Kartboy

What are the best Kartboy parts for a Subaru? The short throw shifters and shifter bushing combos are the must-haves — they cut shifter throw and remove the factory rubber slop in one install. For WRX and STI owners, the 2004-2021 STI short shifter and bushing combo is the classic first drivetrain mod, and the front and rear endlink combo tightens up sway bar response.

Kartboy is a Subaru-focused drivetrain upgrade brand. Its core catalog does four things: short throw shifters that reduce gate spacing, shifter bushing combos that replace the soft factory bushings at the lever and linkage, front and rear endlinks that firm up the sway bar connection, and small hardware upgrades like the battery tie-down that fits most Subaru models. Fitments are spelled out per listing — the short shifter and bushing combo covers the 2004-2021 STI, the 2008-2014 WRX and Legacy GT use the KB-001-LEG shifter, and older chassis like the 1998-2001 Impreza RS and 2002-2007 WRX have their own combo kits.

Kartboy: precise shifts, one bushing at a time

Kartboy built its name on one complaint: the stock Subaru shifter feels vague. The short throw shifters shorten the throw between gears with a direct-replacement lever, while the shifter bushing combos replace the soft rubber bushings at the base of the shifter and along the linkage. Done together — as in the 2004-2021 STI combo — shifts become noticeably shorter and crisper, with less side-to-side play.

The brand applies the same thinking beyond the shifter. The 2008-2014 WRX/STI front and rear endlink combo replaces the factory plastic endlinks with solid units so the sway bars react faster in corners, and the kits cover related chassis like the 2010-2012 Legacy GT and 2009-2013 Forester XT. Even the little details get attention: the KB-100-BT battery tie-down fits most Subaru models and secures the battery against the movement that hard driving causes.

Shop the collection

Browse all Kartboy parts, plus the related categories: shifters and bushings, shift knobs, suspension bushings, and engine mounts. Start with the 2004-2021 STI short shifter and bushing combo, add the front and rear endlink combo for sharper handling, and read our top 3 aftermarket parts for the Subaru WRX series for more upgrade ideas.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a tune after installing a Kartboy short shifter?

No. Shifter and bushing changes are purely mechanical — no ECU changes needed. Just check that the kit matches your year and model before ordering.

Should I get the shifter alone or the shifter and bushing combo?

The combo gives the full effect. The short shifter reduces throw, and the bushings remove the rubber flex that makes even a short throw feel vague.

How hard is the install?

Most shifter and bushing installs are a straightforward garage job with basic hand tools — the shifter comes out from inside the car and the bushings swap from underneath.

Will the endlink combo fit my Forester XT?

The 2008-2014 WRX/STI front and rear endlink combo also lists 2010-2012 Legacy GT and 2009-2013 Forester XT fitment. Confirm your year on the product page.