[squelchy451]

Hi. I have a 2017 Mazda3 with the electronic parking brake.
I have the Miata shift knob, and the knob itself is a bit shorter than the original Mazda3 knob (utter rubbish) and there is some space between the top of the shifter knob and the bottom of the knob.

There have been posts on putting metal washers or zip ties to bring up the shift knob boot, but they all seem to involve getting the entire center console off to some degree. Is this true on the 2017 models as well?

 

[CerealKiller]

I just removed the center console in order to install shifter bushings and it was super simple.

Peel up the cup holders plastic coasters. There is a Phillips head screw under one. Unscrew it.

Next unclip the two leather side molding that are to the left and right of the cupholders. Start at the base that is closest to shifter and controls. Work your way up a few clips and stop.

Lift up the cup holder and unplug the two plugs on the bottom. Set aside.

Unscrew the shift knob by turning it counter clockwise.

Unclip the shifter housing by gently pulling up on it.

Peel back the rubber tray and unclip the tray.
CK

 

[squelchy451]

Cool, I'll give it a go this weekend.

Good to see another Angeleno around here. Where do you go to do your repairs or mods done? I'm thinking of getting Koni FSD and lowering springs but the regional page is dead...

 

[CerealKiller]

I've always gone to the dealer, Neftin Westlake, for oil changes and regular maintenance, but I self perform the installation of my mods.

Like you, I also plan on getting lowering springs and the Koni FSD shocks/struts for my ride. I just need to wait until I can afford them...probably next March or so.

For the lowering springs, I plan on following the instructions from Corksport. They have very detailed instructions on their website that are downloadable.

For the shocks/struts, I will probably self perform that as well, but I have some research to do before I start. I'll also need to find a spring compressor and some floor jacks to hold the car up and make this all possible.
CK

 

[squelchy451]

If you need some help let me know. I have a couple of jack stands and a lift from Sears, a tool box, and a helping hand.
I'd be interested to see firsthand how the installation might look.

I've got a backlog of mods to go on. Sound insulation first (i know tires make the most difference but being broke, $100 to deaden the car makes more sense than $400 to replace tires with plenty o' tread), then tints when summer rolls around, then suspension, and finally audio.

It is a sub-$20k car, but my god does this thing need a bit more sound deadening. Dreadful on interestate highways, and the rain grooves on CA roads don't help none either

 

[squelchy451]

Spring compressors can be borrowed from O'Reillys/Autozone. You just need a deposit and it's completely free otherwise