I can now put my right should back into it's socket! 
The Perrin Short Shifter Adapter that I had in my 02 WRX has been successfully installed in the 08. For those who don't know, Perrin Performance makes a Short Shifter Adapter that is designed to be used on the OEM shift lever. By using this adapter, one maintains the use of the factory rubber-filled, vibration dampening shift lever. Also, the adapter allows the user to adjust the length of the shift throws.
The Perrin SSA comes with simple, straight-forward instructions. Basically, follow coopwrx's directions until you get the the part about removing the shift lever. Don't remove the shift lever. Rotate the shift lever 180 degrees, and slide the Perrin Short Shifter Adapter over the change lever. Install the shift lever bushings and pivot into the Perrin SSA, and attach the linkage. Being sure that the shift lever is straight and not twisted to one side or the other, tighten the adapter and check the throws. You can then loosen the adapter and slide it up and down the change lever to adjust your throws. Mine is at 58mm below the top of the shift lever body.
My little story:
I originally tried this a week or so ago, but rather than locating the adapter somewhere mid-shaft on the shift lever, I placed it as far down the change lever as it could go. My thinking was that this position would emulate the OEM shifter throws, and I could adjust the adapter up from there to dial in the shorter throws I desired. This was wrong. This location caused the pivot point to pull upwards when accessing gears 2, 4, and R. the end result was shifts to 1, 3, and 5 were about twice as long as those to 2, 4, and R. Also, throws to 2, 4, and R were scary short, to the point where I questions whether I was in gear or not. After a very short test drive, the adapter was removed, and the OEM shift lever configuration was restored.
Last week I contacted Perrin regarding my dilemma. they responded very quickly and were supportive. This weekend I installed the adapter again, this time starting with the adapter somewhere in the middle of the shift lever. That was the ticket! The adapter is now installed, and after some minor adjusting, is working as well as it did in my 02.
Installed:
The current position of the adapter allows for a significant reduction in throws, yet is not positioned high enough as to cause the linkage to contact plate surrounding the shifter. I have no binding anywhere. I could modify the surround plate and adjust the adapter up farther for even shorter shifts, but I am happy where things are right now.
Shifts now are crisper and shorter, but aren't overly notchy feeling. Installation was a cakewalk. I am very happy. If anyone has any questions, please let me know.
The Perrin Short Shifter Adapter that I had in my 02 WRX has been successfully installed in the 08. For those who don't know, Perrin Performance makes a Short Shifter Adapter that is designed to be used on the OEM shift lever. By using this adapter, one maintains the use of the factory rubber-filled, vibration dampening shift lever. Also, the adapter allows the user to adjust the length of the shift throws.
The Perrin SSA comes with simple, straight-forward instructions. Basically, follow coopwrx's directions until you get the the part about removing the shift lever. Don't remove the shift lever. Rotate the shift lever 180 degrees, and slide the Perrin Short Shifter Adapter over the change lever. Install the shift lever bushings and pivot into the Perrin SSA, and attach the linkage. Being sure that the shift lever is straight and not twisted to one side or the other, tighten the adapter and check the throws. You can then loosen the adapter and slide it up and down the change lever to adjust your throws. Mine is at 58mm below the top of the shift lever body.
My little story:
I originally tried this a week or so ago, but rather than locating the adapter somewhere mid-shaft on the shift lever, I placed it as far down the change lever as it could go. My thinking was that this position would emulate the OEM shifter throws, and I could adjust the adapter up from there to dial in the shorter throws I desired. This was wrong. This location caused the pivot point to pull upwards when accessing gears 2, 4, and R. the end result was shifts to 1, 3, and 5 were about twice as long as those to 2, 4, and R. Also, throws to 2, 4, and R were scary short, to the point where I questions whether I was in gear or not. After a very short test drive, the adapter was removed, and the OEM shift lever configuration was restored.
Last week I contacted Perrin regarding my dilemma. they responded very quickly and were supportive. This weekend I installed the adapter again, this time starting with the adapter somewhere in the middle of the shift lever. That was the ticket! The adapter is now installed, and after some minor adjusting, is working as well as it did in my 02.
Installed:



The current position of the adapter allows for a significant reduction in throws, yet is not positioned high enough as to cause the linkage to contact plate surrounding the shifter. I have no binding anywhere. I could modify the surround plate and adjust the adapter up farther for even shorter shifts, but I am happy where things are right now.
Shifts now are crisper and shorter, but aren't overly notchy feeling. Installation was a cakewalk. I am very happy. If anyone has any questions, please let me know.