DEARBORN - Manual transmission purist’ already know this: Those chase scenes in the movie Bullitt couldn’t have been accomplished without the benefits of a short-throw shifter. Devotees to the manual way know shorter shifter throws improve both performance and exhilaration. Quicker shifts mean the ability to accelerate and decelerate quickly.

This translates to:

• Speed when one wants it
• Less effort and stress during intense braking situations
• More “hands-on-wheel” time (a must for autosports)

Aftermarket short-throw shifters are appealing to virtually any manual-gear-box-devoted car owner; they bring enhanced responsiveness and are noticeably “brisk” in action – and their purposefulness on track-driven cars seems almost necessary.

And let’s face it: nothing looks more at home on a track than a stick-shifting Mustang. So, for those who like taking their pony for a morespirited, manual-linked jaunt from time-to-time, there’s this:

The Mustang Shifter Kit from Ford Performance Parts (M-7210-MA). It’s for EcoBoost®-equipped and GT Mustangs (2015-2019) and includes everything needed to reduce shift throw distance by 19-percent (significant) with increased driver feel, feedback and happiness . . . . . . because every single gear shift will feel more refined, quick, crisp and confident. Yep. This has “performance enthusiast” written all over it.

Short-throw shifters are one of the easiest and least expensive performance upgrades one can make on a “stick shift” car. The shifters reduce the lengths of throws (or shifts) by shortening the distance between the driver’s hand and the pivot point of the shifter.

The Ford Performance Parts’ Mustang Shift Kit:

• Maintains Factory Pull-Up Style Reverse Lockout
• Enables 19% Throw Reduction
• Retains Back-Up Camera Functionality
• Increases Shifter Feel and Feedback
• Includes All Necessary Hardware
• Is Compatible with Factory and Aftermarket Shift Knobs that use Pull-Up Style Reverse Lockout

This High-Gloss White 6-Speed “Bullitt™” Shift Knob from Ford Performance Parts (M-7213-M8B) is made from premium phenolic resin and finished in polished highgloss white for premium, high-grade tactility and appearance. It is original equipment on the 2019 Mustang Bullitt™ and easy to install.