Billet shift keys worth it?

[Chowder Head]

Hey guys, so I'm most likely going to get an astro A5 built for me shortly and one of the options I can have done are billet shift keys for 3rd and 4th gear for an extra $89. Is this a worthwhile mod to have done? I tried looking around the forums but really couldn't find any concrete info about the advantages of billet shift keys. Do they help prevent damage from abuse from power shifting and what not? For only 89 bones I'm thinking I should just opt for it but I want to make sure it has its uses.

Thanks!

 

[Mustang5L5]

I'm on the fence too.

In all the t-5s ive pulled apart, I have yet to see any with significant damage to the synchro keys. In a standard t-5 rebuild, I'd skip them.

But for a good astro setup...I dunno...still on fence.

 

[Chowder Head]

Yeah, same thing I'm thinking. I've heard if the synchro keys get destroyed it's because some other problem occurred first. I've heard the astro A5's are built pretty stout and I'd like to think it'll last a while but still, I don't know haha....

If anyone has information regarding the advantages of billet keys, especially in a new tranny build, please let me know. I'd like to order this asap but I still cannot decide if the keys are worth it or not.

Thanks!