Getting Started
Remove the shift knob from the stock shifter. The stock know unscrews normally. The knob I have has a small set screw on the back side that must be loosened.

Next remove the console cover plate assembly. The assembly is held in place with 4 clips and a small clip in the bottom part of the assembly (close to the E-brake handle). To remove the cover plate, lift out on the top, then move down to the middle, then push in at the bottom to avoid breaking the bottom clip.

Trial and error will help here, but I just slid my fingers under the trim piece and popped it out. You can also try to move your fingers under the shifter boot and pull up and out.

Once the cover plate is removed, unclip the cigar lighter from the wire harness. On '99 & '00 models, you will also have to disconnect the traction control switch. See picture here.

Remove Inner Shift Boot Plate
This piece is removed by using an 8mm socket with an extension. It may be easier to use a long extension with a swivel for the rear two bolts.

Remove the Factory Shifter
With the factory shifter now exposed, use a 13mm socket to remove the four bolts. These bolts will not be used with the new shifter.

Once the four bolts are removed, replace the factory shift lever onto the stock shifter by snugging one bolt in the handle. The shifter base will be firmly held in place, so the stock shifter handle will act as leverage to remove the base. Move the shifter side to side and pop it out of place (it is held in place by silicon adhesive).

The '99/'00 transmission opening will look a bit different than this. See picture here.

Remove and Install Plastic Bushing
The stock shifter will have a small plastic cup on the end of the factory. This cup needs to be removed and installed onto the new shifter. Pry it off with a large screwdriver. It will take some force, and when it comes off it may fly across the room. Aim the shifter so that it will land somewhere easy to find.

To install on the new shifter, simply lay it in place and tap it on. I put a small amount of silicon lubricant inside the cup before installing.

Note: Only the T3650 transmission will have this bushing. '99/'00 installs can skip this step.

Clean Transmission and Apply Silicon
The transmission will have some residue from the silicon that was on there from the factory. It is easily removed with a flat scraper and a towel. A lot of force is not needed.

Be careful when cleaning the transmission as to not get any debris inside the opening. Rubbing with a towel can finish the cleaning. If there are stubborn areas, a small amount of brake cleaner sprayed on the towel can help.

Once the transmission is clean, apply a thin bead of silicon adhesive onto the transmission. I used Permatec Clear RTV Silicon Adhesive Sealant. This can be found at any automotive store.

Install New Shifter Base
Use the supplied bolts with a 13mm socket to attach the new shifter base to the transmission. Be sure the end of the shifter (with the plastic bushing attached) sets into the transmission properly. It is pretty difficult to miss.

Once the four bolts are tight, clean any excess silicon from around the shifter.

Set Shifter Stop Bolts
Start the adjustment by backing out the stop bolts. Shift the transmission into third gear. Turn the stop bolt until it touches the shift lever. Back off the bolt 1/4 to 1/2 turn so that there is a small gap between the bolt and the lever. I used a thin metal rule to gauge the distance (the instructions call for ~.020" gap). Hold the bolt in place and tighten the jam nut against the shifter base. This will make the stop bolt tight in that position. Check for a gap again after tightening.

Shift the transmission into fourth gear and repeat the process for the front stop bolt. Once adjusted, shift into second to assure the bolt is properly adjusted for that gear as well.

Finally, shift through all of the gears to assure the stop bolts are set correctly, and do not interfere with the shift lever. The stop bolts are there to prevent the lever from going too far during a hard shift.

Replace Inner Shift Boot Plate
Before installing the inner boot plate, place the large washer that is included (called the BootGuard) on the shift handle. It will rest on small ridge at the bottom of the handle.

Slip the inner boot plate into place. You will have the stretch the opening in the boot slightly to allow the shift handle to come through. Use the original 8mm bolts to secure it.

Note: The instructions that come with the shifter states that you can re-use the rubber boot from the stock shifter (visible in this picture) by stretching it over the shifter base. A small hole may need to be cut in the boot to allow it to stretch over the shifter handle.

The instructions say that some of the road noise that will come through with the new shifter may be eliminated. Making this fit would be like putting me in a size large T-shirt. I am sure that it can be done, but not sure if it is worth the work.

Install New Handle
The handle bolts to the shifter base with the supplied bolts and lock washers. Position the handle in the desired position - I show the lower position here. This allows the shortest throw.

I used my small metal rule to hold the rubber lip on the inner boot plate down while I put the handle in place. The lip on the boot sticks up enough to get in the way of the handle, but holding it down did the trick.

Install Console Plate Assembly and Shifter Knob
Plug any wiring connections that you disconnected in the first step. The plugs will just slide together. Next, feed the shifter handle through the hole in the shifter boot. Be sure the small rubber washer inside the boot in settled in the top of the boot. Press the clips back into the slots on the console. Push in on the bottom of the cover to set the small tab.

Once that is in place, you can then replace your shift knob. Finally, shift through the gears while making engine noises with your mouth so you can feel how it will be when you take it for a spin!