xCCTer

Took about 3 hours to get it just right, and COST NOTHING!

What a HUGE difference it made on my '71. The gear shift lever only moves about 4 inches at the **** between 1-2 or 3-4.

The Reverse linkage only required a small length adjustment, so I didn't have to adjust the Reverse Lock cable to the steering column. The gear shift lever goes farther forward in Reverse than 1st or 3rd now. Reverse is pretty much where it was before in the shift box.

I can't tell you how much better it feels with the linkages moved to the Short Throw positions on the 1-2 & 3-4 transmission levers. When I took it for a drive through Annapolis, at first I wasn't sure it was going into gear all the way because the distance between throws is so much shorter. No extra effort to move the gear shift lever as far as I can tell.

It was a pleasure getting used to it. Makes it feel like what you'd expect from a newer, more exotic car.

Pictures are R-1-2-3-4-N

Highly recommend to anyone with a stock shifter.

xCCTer

Also gave me a chance to lube all the trans/shifter linkages and grease fittings on the front suspension/steering while it was on the ramps.

Also discovered I need an A/C evaporator drain hose. About the only thing left of the original one is the clamp.

qwank

Soooooo.... what did you do?

xCCTer

You move the shifter rods from the upper lever holes (pictured) to the lower holes on the two forward gear levers.

It requires adjustment (shortening) of the linkages.

It was actually mentioned in the '71 Owners Manual.

"If desired, the shift linkage may be adjusted to allow "short stroke" shift lever operation. See your Chevrolet dealer".

qwank

That's cool. I didn't realize they had two settings.

STL 71 C3

do you have an after picture?

I think I understand but want to be sure...my engine and trans are out, this is good time to make this change.

xCCTer

Here you go.

keithinspace

Holy cow. I need to do that. The stock 'throw' is absurdly long.

STL 71 C3

Thank you!

Willie'sVette

Makes all the diff in a C2 also!....used to have to lean forward for 1st & 3rd, before the switch......first thing we did in the 1960s & 70s.

xCCTer

Make sure you guys follow the instructions in the CSM, Haynes, Wilcox or AIM to make the adjustments to the linkage.

I used my wife (USAF F4 mechanic back in the day) to hold the gear shift lever in neutral in the car while I did it, rather than bending up some sheet metal to do it single handed. She commented that she was over-qualified for the job. Duct tape would also work if you used an X pattern to hold it in place.

Also, when I took the linkage off the 1-2nd transmission lever, a spring washer fell out into my eye, but I didn't see where it came from. Had to get the AIM out to see that it goes BETWEEN the clevis (threaded part with slot in it) and the linkage (in the slot), and then just a cotter pin through the clevis pin on the inside of the lever.

Mark

avalonjohn

Did the same on my 68 a couple years ago................what a huge difference!

73Corvette

Why didn't the factory put them in the "short" throw setting to start with?
Just askin....

BTAL

Heck, now I have to go out and jack up the '78 to see if it has that option. Hope it does.

Thanks for the info!

EDIT:

A quick look shows that '78 4 speed trans only have one hole/option. A check with Zip-products show different connectors for '77 & earllier trans and '78-81s.

'77 & earlier:


'78-81:


Can't tell by the photos exactly what the difference is in size/shape/offset and hole type.

Willie'sVette

Just guessing, but....the Great Unwashed Masses might have trouble getting into the proper gear...for car guys it's a non-issue, but it is a tad more difficult to ensure it's in the gear u really wanted.

TheSkunkWorks

Pretty much the same reason a massive flywheel is the standard instead of a lightweight one; most "drivers" aren't up to it.

Vinnievega

Awesome, if I don't go 5 speed I'll have to keep this in mind.

Solid LT1

I bought a 1970 LT-1 coupe off the original owner, as we were driving it he remarked he had the shifter on the normal throw position in the linkage because "he liked to shift". First thing I did on that 54K mile Vette was get under it, change the bushings and put the shift rods into the proper hole for a Corvette (short throw.)

This same owner ordered his LT-1 with 355 "economy gears" and the wide ratio M-20 4 speed, in my humble opinion, LT-1's were meant to have at least 3.70 gears with close ratio M-21 4speeds (even better 4.56 gears with an M-22 like my buddies 70 ZR-1 came with because he was an avid autocross racer when he ordered it.)

My Jeep Wrangler has a long throw shifter , it's good for bumpy off road trails, I don't off road my Vette

STL 71 C3

this is interesting....mine is not the same as yours.

I have a 71 with a 4 speed, is my transmission not original?

xCCTer

What are casting numbers on the other side of the transmission?

What is the stamping number?

Here are what mine look like.

Mark