Ok, I'm confused about these bushings. Will they fit on a B&M SS? CorkSport says there are 4 bushings to their bronzeoil set - two front, two rear. I'm looking at the shifter diagram/part number sheet from my Mazda dealer. I see the oem shifter bushings on the bottom of the tee of the oem shift rod, the ones that the single bolt goes through. Are these the bushings you replace with the bronzeoil bushings? I've done plenty of searching here and I read something from Eric F that says these won't fit the B&M's aluminum sleeve bushing inside the fulcrum ball (???). I'm also assuming that the other two bronzoil bushing replace the oem bushings that I see at the front of the shift linkage rod that connects to the tranny, is this right?

I'm getting ready to order a new shifter linkage from Mazda (the other one that the rubber rots out and makes your shifter fall). I've ordered a B&M shifter to replace at the same time, so I need to know whether I should also order new oem bushings from Mazda, or go ahead and get the better ones from CorkSport.

 

I was reading on this myslef a few days ago and was left with the impression that they will fit. According to what Will says on his site: "The aftermarket Bronezoil Bushings DO NOT fit the Pacesetter, so DO NOT use them (i found this out the hard way). Only use the plastic bushings for the pacesetter unit. The Bronzeoil shifter bushings WILL WORK for the OEM Shifter lever and the B&M lever. " You might want to check out his how-to for more info on this and a few pics. Here's the link: http://www.protegenetwork.org/pro/1s...howto/shifter/

Ok, so all Protege shifters are interchangable right? If so, are the Kartboy bushings better?

 

The Kartboy and the Bronzoil bushings are not the same thing! The Kartboy bushings go on the support arm that holds the shifter housing in place. They are like 2" or 2.5" in diameter.

The bronzoil bushings go on both ends of the control arm, one set at the bottom of the shifter, and the other pair where the control arm mates with the tranny.

I have both the Kartboy and the Bronzoil bushings installed. Love 'em both. However, the Kartboy bushings provide a more noticeable difference and are easier to install. The difference with the bronzoil's was very slight. However, for $30 it's worth it.

 

I just read the thread with the Kartboy groupbuy and there it says that the Kartboy bushings will not work with a 1st gen Protege. Bronzoil is the way to go then.

 

I understand Wil ... that's why I ordered a urethane bushing from you! Btw, did you get my payment?

So, if you don't like the bronzeoil bushings which ones do you recommend? Oem? Others? Let me know because that's the last thing I have to order ... thanks.

 

ohh shoot Wil , I forgot to send you the damn money .. hey pm me your paypal account again
Bruce