vintagespeed.com...er-shifter-c33996772

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It's possible they're using old photos just to illustrate color of finish.

I think they switched to the lock ring design for all of their models a few years back. The older design had no ring, but required you to lift up the entire lever to get reverse (or fifth gear). The five-speed levers are the same as the four-speed, but come with a modified plate at the base to accommodate the extra gate.

Mine is about six years old and the older design. The model number starts with a '155' and I see all of their current models start with '255'. Mine is the 11.5" length, and I find it places the knob at just the right height in a Speedster.

If I were ordering today, I think I'd exchange emails with them, telling them just what car I have and confirming all the details.

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