The stock shifter set up on the 2015+ Subaru WRX leaves some room for improvement. For one, it's possible to push the gear lever too far to the left when shifting into 1st and 2nd gear. Luckily, this is easy to solve with the Perrin shift stop, a simple modification that can be installed in less than 30 minutes, but greatly improves the accuracy and feel of the WRX's shifter.
The Perrin shifter stop is made with the high quality you'd expect from Perrin. It simply attaches on top of the gear shifter assembly, and after some quick adjustment, allows you to shift into first and second gear with ease, being perfectly lined up every time. We've installed the Perrin shift stop, and after driving around with it, we've compiled our thoughts.
The Perrin shift knob is a must have for the WRX. Not only is it very affordable, but it's very easy to install. It's a huge improvement to the drivability of the car, and something the car should have some stock with. Luckily, Perrin's design is excellent and they've released this mod for a budget friendly price, making it something every WRX owner should purchase.
Fitment: 2015-2017 WRX or 2018-2020 WRX w/ short shifter
This version of Perrin Shifter Stop fits on the 2015-2017 Subaru WRX, or if you have the OEM short shifter, it will fit the 2018-2020 WRX. If you have a 2018-2020 WRX with the regular shifter, this version will not fit, and you should check out the updated version below.
Fitment: 2018-2020 WRX
This version of the Perrin shift stop has been updated for the 2018-2020 WRX with the regular shifter. If your WRX has the OEM short shifter, you should check out the version above instead.
Another simple mod we think everyone should install, the Perrin solid shifter bushing is often installed along with the Perrin shifter stop and will tighten up the feel of your WRX's shifter even more. This shifter bushing replaces the stock transmission cable bushing, which is made from rubber, with one that's made from solid brass.
This mod can be installed in under 30 minutes, and just involves getting under the car with ramps or jack stands, unbolting the plate beneath the transmission cable, removing the shift cable, and replacing the rubber bushing. Combined with the Perrin shift stop, these two mods give a much more accurate and tight feeling shifter.
Installing The Perrin Shift Stop
The installation of the Perrin shift shift stop is very easy, even for someone who's totally new to working on cars.
First, the bezel around the shifter that holds the shift boot is removed. Remove the shift knob by unscrewing it. Then, gently pull it up from the inner edges on the bezel and the plastic clips underneath will release. You can now remove the bezel and shift boot and set it aside.
Now remove the two 10mm bolts, pictured below, on top of the shifter assembly. These hold down a part that looks similar to the shift stop you're installing, but it's on the right side and is used for the reverse lockout.
Place the Perrin shifter stop so it aligns with the holes for the bolts you just removed. Now, install the supplied bolts, but don't tighten them fully yet. You'll need to adjust the Perrin shifter stop and the stock shift stop / reverse lockout.
Shift the car into 5th gear. Make sure the stock shifter stop on the right side has a very small gap. Shift into 6th gear and check it again. This is where the stock shift stop on the right side should sit, so that it guides the shifter into gear and doesn't block it.
Repeat these steps for the left side with the Perrin shifter stop. Put the car into first gear, and set the gap with the Perrin shifter stop, then repeat with 2nd gear.
Repeat these steps until you're able to shift into each gear with ease, and the shift stops have a small enough gap to guide the shifter into gear. Test this by shifting through all of the gears with the clutch pedal depressed. Once the shift stops are positioned correctly, fully tighten the bolts so they can't move.
The Perrin shifter stop also includes washers for the two bolts on the left side of the shifter assembly. These help to reduce overall slop in the shifter, tightening everything up. Using a 7mm wrench, remove the nuts, taking care to not drop them. We recommend having a magnetic grabber on hand, and temporarily sticking a piece of cloth under the bolts as you work.
Install the supplied washers on the bolts, and then reinstall the nuts. Slowly tighten them, making sure to keep the washers centered under the nuts. Tighten them to remove the gap between the parts of the shift assembly.
You can now reinstall the shifter boot and the shift knob. Check again to make sure you're able to shift into each gear with the clutch pedal depressed. You should be able to push the shifter all the way to either side and slide right into gear when you then push either up or down. Recheck the bolts to make sure they're tight after a week of driving.