Manual trans front-wheel-drive cars built in the last 20 years can use various types of shifter linkage systems to change gears. Most older Honda’s use a conventional method of steel rods connected directly to the transmission and chassis. While these traditional parts are usually reliable, they tend to be bulky and expensive to produce.
It wasn’t until the early 2000’s that Honda transitioned all of their manual transmission linkages to cable systems. While they are used in early generation Accords, Preludes and, of course, the NSX shifter cables were not necessarily new or cutting-edge technology. Demands of modern chassis designs and crash structures coupled with improvements in manufacturing technology meant shifter cables could be more versatile and cheaper to produce.
OE shifter cables must meet strict cost and manufacturing guidelines which can come at the cost of durability. We realized these issues first hand nearly ten years ago while circuit testing some of our other drivetrain products. OE shifter cables can bend, crack and separate during high-stress situations and cannot be repaired.

The lack of reinforcement throughout the inner membrane tends to be the weak point for factory style cables.

You can see a great example of what happens to most factory shifter cables over time as they crack and ultimately separate. Once the outer conduit and bands have separated, the cables can no longer function since the core isn’t contained inside of the tube.

Hybrid Racing sought to find a stronger and more durable cable that could withstand the abuses of not only everyday use but the extremes of racing. In the end, this led us to create our solution for applications that demand reliability and uncompromised performance.

Hybrid Racing performance shifter cables are built to be stronger, more durable and smoother than OEM counterparts. Not only do they have a stronger, thicker flexible steel inner strand, our cables also come with a PTFE coated liner which reduces friction resulting in a smooth, efficient operation. The most significant difference compared to an OE cable is the armor steel jacket that not only protects the inner membrane but serves to compress the liner preventing the core from moving inefficiently.

You can see the distinct differences when the cables are side by side. Our larger core is not only more flexible allowing tighter bend radius’ but can withstand thousands of pounds of force without fatigue.

Further improvements were made to the cable ends. Plated steel conduit caps keep the inner membrane and armoring tight and compressed. Hard anodized aluminum cable mounts attach the shifter cable to your factory brackets using the factory clips. Rod end wiper seals keep moisture and debris out and lubrication inside of the support tube. Stainless steel support tubes not only increase the strength of the cable end but they are also corrosion and rust resistant to improve durability. Our signature aluminum end links are threaded and calibrated to factory specs ensuring a perfect fit.

All of the Hybrid Racing shifter cables come with a 12-month warranty against cracks, bends or broken end links. This allows customers to have the utmost confidence during competition and endurance racing. Suitable for all street applications our cables offer a smoother and stronger shift feel and greater protection against heat and the environment.